Imaging device and processing unit

Abstract

An image forming apparatus and a processing unit. The processing unit includes a photosensitive member unit including a photosensitive member and a drive receiving portion that receives a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member; a developing unit connected to the photosensitive member unit so as to be movable relative to the photosensitive member unit between a first position in which a developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive member and a second position in which the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive member; and a transmission member that transmits the driving force to the developing unit, wherein the developing unit has a driven member that is driven by the transmission member, and the transmission member is configured to engage with the driven member to drive the driven member when the developing unit is located at the first position, and to engage with the driven member to drive the driven member when the developing unit is located at the second position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus and a processing unit.

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-079964 discloses a configuration of an image forming apparatus in which a rotational force is transmitted from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus to a coupling member on a photosensitive drum, and the rotational force is transmitted to a unit including a developing roller via the developing roller. Japanese Patent No. 3789122 discloses a configuration in which a rotational force is transmitted from an apparatus main body to each of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154313 discloses a configuration in which a rotational force is transmitted from an apparatus main body to each of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, and a unit including the developing roller is movable so as to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. SUMMARY

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in the '964 publication, when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum (photosensitive member), a driving force for driving the photosensitive member is not transmitted to the unit including the developing roller. One object of the present application is to transmit the driving force for driving the photosensitive member to a developing unit including the developing roller in a case where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive member.

[0005] A processing unit according to the present application includes:

[0006] a photosensitive member unit including a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed, and a driving reception portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member;

[0007] a developing unit connected to the photosensitive member unit so as to be movable relative to the photosensitive member unit, and including a developing roller configured to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer, wherein the developing unit is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive member unit between a first position in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive member, and a second position in which the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive member; and

[0008] a transmission member configured to transmit the driving force received by the driving reception portion to the developing unit, wherein

[0009] the developing unit has a driven member configured to be driven by the transmission member, and

[0010] The transfer member is configured to engage with the driven member to drive the driven member with the developing unit positioned at the first position, and to engage with the driven member to drive the driven member with the developing unit positioned at the second position.

[0011] According to the present application, a driving force to drive a photosensitive member can be transferred to a developing unit including a developing roller with the developing roller separated from the photosensitive member.

[0012] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, taken together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1A is a side view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0014] Figure 1B is a side view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view of the drive side cover member according to the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view of the drive side cover member according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7A is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the developing drive member according to the first embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the developing drive member according to the first embodiment;

[0026] Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 10 is a side view of the process cartridge according to the modified example of the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the drive-side cover member according to the second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 12A is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the second embodiment;

[0031] Figure 12B is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the second embodiment;

[0032] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment; and

[0033] Figure 14A is a side view of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14B is a side view of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] With reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present application will now be described.

[0036] First Embodiment

[0037] With reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as image forming apparatus) and a process unit according to the present application will now be described in detail. The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper by an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a laser beam printer, an LED printer), a facsimile machine, and a word processor. The process unit includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum) serving as an image bearing member and a process device acting on the photosensitive drum. The process device can be a developer bearing member (hereinafter referred to as developing roller). In this embodiment, the process unit which is detachably attached to an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is referred to as a process cartridge. However, the present application is also applicable to a process unit which is not detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0038] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the mounting surface of the image forming apparatus is a horizontal plane, terms such as "above", "upper" and "upper portion" refer to upward in the direction of gravity, and terms such as "below", "lower" and "lower portion" refer to downward in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, terms describing geometry and relationships, such as straight line, circle, parallel and perpendicular, include shapes and relationships that deviate from shapes and relationships associated with these terms and mathematical precision due to manufacturing tolerances and the like. In addition, an XYZ coordinate system is defined in which the X direction is the conveyance direction of the recording medium in the image forming apparatus projected onto the horizontal plane, the Y direction is the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus, and the Z direction is the upward direction of the direction of gravity. As for the positive and negative directions, the +X direction is the direction from the rear to the front (the surface on which the operation portion and the paper tray are located) of the image forming apparatus, the +Y direction is the direction from left to right when the image forming apparatus is viewed from the front, and the +Z direction is the vertically upward direction.

[0039] Image forming apparatus

[0040] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1000 according to a first embodiment. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1000. The image forming apparatus 1000 includes an apparatus main body 1 and a toner pack 100 (toner container, toner cartridge) attachable to the apparatus main body 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus main body 1 without the toner pack 100 attached. The toner pack 100 is attached to Figure 3 the attachment portion 106 of the apparatus main body 1 shown, and contains toner for replenishing the apparatus main body 1. The toner pack 100 is moved along Figure 3 the attachment direction M shown so as to be attached. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge 20 placed in the apparatus main body 1.

[0041] Apparatus main body

[0042] The image forming apparatus 1000 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material P based on image information input from an external device. The recording material P can be various sheets of different materials, including paper such as regular paper and thick paper, plastic film such as overhead projector sheet, sheet of special shape such as envelope and index paper, and cloth.

[0043] The apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 1000 includes an image forming portion 10 for forming a toner image on a recording material P, a pick-up roller 65 for feeding the recording material P to the image forming portion 10, and a fixing portion 70 for fixing the toner image formed by the image forming portion 10 on the recording material P, and a pair of discharge rollers 80.

[0044] The image forming section 10 includes a scanner unit 11, a process cartridge 20, and a transfer roller 12 for transferring a toner image that is a developer image formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the process cartridge 20 to a recording material P.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 20 that is detachable from a device main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 1000 includes a drum unit 25 and a developing unit 30. The drum unit 25 is a photosensitive member unit having the photosensitive drum 21 that is a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed based on image information. The drum unit 25 includes the photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22, a pre-exposure section 23, and a brush unit 24. The developing unit 30 has a developing roller 31 that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner as a developer. Figure 4

[0046] The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrical photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 21 has a drum-shaped substrate made of aluminum and a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on the substrate. A motor drives and rotates the photosensitive drum 21 in a predetermined rotational direction (direction of arrow Q in FIG. 2) at a predetermined process speed. Figure 4

[0047] The charging roller 22 that is a charging member is in rotatable contact with the photosensitive drum 21 and forms a charging section. When a predetermined charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 by a high-voltage charging power source, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. The photosensitive drum 21 is negatively charged by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure section 23 eliminates the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before the photosensitive drum 21 reaches the charging section, to achieve stable discharge in the charging section. The brush unit 24 has a brush section 24a formed of a napped fabric and in contact with the photosensitive drum 21, to collect paper dust and the like generated by the recording material P.

