Cartridge and image forming device

Abstract

A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a movable member, wherein the movable member can move relative to the photosensitive drum to control the inclination angle of a drive transmission member. The movable member can move between a first position for reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member relative to the photosensitive drum and a second position retreating from the first position. Thus, a drive connection can be smoothly performed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the invention name being “Box and Image Forming Device”, the international application date being December 12, 2018, the international application number being PCT / JP2018 / 046670, and the national application number being 201880079414.4. Technical Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0010] [Issues to be resolved]

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

[0012]

Methods used to solve the problem

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

[0014] [Effects of the present invention]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Fig.10 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state in which the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly is opened and before the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A.

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

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

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

[0029] Fig.14 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmitting member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A.

[0030] Fig.15 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmitting member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A, with the oblique view.

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

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

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

[0034] Fig.19 2 is a diagram illustrating an assembling method of a drum unit according to Embodiment 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0080] Fig.65 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly method of the drum unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0087] Fig.72 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 cross-sectional view of the main assembly and the box of the device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0116] exist Fig.101 In FIG. 1 , sub-figures (a) and (b) show the control components.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0139] Fig.124 It is an exploded perspective view of the connecting parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0140] <Example 1>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0149] Figure 2 The illustrated electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology, in which a cartridge B is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. When the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is arranged for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 as an image bearing member of the cartridge B. In addition, below the cartridge B, a sheet tray 4 for accommodating a recording material (hereinafter referred to as a sheet PA) as 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 of the apparatus, a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a conveying roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a conveying guide 8, a fixing device 9, a discharge roller pair 10, and a discharge tray 11 are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction D of the sheet PA. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0151] <Image Formation Process>

[0152] An 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 peripheral speed (process speed).

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

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

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

[0156] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer carrying member that carries the developer (toner T) on its surface for developing the latent image (electrostatic latent image) formed on the drum 62. In the present 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 the drum 62. A contact developing system may also be employed in which the latent image is developed when the developing roller 32 is in contact with the drum 62.

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

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

[0159] Furthermore, the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are rotatable members (rotating members) that can rotate while carrying the developer (toner) on the surface thereof.

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

[0161] The sheet PA on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 62 and fed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying guide 8. 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). A pressure / heat fixing process is performed in the nip portion to fix the toner image on the sheet PA. The sheet PA that has been subjected to the toner image fixing process is fed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

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

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

[0164] <Structure of the entire box>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0182] In this embodiment, the non-driving side pressing member 46L ( Figure 4 ) and the non-driving side pressing member 46R ( Figure 4 ) are compression springs. By the urging force of these springs, the developing unit 20 is pushed by the cleaning unit 60, and the developing roller 32 is reliably pressed toward 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 the opposite ends of the developing roller 32.

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

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

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

[0186] The coupling member 64 is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the coupling member 64 is movably supported by the 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 ( Fig.14 and 25 The drive transmission portion 64b is supported by the drive side flange member 75 and transmits the drive to the drive side flange member 75 at the same time.

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

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

[0190] The driving side flange 75 of the driving side flange unit 69 is fixed to the end portion ( Figure 8 ). Thus, the coupling member 64 is driven from the drive transmission member 81 ( 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, so the coupling member 64 can transmit the drive to the photosensitive drum 62.

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

[0192] That is, the drive side flange 75 is a drive transmission component (box side drive transmission component) for transmitting the drive from the coupling component 64 to the drum 62, the developing roller 32, the feeding component 43, etc. In the present embodiment, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling component 64 has a substantially triangular cross section and a protruding shape (convex portion). Specifically, a substantially triangular cross section twisted counterclockwise from the drive side to the non-drive side relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum as a photosensitive component is adopted. However, the driven transmission portion 64a is not limited to such a shape, and may be a coupling drive transmission component 81 ( Fig.25 ) and can receive any shape of driving force. In this embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the apparatus is provided with a substantially triangular recess (drive transmission portion 81a: see Fig.25 ), the recess can be engaged with the driven transmission part 64a. Therefore, the driven transmission part 64a has a protruding shape that engages with the recess. The protruding shape can be multiple instead of one, and the protruding shape is not limited to a triangle. In addition, the protruding shape has a distorted triangle shape, but the protruding shape is not necessarily distorted.

