Case and Image Forming Apparatus

Abstract

A cartridge and an image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes a photosensitive drum and a movable member that is capable of moving relative to the photosensitive drum to control an inclination angle of a drive transmission member. The movable member is capable of moving between a first position for reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member relative to the photosensitive drum and a second position that retracts from the first position. Thus, drive connection can be performed smoothly.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention titled "Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus", with an international filing date of December 12, 2018, an international application number of PCT / JP2018 / 046670, and a national application number of 201880079414.4. Technical Field

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

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

[0004] In addition, the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material by an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, existing electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile machines, word processors, and the like. Background Art

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

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

[0007] With such a cartridge system, a user can perform partial maintenance of the apparatus without relying on service personnel responsible for after-sales service. Therefore, the operability of the apparatus can be significantly improved, and an image forming apparatus with excellent usability can be provided. Therefore, this cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

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

[0009] In the above-described process cartridge, a structure is widely used in which a coupling member is provided at a free end of a photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member to transmit a driving force from the main assembly of the apparatus to the photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member. In JP2016-40625( Fig. 22 ), it is proposed that the coupling member is configured to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction, and a push rod disposed 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 the drum and is 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]

Problems to be Solved

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

[0012]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] A typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive transmission member for transmitting a driving force in the cartridge, the cartridge including: a photosensitive drum; and a movable member movable relative to the photosensitive drum to control a tilt angle of the drive transmission member, the movable member being movable between (a) a first position for reducing a tilt angle of the drive transmission member relative to the photosensitive drum and (b) a second position retracted from the first position.

[0014]

Effects of the Invention

[0015] The conventional technology can be further developed. Brief Description of the Drawings

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

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

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

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge with the opening / closing door opened.

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Fig.10 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state before the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly is opened and the processing cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly A.

[0026] Fig.11 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the processing cartridge B is completely installed in the apparatus main assembly A and the opening / closing door 13 is not closed.

[0027] Fig.12 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, for explaining the process in which the cartridge pressing member contacts the rod member.

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

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

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

[0031] Fig.16 is a partially enlarged view of the chamfered portion of the coupling member.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] Fig.31 are a perspective view before assembly and a perspective view after assembly.

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

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

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

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

[0051] Fig.36 It is a partial detailed view of the main components of the device.

[0052] Fig.37 It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0060] Fig.45 It is a schematic view of the coupling unit observed from the axial direction.

[0061] Fig.46 It is a schematic view of the coupling part observed from the axial direction.

[0062] Fig.47 It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge.

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

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

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

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

[0067] Fig.52 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission part.

[0068] Fig.53 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission part.

[0069] Fig.54 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission part.

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

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

[0072] Fig.57 It is a sectional view of the coupling.

[0073] Fig.58 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission part.

[0074] Fig.59 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission part.

[0075] Fig.60 It is a perspective view of the alignment component.

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

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

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

[0079] Fig.64 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit and its partial enlarged view.

[0080] Fig.65 It is a schematic view of the assembling method of the drum unit.

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

[0082] Fig.67 It is a partial perspective view of the operation unit.

[0083] Fig.68 It is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus observed from the non-driving side of the cartridge.

[0084] Fig.69 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the cartridge.

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

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

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

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

[0089] Fig.74It is a longitudinal sectional view of the main component of the device and the cartridge.

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

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

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

[0093] Fig.78 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

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

[0095] Fig.80 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

[0096] Fig.81 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

[0097] Fig.82 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

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

[0099] Fig.84 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

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

[0101] Fig.86 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

[0102] Fig.87 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission component and the processing cartridge.

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

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

[0105] Fig.90 It is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component.

[0106] Fig.91 It is a schematic diagram of the cartridge and the drive transmission component.

[0107] Fig.92 It is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component.

[0108] In Fig.93 Figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the cassette and the drive transmission component.

[0109] In Fig.94 Figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the cassette and the drive transmission component.

[0110] In Fig.95 Figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the cassette and the drive transmission component.

[0111] In Fig.96 Figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the cassette and the drive transmission component.

[0112] In Fig.97 Figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the cassette and the drive transmission component.

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

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

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

[0116] In Fig.101 Figure (a) and (b) show the control components.

[0117] Fig.102 Figures (a) and (b) of

[0118] In Fig.103 Figure (a) is a sectional view of the cassette, which shows the positional relationship of the control components, and figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the control components.

[0119] In Fig.104 Figure (a) is a side view of the cassette, and figure (b) is a view showing the cassette and the drive transmission component as observed from the front.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0138] Fig.123 It is an exploded perspective view of the connecting component.

[0139] Fig.124 It is an exploded perspective view of the connecting component. Detailed implementation mode

[0140] <Example 1>

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

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

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

[0144] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the overall structure and the image forming process will be described.

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

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

[0147] Here, the main assembly A is the part of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus other than cartridge B. Cartridge B can be mounted to the main assembly A and can be detached from the main assembly A.

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

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

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

[0151] <Image Forming Process>

[0152] An overview 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 circumferential speed (processing speed).

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

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

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

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

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

[0158] The toner T is supplied to drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image to develop the latent image. Thereby, the latent image is visualized as a toner image. Drum 62 is an image bearing member that bears a latent image or an image (toner image, developer image) formed using toner (developer) on its surface.

[0159] In addition, drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are rotatable members (rotating members) that can rotate while carrying a developer (toner) on their surfaces.

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

[0161] The sheet PA on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 62 and fed along the transfer guide 8 to the fixing device 9. Then, the sheet PA passes through the nip portion between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b (which form the fixing device 9). In this nip portion, a pressure / heating fixing process is performed to fix the toner image on the sheet PA. The sheet PA that has undergone the toner image fixing process is fed to the pair of discharge rollers 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

[0162] On the other hand, as Figure 3 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 including the photosensitive drum 62.

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

[0164] <Structure of the entire cartridge>

[0165] Referring to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,the overall structure of the cartridge B will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B, Figure 4 and Figure 5 are perspective views showing the structure of the cartridge B. In the present embodiment, the description given omits the content of using screws to connect the respective parts.

[0166] Here, the description of the actuating unit including the rod member will be omitted because it will be described below.

[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 processing cartridge. Generally, a processing cartridge is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one processing device acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge, and the cartridge can be mounted to and detached from the main assembly (apparatus main assembly) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the processing device include a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0176] The longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71 (the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B) extends substantially parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the drum 62 (axial direction). 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 pressing the charging roller bearing 67 against the drum 62 by the pressing member 68. The charging roller 66 rotates by the rotation of the drum 62.

[0178] As Figure 3 shown, the developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 that supports the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, and the like. The developing roller 32 is rotatably mounted in the developing container 23 by bearing members 27 ( Figure 5 ) and bearing members 37 ( Figure 4 ) provided at corresponding ends. 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 constitute the frame (the frame that supports the developing roller 32) of the developing unit 20. Therefore, they can be collectively referred to as the developing frame.

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

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

[0181] When the developing unit and the cleaning unit are connected to each other, first, the first developing support boss 26a of the developing container 23 is first aligned with the center of the driving-side first suspension hole 71i of the cleaning frame 71, and the second developing support boss 23b is first aligned with the center of the non-driving-side second suspension hole 71j. Specifically, by moving the developing unit 20 in the direction of arrow G, the first developing support boss 26a and the second developing support boss 23b are fitted 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 cartridge B.

[0182] In the present 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 pressing force of these springs, the developing unit 20 is pressed by the cleaning unit 60, and the developing roller 32 is reliably pressed against the drum 62. The developing roller 32 is held at a predetermined distance from the drum 62 by the spacing holding members 38 mounted to opposite ends of the developing roller 32.

[0183] <Advancing and retracting mechanism for coupling member>

[0184] The coupling member 64 and the advancing and retracting mechanism portion for advancing and retracting the coupling member will be described. The coupling member 64 is a member (driving 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] Fig.25 is a perspective view of the driving transmission member (driving output member) 81. As shown herein, the driving transmission member 81 includes a recess (driving transmission portion 81a) having a substantially triangular shape. The driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 engages with this recess (driving transmission portion 81a), and the coupling member 64 receives the driving force. Refer to Figure 6 for a description of the driving-side flange unit 69.

[0186] The coupling member 64 is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the coupling member 64 is movably supported by a flange member 75 fixed to the end 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 of the apparatus main assembly A ( Fig.14 and 25 ) is transmitted to the driven transmission part 64a. The driving transmission part 64b is supported by the driving-side flange member 75 and simultaneously transmits driving force to the driving-side flange member 75.

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

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

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

[0191] Next, Fig. 27 A disassembled perspective view of the cartridge is shown. As Fig. 27As shown, the driving force (rotational force) is transmitted from the drive-side flange 75 to the developing roller 32 via the gear 75a. That is, the gear 75a meshes with the developing roller gear 36 and transmits the rotation of the drive-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 of the developing roller 32. Therefore, the rotation of the developing roller gear 36 is transmitted to the developing roller 32 via the developing roller flange 35. In addition, the developing roller gear 36 also transmits the drive to the feed member gear 41 via the idler gear 39. The feed member gear 41 is a gear provided on the feed member 43 ( Figure 3 ), and when the feed member gear 41 rotates, the feed member 43 also rotates.

[0192] That is, the drive-side flange 75 is a drive transmission member (cartridge-side drive transmission member) for transmitting the drive from the coupling member 64 to the drum 62, the developing roller 32, the feed member 43, etc. In the present embodiment, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 has a substantially triangular cross-section and a protruding shape (convex portion). Specifically, a substantially triangular cross-section that is twisted counterclockwise from the drive side to the non-drive 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 may be any shape that engages with the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.25 ) and is capable of receiving the driving force. In the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is provided with a substantially triangular recess (drive transmission portion 81a: see Fig.25 ), and this recess can engage with the driven transmission portion 64a. Therefore, the driven transmission portion 64a has a protruding shape that engages with the recess. The protruding shape may be plural instead of one, and the protruding shape is not limited to a triangle. In addition, the protruding shape has a shape of a twisted triangle, but the protruding shape is not necessarily twisted.

[0193] As Fig.14 shown, the coupling member 64 is configured to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). Fig.14 Sub-figure (a) of Fig.14 shows a state where the coupling member is retracted and disengaged from the drive transmission member 81. In Fig.14 sub-figure (c) of Fig.14 , the coupling member 64 extends and engages with the drive transmission member 81. This figure shows a matching state. In addition, Fig.14 sub-figure (b) of Fig.14 shows the state (the process of moving back and forth) between Fig.14 sub-figure (a) of Fig.14 and Fig.14 sub-figure (c) of Fig.14 .

[0194] Therefore, next, reference will be made to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9Describe an operating unit (operating mechanism, advancing / retreating unit, advancing / retreating mechanism) that can achieve such longitudinal movement of the coupling member 64.

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

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

[0197] Fig. 9 is similar to Figure 7 FIG. is a partial perspective view showing the operating unit according to the present embodiment.

[0198] As Figures 7 to 9 shown, the operating unit includes an outer cylindrical cam member 70, an inner cylindrical cam member 74, a rod member 12, a second pressing member (elastic member, pressing member) 14, etc. The operating unit is a control mechanism (control unit) that is connected to the coupling member 64 and controls the movement (advancing / retreating operation) of the coupling member 64.

[0199] The outer cylindrical cam member 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 member 70, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is provided with a longitudinal position control surface 74d that contacts the cylindrical cam portion 70b and the coupling member 64 to limit the longitudinal position of the coupling member 64.

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

[0201] After the developing unit 20 is supported by the cleaning unit 60, the rod member 12 engages 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 such 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 arranging the rod member 12, a 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 spiral 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 spiral spring, may also be preferably used.

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

[0204] The operation unit is connected to the coupling member 64 at the inner cylindrical cam 74, and the coupling member 64 can move back and forth (move) by operating the rod member 12. Although the detailed operation principle will be described below, the rod member 12 is connected to the outer cylindrical cam member 70. Therefore, when the rod member 12 moves linearly substantially, 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 interlocked with 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 an interlocked manner.

[0206] Refer to Figure 1 and Figures 10 to 14 to describe the interlock between the forward and backward movement of the coupling member 64 and the movement of the rod member 12. The rod member 12 is configured to move by abutting against a cartridge pressing member (pressing force applying member) provided in the apparatus main assembly A and separating from the cartridge pressing member (pressing force applying member).

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

[0208] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state after the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly is opened and before the processing cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly A.

[0209] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the processing cartridge B is completely installed in the apparatus main assembly A and the opening / closing door 13 is not closed.

[0210] Fig.12Sub - figure (a) is a cross - sectional view of the image forming apparatus. In the state shown in the figure, during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13 of the main apparatus assembly A along the direction H in the figure, the cassette pressing member 1 starts to contact the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12.

[0211] Fig.12 Sub - figure (b) is a cross - sectional view of the image forming apparatus, where the opening / closing door 13 of the main apparatus assembly A is completely closed.

[0212] Fig.13 is a perspective view of the rod member 12, the outer cylindrical cam member 70, and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 according to this embodiment. Here, Fig.13 Sub - figure (a) is the state before the cassette pressing member 1 contacts the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 sub - figure (a)). Fig.13 Sub - figure (c) is a perspective view in the state where the opening / closing door 13 is completely closed and a predetermined pressure is applied from the cassette pressing spring 19 to the contact portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Fig.12 sub - figure (b)). Fig.13 Sub - figure (b) is in Fig.13 (a) state and Fig.13 (c) state ( Fig.12 sub - figure (a) and Fig.12 sub - figure (b)).

[0213] Fig.14 is a longitudinal cross - sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the main apparatus assembly A according to the above - mentioned embodiment. Here, similar to Fig.13 , Fig.14 Sub - figure (a) is the state before the cassette pressing member contacts the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Fig.10 , 11 and Fig.12 sub - figure (a)). Fig.14 Sub - figure (c) is a longitudinal cross - sectional view of the state where the opening / closing door 13 is completely closed and the predetermined pressure of the cassette pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Fig.12 sub - figure (b)). Fig.14 Sub - figure (b) is in Fig.14 sub - figure (a) and sub - figure (c) state ( Fig.12 sub - figure (a) to Fig.12 sub - figure (b)). As Fig.10As shown, after the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly A of the apparatus is opened by rotating about the rotation center 13X, the processing cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A of the apparatus. The opening / closing door 13 is an opening / closing member for opening and closing the cartridge mounting portion (space for mounting the cartridge) provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus. Guide rails (guide members) 15h, 15g for guiding the guided portions 76c, 76g of the processing cartridge B are provided in the mounting portion, and the cartridge B of the main assembly A of the apparatus is guided along the guide rails 15h, 15g so that it is inserted into the mounting portion (only the drive side is shown). As Fig.11 shown, when the positioning portions 73d, 73f provided on the drum carrier member 73 come into contact with or are inserted near the main assembly positioning portions 15a, 15b of the apparatus, the installation of the processing cartridge B is completed.

[0214] Two cartridge pressing members 1 are mounted on opposite ends of the opening / closing door 13 in the axial direction ( Fig.11 ). Each of the two cartridge pressing members 1 can move relative to the opening / closing door 13 within a predetermined range.

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

[0216] Next, the reciprocating movement of the coupling member 64 will be described. In a state before the cartridge pressing member 1 comes into contact with the rod member 12 ( Fig.10 、 Fig.11 and Fig.12 subfigure (a)), the rod member 12 is pushed by the second pressing member 14 ( Fig. 9 ) along the Fig.13 E direction in subfigure (a) of

[0217] The outer cylindrical cam member 70 that engages with the rod member 12 and is supported so as to be rotatable about the drum axis is pushed along the Fig.13 G direction in subfigure (a) of

[0218] As Fig.14As shown in the sub-figure (a), the coupling component 64 is pushed toward the driving side by the first pressing component 59, and the coupling contact portion 64c is pressed against the coupling component longitudinal position limiting surface 74d of the inner cylindrical cam component 74. That is, the longitudinal position of the coupling component 64 depends on the longitudinal position (position in the longitudinal direction) of the inner cylindrical cam component 74. The first pressing component 59 is used to operate the coupling component 64 on the driving side, and therefore, the first pressing component 59 can also be regarded as a part of the above-mentioned operating unit. In the present embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the first pressing component 59, but the coupling component 64 can also be pushed by using an elastic component 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 resist the elastic force of the first pressing member 59 and cause the coupling member 64 to retreat into the drum. Fig.10 and 11 In the state where the main assembly door 13 is released, or 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 where the coupling member 64 retreats to the non-driving side (i.e., the inner side of the cartridge B) is referred to as the first position (retreat position, inner side position, disengaged position, released position). Fig.14 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 6 , 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. That is, 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 to 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 starts to move by 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 Fig.12 As shown in the sub-figure (a), when the installation of the processing box B is completed and the opening and closing door 13 is moved along Fig.12 When the direction H in the sub-figure (a) is closed, the contact between the box pressing member 1 and the rod member 12 begins, so that the pressure of the box 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. Fig.13As shown in sub - figure (b), when the rod member 12 moves in the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 engaged with the rod member 12 begins to rotate in the M direction in the figure.