[0048] The scanner unit 11 that is an exposure device scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by using a polygon mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 corresponding to the image information. The scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and can be an LED exposure device having an LED array including a plurality of LEDs arranged in a longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction, Y direction) of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0049] ​​The developing unit 30 includes a developing roller 31 that functions as a developer bearing member that bears a developer, a developing container 32 (developing frame) that functions as a frame of the developing unit 30, and a supply roller 33 that is capable of supplying the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing container 32 rotatably supports the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The developing roller 31 has a core bar 31a made of a metal material and a rubber portion 31b. The supply roller 33 has a core bar 33a made of a metal material and an elastic portion 33b. A developing blade 35 located at an opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is placed regulates the amount of toner borne by the developing roller 31.

[0050] The developing roller 31 is arranged at the opening of the developing container 32 in a manner facing the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 is in contact with the developing roller 31, and the supply roller 33 supplies toner that is a developer contained in the developing container 32 onto the surface of the developing roller 31. The supply roller 33 is not always necessary as long as toner can be properly supplied to the developing roller 31. As the developing roller 31 rotates, the toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through a portion facing the developing blade 35. The toner is thus shaped into a uniform thin layer, and also becomes negatively charged by triboelectric charging.

[0051] The developing unit 30 uses a contact developing method and a reverse developing method as a developing method. In the contact developing method, a toner layer borne on the developing roller 31 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 in a developing portion (developing area) in which the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other. A developing high-voltage power source applies a developing voltage to the developing roller 31. Under the developing voltage, the toner borne by the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 according to a potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing an electrostatic latent image into a toner image. In the reverse developing method, a toner image is formed by toner that has been charged in a charging process and then exposed in an exposure process to reduce the amount of charge, which adheres to a region of the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0052] The developer is a non-magnetic single-component developer that is a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method, has an average particle size of 6 pm, generally has a negative charging polarity, does not contain a magnetic component, and is borne by the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). A single-component developer containing a magnetic component can also be used. Furthermore, in addition to toner particles, a single-component developer can contain additives (such as wax or fine silica fine particles) to adjust the flowability and charging properties of the toner. Alternatively, a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, the developer bearing member can be a cylindrical developing sleeve having a magnet therein.

[0053] The developing container 32 has a toner accommodating chamber 36 for accommodating toner. A stirring member 34 (toner conveying member) is provided in the toner accommodating chamber 36. The stirring member 34 is rotatably supported in the toner accommodating chamber 36, stirs the toner in the developing container 32, and conveys the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The stirring member 34 also functions to circulate the toner that is not used for development and is removed from the developing roller 31 in the developing container 32, so that the toner in the developing container 32 becomes uniform. The stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotatable member. For example, a swinging stirring member can be used.

[0054] The developing container 32 also has a toner receiving portion 32a having an interior that communicates with the toner accommodating chamber 36.

[0055] An imaging operation of the device main body 1 will now be described. When an imaging command is input to the device main body 1, the imaging portion 10 starts an imaging process based on image information input from an external computer connected to the device main body 1. The scanner unit 11 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 has been charged by the charging roller 22, and the laser irradiation forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21. The developing roller 31 then develops this electrostatic latent image to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0056] In parallel with the above-described imaging process, the recording material P is fed out by the pickup roller 65 and conveyed toward a transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0057] The transfer high-voltage power supply applies a transfer voltage to the transfer roller 12, thereby transferring the toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 21 to the recording material P. When the recording material P on which the toner image is transferred passes through the fixing portion 70, the toner image is heated and pressed. This melts the toner particles and then hardens the toner particles, thereby fixing the toner image on the recording material P. After passing through the fixing portion 70, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the device main body 1 (outside of the device) by a pair of discharge rollers 80 that are a discharge device, and is loaded onto a discharge tray 81 that is a loading portion formed in an upper portion of the device main body 1. Toner that has not been transferred to the recording material P and thus remains on the photosensitive drum 21 is charged by the charging roller 22 and collected by the developing roller 31. The collected toner is reused to perform another imaging process. Compared to a configuration that collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 with a so-called cleaning blade or the like, the configuration described above that collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 with the developing roller 31 requires less force to rotate the photosensitive drum 21.

[0058] The device main body 1 includes a top cover 82 in an upper portion thereof, and the discharge tray 81 is formed on an upper surface of the top cover 82. AsFigure 2B and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8, the top cover 82 includes an opening and closing member 83 that is supported so as to be openable and closable about a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction (X direction). The discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82 has an opening portion 82a that opens upward. As shown in FIG. 9, an attachment portion 106 to which the toner cartridge 100 is attached is exposed from the opening portion 82a. The opening portion 82a allows access to the attached process cartridge 20 from the outside of the device main body 1. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8, the top cover 82 includes an opening and closing member 83 that is supported so as to be openable and closable about a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction (X direction). The discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82 has an opening portion 82a that opens upward. As shown in FIG. 9, an attachment portion 106 to which the toner cartridge 100 is attached is exposed from the opening portion 82a. The opening portion 82a allows access to the attached process cartridge 20 from the outside of the device main body 1.

[0059] The opening and closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the attachment portion 106 so that the toner cartridge 100 cannot be attached to the device main body 1 and an open position that exposes the attachment portion 106 so that the toner cartridge 100 can be attached to the device main body 1. The opening and closing member 83 is an opening and closing door that opens and closes the opening portion 82a. In the closed position, the opening and closing member 83 functions as a part of the discharge tray 81. The opening and closing member 83 and the opening portion 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81 when viewed from the front side of the device main body 1 (-X direction). The front side of the device main body 1 described herein is the surface on the upstream side of the device main body 1 in the direction in which the recording material P is fed out by the pickup roller 65 (-X direction). The user inserts a finger into a groove 82b formed in the top cover 82, grips the opening and closing member 83 with the finger, and moves the opening and closing member 83 to the left (counterclockwise when viewed from the front side) to open the opening and closing member 83.