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

[0194] Therefore, next, we will refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9An operating unit (operating mechanism, advancing and retreating unit, advancing and retreating mechanism) capable of realizing such a longitudinal movement of the coupling member 64 will be described.

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

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

[0197] Fig. 9 is similar to Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing an operating unit according to the present embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0205] That is, the rod member 12 is functionally (indirectly and operatively) connected to the coupling member 64 through the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 so that the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 move in conjunction with each other.

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

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

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

[0209] Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state in which the process cartridge B is completely mounted to the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is not closed.

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

[0211] Fig.12 Component (b) of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, in which the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is fully closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0218] like 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 FIG. 2 (b), when the rod member 12 moves in the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 engaged with the rod member 12 starts to rotate in the M direction in the figure.

[0222] The inner cylindrical cam component 74 is adjacent to the outer cylindrical cam component 70. The inner cylindrical cam component 74 is configured to be non-rotatable and can only move in the axial direction. Through the rotation of the outer cylindrical cam component 70 in the M direction, the cylindrical cam portion 70b of the outer cylindrical cam component 70 and the cylindrical cam portion 74b of the inner cylindrical cam component 74 contact each other at their inclined surfaces. Then, the inner cylindrical cam component 74 begins to move toward the driving side (N direction) along the longitudinal direction by the pressing force of the first pressing spring component 59. When the inner cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the N direction, the coupling component 64 pressed by the first pressing spring component 59 is also allowed to move in the longitudinal direction. Through this movement of the coupling component 64, the coupling component 64 extends toward the driving side (i.e., the outside of the box B). Then, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling component 64 is in a relationship that can engage with the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission component of the main component of the device in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.14 When the door 13 is completely closed ( Fig.12 (b) of the sub-diagram), the phases of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam component 74 and the inner cylindrical cam component 70 are aligned with each other, as shown Fig.13 This structure enables the inner cylindrical cam component 74 and the coupling component 64 to be positioned at the position closest to the driving side by the pushing force of the first pressing component 59. In this embodiment, the position where the coupling component 64 extends toward the driving side is referred to as the second position (extended position, outer position, engagement position, drive transmission position).

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

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

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

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

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

[0228] In addition, as described above, the driven transmission portion of the coupling member 64 according to the present embodiment has a twisted triangular shape. Therefore, when the rod member 12 is operated to the second position, the triangular phases of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device and the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 may be misaligned with each other. At this time, in the process of the coupling member 64 moving to the second position on the driving side, the driven transmission portion 64a contacts the end face 81c of the drive transmission member 81 and stops there. In other words, the driven transmission portion 64a cannot engage with the drive transmission portion 81a, and therefore, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 interfere with each other, and the coupling member 64 cannot move to the second position. In this state, the first pressing member 59 is partially compressed.

[0229] Even in this case, the drive is input to the main component A of the device, and the drive transmission component 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 64a falls within a specific range. Then, the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 64a become able to engage with each other. At this time, the elastic deformation of the first pressing component 59 that has been compressed is partially released, so that the connecting component 64 can move to the second position. As described above, when the drive transmission component 81 and the connecting component 64 interfere with each other, the first pressing component 59 is compressed so that the influence of the interference is applied to the drive transmission component 81 and the connecting component 64. The first pressing component 59 is also a buffer component (buffer member, damper) for suppressing the influence of interference. When the processing box is pulled out to the outside by opening the main component door 13, during the opening process of the opening and closing door 13, the main component pressing component 1 is separated from the rod component 12. Thereafter, the rod component 12 is released by the second pressing component 14 ( Fig. 9 ) pushes from Fig.13The state of sub-figure (c) of the box begins to move in the E direction. As a result, the outer cylindrical cam component 70 rotates in the G direction, and the inner cylindrical cam component 74 and the connecting component 64 occupy the first position through the shapes 70b and 74b of the outer cylindrical cam portion and the inner cylindrical cam portion. That is, by moving the rod component 12 in the E direction, the connecting component 64 moves to the first position (retreat position). When the connecting component 64 is in the first position, the position of the rod component 12 can also be referred to as the first position. The first position of the rod component 12 is a position (normal position, non-action position) where no external force is applied to the rod component 12 from the outside of the box. In addition, the first position of the rod component 12 is a retreat holding position and a retreat position for maintaining and allowing the retreat state of the connecting component 64, as well as an installation allowing position and a removal allowing position where the box B can be installed to the main component A of the device and can be removed from the main component A of the device.