[0222] The inner cylindrical cam member 74 abuts against the outer cylindrical cam member 70. The inner cylindrical cam member 74 is configured not to rotate but only to move in the axial direction. By the rotation of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 in the M direction, the cylindrical cam portion 70b of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the cylindrical cam portion 74b of the inner cylindrical cam member 74 come into contact with each other at their inclined surfaces. Then, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 begins to move in the longitudinal direction toward the driving side (N direction) by the pressing force of the first pressing spring member 59. When the inner cylindrical cam member 74 moves in the N direction, the coupling member 64 pressed by the first pressing spring member 59 is also allowed to move in the longitudinal direction. By this movement of the coupling member 64, the coupling member 64 extends toward the driving side (i.e., the outside of the cartridge B). Then, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 is in a relationship capable of engaging with the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member of the main assembly of the device in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.14 of sub - figure (b)). When the opening / closing door 13 is completely closed ( Fig.12 the state of sub - figure (b)), the phases of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam member 74 and the inner cylindrical cam member 70 are aligned with each other, as Fig.13 shown in sub - figure (c). This structure positions the inner cylindrical cam member 74 and the coupling member 64 at the position closest to the driving side by the pushing force of the first pressing member 59 at this time. In the present embodiment, the position where the coupling member 64 extends toward the driving side is referred to as the second position (extended position, outer position, engaging position, driving transmission position).

[0223] The coupling member 64 located at 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 at the above - mentioned first position (retracted position) can be regarded as retracting toward the inside of the photosensitive drum 62 (the inside of the cartridge).

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

[0226] As Fig.14As shown in sub - figure (c), this structure ensures that when the coupling member 64 is in the second position, the required longitudinal engagement amount can be ensured so that the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 and the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member 81 are in stable driving transmission.

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

[0228] 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 driving transmission portion 81a of the driving 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, during the movement of the coupling member 64 to the second driving position, the driven transmission portion 64a contacts the end face 81c of the driving transmission member 81 and stops there. In other words, the driven transmission portion 64a cannot be engaged with the driving transmission portion 81a. Therefore, the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 interfere with each other, and the coupling member 64 cannot move to the second position. In this state, the first pressing member 59 is partially compressed.

[0229] Even in this case, drive is input to the main assembly A of the device, and the driving transmission member 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the driving transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a falls within a specific range. Then, the driving transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a become capable of engaging with each other. At this time, the elastic deformation of the first pressing member 59 that has been compressed is partially released, enabling the coupling member 64 to move to the second position. As described above, when the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 interfere with each other, the first pressing member 59 is compressed so that the influence of the interference is applied to the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64. The first pressing member 59 is also a buffer member (buffer component, damper) for suppressing the influence of interference. When the processing cartridge is pulled out to the outside by opening the main assembly door 13, during the opening process of the opening and closing door 13, the main assembly pressing member 1 is separated from the rod member 12. Thereafter, the rod member 12 is pushed by the second pressing member 14 ( Fig. 9 )'s pushing force from Fig.13The state of sub - figure (c) starts to move in the E direction. Thereby, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 rotates in the G direction, and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 and the coupling member 64 occupy the first position by the shapes 70b and 74b of the outer cylindrical cam portion and the inner cylindrical cam portion. That is, by moving the rod member 12 in the E direction, the coupling member 64 moves to the first position (retracted position). When the coupling member 64 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 cartridge (normal position, non - acting position). In addition, the first position of the rod member 12 is a retraction holding position and a retracted position for holding and allowing the retracted state of the coupling member 64, and an installation - allowing position and a removal - allowing position where the cartridge B can be installed to the main assembly A of the apparatus and can be removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

[0230] Fig.13 Sub - figure (a) of Fig.14 Sub - figure (a) shows the state where the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 are respectively in the first position. Fig.13 Sub - figure (c) of Fig.14 Sub - figure (c) shows the state where the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 are respectively in the second position. Fig.13 Sub - figure (b) of Fig.14 Sub - figure (b) shows the positions (intermediate positions) during the movement of the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 from the first position to the second position respectively.

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

[0232] As described above, the rod member 12 is an operating member (moving member) that is operated and moved by a force from the outside of the cartridge (i.e., the apparatus main assembly A). Then, the movement of the rod member 12 is transmitted to the coupling member 64 through the two cam members 70 and 74, whereby the coupling member 64 moves between the first position (retracted position) and the second position (extended position). That is, the rod 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 rod member 12 and the coupling member 64. The rod member 12 is configured to move in a crossing direction (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction. The movement in this crossing direction is converted by the cam mechanism into the movement of the coupling member 64 along the longitudinal direction.

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

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

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

[0237] That is, the contact surface (exposed surface, exposed portion) 82a of the charging roller contact member 82 contacts Fig.28 the main assembly side contact member 101 as shown. Thereby, a charging bias voltage is applied from the main assembly A of the apparatus to the charging roller through the charging roller contact member 82. Fig.28 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical contacts (contact members) of the cartridge B and the main assembly A of the apparatus.

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

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

[0240] When the opening / closing door 13 is closed and the cassette pressing member 1 presses the lever member 12, pressure is applied toward the downstream side (the side indicated by the arrow K) in the moving direction of the lever 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 cassette 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 assembly contacts of the main assembly of the apparatus. Thereby, the contact state between the contact members (82, 83) on the cassette side contact member and the main assembly contact member can be stabilized.

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

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

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

[0244] That is, in Fig.28Among them, the angle between arrow K and arrow J1 is less than 90 degrees, and the angle between arrow K and arrow I1 is less than 90 degrees.

[0245] In this embodiment, the rod member 12 and each electrical contact (charging roller contact member 82 and developing roller contact member 83) are arranged on the same side of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). That is to say, the rod member 12 and the electrical contacts 82 and 83 are both 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 rod member 12 by the cartridge pressing member 1 both act on the same end side of the cartridge. Therefore, it is easy for the cartridge pressing member 1 to resist the contact pressure through the pressing force of the rod member 12 to push and position the cartridge B.

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

[0247] In this embodiment, the end of the cartridge where the rod member 12 and the electrical contacts 82 and 83 are provided is the side (driving side) where the coupling member 64 is provided. Even when the coupling member 64 receives a rotational force and vibrations etc. are transmitted to the driving side of the cartridge B where the coupling member 64 is provided, the influence of vibrations etc. can be suppressed because the rod member 12 is pressed against the driving side of the cartridge B.

[0248] In this embodiment, by using the pressing force of the rod member 12, 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 apparatus. However, it is not necessary to push all of the plurality of electrical contacts by utilizing the pressing force of the pressing rod member 12. As long as at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the cartridge B faces the downstream side along the moving direction of the rod, these electrical contacts can be pushed by the pressing force received by the rod member 12 to the electrical contacts provided in the main assembly A.

[0249] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the apparatus main assembly A is provided with two cartridge pressing members 1. One pressing member 1 presses the rod 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, non - driving side) of the cartridge B. As described above, the attitude of the cartridge B is stabilized by receiving forces at two points at its both ends, but the structure does not have to be limited to such a structure, and the cartridge B can be configured to receive force at one point. That is to say, it is sufficient that at least the rod member 12 receives force through the pressing member 1.

[0250] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rod 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 to say, as Fig.28As shown, when the rod member 12 is in the first position, the line segment L1 connecting the two ends of the rod member 12 intersects with the line segment L2 connecting the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a on the said plane.

[0251] With this arrangement, the pressing force received by the rod 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 to say, during the installation of the cartridge, when the forces received by each of the electrical contacts 82 and 83 and the force received by the rod member 12 are applied to the cartridge B, the torque generated in the cartridge B is stabilized by these forces. Even when the rod member 12 is under pressure, the attitude of the cartridge B is not easily changed.

[0252] As a result, by using the force received by the rod member 12 to resist the contact pressure received from the multiple electrical contacts, the positioning portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B are firmly pressed against the positioning portions 15a and 15b of the main assembly of the device ( Fig.12 ). That is to say, the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device can be stably engaged with each other.

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

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

[0255] In addition, although the integral rod member 12 is used as the operating member, the operating member can also be constructed by connecting multiple members.

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

[0257] As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning frame 73 is provided with a pressed portion 71e that is pressed by the cartridge pressing member 1 in the device main assembly. More specifically, the pressing member 1 presses the rod member 12 to move it from the first position to the second position, and then contacts the pressed portion 71e of the cleaning frame 73. Then, the pressing member 1 applies a pressing force to the cartridge B through the rod 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 can contact only the abutted portion 12a of the rod member, so as to apply a pressing force to the cartridge B only through the rod member 12.

[0258] <Variant Example>

[0259] Additionally, in the above description ( Fig.14 ), it is assumed that the rotation axes L2 and L1 are coaxial before the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged ( Fig.14 subfigure (a)), but the structure is not limited to this. Before the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged with each other, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 may be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling member 64. However, since the coupling member 64 is configured to be able to move back and forth, even in such a case, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can be engaged. Hereinafter, a variant example in which the drive transmission portion 81 of Embodiment 1 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) will be described.

[0260] Referring to Fig.15 , in the case where the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 64 are not coaxial before the coupling member 64 is engaged, how the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other will be described.

[0261] Here, Fig.15 Sub - figure (a) is a longitudinal sectional view in the main assembly A of the processing cartridge insertion device with the opening and closing door 13 closed. A driving force is input to the main assembly A, the drive transmission member 81 starts to rotate, and the phases of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the follower transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 fall within a predetermined range. Fig.15 Sub - figure (b) is a longitudinal sectional view immediately after the above operation. Fig.15 Sub - figure (c) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the follower transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 are fully engaged. Fig.15 Sub - figures (a), (b), and (c) show the process in which the coupling member 64 engages with the drive transmission member 81 while reducing the tilt angle when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position (extended position).

[0262] Fig.16 is a partial detailed view showing the enlarged portion Fig.15 enclosed by the circle J in sub - figure (a) of Fig.17 is a perspective view showing the chamfered portion 64e provided on the end face of the follower transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64.

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

[0264] Satisfy

[0265] More specifically, as Fig.15 shown in sub - figure (c) of Due to the relationship, a gap is provided between the supported portion 81b of the drive transmission member 81 and the supporting portion 85a of the drive transmission member supporting member 85. The drive transmission member 81 can move within the range of this gap. By appropriately setting the size of this gap, when the drive transmission member 81 engages with the coupling member 64, the central position of the drive transmission member 81 on the free end side (the core position of the drive transmission member 81 on the free end side) can be aligned with the central position of the coupling member 64. As a result, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 can be precisely aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 64.

[0266] On the other hand, as shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.15 , due to the relationship of , the drive transmission member 81 tilts in the V direction 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 device is fully closed, the coupling member 64 should be able to move from the first position to the second position. However, in this variant, since the drive transmission member 81 tilts in the V direction 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 to say, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the horizontal plane needs to be reduced to an extent that enables the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 to engage with the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64.

[0268] In this variant, 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, the drive transmission member 81 is moved to reduce the inclination angle. Therefore, as shown in Fig.16 and 17 , a chamfered portion (inclined portion, tapered portion) 64e that is inclined with respect to the axis of the coupling member 64 is provided on the triangular ridge line at the drive - 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] As shown in Fig.16 , the chamfered portion 64e is configured such that when the drive transmission member 81 tilts in the V direction (sub - figure (a) of Fig.15 ), a part of the chamfered portion 64e is located radially inside the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. For a detailed description, in Fig.16 , 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. As shown in Fig.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. Fig.16 , an edge (L5) of the drive transmission portion 81a is located radially outward at a distance x relative to the 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. Fig.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 the arrow W, the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a become engageable with each other, and thus the coupling member 64 moves 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 advancing and retreating direction of the coupling member 64, the free end (free end side) of the drive transmission member 81 is raised in conjunction with the extending action of the coupling member 64. This makes it possible to reduce the angular difference (the angle formed by their rotation axes) between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 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 Fig.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 becomes smaller as it approaches the free end of the coupling member 64.

[0274] As an example, the following will be described in detail Fig.16 The chamfered portion 64e shown in Fig.16 . The chamfered portion 64e is inclined to descend leftward and downward. The left end of the chamfered portion 64e is the free end of the coupling member 64. In addition, the axis of the coupling member 64 and the axis of the photosensitive drum are located below the chamfered portion 64e. That is, the chamfered portion 64e gets closer to the axis of the coupling member 64 located below as it approaches the free end of the coupling member located on the left side.

[0275] The coupling member 64 is a movable member movably provided in the cassette B, and is used to press 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 be engaged with each other. Therefore, when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position, the coupling member 64 abuts against the drive transmission member 81 and temporarily stops. Even in this case, when the drive is subsequently input to the main assembly of the device, by the rotation of the drive transmission member 81, the phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 changes relative to the phase of the drive transmission portion 81a. As a result, the phase difference between the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a decreases, and the triangular postures of the drive transmission portion 81a and 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 where it can be engaged with the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.15 subfigure (b) of Fig.15 ).

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

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

[0279] In addition, 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. That is, 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. That is, similarly, in the case where the drive transmission member 81 is tilted, even if the axis of the drive transmission member 81 deviates in any direction, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can engage with each other.

[0280] In the present embodiment, the position (retracted position) of the coupling member 64 that retracts inside the photosensitive drum 62 is referred to as the first position, and the position (extended position) of the coupling member 64 that extends outside the photosensitive drum is referred to as the second position. This is for convenience, and the retracted position can be referred to as the second position, and the extended position can be referred to as the first position. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the normal position of the rod member 12 is referred to as the first position, and the acting position of the rod member 12 is referred to as the second position. However, the normal position can be referred to as the second position of the rod member 12, and the acting position can be referred to as the first position of the rod member 12. This also applies to the embodiments described below.

[0281] <Embodiment 2>

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

[0283] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the operating member (rod member 12) is arranged on the drive side (the side on which the coupling member is arranged) of the cartridge B, but in the present embodiment, the operating member is arranged on the side opposite to the drive side in the longitudinal direction. The differences in structure and operation caused by the different arrangements and operations of the operating member will be described in detail.

[0284] First, referring to Fig.18 and 19 , the drive-side flange unit 269 and the drum unit according to the present embodiment will be described.

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

[0286] As Fig.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, etc. In addition, the drum unit includes a drive-side flange unit 269, a connecting member 261, a buffer member (buffer member, damper) 255, a 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 driving force to the drive-side flange member 275, etc. The drive-side flange member 275 also has a gear portion 275a that is used to transmit driving force to a developing roller gear provided at the end of the developing roller, just as in Embodiment 1. The connecting member 261 includes a buffer member support portion 261a, a coupling portion 261b that connects the coupling member 264 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, a supported portion 261c supported by the inner cylindrical cam member, etc. The inner cylindrical cam member 274 includes a cylindrical cam portion 274a( Fig.23 ), a connecting member support 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-drive-side flange member 254.

[0287] The first pressing member 259 in the form of a compression spring or the like is disposed between the first member contact surface 264d( Fig.24 ) of the coupling member 264 and the first member contact surface 275d( Fig.24 ) of the drive-side flange member 275.

[0288] Similarly, in this embodiment, the coupling member 264 is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum 62 that is a photosensitive member. That is, the drive-side flange unit 269 including the coupling member 264 is fixed to the drive-side end of the photosensitive drum 62 by, for example, press fitting or clamping as in Embodiment 1. In addition, as Fig.19 shown, the connecting member 261 that supports the buffer member 255 is inserted into the drum from the non-drive-side end 62b. The non-drive-side flange member 254 is fixed to the non-drive-side drum end 62b in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 by, for example, clamping, where the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is assembled into the inner peripheral portion 254b( Fig.18 ). The structure of the drum unit of Embodiment 2 is as described above. The coupling member 264 is movably connected to the drive-side flange member 275.

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

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

[0291] Fig. 20 FIG.

[0292] is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the cleaning unit 260 including the operation unit according to the present embodiment.

[0292] Fig.21 FIG.

[0293] is a perspective view of the processing cartridge of this embodiment.

[0293] Fig. 22 Sub - figure (a) of Fig. 22 is a cross - sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where, during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A in the direction H in the figure, the cartridge pressing member 1 has started to abut against the pressed portion 212a of the lever member 212.

[0294] Fig. 22 Sub - figure (b) of Fig. 22 is a cross - sectional view of the image forming apparatus in which the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is completely closed.

[0295] Fig.23 FIG. Fig.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, Fig.23 Sub - figure (a) of Fig.23 is a perspective view of the state before the cartridge pressing member 1 comes into contact with the pressed portion 212a of the lever member 212. Fig.23 Sub - figure (c) of Fig.23 is a perspective view of the state where the opening / 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 lever member 212 ( Fig. 22 sub - figure (b) of Fig.23 ). Fig.23 Sub - figure (b) of Fig.23 is in Fig.23 the state of sub - figure (a) of Fig.23 and Fig.23 the state of sub - figure (c) of Fig.23 ( Fig. 22 from sub - figure (a) of Fig. 22 to Fig. 22 sub - figure (b) of Fig. 22 ).

[0296] As Fig.23 shown, the actuating unit includes an outer cylindrical cam member 270, an inner cylindrical cam member 274, a lever member (operating member) 212, a second pressing member 214 ( Fig.21 ), etc. The outer cylindrical cam member 270 includes an engaging cylindrical cam portion 270a, a lever member engaging portion 270b of the lever member 212, etc. The lever member 212 includes: an abutting portion 212a against which the cartridge pressing member 1 of the apparatus main assembly A ( Fig.21 ) abuts; an engaged portion (to - be - engaged portion) 212b with which the outer cylindrical cam member 270 engages, etc. As Fig. 20As shown, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 engaged with the rod 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] As Fig.21 shown, the second pressing member 214 and the developing unit 20 are mounted to the cleaning unit 260 to constitute the processing cartridge of this embodiment.