[0060] The opening portion 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened so that the attachment portion 106 formed in the upper portion of the device main body 1 is exposed, and the user can access the attachment portion 106 by opening the opening and closing member 83. In the case where the developing unit 30 is attached to the device main body 1 and the toner cartridge 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106, the user can replenish toner from the toner cartridge 100 to the developing unit 30. This toner replenishment method is referred to as a direct replenishment method. When the toner cartridge 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 of the device main body 1, at least a part of the toner cartridge 100 is exposed to the outside of the device main body 1.

[0061] In the direct replenishment method, when the amount of toner remaining in the process cartridge 20 becomes low, the process cartridge 20 does not need to be removed from the device main body 1 or replaced with a new process cartridge. This improves usability. Furthermore, toner is replenished to the developing container 32 at a lower cost compared to a configuration in which the entire process cartridge 20 is replaced. Furthermore, the direct replenishment method is more cost effective than a configuration in which only the developing unit 30 of the process cartridge 20 is replaced because components such as various rollers and gears do not need to be replaced.

[0062] Drum unit configuration

[0063] ReferenceFigure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration of the drum unit 25 will now be described. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit 25. As shown in Figure 5 the drum unit 25 includes the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 22, a drum frame 26, a driving-side cover member 27, and a non-driving-side cover member 28.

[0064] A drum driving member (driving receiving portion) 29 located at one end (driving side, +Y direction end) of the photosensitive drum 21 in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y direction) receives a rotational force (driving force) from the device main body 1 and rotates the photosensitive drum 21. The drum driving member 29 is an input device for inputting a rotational driving force received from a power source such as a motor of the device main body 1 to the photosensitive drum 21. The drum driving member 29 has a coupling portion 29a and a gear portion 29b located around the coupling portion 29a.

[0065] The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably supported by the driving-side cover member 27 and the non-driving-side cover member 28 at opposite longitudinal ends of the drum unit 25. The driving-side cover member 27 has a support hole 27a, and the outer periphery of the coupling portion 29a of the drum driving member 29 fits in the support hole 27a. The driving-side cover member 27 thus supports the photosensitive drum 21. The non-driving-side cover member 28 has a columnar support portion 28a that fits in a hole (not shown) formed in the other end (non-driving side, -Y direction end) of the photosensitive drum 21 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 at the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 21. The non-driving-side cover member 28 thus supports the photosensitive drum 21. The driving-side cover member 27 and the non-driving-side cover member 28 are fixed to the drum frame 26, for example, with screws or an adhesive (not shown). The driving-side cover member 27, the non-driving-side cover member 28, and the drum frame 26 function as a frame that supports the photosensitive drum 21.

[0066] A coupler (not shown) that functions as a drum driving output portion of the device main body 1 engages with the coupling portion 29a of the drum driving member 29 so that the photosensitive drum 21 rotatably placed in the drum unit 25 receives a rotational force of a driving motor (not shown) of the device main body 1. This causes the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate in the direction of arrow Q (clockwise as viewed from the non-driving side). Figure 4

[0067] The charging roller 22 is supported by the drum frame 26 so as to be rotatably in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. The charging roller 22 has a charging roller gear 40 at one longitudinal end (driving side, +Y direction end), i.e., the side of the photosensitive drum 21 on which the drum driving member 29 is located. The charging roller gear 40 engages with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29, allowing the charging roller 22 to receive a rotational force of the driving motor (not shown) of the device main body 1 via the drum driving member 29 and thus rotate in the direction of arrow Q (clockwise as viewed from the non-driving side). Figure 4 ​the direction of the arrow R in the drawing (counterclockwise as viewed from the non-driving side) rotates.

[0068] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view of the driving-side cover member 27. As shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B , the driving-side cover member 27 has a cylindrical support portion 27b and a support hole 27c. The support portion 27b fits into the hole 41a of the transmission member 41 to rotatably support the transmission member 41. The transmission member 41 has a coupling portion 41c and a gear portion 41b, which transmits a rotational force to a developing drive member 45 supported by the developing unit 30.

[0069] Figure 6A and 6B The gear support member 42 shown in Figure 5 , when the driving-side cover member 27 is fixed to the drum frame 26, the gear portion 29b of the drum drive member 29 engages with the gear portion 43b of the idler gear 43, allowing the drum drive member 29 to transmit a rotational force to the idler gear 43. That is, the rotational force received by the drum drive member 29 from the apparatus main body 1 is transmitted to the transmission member 41 via the idler gear 43.

[0070] Developing unit configuration

[0071] Referring to Figure 4 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the configuration of the developing unit 30 will now be described. Figure 7A and Figure 7B are exploded perspective views of the developing unit 30. Figure 7A how the driving-side bearing 37 and the non-driving-side bearing 38 that support the developing roller 31 and the stirring member 34 are assembled. Figure 7B how a plurality of gears supported by the developing unit 30 and a developing cover member 46 are assembled.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4 , Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, the developing unit 30 includes, for example, a developing roller 31, a developing blade 35, and a developing container 32. The developing container 32 has a toner accommodating chamber 36 that stores toner to be supplied to the developing roller 31. The developing blade 35 is formed by welding or otherwise connecting an elastic member 35b, which is a metal sheet having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, to a support member 35a, which is a metal material having an L-shaped cross section. The developing blade 35 is fixed to the developing container 32 at both positions of one end (drive side, +Y-direction end) and the other end (non-drive side, -Y-direction end) in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y-direction) with screws or the like. The elastic member 35b of the developing blade 35 is in contact with the developing roller 31 under a predetermined pressure, thereby regulating the thickness of a toner layer on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 31. That is, when the developing roller 31 rotates, a frictional force is generated between the developing roller 31 and the developing blade 35, resulting in a rotational load being applied to the developing roller 31.

[0073] As shown, Figure 7A The core rod 31a of the developing roller 31 is fitted in a support hole 37b of a drive side bearing 37 and a support hole 38b of a non-drive side bearing 38 that are attached to opposite longitudinal ends of the developing container 32. The developing unit 30 thus rotatably supports the developing roller 31. Further, the core rod 33a of the supply roller 33 is fitted in a support hole 37c of the drive side bearing 37 and a support hole 38c of the non-drive side bearing 38, and the developing unit 30 thus rotatably supports the supply roller 33. Further, as shown, Figure 7B The developing roller gear 39 is placed at one end (drive side, +Y-direction end) of the developing roller 31 in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y-direction). A rotational force that causes the core rod 31a to rotate the developing roller 31 is input to this developing roller gear 39. The supply roller gear 44 is placed at one end (drive side, +Y-direction end) of the supply roller 33 in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y-direction). A rotational force that causes the core rod 33a to rotate the supply roller 33 is input to this supply roller gear 44.