[0230] Fig.13 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.14 FIG. 1 (a) shows a state where the rod component 12 and the connecting component 64 are respectively in the first position. Fig.13 The sub-graph (c) and Fig.14 FIG. 5( c ) shows the state where the rod component 12 and the connecting component 64 are respectively in the second position. Fig.13 The sub-graph (b) and Fig.14 The sub-figure (b) shows the positions (intermediate positions) of the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 during the process of moving from the first position to the second position.

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

[0232] As described above, the lever member 12 is an operating member (moving member) that is operated and moved by a force from the outside of the cartridge (i.e., the apparatus main assembly A). Then, the movement of the lever 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 lever member 12 is operated to move the coupling member 64.

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

[0234] The first pressing member 59 is a pressing member that 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 lever member 12 to a predetermined position (first position / normal position).

[0235] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the contact surface 82a of the charging roller contact member 82 is oriented toward 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 (acting 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 which is electrically connected to the charging roller 66 to be supplied with a voltage from the main assembly by contacting a charging bias voltage applying contact member (main assembly side electrical contact) provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus.

[0237] That is, the contact surface (exposed surface, exposed portion) 82a of the charging roller contact member 82 contacts the charging roller with a predetermined charging contact pressure. Fig.28 The main assembly side contact member 101 is shown. Thus, a charging bias voltage is applied from the apparatus main assembly A to the charging roller through the charging roller contact member 82. Fig.28 1 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical contacts (contact members) of the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0245] In the present embodiment, the 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 box along the longitudinal direction (axial direction). That is, the rod member 12 and the electrical contacts 82 and 83 are arranged on one end side (one side) of the box along the longitudinal direction. The contact pressure received by each electrical contact 82 and 83 and the pressing force applied to the rod member 12 by the box pressing member 1 all act on the same end side of the box. Therefore, the box pressing member 1 is easy to resist the contact pressure by the pressing force of the rod member 12 to push and position the box B.

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

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

[0248] In the present embodiment, both 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 by using the pressing force of the lever member 12. However, it is not necessary to push all of the plurality of electrical contacts by using the pressing force of pressing the lever 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 lever, the electrical contacts can be pushed to the electrical contacts provided in the main assembly A by the pressing force received by the lever member 12.

[0249] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the apparatus main assembly A is provided with two box pressing members 1. One pressing member 1 presses the rod member 12 at the driving side of the box B, and the other pressing member 1 presses the frame of the box B at the other end side (the other side, the non-driving side) of the box B. As described above, the posture of the box B is stabilized by receiving forces at two points at both ends thereof, but the structure is not necessarily limited to such a structure, and the box B may be configured to receive forces at one point. That is, it is sufficient that at least the rod member 12 receives the 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 on a plane perpendicular to the drum axis. Fig.28As shown, when the rod member 12 is in the first position, the line segment L1 connecting both ends of the rod member 12 and the line segment L2 connecting the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a intersect on the above plane.

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

[0252] As a result, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B are firmly pressed against the positioning portions 15a and 15b (15c) of the apparatus main assembly by utilizing the force received by the lever member 12 against the contact pressure received from the plurality of electrical contacts. Fig.12 That is, the coupling member 64 and the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly can be stably engaged with each other.

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

[0254] The lever member 12 has a shape extending along the moving direction (K direction) of the lever member. Therefore, when the lever member 12 is pressed by the pressing member 1 of the apparatus main assembly A and moves in the K direction, the force of the pressing member 1 is smoothly transmitted to the cartridge B via the lever member 12. Therefore, by utilizing 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 integrated lever member 12 is used as the operating member, the operating member may be configured by connecting a plurality of members.