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

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

[0300] Specifically, the coupling member 264 pressed to the non-driving side by the first pressing member 259 pushes the connecting member 261 in the s direction shown in subfigure (a) of Fig.23 , and its end face 261d abuts against the longitudinal control surface 274d of the inner cylindrical cam member 274. Thus, the longitudinal position of the coupling member is determined. As will be described below, this structure enables the longitudinal position of the inner cylindrical cam member 274 to be determined by the phase of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, as Fig.23 shown.

[0301] Referring to 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] Fig.24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 264 of the main assembly A of the apparatus according to this embodiment. Similar to Fig.23 , Fig.24 subfigure (a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state before the cartridge pressing member abuts against the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212. Fig.24 Subfigure (c) of Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state where the opening / 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 (subfigure (b) of Fig.24 Subfigure (b) of Fig.24 is in the state of subfigure (a) of Fig.24 State of sub - figure (c) ( Fig. 22 from sub - figure (a) of Fig. 22 to the state between sub - figure (b) of

[0303] As Fig.23 shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.21 , before the cartridge pressing member 1 comes into contact with the rod member 212, the rod member 212 is pushed by the second pressing member 214 ( Fig.21 and Fig.23 in the direction of arrow E in sub - figure (a) of Fig.23 . At this time, the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 are configured to have the phase shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.19 . Therefore, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is in the position closest to the non - driving side (S in the figure). For this reason, this structure enables the coupling member 264 whose longitudinal position is determined by the connecting member 261 and the buffer member 255 to be in the position closest to the non - driving side. That is to say, the operating unit including the connecting member 261 etc. allows the coupling member 264 to retract to the non - driving side (

[0304] As Fig.24 shown in sub - figure (a) of

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

[0306] As Fig. 22 shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig. 22 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, contact starts between the cartridge pressing member 1 and the rod member 212, and the pressing force of the cartridge pressing spring 19 starts to act on the rod member 212. The pressing force causes the rod member 212 to start moving in Fig.23moves against the second pressing member 214 in the K direction shown in sub - figure (b). As Fig.23 As shown in sub - figure (b), when the rod member 212 moves in the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 engaged with the rod member 212 starts 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 starts to move in the N direction (drive side) shown in sub - figure (b) of Fig.23 through the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274. As in Embodiment 1, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is supported so as not to rotate but only to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0307] Due to 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 pushing force of the first pressing portion 259 ( Fig.19 ). Then, the coupling member 264 also moves in the N direction due to the movement of the connecting member 261, and the driven transmission portion 264a of the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device become capable of engaging in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.24 sub - figure (b)). 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 through the buffer member 255 ( Fig.19 ). The buffer member 255 is a telescopic elastic member, and when the connecting member 261 moves in the N direction, the buffer member 255 is compressed, and the elastic force generated by the compression is used to move the coupling member 264 in the N direction. That is, the elastic force (pushing force) of the buffer member 255 exceeds the elastic force (pushing force) of the first pressing member 259 ( Fig.19 ), and the coupling member 264 moves out of the box against the pushing force of the first pressing member 259. This buffer member 255 can also be regarded as part of the operation unit.

[0308] Furthermore, this structure is such that when the opening and closing door 13 is closed and the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed ( Fig. 22 the state of sub - figure (b)), the longitudinal end faces of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 are in contact with each other, as Fig.23 shown in sub - figure (c). At this time, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is located at the position closest to the drive side. That is, the coupling member 264 is also configured to be located at the position closest to the drive side through the connecting member 261. In this embodiment, the position where the coupling member 264 protrudes toward the drive side is also referred to as the second position.

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

[0310] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the positions of the rod part 212 corresponding to the first position and the second position of the coupling part 264 are respectively referred to as the first position and the second position. That is, Fig.23 sub - figure (a) of Fig.24 sub - figure (a) of Fig.23 sub - figure (c) of Fig.24 sub - figure (c) of Fig.23 sub - figure (b) of Fig.24 sub - figure (b) of

[0311] In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, the driven transmission part 264a of the coupling part 264 has a twisted triangular shape. Therefore, when the phases of the driving transmission part 81a ( Fig.25 ) of the driving transmission part 81 and the driving transmission part 64 of the coupling part 264 are misaligned, the driving transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 64a do not fully engage, and thus, the coupling part 264 and the driving transmission part 81 interfere with each other. At this time, the coupling part 264 cannot move sufficiently to the second position (the protruding position).

[0312] That is, even if the rod part 212 is moved to the second position ( Fig.23 sub - figure (c) of Fig.24 sub - figure (c) of

[0313] by the pressing part 1 of the main assembly A of the device, the coupling part 264 cannot move to the second position (

[0314] sub - figure (c) of

[0314] sub - figure (c) of

[0314] . At this time, the buffer part 255 is greatly compressed to absorb the position deviation between the rod part 212 and the coupling part 264. That is, the buffer part 255 is a buffer part arranged between the rod part 212 and the coupling part 264 and is used to allow interference between the coupling part 264 and the driving transmission part 81.

[0313] Thus, the buffer part 255 is arranged between the coupling part 264 and the connecting part 261, and therefore, this structure enables the coupling part 264 to stop on the end face 81c of the driving transmission part 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 member 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 falls within a predetermined range as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the coupling member 264 can move to the second position. That is, when the phase difference between the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 falls within a predetermined range, the elastic deformation of the buffer member 255 is partially relieved, and the elastic force of the buffer member 255 is used to move the coupling member 264 to the second position. Thereby, the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other. In the present embodiment, a compression coil spring is used for the buffer member 255, but other elastic members such as rubber can also be preferably used. In addition, the buffer member 255 can be disposed somewhere between the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264, and the buffer member 255 does not necessarily have to be disposed between the connecting member 261 and the coupling member 264. For example, a part of the resin forming the rod member 212 can be elastically deformed to serve as the buffer member. In this case, it can also be considered that there is a buffer member between the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264.

[0315] In the present embodiment, the buffer member 255 is mounted to the protrusion of the coupling member 264 with a gap therebetween. Thus, 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 also does not rotate. In addition, in the present embodiment, the drum shaft 278 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 are configured not to rotate 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 by engaging (fitting) the drum shaft 278 with the support portion 274c, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 does not rotate relative to the drum shaft 278. That is, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 does not rotate, but can move back and forth in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) along the drum shaft 278. Further, this structure fixes the non-drive side flange member 254 to the photosensitive drum 62 as a photosensitive member, but can rotate relative to the outer diameter portion 274d ( Fig.19 ) of the inner cylindrical cam member 274.

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

[0317] In this embodiment, unlike in Example 1, the operating member (rod member 212), the cam mechanism (inner cylindrical cam member 274 and outer cylindrical cam member 270) are arranged on the non-driving side. Therefore, box B is provided with a connecting member 261 for connecting the operating member and the cam mechanism on the non-driving side with the coupling member 264 on the driving side. The connecting member 261 can also be considered as a part of the operating unit for moving the coupling member 264. The connecting member 261 is an extension member extending in the longitudinal direction of the box B. In this embodiment, by arranging the connecting member 261 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 by the buffer part 255. In the present 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 Fig.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. Fig.29 104 is an explanatory diagram showing the 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 part 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 through 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] In addition, similar to the variant example of Embodiment 1, the coupling member 264 in this embodiment has such a structure that even when the rotation axis of the coupling member 264 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 before engagement, the drive transmission member 81 can still be engaged. That is to say, similar to the variant example of Embodiment 1, as the coupling member 264 extends toward the drive transmission member 81, the coupling member 264 can reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.15 sub - figures (a) - (c)). Thereby, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 264 are aligned so that they can be engaged with each other.

[0323] In addition, even when the rotation axes of the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 are parallel but non - coaxial before engagement, the coupling member 264 can still be engaged with the drive transmission member 81.

[0324] As described above, in this embodiment, the rod member 212 (operating member) is arranged on the non - drive side opposite to the side having the coupling member 264. Compared with the drive side, no drive transmission member such as a gear is provided on the non - drive side of the cartridge B (or the number of components arranged on this side is small), so it is easy to ensure a space for arranging the rod member 212. That is to say, by arranging the rod member 212 on the non - drive side of the cartridge B, the design freedom regarding the structure, shape, and arrangement of the rod member 212 can be enhanced. In addition, since a part of the operation unit is arranged on the non - drive side, a part of the operation unit can effectively serve as a path for electrically grounding the drum 62. Moreover, even if the rod member 212 is arranged on the non - drive side opposite to the side where the electrical contacts 82, 83 are arranged, the electrical contacts 82, 83 can be pressed against the main assembly side electrical contacts 102, 103 by the pressure received by the rod member 212, although the pressing degree is not as high as that in Embodiment 1.

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

[0326] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the operating member 212 and the cartridge member 264 are arranged on opposite sides of the cartridge ( Fig.21 ). That is to say, the operating member 212 is arranged near the non - drive - side end of the cleaning frame 71.

[0327] Based on what has been described using Embodiment 1 and this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately select whether the operating member is arranged on the drive side or the non-drive side according to the functions, structures, conditions, etc. required by the cassette B and the main assembly A of the apparatus. In each of the embodiments to be described below, it is also possible to appropriately select whether the operating member is arranged on the drive side or the non-drive side of the cassette.

[0328] <Embodiment 3>

[0329] Embodiment 3 will be described. In Embodiment 3, similar 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 a coupling member (drive input member) is engaged with the inclined drive transmission member 581 by determining the position and attitude of the coupling member (drive input member) to follow the axis of the inclined drive transmission member 581 (this will be described in Fig.35 below).

[0331] First, referring to Fig.30 、 Fig.31 and Fig.32 , a drive-side flange unit 569 and a drum unit including an Oldham coupling 549, which is the shaft coupling according to this embodiment, will be described.

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

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

[0334] As Fig.30 、 Fig.31 and Fig.32 shown, the drive-side flange unit 569 according to this embodiment includes a drive input member 564, an intermediate member 545, a driving force transmission pin 548, an output member 547, a cover member 558, a first pressing member 559, etc. Further, as Fig.30As shown, the drum unit of this embodiment includes a drive-side flange unit 569, a connecting member 261, a buffer member 255, a non-drive-side flange member 254, and an inner cylindrical cam member 274. The connecting member 261, the buffer member 255, the non-drive-side flange member 254, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 (which are operating member units for reciprocating the drive input member 564) have the same structure as in Embodiment 2, and thus their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0335] As Fig.30 and Fig.31 shown, the drive input member 564 of this embodiment includes a driven transmission portion (driving force receiving portion) 564a as described in the above embodiment. The drive input member 564 is part of a coupling member (cross-slider coupling 549), and the driving 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. Further, the drive input member 564 is provided with a guide rib 564b that locks to the cross-slider coupling 549 to be described below. As Fig.31 shown, the cross-slider coupling 549 includes a drive input member (input disk, input member, input portion) 564, an intermediate member (intermediate member, intermediate disk, intermediate portion) 545, and a drive output member (output member, output disk, output portion) 547.

[0337] The intermediate member 545 has a guide groove 545a and a guide rib 545b. Similar to the intermediate member 545, the output member 547 is provided with a guide groove 547a and a hole portion 547b, and a drive transmission pin to be described below is inserted into the hole portion 547b. As Fig.31 shown in subfigure (a), the drive input member 564 is locked to the intermediate member 545 by engaging the guide 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 move relative to the intermediate member in Fig.31 the x1 direction in subfigure (a). 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 guide rib 545b provided in the intermediate member with the guide groove 547a of the output member 547. Thereby, the intermediate member 545 can move relative to the output member 547 in Fig.31It moves in the x2 direction in the sub - figure (a). That is, the intermediate member 545 is joined to the output member 547 so as to be slidable relative 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). Therefore, the drive input member 564 is configured to be movable relative to the output member 547 in either the x1 direction or the x2 direction. Additionally, as Fig.31 shown in the sub - figure (a), in this 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 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 tiltable relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0340] The drive transmission pin 548 for transmitting the 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. Thus, the cross - slider coupling 549 including the drive input member 564 is completely formed ( Fig.31 sub - figure (b)).

[0341] The input member 564 is a disk to which a driving force is input from the outside. The output member 547 is a disk for outputting the driving force from the cross - slider coupling 549 to the photosensitive drum. That is, the output member 547 has a drive transmission pin (drive transmission portion) 548 for outputting the driving force to the drive - side flange member 575. The driving force output 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 component) 545 is a disk provided between the input member 564 and the output member 547 for transmitting the driving force from the input member 564 to the output member 547, and this intermediate member is joined to the input member 564 and the output member 547.

[0342] Fig.32 The cross - section of the drive - side drum flange unit 569 is shown, and it is a view before assembling the cover member 558.

[0343] As Fig.32 shown, the cross - slider 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 disposed between the contact surface 547c of the output member 547 and the contact surface 575c of the drive-side flange member 575. Thus, the cross-slider coupling 549 including the drive input member 564 is configured to be pushed in the longitudinal direction to a first position, i.e., a retracted position. The axis x3 of the output member 547 and the axis x4 of the drive-side flange member 575 are configured to be coaxial. The cover member 558 is fixed to the drive-side flange member 575. The drive-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-drive-side flange member 254, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 described in the second embodiment are also mounted to the drum unit( Fig.30 ).

[0345] As described above, the drive input member 564 is configured to take an arbitrary position in the x1 direction and the x2 direction in the subfigure (a) of Fig.31 . Further, since the axis x3 of the output member 547 and the axis x4 of the drive-side flange member are coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member, the drive 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 as the photosensitive member.

[0346] Next, referring to Fig.33 and 34 , an assembling method for the drum unit according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.33 The subfigure (a) of

[0347] Fig.33 is a perspective view showing the assembling method of the drum unit.

[0348] Fig.34 The subfigure (b) of

[0349] is a partial detailed view showing the locking portion between the coupling support member 552 and the drum bearing 573. Fig.33 As shown in Fig.33 , the drum unit of this embodiment is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 571 via the drum bearing 573. In the present embodiment, the coupling support member 552 and the coupling pressing member 553 are mounted to the drum bearing 573. As shown in the subfigure (a) of

[0350] , 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. Further, 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.Accordingly, the axis of the coupling support member 552 is configured to be able to incline relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum which is a photosensitive member. A torsion spiral spring is used as the coupling pressing member 553 of this embodiment, and the torsion spiral spring is held by the boss portions 573c and 573d of the drum bearing 573. One end of the torsion spiral spring contacts the contacted portion 552d of the coupling support member 552, and the coupling support member 552 is configured to press in the X5 direction in Fig.34 subfigure (b).

[0351] As Fig.30 and Fig.34 shown, the coupling support member 552 is configured to rotatably support the outer peripheral portion 564c of the drive input member through the inner peripheral portion 552a. Accordingly, the drive input member 564 supported by the coupling support member 552 is pressed in the x5 direction in the figure by the pressing force of the coupling pressing 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 relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0352] Next, referring to Fig.34 subfigure (a), the inclination of the drive transmission member 581 will be described. Similar to the modification of the above-described Embodiment 1 and the like, the drive transmission member 581 is also inclinable in this embodiment. That is, similar to the above-described embodiment, there is a gap (play) between the bearing portion that supports the drive transmission member 581 and the drive transmission member 581. The drive transmission member 581 can incline within this gap.

[0353] However, in this embodiment, the direction in which the drive transmission member 581 inclines is different from the inclination direction in each of the above embodiments. That is, in the above embodiments, when the drive transmission member is not connected to the cartridge B, the drive transmission member inclines downward due to gravity ( Fig.15 etc.). However, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 inclines in a direction different from the direction of gravity (vertically downward). Specifically, as shown in Fig.34 subfigure (a), the drive transmission member 581 inclines 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 therefor will be described.

[0354] As Fig.34As shown in the partial view (a), the cartridge can be mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus in a state slightly inclined with respect to the main assembly of the apparatus. At this time, a part of the cartridge B slightly contacts the free end of the drive transmission member 581 and presses it, and as a result, the drive transmission member 581 may be inclined downward to the downstream side in the mounting direction KH. If the attitude and momentum at the time of mounting the cartridge B are different, the contact state between the cartridge B and the drive transmission member 581 will also be different, and the inclination direction and inclination distance of the drive transmission member 581 may be different. In this case, each time the cartridge B is mounted, the attitude (degree of inclination) of the drive transmission member 581 changes, and as a result, it may be difficult to stably engage the drive transmission member 581 with the cartridge B with each other.

[0355] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is pre-inclined to the downstream side in the mounting direction KH. That is to say, regardless of how the cartridge B is mounted, the drive transmission member 581 is always inclined in substantially the same direction, and thus assumes substantially the same attitude. Thereby, the connection between the drive transmission member 581 and the cartridge B is kept stable each time.

[0356] In a state where the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is inclined with respect to the cartridge B in Fig.34 the direction of the arrow x5 shown in the partial view (b).

[0357] The direction of the arrow x5 is the extending direction of the line (half line) when the line x6 extending from the center of the photosensitive drum to the center of the developing roller is rotated counterclockwise by 41 degrees. Fig.34 The counterclockwise direction in the partial view (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 the present embodiment, when the drive transmission member 581 is inclined in the x5 direction, the drive input member 564 moves in the x5 direction with respect to the photosensitive drum. Thereby, the drive transmission member 581 and the drive input member 564 are engaged (connected) with each other. Refer to Fig.35 and 36 , and this will be described in detail.

[0359] Fig.35 The partial views (a), (b) and (c) gradually show how the drive input member 564 of this embodiment engages with the drive transmission member 581 having an axis L6 inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.