[0074] Figure 8A And Figure 8B is a perspective view of the developing drive member 45. As shown, Figure 8A And Figure 8BAs shown, the developing unit 30 has a developing drive member (transmitted member, driven member) 45, which receives the rotational force transmitted from the transmitting member 41. The developing drive member 45 has a coupling portion 45d, which engages with the coupling portion 41c of the transmitting member 41 to transmit the rotational force. The developing drive member 45 also has a first gear portion 45a and a second gear portion 45b surrounding the coupling portion 45d. It also has a hole 45c located inside the first gear portion 45a and the second gear portion 45b. That is, the transmitting member 41 is configured to transmit the rotational force received by the drum driving member 29 to the developing drive member 45 of the developing unit 30. As described below, the developing drive member 45 is rotatable around the developing rotation axis N. The transmitting member 41 and the developing drive member 45 are arranged in the direction of the developing rotation axis N and face each other.

[0075] like Figure 7B As shown, the driving side bearing 37 has a columnar support portion 37a that fits into the hole 45c of the development drive member 45. The development cover member 46 has a hole 46a that fits into the outer periphery of the coupling portion 45d of the development drive member 45. In this way, the driving side bearing 37 and the development cover member 46 rotatably support the development drive member 45.

[0076] The first gear portion 45a of the development drive member 45 rotatably supported by the development unit 30 as described above is engaged with the development roller gear 39 and transmits the rotational force to the development roller gear 39. In addition, the second gear portion 45b of the development drive member 45 is engaged with the supply roller gear 44 and transmits the rotational force to the supply roller gear 44. That is, the rotational force received by the development drive member 45 from the transmission member 41 is transmitted to the development roller gear 39 and the supply roller gear 44, thereby causing the development roller 31 to rotate along the development roller gear 39. Figure 4 The feed roller 33 rotates in the direction of the arrow S and moves along the Figure 4 Rotate in the direction of arrow T.

[0077] The developing container 32 has a toner storage chamber 36, which is a storage portion for storing toner. The toner storage chamber 36 stores a stirring member 34, which rotates in the storage portion to stir the developer. The stirring member 34 has a sheet-like stirring elastic member 34a and a stirring shaft 34b, one end of which is fixed to the stirring shaft. Figure 7AAs shown, the support hole 34d is provided at one end (drive side, +Y direction end) of the stirring shaft 34b in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y direction), and the cylindrical support portion 34c is provided at the other end (non-drive side, -Y direction end). The support portion 34c engages with the arcuate portion 32b provided in the inner wall of the developing container 32, and the support hole 34d engages with the support portion 48a of the stirring gear 48, which has a quadrangular prism shape, from the outside of the developing container 32. Thus, the stirring member 34 placed in the toner accommodating chamber 36 is rotatably supported. As Figure 7A As shown, the lid 32c is fixed to the developing container 32 by ultrasonic welding, an adhesive, or the like, so that the developing container 32 forms the toner accommodating chamber 36. The toner receiving portion 32a placed on the lid 32c defines therein a toner path that communicates with the toner accommodating chamber 36. The toner pack 100 is placed on this toner receiving portion 32a to replenish the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developing unit 30 with toner.

[0078] The stirring gear 48 has a gear portion 48b. As Figure 7A As shown, the inner circumference of the gear portion 48b engages with the annular support portion 32d of the developing container 32, and is thus rotatably supported by the developing container 32. As Figure 7B As shown, the stirring idler gear 47 has a first gear portion 47a, a second gear portion 47b, and a hole 47c extending through the first gear portion 47a and the second gear portion 47b. The hole 47c engages with the cylindrical support portion 46b of the developing lid member 46 fixed to the developing container 32, and is thus rotatably supported. The first gear portion 47a of the stirring idler gear 47 placed on the developing container 32 engages with the second gear portion 45b of the developing drive member 45, and the second gear portion 47b engages with the gear portion 48b of the stirring gear 48. That is, the rotational force received by the developing drive member 45 is transmitted to the stirring gear 48 via the stirring idler gear 47, which rotates the stirring member 34 in the direction of the arrow U along the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y direction) of the developing container 32. Figure 4 As shown, the inner circumference of the gear portion 48b engages with the annular support portion 32d of the developing container 32, and is thus rotatably supported by the developing container 32. As

[0079] Combination of the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30

[0080] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B The configuration of the combination of the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 will now be described. Figure 9A and Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 20. Figure 9A shows how the drive side lid member 27 is attached, and Figure 9B shows how the non-drive side lid member 28 is attached. The center of rotation of the developing drive member 45 rotatably supported by the developing unit 30 is referred to as the developing rotation axis N.

[0081] As Figure 9A shown, the developing cover member 46 fixed to the developing unit 30 has a ring-shaped support portion 46c. The ring-shaped support portion 46c is coaxial with the hole 46a that supports the developing drive member 45, and the center of the ring-shaped support portion 46c coincides with the developing rotation axis N. Further, as Figure 9B shown, the non-drive side bearing 38 fixed to the developing container 32 has a columnar support portion 38d, the center of which coincides with the developing rotation axis N.

[0082] The developing unit 30 is connected to the drum unit 25 so as to be movable with respect to the drum unit 25. As Figure 9A shown, the ring-shaped support portion 46c is engaged with the developing support portion 27d of the drive side cover member 27. As Figure 9B shown, the support portion 38d is engaged with the developing support portion 28b of the non-drive side cover member 28, which has an elongated hole shape. Thus, the developing unit 30 rotatably supported by the drive side cover member 27 and the non-drive side cover member 28 is rotatable with respect to the drum unit 25 about the developing rotation axis N as a rotation center. The rotation center of the developing drive member 45 coincides with the rotation center of the developing unit 30 on the developing rotation axis N. In addition, the rotation centers of the developing drive member 45 and the transmission member 41 also coincide on the developing rotation axis N, and the coupling portion 41c of the transmission member 41 is engaged with the coupling portion 45d of the developing drive member 45, thereby allowing the rotational force to be transmitted from the transmission member 41 to the developing drive member 45.