[0256] The contact members (electrical contacts) may be referred to as first contact members (first electrical contacts), second contact members (second electrical contacts), etc., respectively. In addition, in the present embodiment, the charging roller contact member 82 and the developing roller contact member 83 are connected to the charging roller 67 and the developing roller 30. That is, each of the electrical contacts 82 and 83 is connected to the processing members 67 and 30 acting on the photosensitive member, and is used to apply a voltage from the device main component A to each of these processing members 67 and 30. However, the electrical contacts (contact members) are not limited to those used to apply a voltage to such processing members. For example, in the case where a memory chip storing information about box B is provided in box B, an electrical contact (contact member) electrically connected to the memory is provided in box B. The electrical contact is used to enable the device main component A to read information from the memory or write new information to the memory by contacting the electrical contact of the device main component A. The present embodiment can be preferably applied to such electrical contacts for information communication.

[0257] As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning frame 73 is provided with a pressed portion 71e, which is pressed by the box pressing member 1 in the main assembly of the device. 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 box 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 may only contact the abutted portion 12a of the rod member, thereby applying a pressing force to the box B only through the rod member 12.

[0258] <Modifications>

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

[0260] Reference 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 Component (a) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view in a state where the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is closed. The driving force is input to the apparatus main assembly A, the drive transmission member 81 starts to rotate, and the phase of the drive transmission portion 81a and the phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 fall within a predetermined range. Fig.15 Part (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view just after the above operation. Fig.15 FIG. 5 (c) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 are completely engaged. Fig.15 Component figures (a), (b) and (c) show the process in which the coupling member 64 engages with the drive transmission member 81 while reducing the inclination angle when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position (extended position).

[0262] Fig.16 is a detailed view showing the Fig.15 The enlarged part surrounded by circle J in the sub-figure (a) of Fig.17 2 is a perspective view showing a chamfered portion 64 e provided on an end surface of the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 .

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

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

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

[0266] On the other hand, Fig.15 As shown in the sub-figure (a), due to , so the drive transmission member 81 is tilted 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 modified example, since the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the V direction in the figure, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 cannot be immediately engaged with the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81.

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

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

[0269] like Fig.16 As shown, the chamfered portion 64e is configured so that when the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the V direction ( Fig.15 In the sub-figure (a), a portion of the chamfered portion 64e is located radially inside the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Fig.16 In FIG. 8 , the position of the ridge line inside the chamfered portion 64e is indicated by L4, and the position of the edge (boundary line) of the recess serving as the drive transmission portion 81a is indicated by L5. 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 is inclined to descend to the left and downward. The left end of the chamfered portion 64e is the free end of the coupling member 64. In addition, the axis of the coupling member 64 and the axis of the photosensitive drum are located below the chamfered portion 64e. That is, the chamfered portion 64e is closer to the axis of the coupling member 64 located below as it approaches the free end of the coupling member located on the left.

[0275] The coupling member 64 is a movable member movably provided in the cartridge B to push the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the coupling member 64. Thus, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are aligned.

[0276] In addition, when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position, the phases of the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a may be significantly different from each other. In this case, the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a cannot engage with each other, and therefore, when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position, the coupling member 64 abuts against the drive transmission member 81 and stops temporarily. Even in this case, when the drive is subsequently input to the main component of the device, the phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 changes relative to the phase of the drive transmission portion 81a through the rotation of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the phase difference between the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a is reduced, and the triangular posture of the drive transmission portion 81a and the triangular posture of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 become closer to each other. As a result, the coupling member 64 enters a state in which it is able to engage with the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.15 Component (b)).

[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 tilted in the V direction in the direction of reducing the tilt angle (the W direction in the figure). That is, by making the chamfered portion 64e contact with the drive transmission member 81, the center position of the free end of the drive transmission member 81 can be closer to the center position of the free end of the coupling member 64. In this state, the coupling member 64 itself moves to the driving side to complete the engagement with the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.15 ’s sub-figure (c)).

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

[0279] In addition, even if the rotation axes of the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 are parallel and not coaxial before the engagement, the coupling member 64 can be engaged 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, likewise, in the case where the drive transmission member 81 is tilted, even if the axis of the drive transmission member 81 deviates in an arbitrary direction, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can be engaged with each other.