[0360] Similar to Embodiment 2, Fig.35 The partial view (a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the processing cartridge is inserted into the main assembly A of the apparatus and the opening / closing door 13 is closed. Fig.35Sub - figure (b) is a longitudinal sectional view taken right after the driving force is input into the main component A of the device, the driving transmission component 581 starts to rotate, and the phase of the driving transmission portion 581a and the phase of the driven transmission portion 564a of the driving input component 564 are within a predetermined range. Fig.35 Sub - figure (c) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the driving transmission portion 581a of the driving transmission component 581 and the driven transmission portion 564a of the driving input component 564 are fully engaged with each other.

[0361] Fig.36 is Fig.35 A partial detailed view of the y - part of sub - figure (a).

[0362] The coupling component (cross - slider coupling 549) of this embodiment has a structure that can move back and forth similar to the coupling components of the above - mentioned first and second embodiments. The structure for longitudinally moving the cross - slider coupling 549 (driving input component 564, intermediate component 545, output component 547) is the same as that in Embodiment 2. That is, the output component 547 moves along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62, which is a photosensitive component, similar to Fig.26 the coupling component 264 shown. Through this movement of the output component 547, the entire coupling component (cross - slider coupling 549) moves between the extended position ( Fig.35 sub - figure (c)) and the retracted position ( Fig.35 sub - figure (a)).

[0363] As described above, in this embodiment, the driving input component 564 is pushed in the Fig.34 x5 direction in sub - figure (b) so that the driving input component 564 can be engaged with the driving transmission component 581 having the axis L6.

[0364] More specifically, the driving input component 564 is pushed in the x5 direction so that, in a state where the opening / closing door 13 of the main component of the device is closed, a part of the chamfered portion 564e is located inside the driving transmission portion 581a of the driving transmission component 581 in the radial direction. When the driving transmission component 581 further rotates, the driving input component 564 moves in the longitudinal direction to the second position, and the engagement between the input component 564 of the cross - slider coupling and the driving transmission component 581 is completed ( Fig.35 sub - figure (c)).

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

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

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

[0368] The cross-slider coupling 549 (drive input member 564, intermediate member 545, output member 547) is an axis misalignment allowing mechanism (misalignment adapting mechanism) for allowing a state in which the axes of the drive transmission member 581 and the photosensitive drum are misaligned with each other (axis misalignment state).

[0369] That is, the coupling member (cross-slider coupling 549) has an input member 564 for inputting a driving force from the apparatus main assembly and an output member 547 for outputting a driving force to the photosensitive drum. The axis of the output member 547 substantially aligns with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and the input member 564 can move relative to the output member 547 in a direction (a direction perpendicular to each other) intersecting the axis of the output member. That is, the axis (rotation center) of the input member 564 can be displaced (offset or separated) from the axis (L1) of the output member 547. Thereby, the input member 564 can adapt to the deviation generated between the axis of the drive transmission member 581 and the axis of the photosensitive drum. That is, since the input member 654 is displaced in the direction intersecting the axis L1, when the cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 and the input member 654 approach each other. In this state, the input member 654 further approaches the drive transmission member 581 along the axis L1 and engages with the drive transmission member 581.

[0370] In the present 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 Fig.34In the direction of arrow X5 shown in sub - figure (b). The X5 direction is the direction in which the free - end side of the drive transmission member 581 is inclined as described above. The X5 direction is the direction after a line X6 extending from the center of the photosensitive drum to the center of the developing roller is rotated counterclockwise (i.e., rotated toward the downstream side of the photosensitive drum rotation direction) by an angle X5.

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

[0372] The input member 654 is held in a state of moving in the X5 direction by being pushed by the coupling - pushing member 553 (refer to Fig.33 sub - figure (a)). An elastic member (spring) is used as the coupling - pushing member 553. Although the coupling - pushing member 553 of this embodiment is a torsion spiral spring, it is not limited to this example and can have other structures.

[0373] In this embodiment, the axis of the input member 654 can be inclined with respect to the axis (L1) of the output member 547 and the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member. The input member 654 also inclines along the inclined drive transmission member 581 to stabilize the engagement state between the drive transmission member 581 and the input member 654. As Fig.35 shown in sub - figures (a), (b), and (c), the axis of the input member 654 is inclined so as to approach the axis of the drum toward the free - end (i.e., the left side) of the cross - slider coupling. In Fig.35 sub - figures (a), (b), and (c), the axis of the input member 654 is inclined upward to the left.

[0374] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is inclined in the KH direction (X5 direction) ( Fig.34 sub - figures (a) and (b)). The drive transmission members of Embodiments 1 and 2 can also be inclined in the same direction as this embodiment. Similarly, in the embodiments to be described below, the drive transmission member can be inclined in the same direction as this embodiment.

[0375] <Embodiment 4>

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

[0377] In a modified example of the above Embodiment 1, 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 comes into contact with the drive transmission member 81. Thereby, 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 tilt degree of the drive transmission member 81. That is, the coupling member is held in a phase that is favorable for engaging with the tilted drive transmission member 81. The differences in structure and operation caused by the difference in the coupling method of the coupling will be described in detail.

[0379] (Explanation of Cartridge Mounting / Dismounting)

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

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

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

[0383] Fig.37 Sub - figure (b) of is an exploded perspective view when the restricting member 790 and the drum bearing 773 are removed. The restricting member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773 with a screw 791. The end face 790a of the restricting member 790 can contact the end face 770a of the outer cylindrical cam 770 (which will be described below in conjunction with Fig.43 and restricts the movement of the outer cylindrical cam 770 in the longitudinally outward direction LO.

[0384] Next, referring to Fig.38, the internal structure of the coupling unit U3 that receives the rotational force from the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the apparatus will be described. Fig.38 Subfigure (a) of Fig.38 Subfigure (b) is an exploded perspective view of the coupling unit U3. The outside of the long side is LO, and the inside 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 drive-side flange 775, a torsion spring 789, and a fixing screw 788.

[0386] The coupling shaft 793 is provided on the drive-side flange 775. In this embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is fixed to the drive-side flange 775 using the fixing screw 788. In this 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 drive-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) as a limiting portion in the longitudinal outward direction LO and a shaft 793a in the longitudinal inward direction LI. In the longitudinal inward direction LI of the free end 793b, an engaging portion 793b1 is provided, which includes a plurality of concave and convex portions and serves as a drive transmission portion. An end face 793b2 is provided radially inside the engaging portion 793b1 (the enlarged view is as shown in Fig.43 ).

[0387] In this embodiment, the input member 764 has a driven transmission portion 764a at one end, which is a substantially triangular twisted prism, and a substantially triangular prism 764e at the other end. The input member 764 is provided with an engaging portion 764f as a driving force transmission portion at the center of the rotation axis L1, which includes a through hole 764c and a plurality of concave and convex portions ( Fig.39 Subfigure (a) is an enlarged view). The engaging portion 764f is adjacent to the driven transmission portion 764a in the inward radial direction and 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 member 764. The third pressing member 787 is mounted around the shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 and is provided between the input member 764 and the end face 793b2 of the free end 793b serving as a limiting portion of the coupling shaft 793. The engaging portion 793b1 serving as a driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaged portion 764f serving as a driving force transmission portion of the input member 764 are configured to be able to engage and disengage with each other. Thus, the driving force is transmitted or interrupted between the input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793.

[0388] The coupling member of this embodiment includes an input member 764 and a coupling shaft 793. The input member 764 is a driving input member provided on the coupling member for receiving a driving force input from the outside. Although it will be 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 (driving output member) for outputting a driving force from the coupling member to the photosensitive drum. The coupling shaft 793 is a connecting member connected to the drive-side flange 775 so as to be able to transmit the driving force, and is a fixing 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 controlled portion. The coupling shaft 793 can control the movement of the input member 764 through the contact between the restricting portion (engaging portion 793b1) and the controlled portion (engaging portion 764f). That is to say, the movement of the input member 764 in the direction away from the drive-side flange 775 (or the drum 62) can be restricted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0397] Fig.39 It is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling shaft 793, the third pressing member 787 as a pressing member, and the input member 764. This is to illustrate the free end 793b as a restricted portion of the coupling shaft 793.

[0398] An engaging portion 793b1 as a driving-force receiving portion including a plurality of concave portions and convex portions is provided at the free end 793b which is a controlled portion of the coupling shaft 793. Any convex portion of the free end 793b has a surface 793b3 on one side in the circumferential direction and a surface 793b4 on the opposite side in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the surface 793b3 is a drive transmission surface (shaft-side driving-force receiving portion or flange-side driving-force receiving portion).

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

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

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

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

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

[0404] In a state where the input member 764 retracts in the longitudinal inward direction LI (non-driving side) ( Fig.43 subfigure (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) ( Fig.43 subfigure (b)), the end face 770h of the outer cylindrical cam 770 contacts the end face 774l of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0406] When moving the input member 764 from the retracted state ( Fig.43 subfigure (a)) to the protruding state ( Fig.43 subfigure (b)), the inclined surface 770e of the outer cylindrical cam 770 and the inclined surface 774k of the inner cylindrical cam 774 are in contact with each other.

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

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

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

[0410] The inner cylindrical cam 774 includes a cam 774d, a hole 774e, and an outer end face 774b. The drum bearing 773 includes a rib 773f, a hole 773g, and an end face 773h. The rib 773f of the drum bearing 773 is received in the hole 774e of the inner cylindrical cam 774. Thus, the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to be slidable along the rotation axis 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 received in the hole 773g of the drum bearing 773. The outer end face 774b of the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to be able to contact the end face 773h of the drum bearing 773.

[0411] Fig.43 is along Fig.37 the sectional view of the coupling unit U3 and the drum bearing 773 taken along the section lines in

[0412] Fig.43 Sub-diagram (b) of shows the state in which the input member 764 is retracted in the longitudinal inward direction LI (the state in which the input member 764 is in the retracted position).

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

[0414] The input member 764 is supported by the coupling shaft 793 so as to be rotatable about the axis 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 are not engaged with each other. The third pressing member 787 as a pressing member is provided between the coupling shaft 793 and the input member 764. The third pressing member 787 is configured to relatively move the input member 764 in the longitudinally inward direction LI with respect to the coupling shaft 793. The end face 787a of the third pressing member 787 contacts the end face 793b2 of the coupling shaft 793. The end face 787b of the third pressing member 787 contacts the end face 764l of the input member 764. The inner cylindrical cam 774 is provided between the input member 764 and the drive-side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 for pressing the inner cylindrical cam is provided between the inner cylindrical cam 774 and the drive-side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 is configured to relatively move the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinally outward direction LO with respect to the drive-side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 is provided inside the drive-side flange 775. The outer cylindrical cam 770 controls the movement of the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinally outward direction LO. The restricting member 790 controls the movement of the outer cylindrical cam 770 in the longitudinally 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] Fig.43 Subfigure (b) shows a state in which the input member 764 is retracted in the longitudinally inward direction LI (a state in which the input member 764 is located at the retracted position). In this state, the inner cylindrical cam 774 receives a force in the longitudinally outward direction LO by the pressing force of the first pressing spring 759. As a result, the cam 774l of the inner cylindrical cam 774 contacts the end face 770g of the outer cylindrical cam 770. As a result, the outer cylindrical cam 770 receives a force in the longitudinally outward direction LO through the inner cylindrical cam 774. The end face 770a of the outer cylindrical cam 770 is restricted from moving in the longitudinally outward direction LO by the end face 790a of the restricting member 790. The third pressing member 787 presses the input member 764 in the longitudinally inward direction LI so that the end face 764n (in the longitudinally inward direction LI) and the end face 774m of the inner cylindrical cam 774 are in contact with each other. At this time, the connection between the engaging portion 793b1 as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaging portion 764f as the driving force transmitting portion of the input member 764 is disconnected (in a disengaged state). Therefore, at this time, 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 located at the (driving force) non-transmitting position at this time. Therefore, the input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793 function as a clutch.

[0416] Fig.43 Sub - figure (a) shows the state where the input member 764 protrudes in the longitudinal outward direction LO (in the protruding position or the extended position).

[0417] The rod member 712 rotates the outer cylindrical cam 770 to a predetermined phase ( Fig.45 in sub - figures (a) and (b)). Then, the end face 774l 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 Fig.14 ). Thus, the inner cylindrical cam 774 moves in the longitudinal outward direction LO by the pushing force of the translation cam first pressing spring 759. The end face 774m of the inner cylindrical cam 774 presses the end face 764n of the input member 764 (in the longitudinal inward direction LI). The pushing force of the first pressing spring 759 as the pressing member is set to be greater than the pushing force of the third pressing member 787 as the pressing member. Therefore, the input member 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 engages (connects) with the engaging portion 764f as the driving force transmitting portion of the input member 764. As a result, the rotational driving force of the input member 764 can be transmitted to the coupling shaft 793. The input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793 constitute the coupling member of this embodiment.

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

[0419] Refer to Fig.44 to describe 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 that makes it easy to engage with the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device.

[0420] Fig.44 Sub - 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] Fig.44Sub - figure (a) shows the state where the input member 764 stops at a certain phase after image formation is completed. The arm 789b of the torsion spring 789 contacts the generally triangular prism 764e of the input member 764. More specifically, the arm 789b contacts near the vertex 764h of the prism 764e. Here, the torsion spring 789 is set such that a pushing force acts in the direction in which the arms 789b and 789c expand. Therefore, in Fig.44 in sub - figure (a), the pushing force of the torsion spring 789 received by the input member 764 through the arm 789b acts in the 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 / closing door 13 of the device main assembly A ( Fig.12 in sub - figure (a)), the input member 764 retracts in the longitudinal inward direction LI. That is, the input member 764 moves from the extended position (drive transmission position, protruding position: Fig.43 in sub - figure (a)) to the retracted position (non - drive transmission position: Fig.43 in sub - figure (b)) so that the input member 764 is disengaged from the drive transmission member 81. In addition, at this time, the input member 764 is also disengaged from the coupling shaft 793. That is, the engaging portion 793b1, which is the driving - force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793, and the engaging portion 764f, which is the driving - force transmitting portion of the input member 764, are disengaged from each other. Then, the input member 764 becomes capable of freely rotating relative to the coupling shaft 793.

[0423] Therefore, the input member 764 rotates by the pushing force of the torsion spring 789, and the phase changes from the phase shown in Fig.44 sub - figure (a) to the phase shown in Fig.44 sub - figure (b). Fig.44 The phase of the input member 764 shown in sub - figure (b) is the phase where the arm 789b contacts the arc - shaped 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 by the torsion spring 789 at the Fig.44 predetermined phase shown in sub - figure (b). 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 generally triangular shape, which is approximately rotationally symmetric (symmetric) by 120 degrees. Therefore, when the input member 764 rotates one full circle (360 degrees), it stops rotating through the torsion spring every 120 degrees. That is, assuming Fig.44If the phase of the input member 764 shown in sub - figure (b) is 0 degrees, then when the input member 764 is at the positions of 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 one of three different phases (0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees in this embodiment).

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

[0426] Reference Fig.45 、 38 and 44 will be further described. Fig.45 is a view of the drive transmission unit observed from the axial direction LO. In this embodiment, the phases at which the three vertices 764h ( Fig.38 、 44 ) of the substantially triangular prism 764e of the input member 764a are arranged are substantially the same as the phases at which the three vertices 764u of the substantially triangular driven transmission portion 764a are arranged. In this case, the direction faced by each vertex 764u is substantially the same as the direction faced by each vertex 764h.

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

[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 inclined toward the downstream side in the cassette mounting direction ( Fig.34 ). Specifically, when the opening / closing door 13 is opened ( Fig.12 sub - figure (a)), the drive transmission member 81 moves toward Fig.45is inclined with respect to the direction of arrow AZ shown in sub - figure (a). The direction of arrow AZ is the direction of the line drawn from the center of drum 62 to developing roller 32 (i.e., the reference line at 0 degrees) inclined 41 degrees in the rotational direction downstream of drum 62. The rotational direction of drum 62 is the direction in which drum 62 rotates during image formation (during toner image formation). Specifically, this rotational direction is the direction (direction of arrow AX) in which the surface of drum 62 sequentially contacts or approaches charging roller 66( Figure 3 ) and then contacts or approaches developing roller 32.

[0429] Since drive transmission member 81 is inclined, when cartridge B is inserted into apparatus main assembly A, the centers of driven transmission portion 764a of input member 764 and drive transmission portion 81a of drive transmission member 81 are misaligned. However, through the above - mentioned phase control, any one of the three triangular vertices 764u of driven transmission portion 764a of input member 764 lies in the AZ direction in which drive transmission member 81 is inclined( Fig.45 sub - figure (a)). In other words, in driven transmission portion 764a, the portion (vertex 764u) that radially protrudes the most from the center of drum 62 lies in the AZ direction in which drive transmission member 81 is inclined. By holding input member 764 in such a phase, it is easy to engage them even if input member 764 and drive transmission member 81 are misaligned.

[0430] That is to say, when drive transmission member 81 rotates from Fig.45 the state shown in sub - figure (a), the phase of drive transmission portion 81a of drive transmission member 81, which is roughly triangular in shape, is substantially aligned with the phase of triangular - shaped driven transmission portion 764a of input member 764 (refer to Fig.45 sub - figure (b)). Then, driven transmission portion 764a of input member 764 enters drive transmission portion 81a of drive transmission member 81, thereby establishing engagement.

[0431] Hereinafter, the reason why phase control makes it easier to engage input member 764 with inclined drive transmission member 81 will be described with reference to Fig.46 sub - figures (a) - (f). Fig.46 Sub - figure (a) of Fig.46 sub - figure (b) of Fig.46 sub - figure (d) of Fig.46 sub - figure (e) of Fig.46 and sub - figure (f) of Fig.46 are cross - sectional views of the drive transmission unit observed from the axial direction LO.