[0083] Rotational force transmission path

[0084] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the rotational force transmission path of the process cartridge 20 will now be described in more detail. Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a side view of the process cartridge 20 placed in the device body 1, as seen from the side on which the drum drive member 29 is placed (drive side, +Y direction end) in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y direction) of the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 1A shows a state in which the developing unit 30 is located at a developing position (first position) in which the developing roller 31 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 1B shows a state in which the developing unit 30 is located at a retracted position (second position) in which the developing roller 31 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The drive side cover member 27, the non-drive side cover member 28, the drive side bearing 37, or the developing cover member 46 are not shown.

[0085] The developing unit 30 is rotatable with respect to the drum unit 25 about Figure 1A andFigure 1B The developing unit 30 is supported in a rotatable manner about a developing rotation axis N. In other words, the developing unit 30 is swingable about the developing rotation axis (axis) N with respect to the drum unit 25 so as to move between a developing position and a retracted position. As shown in FIG. 6, when the developing unit 30 is in the developing position, the developing roller 31 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21 and can develop a latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The retraction cam 51 is disposed in the device main body 1 below the toner receiving portion 32a. When the developing unit 30 is in the developing position, there is a gap H as shown in FIG. 6 between the retraction cam 51 and the bottom surface 32f of the toner receiving portion 32a. In addition, the developing roller gear 39 is separated from the drum drive member 29. Figure 1A Figure 1A

[0086] In a case where the developing unit 30 is located in the developing position, a rotational force input to the coupling portion 29a of the drum drive member 29 in the direction of the arrow Q in FIG. 6 (counterclockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction) causes the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate in the direction of the arrow Q in FIG. 6. The charge roller gear 40, which is engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum drive member 29, is disposed on the charge roller 22, which rotates in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. 6 (clockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction). In addition, the idler gear 43, which is engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum drive member 29, rotates, and the transmission member 41, which is engaged with the idler gear 43, rotates about the developing rotation axis N in the direction of the arrow K1 in FIG. 6 (counterclockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction). In addition, the coupling portion 41c of the transmission member 41, which is engaged with the coupling portion 45d of the developing drive member 45, transmits a rotational force to the coupling portion 45d, so that the developing drive member 45 rotates in the direction of the arrow K1 in FIG. 6 (counterclockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction). Figure 1A Figure 1A Figure 1A Figure 1A Figure 1A

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, the first gear portion 45a of the developing drive member 45, which is driven by the transmission member 41, is engaged with the developing roller gear 39 to cause the developing roller 31 to rotate in the direction of the arrow S in FIG. 6 (clockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction). In addition, the second gear portion 45b (not shown) is engaged with the supply roller gear 44 to cause the supply roller 33 (not shown) to rotate in the direction of the arrow T in FIG. 6 (clockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction). The second gear portion 45b (not shown) is also engaged with the stirring idler gear 47, which is engaged with the stirring gear 48, so that the stirring gear 48 and the stirring member 34 (not shown) rotate in the direction of the arrow U in FIG. 6 (counterclockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction). Figure 1A Figure 1A Figure 1A Figure 1A ​​​​​​​​​​the direction of the arrow U in the figure (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction) rotates. In this way, the developing driving member 45 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34, which are the rotating members of the developing unit 30. In other words, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34 rotate by the rotational force of the developing driving member 45 transmitted to the developing unit 30 by the transmission member 41. This eliminates the need for a configuration for directly transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 to the developing unit 30.

[0088] Therefore, the rotational load of the rotating members of the developing unit 30 is applied to the developing driving member 45, and the rotational load of the rotating members of the developing unit 30 is also applied to the transmission member 41, which rotates the developing driving member 45. Further, the rotational load of the rotating members of the developing unit 30 is also applied to the drum driving member 29, which rotates the transmission member 41 via the idler gear 43. Therefore, the rotational load caused by the rotating members of the developing unit 30 is applied to the drum driving member 29, allowing the drum driving member 29 to rotate in a stable manner compared to a configuration in which the drum driving member 29 rotates under a light load condition. This stabilizes the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the transmission member 41, the idler gear 43, the developing driving member 45, and the stirring idler gear 47 function as a transmission device for transmitting the rotational driving force input to the photosensitive drum 21 to at least one of the rotating members of the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34. The transmission device can be any configuration that transmits the rotational driving force input to the photosensitive drum 21 via the drum driving member 29 to the rotating members of the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34. Therefore, the load for rotating the rotating members is applied to the drum driving member 29, advantageously stabilizing the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21. In the first embodiment, the idler gear 43 and the transmission member 41 function as a first gear driven and rotated by the drum driving member 29. That is, the idler gear 43 and the transmission member 41 are driven and rotated in association with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21 (the rotation of the drum driving member 29). The developing driving member 45 and the stirring idler gear 47 function as a second gear rotatably supported by the developing unit 30 and driven and rotated by the first gear. The device for transmitting the rotational driving force input to the photosensitive drum 21 to the rotating members of the developing unit 30, such as the developing roller 31, is not limited to the above-described example and can be any configuration that allows the rotational load of the rotating members to be applied to the drum driving member 29. The first embodiment shows an exemplary configuration in which the transmission member 41 as the first gear is connected to the developing driving member 45 as the second gear via the couplers (41c, 45d), but the form of connection is not limited thereto as long as the rotational driving force can be transmitted.

[0090] The rotational force transmitted to the developing driving member 45 by the transmitting member 41 acts as an external force applied to the developing unit 30, causing the developing unit 30 to rotate along the Figure 1A The drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 rotate in the direction of arrow K1 (counterclockwise from the driving side along the -Y direction) about the development rotation axis N. Consequently, the developing roller 31 of the developing unit 30 receives a force acting counterclockwise about the development rotation axis N. Consequently, the developing roller 31 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 21, which is located counterclockwise downstream of the developing roller 31 about the development rotation axis N, causing the developing roller 31 to contact the photosensitive drum 21. In this manner, the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 are connected together so as to be relatively rotatable about an axis N parallel to the rotation axis of the development drive member 45, which serves as the second gear, between a first position in which the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 and a second position in which the developing roller 31 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 21. When the rotational drive force is transmitted by the transmission member 41 and the development drive member 45, which serve as the transmission means, the developing roller 31 is located upstream of the photosensitive drum 21 in the direction of rotation of the development drive member 45, which serves as the second gear. Therefore, when the rotational driving force is input to the drum driving member 29, a force that pushes the developing roller 31 toward the photosensitive drum 21 acts on the developing unit 30. This brings the developing roller 31 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