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

[0281] <Example 2>

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

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

[0284] First reference Fig.18 and 19 , the driving 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 a drum unit according to Embodiment 2. Fig.19 2 is a diagram illustrating an assembling method of a drum unit according to Embodiment 2.

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

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

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

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

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

[0291] Fig. 20 2 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the cleaning unit 260 including the operating unit according to the present embodiment.

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

[0293] Fig. 22 FIG. 2 (a) is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in a state where the box pressing member 1 has begun to abut against the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212 during closing of the opening and closing door 13 of the main assembly A of the apparatus along the direction H in the figure.

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

[0295] Fig.23 2 is a perspective view of the lever member 212, the outer cylindrical cam member 270, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 according to the present embodiment. Fig.23 FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view of a state before the box pressing member 1 comes into contact with the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212. FIG. Fig.23 FIG. (c) is a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed and a predetermined pressure of the cartridge pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 212a of the rod member 212 ( Fig. 22 Perspective view of component (b)). Fig.23 The sub-graph (b) is in Fig.23 The state of the sub-graph (a) and Fig.23 The state of the sub-graph (c) ( Fig. 22 The sub-picture (a) to Fig. 22 Perspective view of the state between the sub-picture (b)).

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

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

[0298] Next, a description will be given of the coupling member 264 moving back and forth by the movement of the lever member 212 and the movement of the lever member 212 caused by the box pressing member 1 provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus contacting and separating with the lever member 212.

[0299] First reference 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 is Fig.23 The connecting member 261 is pushed in the s direction as shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 1 , and its end face 261d abuts against the longitudinal control surface 274d of the inner cylindrical cam member 274. This determines the longitudinal position of the connecting member. As will be described below, this structure enables the longitudinal position of the inner cylindrical cam member 274 to be determined by the phase of the cylindrical cam portion of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 shown.

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

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

[0303] like Fig.23 As shown in the sub-figure (a), before the box pressing member 1 contacts the rod member 212, the rod member 212 is pressed by the second pressing member 214 ( Fig.21 )along Fig.21 and Fig.23 At this time, the cylindrical cam parts of the outer cylindrical cam component 270 and the inner cylindrical cam component 274 are constructed to have Fig.23 The phase shown in the sub-diagram (a) of FIG. 2 is such that the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is located closest to the non-driven side (S in the figure). To this end, the structure allows the coupling component 264, whose longitudinal position is determined by the connecting component 261 and the buffer component 255, to be located closest to the non-driven side. In other words, the operating unit including the connecting component 261 and the like allows the coupling component 264 to retreat to the non-driven side (S) by the pushing force of the first pressing component 259. Fig.19 ). Similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the position where the coupling member 264 retreats to the non-driving side in this way is referred to as the first position. The first pressing member (pressing member, elastic member) 259 that pushes the coupling member 264 toward the non-driving side can be regarded as a part of the operating unit.

[0304] like Fig.24 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 2, the structure is such that when the coupling member 264 is in the first position, the driven transmission portion 264a of the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 do not overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. That is, the process cartridge B can be smoothly mounted to and removed from the apparatus main assembly A without any interference between the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly.

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

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

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

[0308] In addition, this structure allows the opening and closing door 13 to be closed and fully closed ( Fig. 22 (b) of the sub-figure), the longitudinal end surfaces of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam component 270 and the inner cylindrical cam component 274 are in contact with each other, as shown Fig.23 As shown in the sub-figure (c) of FIG. At this time, the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is located at the position closest to the driving side. In other words, the coupling component 264 is also configured to be located at the position closest to the driving side through the connecting component 261. In this embodiment, the position where the coupling component 264 protrudes toward the driving side is also referred to as the second position.

[0309] like 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 member 212 corresponding to the first position and the second position of the coupling member 264 are referred to as the first position and the second position, respectively. That is, Fig.23 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.24 The sub-figure (a) shows the first position of the rod member 212 and the connecting member 264 respectively, and Fig.23 The sub-graph (c) and Fig.24 The sub-figure (c) shows the second positions of the rod component 212 and the connecting component 264 respectively. Fig.23 The sub-graph (b) and Fig.24 The sub-figure (b) of FIG. 2 shows the intermediate positions in the process of moving the rod member 212 and the connecting member 264 from the first position to the second position, respectively.