[0432] As described above, in the present embodiment, the main component of the device is provided with a drive transmission member 81, and the cartridge is provided with a power input member 764, and these are connecting members connected to each other. As Fig.46 shown, these connecting members (81, 764) have engaging portions, and the forms of the engaging portions are respectively a substantially triangular recess 81a (see Fig.25 , Fig.46 subfigure (a) etc.) and a convex portion 764a ( Fig.38 subfigure (a) of Fig.46 and subfigure (a) of Fig.46 ). The ends (corners, vertices) of these triangular shapes (81a, 764a) are the portions for transmitting driving force, and therefore, they are rounded to maintain the necessary strength. As shown in subfigure (a) of

[0433] LA>LB (Formula A)

[0434] That is to say, among these triangular shapes (81a, 764a), the gap LA between the sides of the triangle (81a, 764a) is greater than the gap LB between the ends (the gap LA has a margin greater than the gap LB). In this case, as shown in subfigures (d), (e) and (f) of Fig.46 , preferably, the vertex 764y of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) on the cartridge side is inclined in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is inclined (the lower left AZ direction in the figure). 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 inclined. By doing so, the convex portion 764a of the input member 764 can be smoothly engaged with the recess 81a of the inclined drive transmission member 81.

[0435] As Fig.46 shown in subfigure (d), when the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a are not engaged, their phases are not aligned. When the drive transmission member 81 in this state rotates clockwise from this state, the phases of the triangular shapes 81a and 764a are aligned, as Fig.46As shown in sub - figure (d). However, the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the AZ direction. Therefore, the recess 81a is displaced in this inclined direction, and there is a region where the gap between the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a becomes narrow. Nevertheless, in the present embodiment, the side edges of the recess 81a and the side edges of the convex portion 764a are located in the region where the gap becomes narrow (i.e., on the side opposite to the inclined direction of the drive transmission member 81). The gap between the side edges of the recess 81a and the side edges of the convex portion 764a is ensured to be relatively large (LA), as defined in formula A and Fig.46 as shown in sub - figure (a). Therefore, even if the gap is shortened due to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81, the positional relationship required for engaging the drive transmission member and the input member can be ensured. Thus, when the phases of the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a are aligned, the convex portion 764a can enter the recess 81a by the force of the first pressing spring 759 ( Fig.38 sub - figures (a) and (b)). Further, the drive transmission member 81 continues to rotate, and the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a engage with each other, as Fig.46 shown in sub - figure (d), and the convex portion 764a receives the driving force from the recess 81a.

[0436] In short, even if the gap between the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 becomes small due to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81, the phase of the member 764 is set such that the gap between the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 is ensured to be above a certain level. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to pointing the side edge of the triangle (convex portion 764a) of the input member 764 to the side opposite to the inclined direction AZ of the drive transmission member 81 (i.e., Fig.46 the upper - right side in sub - figure (d)). In other words, it corresponds to pointing any one of the three vertices 764y of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) of the input member 764 to the inclined direction AZ (lower - left) of the drive transmission member 81. The three vertices (three - segment circular arcs 764y) of the convex portion 764a correspond to the driving - force receiving portions for receiving the driving force from the drive transmission member 81.

[0437] As in (formula A) and Fig.46 shown in sub - figure (a), the reason for setting the gap LA between the side edges 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 recess 764a) are set in consideration of the dimensional tolerances of the recess 81a and the recess 764a. However, in view of the fact that not only dimensional tolerances but also the fact that it is easier for the input member 764 to engage with the rotating drive transmission member 81 are to be considered, the gap LA between the side edges is set to be larger.

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

[0440] Here, when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, at the stage where the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are not fully engaged, a force can act in the direction of moving the coupling member 764 away from the drive transmission member 81. That is, as shown in subfigure (c) of Fig.46 , the input member 764 can contact the chamfer 81p of the concave portion 81a, and as a result, the input member 764 receives a force from the drive transmission member 81 in the direction that hinders engagement. The above-mentioned gap LA is set to be larger so that such a force is not generated. If the gap LA is large, then when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, the above-mentioned force does not act, and thus, the state where the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a can engage with each other continues for a long 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 portion 764y) of the input member 764 are completely aligned, they are most likely to engage with each other. However, as long as the direction of the free end (arc portion 764y) of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) with respect to the inclination direction of the drive transmission member 81 is within ±30°, the effect of promoting the engagement between the coupling members can be enhanced.

[0442] As described above, the inclination direction (the direction of arrow AZ) of the drive transmission member 91 is the direction in which the 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, preferably, the vertex of the convex portion (protrusion) 764 is within the range of being inclined 11 degrees to 71 degrees toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62 from the line passing through the centers of the drum 62 and the developing roller 32.

[0443] In addition, in the above description, the engaging portions (concave portion 81a and convex portion 764a) of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 are similar to each other and are approximately equilateral triangles. That is, each of the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a has rotational symmetry of 120 degrees.

[0444] However, even if the joint portion may not have such a shape, the basic idea is the same, and by controlling the phase of the input member 764, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained. For example, the shape of the convex portion 764a may be a partially cut-off triangle, may not be a triangular shape, and may not be rotationally symmetric by 120 degrees.

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

[0446] <Embodiment 5>

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

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

[0449] Similarly, in the present embodiment, the structure for reciprocating the coupling member 664 by the operating member (rod member 12) and its operation are the same as those in Embodiment 1 ( Figure 7 , 9 , 10, 11, 12 and Fig.13 ). The description thereof is omitted.

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

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

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

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

[0454] The advancing / retreating member 630 includes an advancing / retreating member 630a and an advancing / retreating member 630b. The advancing / retreating member 630a has an advancing / retreating contact portion 631 that can contact the input member 610 during advancing / retreating. The advancing / retreating member 630b receives the advancing / retreating drive of the rod member 12. These two are joined together by welding or the like and have a combined relationship with each other. As the advancing / retreating 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 (drive receiving portion) 613 for engaging with the drive transmission member 81 of the device main assembly A. The input member 610 receives the rotational drive through the free end 613 and transmits the rotational drive to the support member 640a that supports itself.

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

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

[0458] In addition, the advancing and 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 a driving force.

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

[0460] Referring Fig.50 , the operation of the coupling member 664 moving back and forth in linkage with the rod member 12 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0461] Fig.50 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 664, and shows steps (a)-(f) of the extending operation of the coupling member 664 in linkage with the movement of the rod member 12 similar to Fig.14 .

[0462] Fig.50 Subfigure (a) of

[0463] Fig.50 shows the state at the retracted position, where the coupling member 664 moves maximally into the interior of the cassette in linkage with the movement of the rod member 12.

[0464] Fig.50 Subfigures (b) and 50(c) show the states of moving from the retracted position to the extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0465] Fig.50 Subfigures (e) and 50(f) show the states of moving from the extended position to the retracted position. In Fig.50 , the order of state changes in one reciprocating movement of the coupling member 664 is shown as subfigure (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 overview of the behavior will be described.

[0468] When the operating rod 12 ( Fig.12)When it is in the state of , the advancing and retracting member 630 can be slid along the drum axis L1 by rotating the cylindrical cam 74. The sliding of the advancing and retracting 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 said behavior will be described.

[0470] [1] First, the state change from (a) to (b) in Fig.50 will be described. The longitudinal restriction portion 74d of the cylindrical cam member 74 moves along the direction H in the figure, and the advancing and retracting members 630a and 630b that have received the elastic force of the first pressing member 59 protrude, so that the advancing and retracting contact portion 631 contacts the input member 610, whereby the input member 610 is pressed in the H direction in the figure. Until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 contacts the support member 640a, since the input member 610 is pushed in the closing direction by the force of the tension spring of the pushing member 620, it will not open. Then, the cylindrical shape 611 presses the concave shape 641 of the support member 640a that supports it in the H direction in the figure, and the entire coupling member 664 protrudes in the H direction. That is, until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a contact each other in the 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 retracting member 630 all move integrally in the H direction in the figure. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 enters the second protruding position, where the free end 613 of the input member 610 can engage with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a ( Fig.25 ).

[0471] [2] Next, the Fig.50The state change from (b) to (c). The cylindrical cam member 74 moves in the direction H in the figure, and the advancing and retracting members 630a and 630b that receive the spring force of the first pressing member 59 protrude. Thus, during protrusion and retraction, the contact portion 631 contacts the input member 610 and presses it in the direction H in the figure. At this time, the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a contact each other, and the support member 640a no longer protrudes further in the H direction in the figure. As a result, the input member 610 rotates because the force to rotate in the R direction in the figure around the cylindrical shape 611 is greater than the force of the tension spring of the pressing member 620, and the tilt angle in the R direction in the figure changes. In other words, the free end 613 of the input member 610 starts to open radially outward at the second protrusion position. The radial direction is the radial direction (rotation radius) of the coupling member 664. That is, the free end of the input member 610 starts to move away from the axis of the coupling member 664.

[0472] [3]Next, the Fig.50 state change from (c) to (d) will be described. From Fig.50 the state of sub - figure (c), the advancing and retracting members 630a, 630b further protrude, and the input member 610 changes the tilt angle in the R direction shown in the same way as in [2], and reaches the protrusion position where it moves to the outside of the cassette to the maximum extent. In Fig.50 the state of sub - figure (d), the free end 613 of the input member 610 opens outward in the radial direction so that the free end 613 of the input member 610 engages with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a (drive transmission member 81) ( Fig.25 ). Thus, drive transmission can be performed, and the drive transmission member 81 is rotated by a motor (not shown), so that the rotational drive is transmitted to the input member 610.

[0473] [4]Next, the Fig.50 state change from (d) → (e) → (f) → (a) will be described. When moving from the protrusion position to the retraction position, after the entire coupling member 664 retracts, the tilt angle of the input member 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure. First, from Fig.50 sub - figure (d) to Fig.50In the state change of sub - figure (e), the cylindrical cam member 74 moves in the G direction in the figure, the spring of the first pressing member 59 is compressed, and the advancing - retreating members 630a and 630b are retracted. At this time, when the spring force of the advancing member 620 is applied as a pressing force in the L direction in the figure to the contact point 631 during the advancing - retreating process, and the frictional force between the input member 610 and the advancing - retreating member 630 at the contact point 631 is large during the advancing - retreating process, the entire coupling member 664 follows and retracts in the G direction in the figure. Thus, the engagement between the free end 613 of the input member 610 and the triangular recess (drive - transmission part) 81a of the drive - transmission member 81 ( Fig.25 ) is released. Next, the state change from Fig.50 sub - figure (e) to (f) to (a) will be described. Similar to the above, the advancing - retreating member 630 retracts, and the entire coupling member 664 tends to retract, but the support member 640b and the stopper shape 699 provided on the drum bearing member 73 abut against each other, and thus, the support member 640b does not further retract in the G direction in the figure. After that, as the advancing - retreating member 630 retracts, the contact state between the input member 610 and the advancing - retreating member 630 changes, and the input member 610 rotates around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis by the force of the tension spring of the pushing member 620, so that the tilt angle changes in the direction shown in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input member 610 closes inward in the radial direction. That is, the free end 613 of the drive - transmission member 610 approaches the axis of the coupling member 664.

[0474] [5] The state change from Fig.50 sub - figure (d) → sub - figure (c) → (b) → (a) will be described. When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the advancing - retreating member 630 first retracts, and the tilt angle of the input member 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure, and then the support member 640 retracts. First, in the state change from Fig.50 sub - figure (d) to Fig.50 sub - figure (c), the cylindrical cam member 74 moves in the G direction in the figure, and the spring of the first pressing member 59 is compressed, so that the advancing - retreating members 630a and 630b retract. Then, the input member 610 rotates around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis by the force of the tension spring of the pushing member 620, and the tilt angle changes toward the L direction in the figure. Thus, the engagement between the free end 613 of the input member 610 and the triangular recess (drive - transmission part) 81a of the drive - transmission member 81 ( Fig.25 ) is released. Next, in the state change from Fig.50 sub - figure (c) to Fig.50In the state change of sub - figure (b), as described above, the tilt angle of the input member 610 changes in the L direction in the figure by the retraction of the advancing / retreating member 630. In the transition from Fig.50 sub - figure (b) of Fig.50 to sub - figure (a) of

[0475] , when the advancing / retreating member 630 retracts, the advancing / retreating member 630b and the support member 640b come into contact at the contact portion 697. Thereafter, when the advancing / retreating member 630 further retracts, the support member 640b also follows and retracts. As a result, the entire coupling member 664 retracts in the G direction in the figure and reaches the first retracted position. Fig.51 sub - figure (a) of Fig.51 and sub - figure (b) of

[0476] Fig.51 sub - figure (a) of Fig.51 and sub - figure (b) of Fig.51 show such an example. As shown in these figures, the amount of change in the tilt angle of the input member 610 ( Fig.51 P in sub - figure (a) of

[0477] ) can be set to a relatively large value. Then, when the free end of the input member 610 moves outward in the radial direction, the protruding amount ( Fig.51 X in sub - figure (b) of Fig.51 ) of the input member 610 protruding outside the box increases. The engagement width in the axial direction between the concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be increased. Then, even if the entire coupling member 664 does not slide axially, the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged only by tilting the input member 610. Fig.51 sub - figure (a) of

[0478] In sub - figures (a) and (b) of Fig.50The state change from sub - figure (a) to (b). That is, a larger engagement width between the concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be ensured. Therefore, it is more desirable that the coupling member 664 can move back and forth.

[0479] Next, referring to Fig.52 , the conditions for engaging the drive transmission portion (concave portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the free end (drive receiving portion) 613 of the input member 610 will be described. As Fig.52 shows, when the free ends 613 of the three input members 610 are brought as close as possible to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 by the pressing member 620, the circle 688 passing through the farthest points of the three ends 613 drawn around the rotation axis is closest to the rotation axis. The circle 688 is the circumcircle of the free end 613. Next, a circle 686 is drawn around the rotation axis of the coupling member 664, and this circle 686 passes through the point in the concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 that is closest to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664. The circle 686 is the inscribed circle of the drive transmission portion 81a. Both the circle 688 and the circle 686 are perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0480] At this time, it is sufficient that the circle 688 formed by the free ends 613 is smaller than the circle 686 formed by the drive transmission portion 81a. That is, in this case, regardless of the phase combination formed by the concave 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 tilt angle of the input member 610, the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be reliably engaged with each other.

[0481] However, in Fig.52 , as an example, 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. In fact, as shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.50 and sub - figure (b) of Fig.50 , the drive transmission member 81 is inclined with respect to the axis of the coupling member 664, just like the drive transmission member shown in the variant example of Embodiment 1. Even in such a case, as long as the following conditions are met, the input member 610 can be engaged with the drive transmission member 81.

[0482] For better understanding, Fig.53 shows a state where the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 is greater than the actual inclination. In Fig.53In this case, 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 concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81. This circle 687 is perpendicular to the rotation axis. Since the drive transmission member 81 is inclined, the circle 687 is smaller than the above-mentioned circle 686( Fig.52 ).

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

[0484] In addition, according to the phase combination of the concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664, the change in the inclination angle of the input member 610 can be stopped midway before the engagement between the drive transmission portion 81a and the input member 610 is completed. That is to say, as Fig.54 shown, when the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes, the input member 610 will temporarily stop until the minimum inner diameter portion (circle 686) of the drive transmission 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 where the coupling member 664 is held in the extended position, the first pressing member 59 serves as a damper, so that the advancing / retreating member 630 does not extend further. The first pressing member 59 maintains a compressive reaction force in the extending direction of the advancing / retreating member 630. Therefore, the drive transmission member 81 rotates by the drive of the main assembly of the device, and when the concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664 are in phase, the advancing / retreating 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 concave portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Thus, the drive transmission member 81 is pushed by the input member 610, and the drive transmission member 81 rotates (swings) 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 moving direction different from that of the input member (coupling member 64) shown in the modified example of Embodiment 1 and also moves in the radial direction. Even with such a structure, the input member 610 moves toward the inner surface of the concave portion of the drive transmission member 81 to push the drive transmission member 81, thereby reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. Thus, the input member 610 can be engaged with the inclined drive transmission member 81 similarly to the coupling member 64 shown in the modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0487] In this embodiment, although three input members 610 having the same shape and three pressing members 620 using tension springs are arranged along the circumferential direction, the structure is not limited to this example. In addition, the shape of the advancing / retreating member 630 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment. In addition, a structure as in Embodiment 2, in which the advancing / retreating mechanism for advancing and retreating the coupling member is located on the non-driving side of the box, can also be adopted.

[0488] <Embodiment 6>

[0489] Next, Embodiment 6 will be described. The description of the same points as the above embodiments may be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names as the components in Embodiment 1, and only the differences from Embodiment 1 may 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 Fig.17 ). However, in this embodiment, the driven transmission portion includes a plurality of components ( Fig.55 )。

[0491] The differences in structure and operation caused by this difference will be described in detail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0498] Just as in Embodiment 1, the drum bearing member 873 is supported by the cleaning unit 860. As Fig.55 and 56 shown, the coupling member 864 includes a plurality of convex portions 801, a convex portion support member (support member) 802, a convex portion pressing member 803, a cover member 858, etc. Although the details will be described below, the convex portion 801 is an input member (drive input member), and the driving force is input to this input member from the outside of the coupling member 864 (that is, from the drive transmission member of the device main assembly).