[0091] when Figure 2B When the opening and closing member 83 shown in FIG. 1 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the retraction cam 51 moves along the opening and closing member 83 together with the retraction cam 51. Figure 1A The retracting cam 51 moves in the direction of the arrow J (clockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). This causes the retracting cam 51 to contact the bottom surface 32f of the toner receiving portion 32a. Figure 1B Therefore, along Figure 1B The bottom surface 32f is pressed in the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 1 (the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 32f), and the developing unit 30 is moved along Figure 1B The developing unit 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow K2 (clockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction) about the developing rotation axis N, and moves to the retracted position. Figure 1B As shown, a gap V is formed between the developing roller 31 and the photosensitive drum 21, thereby separating the developing roller 31 from the photosensitive drum 21. The retraction cam 51 is an interlocking mechanism that moves the developing unit 30 relative to the drum unit 25 between a first position (developing position) and a second position (retracted position) in conjunction with the opening and closing of the shutter member 83. When the shutter member 83 opens the opening portion 82a, the retraction cam 51 moves the developing unit 30 to the second position. When the shutter member 83 closes the opening portion 82a, the developing unit 30 moves to the first position.

[0092] When the developing unit 30 is in the retracted position, the meshing relationship between the gear portions of the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 remains unchanged. The engagement between the transmission member 41 and the developing drive member 45 is maintained while the developing unit 30 moves between the developing position and the retracted position. That is, the developing unit 30 moves between the developing position and the retracted position with the transmission member 41 and the developing drive member 45 remaining engaged. When the developing unit 30 is in the retracted position, the coupling portion 41c of the transmission member 41 engages the coupling portion 45d of the developing drive member 45 in the same manner as when the developing unit 30 is in the developing position, thereby allowing the transmission member 41 to drive the developing drive member 45. In this way, the developing unit 30 is rotated in the same direction as when the developing unit 30 is in the developing position, and the developing roller 31 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 1B The rotational force input to the drum drive member 29 in the direction of arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the drive side in the -Y direction) is transmitted from the transmission member 41 to the developing drive member 45. The rotational force is then transmitted to the rotating members (the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34) disposed in the developing unit 30. That is, the transmission member 41 can transmit the rotational force to the developing unit 30 in the developing position and to the developing unit 30 in the separated position.

[0093] Therefore, even when the developing unit 30 is positioned in the retracted position and the developing roller 31 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21, the load of the rotating members of the developing unit 30 is applied to the drum drive member 29, thereby allowing the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate in a stable manner. The configuration also allows the rotational force to be transmitted to the rotating members of the developing unit 30 even when the developing roller 31 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21. In this way, the toner added to the toner containing chamber 36 from the toner receiving portion 32a is stirred by the stirring member 34 and is supplied to the supply roller 33 and the developing roller 31 without causing damage to the developing roller 31 that would otherwise occur due to friction with the photosensitive drum 21. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 can be in contact with the photosensitive drum 21 while the photosensitive drum 21 is rotating. In this case, the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21 causes the developing roller 31 to rotate, thereby allowing the developing roller 31 to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 while rotating.

[0094] The first embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the rotational force is input to the developing drive member 45 of the developing unit 30 via the transmission member 41 to rotate the developing unit 30 relative to the drum unit 25, thereby bringing the developing roller 31 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. However, the configuration for bringing the developing roller 31 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a spring is used to push the developing unit 30 toward the drum unit 25 to bring the developing roller 31 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 can be envisaged. This configuration is described below with reference to Figure 10 This configuration is described.

[0095] Figure 10is a side view of the process cartridge 20 placed in the device main body 1 as viewed from the side on which the non-driving side cover member 28 is placed along the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 21. The non-driving side cover member 28 of the drum unit 25 has a protruding spring hook portion 28c, and the non-driving side bearing 38 of the developing unit 30 has a protruding spring hook portion 38e. The developing pressure spring 50 is placed on the spring hook portions 28c and 38e such that force is applied in the direction of the arrow G (a direction in which the developing unit 30 is pushed clockwise around the developing rotation axis N) to the developing unit 30. The developing unit 30 receives the force in the direction of the arrow G and rotates around the developing rotation axis N in the direction of the arrow K1 (clockwise as viewed from the non-driving side in the +Y direction) such that the developing roller 31 of the developing unit 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 10 is a side view of the process cartridge 20 placed in the device main body 1 as viewed from the side on which the non-driving side cover member 28 is placed along the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 21. The non-driving side cover member 28 of the drum unit 25 has a protruding spring hook portion 28c, and the non-driving side bearing 38 of the developing unit 30 has a protruding spring hook portion 38e. The developing pressure spring 50 is placed on the spring hook portions 28c and 38e such that force is applied in the direction of the arrow G (a direction in which the developing unit 30 is pushed clockwise around the developing rotation axis N) to the developing unit 30. The developing unit 30 receives the force in the direction of the arrow G and rotates around the developing rotation axis N in the direction of the arrow K1 (clockwise as viewed from the non-driving side in the +Y direction) such that the developing roller 31 of the developing unit 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 10 is a side view of the process cartridge 20 placed in the device main body 1 as viewed from the side on which the non-driving side cover member 28 is placed along the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 21. The non-driving side cover member 28 of the drum unit 25 has a protruding spring hook portion 28c, and the non-driving side bearing 38 of the developing unit 30 has a protruding spring hook portion 38e. The developing pressure spring 50 is placed on the spring hook portions 28c and 38e such that force is applied in the direction of the arrow G (a direction in which the developing unit 30 is pushed clockwise around the developing rotation axis N) to the developing unit 30. The developing unit 30 receives the force in the direction of the arrow G and rotates around the developing rotation axis N in the direction of the arrow K1 (clockwise as viewed from the non-driving side in the +Y direction) such that the developing roller 31 of the developing unit 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Figure 10 is a side view of the process cartridge 20 placed in the device main body 1 as viewed from the side on which the non-driving side cover member 28 is placed along the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 21. The non-driving side cover member 28 of the drum unit 25 has a protruding spring hook portion 28c, and the non-driving side bearing 38 of the developing unit 30 has a protruding spring hook portion 38e. The developing pressure spring 50 is placed on the spring hook portions 28c and 38e such that force is applied in the direction of the arrow G (a direction in which the developing unit 30 is pushed clockwise around the developing rotation axis N) to the developing unit 30. The developing unit 30 receives the force in the direction of the arrow G and rotates around the developing rotation axis N in the direction of the arrow K1 (clockwise as viewed from the non-driving side in the +Y direction) such that the developing roller 31 of the developing unit 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

[0096] Second Embodiment

[0097] A process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present application will now be described. In the second embodiment, members having the same functions and configurations as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the driving side cover member 227. The driving side cover member 227 has a columnar support portion 227b. The support portion 227b fits in the hole 241a of the transmission member 241 to support the transmission member 241. The transmission member 241 rotatably supported by the support portion 227b includes a gear portion 241b that transmits a rotational force to the developing unit 30.