[0499] As Fig.56 and 57 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] In addition, the inner cylindrical surface 802c of the support member 802 is configured to be supported by the hole portion 873a of the drum bearing member 873. As Fig.56 and 57 shown, a plurality of convex portions 801 are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the support member 802. The support member 802 is a holding member (support member) for holding and supporting the plurality of convex portions 801.

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

[0502] A convex portion pressing member 803 is provided on each pressing cylindrical shaft 801c of the plurality of convex portions 801. One side of the convex portion pressing member 803 opposite to the convex portion 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 drive side flange member 875 by welding or the like.

[0504] The drive receiving portion 801a of the convex portion 801 is engaged with and supported by the engagement hole 802a, so that it can move in the axial direction.

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

[0506] The outer cylindrical surface 802b of the support member 802 is supported by the inner peripheral surface 875b of the drive side flange 875, so that it can move in the direction of arrow N.

[0507] The plurality of convex portions 801 receiving the pressing force of the plurality of convex portion pressing members 803 cause the support member 802 to be pressed in the direction of arrow N. The support member 802 receives the pressing force in the direction of arrow N, and the longitudinal control surface 802e abuts against the longitudinal control 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 the drum bearing member 873 fixed to the cleaning unit 860 in the direction of the axis N, and its longitudinal position is restricted.

[0509] Similar to the coupling member 64 of the first embodiment, the coupling member 864 of the present 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 the first embodiment, so that the coupling member 864 moves between the extended position and the retracted position ( Fig.13 ).

[0510] In the present embodiment, as Fig.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 supporting member 802 into the drum against the elastic force of the convex pressing member 803. This is the state in which the supporting 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 ( Fig.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] That is, the longitudinal position of the support member 802 also depends on the longitudinal position (position in the longitudinal direction) of the inner cylindrical cam member 874. Since 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 a part of the above-mentioned operating unit. In the present embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the convex portion pressing member 803, but an elastic member having another shape can also be used to push the support member 802.

[0514] The drive transmission member 881 of this embodiment is tilted like the drive transmission member 81 shown in the modification of Embodiment 1. When the drive transmission member 881 is tilted, the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 are not coaxially arranged. Then, how the coupling member 864 and the drive transmission member 881 are engaged with each other in the case where 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] Fig.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, Fig.58 FIG. 2 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the process cartridge is inserted into the main assembly A of the apparatus.

[0517] Fig.58 FIG. 2( b ) 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] Fig.58Sub - figure (c) shows a state in which a driving force is input to the main component A of the device, the drive transmission member 881 starts to rotate, and a part of the convex portion 801 of the coupling member 864 starts to engage with a part of the drive input coupling 881.

[0519] Fig.58 Sub - figure (d) is a schematic diagram just after the phases of the drive transmission part 881a and the convex portion 801 of the coupling member 864 fall within a predetermined range.

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

[0521] In Fig.58 Sub - figures (c), (d) and (e), as the multiple convex portions 801 of the coupling member 864 are sequentially engaged with the drive transmission member 881, the engagement operation is completed, and at the same time, the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 881 decreases.

[0522] Fig.59 Sub - figures (a) to (e) are cross - sectional views of the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 in a direction perpendicular to the axis corresponding to the timing of Fig.58 Sub - figures (a) to (e).

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

[0524] According to this relationship, as shown in Fig.58 Sub - figure (a), the drive transmission member 881 is tilted in the V direction due to its own weight.

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

[0526] In this modification example, a part 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 part 881a by the pressing force of the protrusion pressing member 803, and a part of it abuts against the end face 881c ( Fig.57 subfigure (b) of Fig.58 subfigure (b) of

[0527] Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the plurality of (six) protrusions 801 shown are 801A to 801F respectively ( Fig.59 subfigure (b) of

[0528] When the drive transmission member 881 is located at Fig.58 subfigure (b) of Fig.59 subfigure (b) of

[0529] After that, as shown in Fig.58 subfigure (c) of Fig.59 subfigure (c) of

[0530] In addition, as shown in Fig.58 subfigure (d) of Fig.59As shown in sub - figure (d), the drive transmission member 881 rotates in the direction of arrow R and moves in the direction of arrow HB at the same time, so that all the convex portions 801 abut against the drive transmission portion.

[0531] In addition, when the drive transmission member 881 rotates, the surfaces 881d, 881e, 881f which are the drive transmission portions respectively abut against the convex portions 801A, 801D, 801F.

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

[0533] That is to say, the convex portions 801 are arranged such 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 convex portions 801 simultaneously abut 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 convex portions 801 and the drive transmission is achieved.

[0535] Since each of the plurality of convex portions 801 is pushed by a corresponding spring (convex portion pressing member 803), each convex portion 801 can move independently of each other. According to the rotation of the drive transmission member 881, each convex portion 801 moves back and forth and engages with the drive transmission member 881 in turn. That is to say, the number of convex portions 801 engaged with the drive transmission member 881 gradually increases. Thus, the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 881 gradually decreases, and finally the engagement (connection, linking) between the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 is completed. In this state, the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 881 relative to the photosensitive drum can be set to a value close to 0 degrees. That is to say, the drive transmission member 881 can be aligned with the photosensitive drum.

[0536] In addition, when the cartridge B is taken out from the main assembly A of the device, the support member 802 moves in the Fig.58 direction of arrow S shown in sub - figure (a). Then, the convex portions 801 retract to the Fig.58 positions shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.59 and the engagement with the drive transmission member 881 is released.

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

[0538] In addition, in the present embodiment, a case where the plurality of convex portions (input members) 801 are six is adopted. However, as long as there are at least three convex portions 801, centering action can be obtained while engaging with the drive transmission member 881.

[0539] Furthermore, as described above, in order for the convex portion 801 to exhibit the function of centering the drive transmission member 881, the following relationship can preferably be satisfied. That is, preferably, when the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 are coaxially arranged, at least three of the plurality of convex portions 801 are provided at positions where they can simultaneously engage with the drive transmission member 881. If the plurality of convex portions 801 include convex portions other than the engaging convex portions that engage with the rotation trajectories of the surfaces 881d, 881e, and 881f of the drive transmission member 881, it may be difficult to obtain the centering effect if the drive transmission member 881 first engages the convex portions other than the engaging convex portions. In the present embodiment, the plurality of (six) convex portions 801 of the coupling member 864 are arranged to form a substantially triangular shape ( Fig.59 subfigure (e)). In this case, since the concave portion 81a ( Fig.59 subfigure (a)) of the drive transmission member 881 is substantially triangular, six convex portions 801 are accordingly arranged. By arranging the plurality of convex portions 801 to correspond to the shape of the concave portion of the drive transmission member 881, the number of convex portions 801 that engage with the concave portion 81a increases as the drive transmission member 881 rotates ( Fig.59 subfigures (a)-(e)). Thus, the amount of inclination of the drive transmission member 881 is reduced, as shown in Fig.58 subfigures (a)-(e), and connection between the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 can be achieved.

[0540] <Embodiment 7>

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

[0542] In the present embodiment, as in the modification of Embodiment 1, the case where the drive transmission portion 81 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) will be described. In Embodiment 1, the chamfered portion 64e is provided to be inclined with respect to the advance / retreat direction of the coupling member 64 so as to reduce the angular difference between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64, and the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member can be coupled to each other. It has now become possible to engage with the coupling member 64. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail below, the drive input unit 300 including the alignment member 301 and the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged with each other. In the present embodiment, the drive input unit 300 corresponds to the coupling member.

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

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

[0545] Reference Fig.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 the present embodiment will be described.

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

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

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

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

[0550] As Fig.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, three cutout portions 301c are provided at equal intervals along the cylindrical portion 301b.

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

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

[0553] In addition, 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 in Embodiment 1 is supported by the drive side flange member 75 and transmits the drive to the drive side flange member 75, the drive transmission portion 303b transmits the drive to the drive side flange member 75. The structure in which the drive transmission portion 303b is supported by the drive side flange member 75 and the structure in which the drive side flange member 75 is supported by the photosensitive drum 62 as a photosensitive member are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Next, referring to Fig.21 、 23, 64 and 65 will describe the drive flange unit 269 and the drum unit according to this embodiment, and the operating unit capable of longitudinally moving the alignment member 301.

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

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

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

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

[0558] Just as in Embodiment 1, the drive flange unit 269 is fixed to the drive side end portion of the photosensitive drum 62 by means such as press fitting or clamping. In addition, as Fig.65As shown, the drive input unit connection member 304 (wherein the buffer member 255 is supported by the buffer member support portion 304b) is inserted into the drum from the non-drive side end portion 62b. At this time, the buffer member 255 supported by the drive input unit connection member 304 contacts the spring seat surface 303f of the pin receiving member 303, and the alignment member support portion 304a engages with the connection member receiving portion 301e of the alignment member 301. Here, the alignment member support portion 304a of the drive input unit connection member 304 and the connection member receiving portion 301e of the alignment member 301 are firmly fixed by press fitting, screwing, adhesion, etc. Then, in a state where the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is assembled to the inner peripheral portion 254b, the non-drive side flange member 254 is fixed to the non-drive side drum end portion 62b by, for example, the clamping method in the first embodiment. At this time, the drive input unit connection member 304 is rotatably supported by the supported portion 304d on the connection member support portion 274b of the inner cylindrical cam member 274. The structure of the drum unit of the seventh embodiment is as described above.

[0559] In addition, as in the second embodiment, the operation unit on the non-drive side of the cartridge includes an outer cylindrical cam member 270, an inner cylindrical cam member 274, a rod member (operation member) 212, a second pressing member 214, etc. ( Fig.21 , Fig.23 ). The operation unit on the non-drive side of the cartridge will be referred to as the non-drive side operation unit. The structure and operation of this non-drive side operation unit are the same as those of the operation unit of the second embodiment. The difference from the second embodiment is that, as described above, the buffer member 255 supported by the connection member 261 contacts the pin receiving member 303 instead of the coupling member 264. The alignment member support portion 304a of the drive input unit connection member 304 is firmly fixed to the alignment member 301.

[0560] In the second embodiment, the outer cylindrical cam member 270, the inner cylindrical cam member 274, and the connection member 261 are configured to determine the longitudinal position of the coupling member 264. Similarly, in this embodiment, the longitudinal position of the alignment member 301 is determined by the outer cylindrical cam member 270, the inner cylindrical cam member 274, and the drive input unit connection member 304. At this time, as Fig.64As shown, the alignment member 301 is configured to be in the position closest to the non-driving side in a state before the cartridge pressing member abuts against the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit. The position where the alignment member 301 retracts to the non-driving side is referred to as the alignment member retracted position (retracted position of the alignment member, non-acting position). Further, as will be described in detail below, when the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the cartridge pressing member 1 contacts the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit. Then, the inner cylindrical cam member 74, the drive input unit 300, and the alignment member 301 are configured to be in the position closest to the driving side by the pushing force of the buffer member 255. In the present embodiment, the position where the alignment member 301 extends to the driving side is referred to as the alignment member extended position (extended position of the alignment member, acting position) in the present embodiment.

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

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

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

[0564] As Fig.64 、 66 and 67 show, similar to the operation unit of the first embodiment, it is connected to the pin receiving member 303 and controls the movement (forward / backward movement) of the pin receiving member 303 (control unit). Here, as in the first embodiment, this operation unit is provided on the driving side of the cartridge. The driving side operation unit of this cartridge will be referred to as the driving side operation unit. Further, as in the first embodiment, the driving side operation unit includes an outer cylindrical cam member 70, an inner cylindrical cam member 74, a lever member 12, a second pressing member (elastic member, pressing member) 14, and the like.

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

[0566] The driving-side operation unit is connected to the driving input unit 300 at the inner cylindrical cam 74, and the pin receiving member 303 can move back and forth (move) via 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 that of the operation unit for the coupling member 64 in the first embodiment.

[0567] In addition, as Fig.64 shown, when the cartridge is not installed in the apparatus main assembly A, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is arranged to retract the pin receiving member 303 into the drum against the elastic force of the first pressing member 259. That is, in a state where the door 13 of the main assembly is released or in a state before the cartridge pressing member 1 abuts against the lever member 12, the pin receiving member 303 is configured to be located at the position closest to the non-driving side. The position where the pin receiving member 303 retracts to the non-driving side is referred to as the pin receiving member retracted position. As Fig.64 shown, when the pin receiving member 303 is in the pin receiving member retracted position, the pin 302 and the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A are configured not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. That is, when the alignment member 301 is also in the alignment member retracted position, the processing cartridge B can be smoothly installed and removed without interference between the pin 302 and the driving transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly. In addition, as will be described in detail below, when the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the cartridge pressing member 1 contacts the lever member 12 of the driving-side operation unit. Then, this structure causes the inner cylindrical cam member 74, the pin receiving member 303, and the pin 302 to be located at the position closest to the driving side by the pushing force of the first pressing member 259. In the present embodiment, the position where the pin receiving member 303 extends to the driving 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 serving as a photosensitive member.

[0568] Referring to Fig.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] Fig.68 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus seen from the non-driving side of the cartridge, in which the cartridge pressing member 1 approaches the lever member 12 and the lever member 212 during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A in the direction H in the figure. In the figure, the lever member 12 located on the driving side is indicated by a dashed line.

[0570] The two cartridge pressing members 1 are arranged at positions such that they can respectively 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 to overlap each other when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum. As Fig.68 shown, in the process of closing the opening / closing door 13 in the direction H in the figure, this arrangement causes the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212 to contact the cartridge pressing member 1 before the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 contacts the cartridge pressing member 1. Therefore, in the process of closing the opening / closing door 13, the non-driving side operating unit operates before the driving side operating unit. Therefore, as will be described below, before the pin receiving member 303 is extended / retracted by the driving side operating unit, the alignment member 301 is extended / retracted by the non-driving side operating unit first.

[0572] Referring to Fig.69 、 70 and 71, 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 they are engaged with each other will be described.

[0573] Here, Fig.69 sub-figure (a) of 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 / closing door 13 is fully opened. Fig.69 Sub-figure (b) of is a longitudinal sectional view when the rod member 212 of the non-driving side operating unit starts to be pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1 during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13 after the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A. Fig.69 Sub-figure (c) of is a longitudinal sectional view when the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the rod member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the alignment member 301 reaches the alignment member extended position.

[0574] Fig.69 Sub-figure (d) of is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state where the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300 are fully engaged. Fig.69 Sub-figure (d) of shows the state where the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the rod member 12 of the driving side operating unit is pushed 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. Thus, the drive transmission portion 81a and the pin 302 are engaged with each other.

[0575] In Fig.69 sub-figures (a), (b), (c) and (d) of, 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] Fig.70 It is a partial enlarged view of the portion where the inclined surface 301a of the alignment member 301 contacts the end surface 81c of the drive transmission member 81 just before the alignment member 301 and the drive transmission member 81 come into contact with each other.

[0577] Fig.71 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-section Z in sub-diagram (d) of the drive transmission member 81 and the drive input unit 300 in the engaged state, and this cross-section Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cassette. Fig.69 The cross-section Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cassette.

[0578] As Fig.69 shown in sub-diagram (a), as in the case of the first embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the V direction in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the pin 302. At this time, the alignment member 301 and the pin 302 are in the retracted position and neither contacts the drive transmission member 81. Next, during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13, the cassette pressing member 1 and the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212 come into contact with each other. Then, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 rides on the inner cylindrical cam member 274, causing the inner cylindrical cam member 274, the drive input unit connecting member 304, and the alignment member 301 to start moving toward the drive side of the cassette.

[0579] At this time, as Fig.70 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 drive 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 move to the drive side against the torque acting in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is inclined by its own weight. Then, as Fig.69 shown in sub-diagram (b), the alignment member 301 rotates the drive transmission member 81 in the W direction, that is, moves toward the drive side while reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. Then, after the inclined surface 301a passes the ridge line 81d of the drive transmission member 81, the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 and the ridge line of the drive transmission portion 81a immediately come into contact with each other. Here, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300 are aligned with each other through the engagement of the cylindrical portion 301b and the drive transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, as Fig.69 shown in sub-diagram (c), the alignment member 301 does not move to the drive side until the end surface 301f of the alignment member 301 contacts the drive transmission member 81, that is, moves to the alignment member extended position.

[0580] Next, when the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the cassette pressing member 1 and the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 of the drive side operation unit come into contact with each other. At this time, as Fig.69 As shown in sub - figure (d), the outer cylindrical cam 70 and the inner cylindrical cam 74 operate as in Embodiment 1, and the pushing force of the first pressing member 259 causes the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 to integrally move from the retracted position to the driving side.

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

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

[0583] As described above, the inclined surface 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 engage with the 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 precisely aligned.

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

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

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

[0587] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the movable member (alignment member) 301 disposed near the input member (pin 302) of the coupling member moves from the retracted position (non-operating position) toward the drive transmission member 81, that is, moves to the extended position (operating position). This corresponds to Fig.69 the processes shown in sub-diagrams (a), (b), and (c). When the alignment member 301 moves in this way, the alignment member 301 presses 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 engagable state. This is exactly Fig.69 the state shown in sub-diagram (c).

[0588] That is to say, 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 (pin 302 and pin receiving member 303) moves from the retracted position to the extended position ( Fig.69 sub-diagram (d)). As a result, the coupling member engages with the drive transmission member 81. The alignment member 301 and the coupling member (pin 302 and pin receiving member 303) are configured to be able to move back and forth at different times.

[0589] Just as in the variant of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 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 the present embodiment, the member directly receiving 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, there is no need to provide a chamfer or the like on the pin 302 itself. Therefore, a sufficient engagement width can be provided, and more reliable drive transmission can be performed.

[0590] <Variant of Embodiment 7>

[0591] Hereinafter, a variant in which a part of the structure of this embodiment is modified will be described. In the previous description ( Fig.69), the inclined surface 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 are engaged with the ridge 81d of the drive transmission portion 81. This enables the drive transmission member 81 to be rotated (swung), and aligns 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 to align the rotation axis with the drive input unit 300, it is not necessary to use the ridge line 81d of the recess 81a of the drive transmission portion 81, but the outer periphery 81e of the drive transmission portion ( Fig.25 ) can be used. Hereinafter, a modified example will be described in which an outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 is provided instead of the alignment member 301 of the seventh embodiment, and the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the outer periphery 81e of the drive transmission unit 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, referring to Fig.72 and 73 , the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the drum unit constituted thereby will be described.

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

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

[0595] As Fig.72 and 73 shown, the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 is provided with an inclined surface 305a, a cylindrical portion 305b, a base portion 304c, and a hole portion 305d. The hole portion 305d is provided at the center of the base portion 304c on the disk. In addition, three cylindrical portions 305b are provided on the base portion 304c at equal intervals in the circumferential direction outside the hole portion 305d in the radial direction. The inclined surface 305a is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 304b. The inclined surface 305a is inclined to approach the base portion 304c inward in the radial direction.

[0596] In addition, the differences between the portions other than the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the seventh embodiment described above will be described, and the drum unit including the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 will be described. The drive input unit 300 is provided with an outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 instead of the alignment member 301.

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

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

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

[0600] Furthermore, the first pressing member 259, the outer cylindrical cam 70, and the inner cylindrical cam 74 avoid the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 by increasing the inner diameter, but the basic structure is the same as the above. The structures of the pin 302, the buffer member 255, and the non-drive side flange 254 are the same as the above. In addition, similar to the alignment member 301 described above, as the non-drive side operation unit operates, the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 can move in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge together with the drive input unit connection member 304. At this time, in this modification example, the position where the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 extends to the maximum extent to the drive side will also be referred to as the alignment member extended position.

[0601] Next, with reference to Fig.74 and 75 , how the drive input unit 300 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other will be described in the case where the 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, Fig.74 Subfigure (a) of Fig.74 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device main assembly A and the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the device main assembly A and the opening / closing door 13 is fully opened. Fig.74Sub - figure (c) is a longitudinal sectional view when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the rod member 212 is pressed by the cassette pressing member 1, and the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position. Fig.74 Sub - figure (d) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the drive - transmission portion 81a of the drive - transmission member 81 and the pin 302 of the drive - input unit 300 are fully engaged. Fig.74 Sub - figure (d) shows a state after the opening and closing door 13 is fully closed, the rod member 12 of the drive - side operation unit is pressed by the cassette pressing member 1, the driving force is input to the main assembly A of the device, and the drive - transmission member 81 rotates.

[0603] In Fig.74 In sub - figures (a), (b), (c) and (d), the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 of the drive - input unit 300 engages with the drive - transmission member 81. At this time, the inclination angle of the drive - transmission member 81 is reduced while moving to the alignment member extended position.

[0604] Fig.75 It is a partial enlarged view of the part where the inclined surface 305a of the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 abuts against the end surface 81c of the drive - transmission member 81 just before the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 and the drive - transmission member 81 come into contact with each other.

[0605] As Fig.74 As shown in sub - figure (a), similar to the case of Embodiment 1, the drive - transmission member 81 inclines in the V direction in the figure due to its own weight before engaging with the pin 302. At this time, the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 and the pin 302 are in the retracted position and neither contacts the drive - transmission member 81. Next, during the process of closing the opening and closing door 13, the cassette pressing member 1 and the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212 come into contact with each other. Then, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 rides on the inner cylindrical cam member 274, so that the inner cylindrical cam member 274, the drive - input unit connecting member 304 and the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 start to move the cylindrical cam toward the drive - side of the cassette.

[0606] At this time, as Fig.75 shown, the inclined surface 305a of the outer - peripheral receiving alignment member 305 contacts the outer peripheral ridge 81f of the drive - transmission portion 81a of the drive - transmission member 81. Thereafter, the alignment member 301 moves toward the drive - 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 can move toward the drive - side against the torque acting in the direction in which the drive - transmission member 81 inclines due to its own weight. Then, as Fig.69As shown in sub - figure (b), the drive transmission member 81 rotates along the direction W in the figure of the drive transmission member 81, that is, the drive transmission member 81 moves toward the drive side while the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 decreases. Thereafter, the inclined surface 305a passes through the outer peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission member 81, and then the cylindrical portion 305b of the alignment member 301 and the outer peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission member 81 come into contact with each other. Here, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 are aligned through the engagement between the three cylindrical portions 305b( Fig.72 ) and the drive transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, as shown in sub - figure (c) of Fig.74 , the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 moves toward the drive side until the end face of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 contacts the drive transmission member 81, that is, it moves to the alignment member extended position.

[0607] The operation after the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 has moved to the alignment member extended position is the same as the above. When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, by the action of the drive - side operation unit, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 integrally move from the pin receiving member retracted position to the drive side. When further driving input is applied to the main device assembly A, the drive transmission portion 81 and the pin 302 are engaged 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 peripheral 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 peripheral receiving alignment member 305 while sliding relative to the connecting member support portion 274b of the inner cylindrical cam member 274.

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

[0610] In this modified example, a shape in which the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the rotation axis of the drum is provided at a position different from the drive transmission portion 81a that transmits the driving force of the drive transmission member 81, that is, at the outer peripheral ridge 81f. Therefore, there are fewer shape restrictions on 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 modified example, it is feasible to perform 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 peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is aligned by three cylindrical portions, it may be, for example, in the shape of a circular tube, and the shape is not limited as long as it can be aligned. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained.

[0612] <Example 8>

[0613] Next, Example 8 will be described. Similar to the drive transmission portion 81 shown in the modified example of Example 1, the drive transmission member of this example is configured to be tiltable (able to tilt).

[0614] The description of the same points as in the above embodiments may be omitted. Specifically, among the elements on the cartridge side disclosed in this example, 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 those in Example 2 will be described. Fig.76 and Fig.77 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of Example 1. Similarly, in this example, the cartridge is provided with a coupling member (drive input member) 264 for receiving the driving force from the apparatus main assembly. In this example, similar to Example 2, a rod 212 ( Fig.21 ) for moving the coupling member 264 back and forth is provided on the non-drive side of the cartridge. Therefore, the coupling member 64 can move back and forth like the coupling member 264 described in Example 2 ( Fig.24 sub-diagrams (a) to (c)).

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

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

[0617] As Fig.77 shown, the control member 402 is provided with a restricting portion 402a, a contact portion 402b, and an initial contact portion 402c. The control member 402 is arranged on the drive side bearing member 401 so as to be rotatable about the axis MX, and is fixed by the initial contact portion 402c and the control member contact portion 401a of the bearing member 401 coming into contact with each other. At this time, the position of the control member 402 is referred to as a non-acting position (retracted position). As Fig.76 shown, the control member 402 is arranged outside (arrow LO side) the free end of the coupling member 64 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0618] Fig.78 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge when the processing cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main assembly. As Fig.78 shown in subfigure (a), the control member 402 is arranged downstream of the line M1 connecting the rotation axes of the connection drum 62 and the developing roller 32 in the direction of gravity. In addition, 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 402c comes into contact with the control member contact portion 401a of the drive side bearing member 401.

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

[0620] Thereby, in the drive transmission member 81, a moment in the direction of arrow W as Fig.15 shown is generated as in the first embodiment, 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 restricting portion 402a is larger than Fig.78The distance L1 between the drum rotation axis and the restricting portion 402a in the partial view (a) is short. At this time, the position of the control member 402 is referred to as the acting position (contact position).

[0621] When the control member 402 is in the acting position, the restricting portion 402a of the control member 402 is adjacent to the outer peripheral surface (outer circumferential surface) 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 restricting portion 402a of the control member 402 is adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0622] The restricting 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 acting position, when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 which is a photosensitive member, the restricting portion 402a faces the side where the photosensitive drum serving as the photosensitive member is provided.

[0623] Fig.79 It is a perspective view of a structure in which an initialization spring 404 is provided on the control member 402 and the drive side bearing member 401 in 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 tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be more stably reduced.

[0624] By reducing the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81, the angular 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 ( Fig.25 ) provided at the free end of the drive transmission member 81 approaches the center of the coupling member 264. Therefore, the output coupling portion 81a becomes capable of engaging with the coupling member 264.

[0625] As described above, the coupling member 264 can move back and forth similar to the coupling member 264 shown in Embodiment 2. Therefore, similar to Fig.24 the coupling member 264 shown in the partial views (a) to (c), in this embodiment, the coupling member 264 can also engage with the drive transmission member 81 by approaching the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.24 partial view (c)).

[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 restricting portion 402a is an acting portion (contact portion) that contacts and acts on the drive transmission member 81. The restricting portion 402a is a pressing portion that presses the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81.

[0627] Reference Fig.78 , the movement locus of the control member 402 will be described. The control member 402 is capable of moving between two positions. The position of the control member 402 shown by the solid line in sub - figure (d) of Fig.78 is the position where it acts on the drive transmission member 81 (the above - mentioned acting position: Fig.78 sub - figure (c)). The restricting portion 402a of the control member 402 is located near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member. On the other hand, the position of the control member 402 shown by the dashed line in sub - figure (d) of Fig.78 is the position retracted from the acting position (the above - mentioned non - acting position and retracted position: Fig.78 sub - figure (a)). When the control member 402 is in the non - acting position, the control member 402 is farther from the center (axis) of the photosensitive drum 462 as the photosensitive member than in the acting position.

[0628] The acting position of the control member 402 ( Fig.78 sub - figure (c)) and the non - acting position ( Fig.78 sub - figure (a)) of one of them can be called the first position of the control member, and the other is called the second position of the control member. The acting position of the control member 402 is the position where it acts on the drive transmission member 81 (more specifically, it presses the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81). The non - acting position is the position retracted from the acting position.

[0629] Regardless of the position of the control member 402, the control member 402 is located outside in the axial direction with respect to the free end of the coupling member 264 located at the retracted position ( Fig.76 direction of arrow LO). Although in the embodiment described here, the tension spring 404 ( Fig.79 ) is shown as the initialization spring (elastic member) for holding the control member 402 in the initial position (non - acting position, retracted position), any structure can be used as long as it can be initialized. For example, in addition to the tension spring, methods of providing a compression spring, a torsion spiral spring, etc. as the spring (elastic member) can be considered. That is, when installing the cartridge, by pressing the control member 402 in the direction of arrow MA by the elastic member (pushing member), the control member 402 is set to a predetermined initial position (non - acting position, retracted position: Fig.78 sub - figure (a)). As another method, a structure can be considered in which a weight member is installed at the free end of the control member, and when installing the cartridge, the weight of the weight member holds the control member in the initial position. This method is not limited.

[0630] In addition, in order to avoid disturbing 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 operative position ( Fig.78 subfigure (c) of), the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is not covered or contacted by the control member 402.

[0631] <Variant Example 1 of Embodiment 8>

[0632] Next, a variant example of the present embodiment (Variant Example 1 of Embodiment 8) will be described, in which the above-described structure is partially modified. In Variant Example 1, the drive transmission portion 81 is also configured to be tiltable (able to be tilted) similarly to the above-described structure.

[0633] Fig.80 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge of this variant example.

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

[0635] The control member 412 is disposed on the downstream side in the direction of gravity with respect to the 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 (operative 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 contact of the initial contact portion 412c with the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73. This is the state in which the control member 412 is in the non-operative position (retracted position).

[0637] Fig.81 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main assembly. As Fig.81 subfigure (a) of shows, the initial contact portion 412c of the control member 412 contacts the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73 by its own weight.

[0638] The control member 412 is disposed on the downstream side in the direction of gravity with respect to the 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 Fig.81 subfigure (b) of shows.

[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 arrow MD, as Fig.81as shown in sub - figure (c). Through this operation, the restricting portion 412a comes into contact with the side surface 81g of the coupling portion of the drive transmission member 81. When the processing cartridge is further inserted, the restricting portion 412a presses the side surface 81g of the coupling portion in the direction of arrow MD. As a result, in the drive transmission member 81, a moment in the direction of arrow W as shown in Fig.15 is generated as in the first embodiment, so that the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced. This is the state where the control member 412 is in the acting position. At this time, the distance L4 between the drum rotation axis and the restricting portion 412a is shorter than Fig.81 the distance L3 between the drum rotation axis and the restricting portion 412a in sub - figure (a). At this time, the restricting portion 412a of the control member is near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. Fig.82 is a cross - sectional view of the 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. As a result, the initial contact portion 412c of the control member 412 can more reliably contact the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73.

[0641] In the seventh embodiment, the alignment member 301 is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the alignment member 301 is arranged near the pin (drive input member) 301 of the coupling member ( Fig.62 ). On the other hand, in this embodiment, the control member 412 is not provided near the coupling member 264, but is provided in the frame of the cartridge. Even if the control member (centering assist member, movable member, alignment member) 412 is arranged away from the coupling member 264 in this way, it can move toward the drive transmission member 81, and the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced by pressing the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the control member 412 can engage and connect the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 264.

[0642] <Variant Example 2 of Embodiment 8>

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

[0644] Fig.83 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge of this variant example. In addition, Fig.84 is a cross - sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig.83 when the processing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main assembly. Fig.87 is Fig.83 a longitudinal cross - sectional view of the structure.

[0645] like Fig.87 As shown, the control member 422 is disposed 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 Fig.84 As shown in the sub-figure (a), the cleaning frame 71 is provided with an initial limiting portion 711, a limiting portion 771m after insertion and a frame side push 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 push pressure receiving portion 422e. A tension spring 424 as a pushing component is arranged on the control component side push pressure receiving portion 422e and the frame side push pressure receiving portion 71n.

[0647] Before being inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus, a force in the direction of arrow MF acts on the control member 422 from the tension spring 424. Thus, 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 to come to rest 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 non-acting 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. Fig.84 As shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. By the reaction force received by the contact portion 422b from the main component guide portion 423, the control member 422 rotates around the rotation axis MY in the direction of the arrow MH. Fig.84 When the control member 422 is further inserted as shown in the sub-figure (c) of the embodiment, 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, a force such as Fig.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 located at the action position.

[0649] At this time, if Fig.87 As shown, Fig.87 The distance L6 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 422a in the sub-figure (c) is greater than Fig.87 The distance L5 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 422a in the sub-figure (a) is short. Fig.87 As shown in sub - figure (c), the restricting 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 operative position ( Fig.84 sub - figure (c) of Fig.87 sub - figure (c)), at least a part of the control member (i.e., the contact portion 422b) is located outside the free end of the coupling member 264 in the axial direction (LO direction).

[0650] The control member 402 ( Fig.77 ) and the control member 412 ( Fig.80 sub - figure (a)) described in Embodiment 8 and the first modification of Embodiment 8 move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum, however, it cannot move in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. That is, the control member 402 rotates about an axis portion MX (see Fig.77 ) parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member, and the control member 412 linearly slides in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member ( Fig.80 sub - figure (a)).

[0651] On the other hand, in the second modification, when the control member 442 moves from the inoperative position ( Fig.84 sub - figure (a)) to the operative position ( Fig.84 sub - figure (c)), the restricting portion (operative portion, pressing portion) 422a of the control member 442 is displaced in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. That is, when the control unit 442 moves to the operative position, the restricting unit 422a is displaced outward in the axial direction, that is, it moves toward the left in Fig.84 sub - figure (c).

[0652] <Modification 3 of Embodiment 8>

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

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

[0655] Fig.86 is a cross - sectional view when the processing cartridge is installed in the apparatus main body. As shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.86 , the drum bearing 73 is provided with a contact portion 73g. When the processing cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly, the compression spring 435 contacts the main assembly guide portion 433, as Fig.86As shown in sub - figure (b), the compression spring 435 presses the control member 432 in the direction of 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 arrow MJ. Thus, as in the first embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 generates a torque in the direction of arrow W shown in Fig.15 and the drive transmission member 81 contacts the restricting portion 73g provided on the drum bearing 73, so that the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced.

[0656] When the installation of the processing 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 axes of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are aligned. At this time, the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of arrow MK, as shown in Fig.86 sub - figure (c).

[0657] In addition, although the mechanism of the first embodiment or the mechanism disclosed in the second embodiment is used as the mechanism for the protrusion and retraction of the coupling member in the third to eighth embodiments, the method of protrusion and retraction is not limited to this method, and other methods can be used.

[0658] <Embodiment 9>

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

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

[0661] In each of the above embodiments including the eighth embodiment, the driving force is transmitted to the developing roller 32 through the developing roller gear 36 that meshes with the gear portion 75a provided on the drive - side flange member 75 ( Fig. 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 branched inside the cartridge and transmitted not only to the photosensitive drum but also to the developing roller 32. However, the cartridge and the main assembly of the image forming apparatus do not necessarily have such a structure. That is, a structure in which the developing roller 32 directly receives the driving force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus independently of the photosensitive drum 62 can also be conceived.

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

[0663] In addition, although in the above-described multiple embodiments including Embodiment 8, the coupling member 64 is configured to be able to project and retract in the longitudinal direction with respect to the drum 62 ( Figure 6 and 8 ), this is not necessarily required. The coupling member may be fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a coupling member fixed to the photosensitive drum is introduced.