[0099] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 30 according to the second embodiment. The developing drive member (transmitted member, driven member) 245 includes a first gear portion 245a and a second gear portion 245b. As in the first embodiment, the first gear portion 245a is engaged with the developing roller gear 39, and the second gear portion 245b is engaged with the supply roller gear 44 and the stirring idler gear 47 to transmit a rotational force. The developing drive member 245 further includes a third gear portion 245e that is engaged with the gear portion 241b of the transmission member 241 and transmits a rotational force. The developing drive member 245 has a hole 245c that fits the support portion 37a of the driving side bearing 37 and the columnar support portion 246b of the developing cover member 246 such that the developing drive member 245 is rotatably supported.

[0100] refer to Figure 13 , the configuration of the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 combined will now be described. Figure 13 2 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 20 according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the rotation center of the rotatably supported developing drive member 245 is referred to as the developing rotation axis N. The developing cover member 246 fixed to the developing unit 30 has a columnar support portion 246c. The columnar support portion 246c is connected to the supporting developing drive member 245 and is Figure 12B The support portion 246b shown in FIG. 2 is coaxial with the support portion 246b, and the center of the columnar support portion 246c coincides with the development rotation axis N. The columnar support portion 246c engages with the development support portion 227d of the drive-side cover member 227, thereby supporting the development unit 30 so that it can rotate relative to the drum unit 25 about the development rotation axis N as the rotation center in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The rotation center of the development drive member 245 coincides with the rotation center of the development unit 30 on the development rotation axis N. As in the first embodiment, the support hole 227a of the drive-side cover member 227 fits the outer periphery of the coupling portion 29a of the drum drive member 29, and the drive-side cover member 227 supports the photosensitive drum 21 on which the drum drive member 29 is placed. The gear portion 29b of the drum drive member 29 meshes with the gear portion 241b of the transmission member 241, and the gear portion 241b of the transmission member 241 meshes with the third gear portion 245e of the development drive member 245. That is, the rotational force input to the drum driving member 29 is transmitted to the developing driving member 245 via the transmitting member 241 .

[0101] refer to Figure 14A and Figure 14B , the rotational force transmission path of the processing box 20 of the second embodiment will now be described in more detail. Figure 14A and Figure 14B It is a side view of the process cartridge 20 placed in the apparatus body 1 as viewed from the side (driving side, +Y direction end) where the drum driving member 29 is placed in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 (rotational axis direction, Y direction). Figure 14A A state is shown in which the developing unit 30 is located at a developing position where the developing roller 31 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21 . Figure 14B A state is shown in which the developing unit 30 is located at the retracted position in which the developing roller 31 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 21 . Figure 14A and Figure 14B The driving side cover member 227 , the non-driving side cover member 28 , the driving side bearing 37 , or the developing cover member 246 are not shown.

[0102] like Figure 14A As shown, when the developing unit 30 is located at the developing position, the rotational force is along Figure 14AThe direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction) is input to the coupling portion 29a of the drum driving member 29. This causes the photosensitive drum 21 on which the drum driving member 29 is placed to rotate in the direction of the arrow Q. Figure 14A The drum driving member 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). The charge roller gear 40 engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29 and the charge roller 22 on which the charge roller gear 40 is placed rotate in the direction of the arrow R. Figure 14A The drum driving member 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). The charge roller gear 40 engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29 and the charge roller 22 on which the charge roller gear 40 is placed rotate in the direction of the arrow R. Figure 14A The drum driving member 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). The charge roller gear 40 engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29 and the charge roller 22 on which the charge roller gear 40 is placed rotate in the direction of the arrow R.

[0103] As in the first embodiment, the first gear portion 245a of the developing driving member 245 driven by the transmission member 241 transmits a rotational force to the developing roller gear 39, causing the developing roller 31 to rotate in the direction of the arrow K1. Figure 14A The drum driving member 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). The charge roller gear 40 engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29 and the charge roller 22 on which the charge roller gear 40 is placed rotate in the direction of the arrow R. Figure 14A The drum driving member 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). The charge roller gear 40 engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29 and the charge roller 22 on which the charge roller gear 40 is placed rotate in the direction of the arrow R. Figure 14A The drum driving member 29 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). The charge roller gear 40 engaged with the gear portion 29b of the drum driving member 29 and the charge roller 22 on which the charge roller gear 40 is placed rotate in the direction of the arrow R.

[0104] Thus, as in the first embodiment, the rotational load of the rotating member of the developing unit 30 is applied to the developing driving member 245, and the rotational load of the rotating member of the developing unit 30 is also applied to the transmission member 241 that rotates the developing driving member 245. Further, the rotational load of the rotating member of the developing unit 30 is also applied to the drum driving member 29 that rotates the transmission member 241. Thus, the rotational load caused by the rotating member of the developing unit 30 is applied to the drum driving member 29, allowing the drum driving member 29 to rotate in a stable manner compared to the configuration in which the drum driving member 29 rotates under light load conditions. This stabilizes the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the transmission member 241, the development drive member 245, and the agitation idler gear 47 serve as a transmission device for transmitting the rotational driving force input to the photosensitive drum 21 via the drum drive member 29 to the development roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the agitation member 34. The transmission device can be any configuration of a rotating member that transmits the rotational driving force input to the photosensitive drum 21 via the drum drive member 29 to at least one of the development roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the agitation member 34. Therefore, the load for rotating the rotating member is applied to the drum drive member 29, advantageously stabilizing the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21. In the second embodiment, the transmission member 241 serves as a first gear driven and rotated by the drum drive member 29. In other words, the transmission member 241 is driven and rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21 (rotation of the drum drive member 29). Furthermore, the development drive member 245 and the agitation idler gear 47 serve as a second gear rotatably supported by the development unit 30 and driven and rotated by the first gear. The device for transmitting the rotational driving force input to the photosensitive drum 21 to the rotating member of the developing unit 30 (such as the developing roller 31 ) is not limited to the above examples and may be any configuration that allows the rotational load of the rotating member to be applied to the drum driving member 29 .