[0664] In addition, in Embodiment 8, the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the direction of the arrow V shown in Fig.15 due to its own weight, but this is not necessarily required. As described in Embodiment 3 and the like, the drive transmission member may be inclined by a force other than gravity, and the drive transmission member may be inclined in a direction different from the direction of gravity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig.92 , the drive transmission member 1081 is inclined in the direction of the arrow VV by the elastic force F22. Thereby, the resistance when the process cartridge B is attached to the main assembly A of the apparatus and when the process cartridge B is detached from the main assembly A of the apparatus can be reduced (details will be described below).

[0665] (Structure of coupling member and control member)

[0666] First, referring to Figures 88 to 91 and Fig.98 , the structures of the coupling member 1064 and the control member 1001 will be described.

[0667] Fig.88 Subfigure (a) of Fig.88 is a perspective view of the cartridge B according to the present embodiment. Fig.89 Subfigure (b) of Fig.89 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge B according to the present embodiment. Fig.89 Subfigure (a) of

[0668] is a side view of the cartridge B according to the present embodiment. Fig.88 Subfigure (b) of Fig.92 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX at the drive-side end of the cartridge B in subfigure (a) of

[0669] As shown in subfigures (a) and (b) of Fig.88 , the control member 1001 (which is a member for controlling the attitude of the drive transmission member 1081 ( Fig.92 )) is arranged near the end of the frame of the cartridge. 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. Further, a 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 frame forming the cleaning unit 60 (see Figure 4 ). The control member 1001 is rotatably mounted to the drum bearing 1073 about the axis AA of the support boss 1071a.

[0670] A pressing spring 1002 (which is a torsion coil spring) is mounted to the support boss 1071a, and one end 1002a of the pressing spring 1002 contacts a pressed portion 1001d of the control member 1001. The other end 1002b of the pressing spring 1002 contacts a contacted portion 1073c of the drum bearing 1073. Accordingly, 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 defines the rotation range of the control member 1001. The control member 1001 is pressed in the direction of arrow BB by the pressing spring 1002, and accordingly, a contacted portion 1001b of the control member 1001 is in a posture of contacting the control member contact portion 1073a. That is, the movement of the control member 1001 stops when the control member contact portion 1073a contacts the control member 1001.

[0672] In addition, as shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.89 , a restricting portion (pressing portion, acting portion) 1001a of the control member 1001 is provided adjacent to the surface 62a of the drum 62, that is, at a distance DA from the surface 62a of the drum 62 as viewed in the direction of arrow HH parallel to the axis of the drum 62 ( Fig.88 sub - figure (a)). The position of the control member 1001 in this state is referred to as the acting position of the control member.

[0673] In addition, as shown in sub - figure (b) of Fig.89 , the restricting portion 1001a of the control member 1001 is provided at a position that is at a distance DB outside in the longitudinal direction with respect to the driven transmission portion 1064a of the coupling member 1064.

[0674] Further, as shown in sub - figure (a) of Fig.98 and Fig.98As shown in sub - figure (b), when an external force is applied to the restricting portion 1001a of the control member 1001, the control member 1001 can rotate about the axis AA in the BB2 direction. At this time, the control member 1001 rotates in the BB2 direction against the pressing force of the pressing spring 1002. In this state, the contacted portion 1001b of the control member 1001 does not contact the control member contacting portion 1073a. The control member 1001 can rotate a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow BB2.

[0675] As described above, in Embodiment 8, the coupling member 64 is mounted to the drum 62 through the drive - side flange member 75, and thus can move back and forth in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as Fig.89 shown in sub - figure (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 Embodiment 1, the coupling member 64 transmits the drive to the developing roller gear 36 through the gear portion 75a of the drive - side flange member 75 ( Fig. 27 ). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the coupling member 1064 does not have a gear portion and does not transmit the 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 Fig.88 shown.

[0676] On the other hand, as Fig.90 shown, the drive - transmission member 1081 of the apparatus main assembly A has a drive - transmission portion (output coupling portion) 1081a and a gear portion (output gear portion) 1081b. Fig.91 Shows the state where the coupling member 1064 according to the present embodiment is engaged with the drive - transmission member 1081. During imaging, as Fig.91 shown, the drive - transmission member 1081 is disposed 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 simultaneously.

[0677] Similar to the coupling member 1064, the developing roller gear 36 is a drive - input member (gear member), and the driving force is input to this drive - input member 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 the drive transmission component)

[0679] Referring to Fig.89 and Fig.92 , the structure of the drive transmission component 1081 of the main device assembly A will be described.

[0680] Similar to Embodiment 8, the cassette B is inserted into the mounting portion of the main device assembly A along the guide rails 15h and 15g ( Fig.10 and Fig.11 ). At this time, as shown in the sub-diagram (a) of Fig.89 , the direction CC in which the cassette B is finally mounted to the main device assembly A is substantially perpendicular to the cutting line XX connecting the center PP of the connecting drum 62 and the center QQ of the developing roller 32.

[0681] On the other hand, Fig.92 is a cross-sectional view showing the support structure of the drive transmission component 1081 according to the present embodiment. Fig.92 The state in which the cassette B is not mounted to the main device assembly A and the opening / closing door 13 is open is shown. As shown in Fig.92 , the supported portion 1081f of the cylindrical drive transmission component 1081 is supported by the support portion 1085a of the spherical drive transmission component support member 1085. Therefore, the drive transmission component 1081 can be tilted at the center RR of the support portion 1085a, and at the same time, the drive transmission component 1081 can move along the cylindrical axis EE of the supported portion 1081f.

[0682] In addition, an advancing / retreating member 1003 that can move in the direction of arrow KK and the direction of arrow TT ( Fig.96 sub-diagram (a)) according to the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 13 is mounted to the drive transmission component 1081 by a device (not shown). The advancing / retreating member 1003 is provided with a tilting spring 1006 (which is a compression spring), and presses the drive transmission component 1081 using the pressing force FF2 in the pressed portion 1081c. By the pressing force FF2 of the tilting spring 1006, the contacted portion 1081d of the drive transmission component 1081 contacts the convex portion 1004 provided on the main device assembly A, and at the same time, the contacted portion 1081e contacts the convex portion 1005. As a result, the drive transmission component 1081 assumes a posture tilted 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 tilting direction of the drive transmission component 1081 includes a component in the direction of arrow GG parallel to the cutting line XX in the sub-diagram (a) of Fig.89 . Preferably, the convex portion 1004 and the convex portion 1005 are provided at positions within a range of 45° with respect to the direction of arrow GG in the tilting direction of the drive transmission component 1081 ( Fig.93Sub - figure (b) of Fig.94 Sub - figure (b) of

[0684] (Process of installing / dismounting the cassette from the main component of the device)

[0685] Refer to Figures 93 to 96 , and describe the process of installing cassette B in the main component A of the device and the operation of the control component 1001. In these figures, the control component 1001 is shaded.

[0686] Fig.93 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of 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 / closing door 13 and installing cassette B into the main component A of the device.

[0687] Fig.94 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of show the state where cassette B is inserted into the installation part of the main component A of the device from the state of Fig.93 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of

[0688] Fig.95 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of show the state of closing the opening / closing door 13 from the state of Fig.94 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of

[0689] Fig.96 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of show the state after applying drive from the state of Fig.95 Sub - figures (a) and (b) of

[0690] As Fig.93 shown in sub - figure (a) of , before the control part 1001a of the control component 1001 contacts the gear part 1081b of the drive transmission component 1081, the drive transmission component is the same as when cassette B has not been installed into the main component A of the device, that is, the drive transmission component 1081 is tilted in the direction of arrow VV. In addition, as Fig.93 shown in sub - figure (b) of , the control component 1001 is pushed in the direction of arrow BB by the pushing force FF1 of the push spring 1002, and the contacted part 1001b of the control component 1001 contacts the control component contact part (stop part) 1073a of the drum bearing 1073. That is, in the state where the control component 1001 is in the acting position, the movement of the control component 1001 is stopped by the control component contact part 1073a.

[0691] As Fig.94 shown in sub - figures (a) of and Fig.94As shown in FIG. (b), when the cartridge B is further inserted from this position, the control portion 1001a of the control member 1001 abuts against the gear portion 1081b of the drive transmission member 1081. Fig.94 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 1 , the driving transmission component 1081 receives the pushing force FF3 from the control unit 1001a. Fig.93 The state of the sub-graphs (a) and (b) is Fig.94 During the state of the sub-figures (a) and (b), the moment MM2 (not shown) generated by the pushing force FF2 around RR in the direction of the arrow VV and the moment MM3 (not shown) generated by the pushing force FF3 around RR in the direction of the arrow WW satisfy MM2>MM3. Therefore, the drive transmission component 1081 is maintained in a state of being tilted in the direction of the arrow VV. Therefore, the gear portion 1081b of the drive transmission component 1081 is separated from the tooth surface 36a of the developing roller gear 36 by a gap L1. Therefore, during the entire process of installing the box B in the installation portion of the main component A of the device, the gear portion 1081b of the drive transmission component 1081 does not contact the tooth surface 36a of the developing roller gear 36.

[0692] On the other hand, Fig.94 As shown in the sub-figure (b), the control unit 1001a receives the reaction force FF4 of FF3 from the gear unit 1081b. Fig.93 The state of the sub-graphs (a) and (b) is Fig.94 In the process of the states of the sub-figures (a) and (b), the moment MM1 generated by the push force FF1 around AA in the direction of the arrow BB and the moment MM4 generated by the reaction force FF4 around AA in the direction of the arrow NN satisfy MM1 <MM4。因此,控制部件1001克服推压弹簧1002的推压力FF1沿箭头NN的方向旋转,并且被接触部分1001b与控制部件接触部分1073a分离。此时,控制部件1001处于非作用位置(退避位置)。如 Fig.94 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 1 , the limiting portion 1001a of the control component 1001 is retracted away from the axis of the photosensitive drum to allow the drive transmission component 1081 to tilt.

[0693] When the opening and closing door 13 is closed, the advancing and retreating member 1003 moves in the direction of the arrow KK in conjunction with the operation of the opening and closing door 13. Fig.95As shown in the sub-diagram (a) of FIG. 1006, the compression amount of the tilt spring 1006 is reduced, and thus the pushing force FF2 is reduced. As a result, the relationship between the moment MM2 generated by the pushing force FF2 around RR in the direction of arrow VV of the control component 1001 and the moment MM3 generated by the pushing force FF3 around RR in the direction of arrow WW satisfies MM2. <MM3。结果,驱动传递部件1081沿箭头WW方向旋转,并且接触部分1081e和凸部1005彼此分离。驱动传递部件1081的齿轮部分1081b和显影辊36的齿面36a在区域SS中彼此啮合。另一方面,如 Fig.95 As shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. 1001, the moment MM1 generated by the pushing force FF1 of the pushing spring 1002 around AA in the direction of arrow BB and the moment MM4 generated by the reaction force FF4 of the pushing force FF3 around AA in the direction of arrow NN satisfy MM1>MM4. Fig.94 The state of the sub-figure (b) rotates and moves in the direction of arrow BB until the contacted portion 1001b contacts the control member contact portion 1073a of the drum bearing 1073.

[0694] Fig.95 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.95 The control component 1001 shown in sub-figure (b) is located in the action position, and a force F33 is applied to the drive transmission component 1081 through the limiting portion 1001a of the control component 1001, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission component 1081 is reduced.

[0695] Here, when the drive transmission component 1081 is driven, as shown in FIG. Fig.96 As s...

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive transmission member, the cartridge including: A photosensitive drum; And A coupling member provided at an end of the photosensitive drum to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum from an output coupling portion provided on the drive transmission member, Wherein the coupling member has a portion that can move relative to the photosensitive drum, and the tilt angle of the drive transmission member is reduced by the movement of the portion of the coupling member.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is provided with an acting portion that applies a force to the drive transmission member to reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member can move between a retracted position retracting into the interior of the photosensitive drum and a protruding position protruding out of the photosensitive drum, and the coupling member is configured to apply a force to the drive transmission member so as to: (a) reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member and (b) engage with the drive transmission member.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the coupling member is provided with an inclined portion for pressing the drive transmission member, and when the inclined portion contacts the drive transmission member, the inclined portion is inclined to reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member.

5. The cartridge according to claim 3 or 4, further including an operating member configured to be operated to move the coupling member.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the operating member is configured to receive a pressing force from the opening / closing member by closing the opening / closing member provided on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

7. The cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, further including an electrical contact for electrically connecting to a main assembly side contact provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the operating member can move from (a) a first position for placing the coupling member in the retracted position to (b) a second position for placing the coupling member in the protruding position by receiving a pressing force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and the electrical contact is pressed against the main assembly side contact by the operating member receiving the pressing force.

8. The cartridge according to claim 7, further including a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, and the electrical contact is electrically connected to the developing roller.

9. The cartridge according to claim 7, further including a charging member for charging the photosensitive drum, and wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to the charging member.

10. The cartridge according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the operating member and the electrical contact are provided on one side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the operating member, the electrical contact, and the coupling member are provided on one side of the cartridge.

12. The cartridge according to claim 5 or 6 further comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact as electrical contacts, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact being capable of being electrically connected to a first main assembly side contact and a second main assembly side contact respectively, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are pushed towards the first main assembly side contact and the second main assembly side contact respectively by receiving a pushing force through the operating member.

13. The cartridge according to claim 12 further comprises a charging member for charging the photosensitive drum and a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are electrically connected to the charging member and the developing roller respectively.

14. The cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, a line segment connecting opposite ends of the operating member in the moving direction of the operating member intersects a line segment connecting the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

15. The cartridge according to any one of claims 5-14 further comprises an operating unit, the operating unit including the operating member and configured to move the coupling member as the operating member moves.

16. The cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the operating unit includes the operating member, a pushing portion for pushing the operating member towards a first position, and a cam mechanism for linking the operating member and the coupling member to each other.

17. The cartridge according to claim 15 or 16 further comprises an electrical contact configured to be electrically connected to a main assembly side contact provided in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum through at least a part of the operating unit.

18. The cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the coupling member is provided on one side of the cartridge, and the operating member and the electrical contact are provided on the other side of the cartridge opposite to the one side.

19. The cartridge according to claim 18, wherein the operating unit includes an extension member that extends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum to transmit the movement of the operating member to the coupling member.

20. The cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the extension member is provided inside the photosensitive drum.

21. The cartridge according to any one of claims 5-20, wherein, when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the operating member extends away from the photosensitive drum, and an end portion of the operating member protrudes from a frame of the cartridge.

22. The cartridge according to any one of claims 3-21 further comprises a flange member mounted to an end of the photosensitive drum, wherein the coupling member is movably connected to the flange member.

23. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member includes a plurality of input portions for receiving a driving force, and the coupling member is configured such that the free ends of the input portions are moved away from the axis of the coupling member by the movement of the input portions, and the coupling member: (a) applies a force to the drive transmission member to reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member, and (b) causes the input portions to engage with the output coupling portion.

24. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the free end of the input portion is changed by the movement of the input portion.

25. The cartridge according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising an operating member operable to move the input portions so that each of the free ends is moved away from the coupling member.

26. The cartridge according to claim 25, wherein the operating member is operated by the opening / closing member when the opening / closing member provided on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is closed.

27. The cartridge according to any one of claims 23-26, wherein the coupling member is movable between a retracted position where it retracts into the inside of the photosensitive drum and a protruding position where it protrudes to the outside of the photosensitive drum.

28. The cartridge according to any one of claims 23-27, wherein the coupling member is configured such that as the coupling member moves from the retracted position to the protruding position, the free ends of each of the input portions are moved away from the axis of the coupling member.

29. The cartridge according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising an operating member configured to be operated to move the coupling member between the retracted position and the protruding position.

30. The cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the operating member is configured to be operated such that: (a) the coupling member moves from the retracted position to the protruding position, and (b) the input portions move so that the free ends of the input portions are moved away from the axis of the coupling member.

31. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member includes a plurality of input portions for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum, and each of the input portions is movable relative to the photosensitive drum and is configured such that when the drive transmission member rotates, the input portions are sequentially engaged with the output coupling portion by the movement of each of the input portions, and the tilt angle of the drive transmission member is reduced by increasing the number of the input portions that have been engaged with the output coupling portion.

32. The cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the input portions are movable independently of each other.

33. The cartridge according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the coupling member is movable between a retracted position where it retracts into the inside of the photosensitive drum and a protruding position where it protrudes to the outside of the photosensitive drum.

34. The cartridge according to claim 33, further comprising an operating member configured to be operated to move the coupling member between the protruding position and the retracted position.

35. The cartridge according to claim 34, wherein when the opening / closing member provided on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is closed, the operating member is operated by the opening / closing member.

36. The cartridge according to any one of claims 33-35, wherein the coupling member is provided with a support portion supported in a plurality of input portions, and the input portions are movable relative to the support portion by the movement of the support portion to move the coupling member between a protruding position and a retracted position.

37. The cartridge according to claim 36, wherein the support portion is movable along the axis of the photosensitive drum.

38. The cartridge according to any one of claims 31-36, wherein the coupling member is provided with a plurality of pressing portions that press corresponding input portions.

39. The cartridge according to any one of claims 31-38, wherein when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the input portions are arranged to define a triangular shape.

40. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1-39, further comprising a developing roller for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum.

41. An image forming apparatus, comprising a main assembly and a cartridge according to any one of claims 1-40, the main assembly including a drive transmission member for transmitting a driving force to the cartridge.

Images