[0106] As in the first embodiment, the developing unit 30 receives Figure 14A The rotational force in the direction of the arrow K1 in FIG. 1 (counterclockwise from the driving side along the -Y direction) acts as an external force. This causes the developing unit 30 to rotate about the developing rotation axis N. Figure 14A , and the developing roller 31 is connected to the photosensitive drum 21. The developing roller 31 is rotated in the direction of the arrow K1 in FIG. (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the -Y direction). Therefore, a counterclockwise force acts around the developing rotation axis N. Therefore, the developing roller 31 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 21, which is located downstream of the developing roller 31 in the counterclockwise direction around the developing rotation axis N, so that the developing roller 31 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. In this way, the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 are connected together so as to be relatively rotatable around the axis N parallel to the rotation axis of the developing drive member 245 as the second gear and between a first position in which the developing roller 31 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21 and a second position in which the developing roller 31 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 21. When the rotational driving force is transmitted by the transmitting member 241 as the transmitting means and the developing drive member 245, the developing roller 31 is located upstream of the photosensitive drum 21 in the direction in which the developing drive member 245 as the second gear rotates. Therefore, when the rotational driving force is input to the drum driving member 29, a force that urges the developing roller 31 toward the photosensitive drum 21 acts on the developing unit 30. This brings the developing roller 31 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

[0107] Figure 14B The bottom surface 32f of the toner receiving portion 32a of the developing unit 30 is shown to be provided with aFigure 1A and Figure 1B The retraction cam 51 of the same configuration ( Figure 14B The retraction cam 51 causes the developing unit 30 to move along the developing rotation axis N. Figure 1B The developing unit 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow K2 in FIG. 1 (clockwise as viewed from the driving side in the −Y direction), thereby moving the developing unit 30 to the retracted position. At this time, a gap V is formed between the developing roller 31 and the photosensitive drum 21, separating the developing roller 31 from the photosensitive drum 21.

[0108] As in the first embodiment, when the developing unit 30 is in the retracted position, the meshing relationship between the gear portions of the drum unit 25 and the developing unit 30 remains unchanged. While the developing unit 30 moves between the developing position and the retracted position, the engagement between the transfer member 241 and the developing drive member 245 is maintained. That is, the developing unit 30 moves between the developing position and the retracted position with the transfer member 241 and the developing drive member 245 remaining engaged. When the developing unit 30 is in the retracted position, in the same manner as when the developing unit 30 is in the developing position, the gear portion 241b of the transfer member 241 engages (meshes) with the third gear portion 245e of the developing drive member 245, allowing the transfer member 241 to drive the developing drive member 245. In this way, in the same manner as when the developing unit 30 is in the developing position, Figure 14B The rotational force input to the drum drive member 29 in the direction of arrow Q (counterclockwise as viewed from the driving side in the −Y direction) is transmitted from the transmission member 241 to the development drive member 245. The rotational force is then transmitted to the rotating member placed in the development unit 30. That is, the transmission member 241 can transmit the rotational force to the development unit 30 in the development position and the development unit 30 in the separated position.

[0109] Therefore, even when the developing unit 30 is in the retracted position and the developing roller 31 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21, the load of the rotating components of the developing unit 30 is applied to the drum drive member 29, allowing the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate in a stable manner. This configuration also allows the rotational force to be transmitted to the rotating components of the developing unit 30 while the developing roller 31 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21. In this way, the toner added to the toner storage chamber 36 from the toner receiving portion 32a is stirred by the stirring member 34 and supplied to the supply roller 33 and the developing roller 31 without causing damage to the developing roller 31, which would otherwise occur due to friction with the photosensitive drum 21. Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment can omit the idler gear 43, resulting in a simpler configuration and improved assembly.

[0110] While the application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the application. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt to a particular situation and the appended claims set forth the scope of the application to include all such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A processing unit, comprising: a photosensitive member unit including a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed and a drive receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member; a developing unit connected to the photosensitive member unit so as to be movable relative to the photosensitive member unit, and including a developing roller configured to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer, wherein the developing unit is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive member unit between a first position in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive member and a second position in which the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive member; as well as a transmitting member configured to transmit the driving force received by the drive receiving portion to the developing unit, wherein The developing unit has a driven member configured to be driven by the transmitting member, and The transmitting member is configured to engage with the driven member to drive the driven member when the developing unit is located at the first position, and to engage with the driven member to drive the driven member when the developing unit is located at the second position.

2. The processing unit according to claim 1, wherein The developing unit is configured to swing about an axis to move between the first position and the second position, and The driven member is rotatable about the axis. The processing unit according to claim 2 , wherein the transfer member is rotatable around the axis.

4. A processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting member is a first gear, which is provided in the photosensitive member unit and is configured to be rotated by the drive receiving part, and the driven member is a second gear, which is provided in the developing unit and is configured to be rotated by the first gear. The processing unit according to claim 4 , wherein the first gear and the second gear are connected via a coupling.

6. A process unit according to claim 4, wherein in a case where the driving force is transmitted by the transmitting member, the developing roller is located upstream of the photosensitive member in a direction in which the second gear rotates.

7. The process unit according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5 and 6, wherein the developing roller is configured to be rotated by the driving force transmitted by the transmitting member.

8. The processing unit according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5 and 6, wherein The developing unit includes an accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer and an agitating member configured to rotate in the accommodating portion to agitate the developer, and The stirring member is configured to be rotated by the driving force transmitted by the transmitting member.

9. The processing unit according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5 and 6, wherein The developing unit rotatably supports a supply roller configured to supply developer to the developing roller, and The supply roller is configured to be rotated by the driving force transmitted by the transmission member.

10. An imaging device comprising: The processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as A device body that houses the processing unit.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the device body comprises: an opening portion, the opening portion being used to access the processing unit; an opening and closing door configured to open and close the opening portion; and an interlock mechanism configured to move the developing unit between the first position and the second position in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing door.

Images