[0311] Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the driven transmission portion 264a of the coupling member 264 has a twisted triangular shape. Fig.25 ) and the drive transmission part 64 of the coupling member 264 are not aligned in phase, the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 64a are not fully engaged, so the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 interfere with each other. At this time, the coupling member 264 cannot be fully moved to the second position (protruding position).

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

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

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

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

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

[0317] In 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 modification of Embodiment 1, the coupling member 264 in this embodiment has a structure in which the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged even when the rotation axis of the coupling member 264 is tilted relative to the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 before engagement. That is, similar to the modification of Embodiment 1, as the coupling member 264 extends toward the drive transmission member 81, the coupling member 264 can reduce the tilt of the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.15 264). As a result, the drive transmission component 81 is aligned with the coupling component 264 so that they can engage with each other.

[0323] Furthermore, even when the rotation axes of the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 are parallel and non-coaxial as is the case before engagement, the coupling member 264 can be engaged with the drive transmission member 81 .

[0324] As described above, in the present embodiment, the rod member 212 (operating member) is arranged on the non-driving side opposite to the side having the coupling member 264. Compared with the driving side, the non-driving side of the box B is not provided with a drive transmission member such as a gear (or the number of members arranged on this side is small), so that it is easy to ensure the space for arranging the rod member 212. That is, by arranging the rod member 212 on the non-driving side of the box B, the design freedom in terms of the structure, shape and arrangement of the rod member 212 can be enhanced. In addition, since a part of the operating unit is arranged on the non-driving side, a part of the operating unit can be effectively used as a path for electrically grounding the drum 62. In addition, even if the rod member 212 is arranged on the non-driving side opposite to the side where the electric contacts 82 and 83 are arranged, the electric contacts 82 and 83 can also be pressed against the main component side electric contacts 102 and 103 by the pressure received by the rod member 212, but the degree of pressing is not as high as in Embodiment 1.

[0325] In the above-described 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 driving side end of the frame of the cartridge like the coupling member 64. That is, both the operating member 12 and the coupling member 64 are arranged near the drum bearing 73 (which is arranged on the driving side).

[0326] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the operating member 212 and the box member 264 are arranged on opposite sides of the box ( Fig.21 ). That is, the operating member 212 is arranged near the non-driving 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 component is arranged on the drive side or the non-drive side according to the functions, structures, conditions, etc. required for the box B and the main component A of the device. In each embodiment to be described below, it is also possible to appropriately select whether the operating component is arranged on the drive side or the non-drive side of the box.

[0328] <Example 3>

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

[0330] A structure will be described in which the coupling member (drive input member) is engaged with the inclined drive transmission member 581 by determining the position and posture of the coupling member (drive input member) to follow the axis of the inclined drive transmission member 581 (this will be described later). Fig.35 (described in ).

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

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

[0333] Fig.31 is a perspective view showing an Oldham coupling 549 used in this embodiment, Fig.31 The sub-figure (a) is a perspective view before assembly. Fig.31 Component (b) is a perspective view after assembly. Fig.32 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the driving side flange unit 569 .

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

[0335] like Fig.30 and Fig.31 As shown, the drive input component 564 of this embodiment includes a driven transmission portion (drive force receiving portion) 564a as described in the above embodiment. The drive input component 564 is a part of the coupling component (Oldham coupling 549), and the drive force is input to the drive input component 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-described embodiment. In addition, the drive input member 564 is provided with a guided rib 564b which is locked to the Oldham coupling 549 to be described below. Fig.31 As shown, the Oldham coupling 549 includes a drive input component (input disc, input component, input part) 564, an intermediate component (intermediate member, intermediate disc, intermediate part) 545, and a drive output component (output component, output disc, output part) 547.

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

[0338] The intermediate member 545 is locked to the output member 547 by engaging the guided rib 545b provided in the intermediate member with the guided groove 547a of the output member 547. Thus, the intermediate member 545 can be moved relative to the output member 547. 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 arranged 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 type coupling 549 including the drive input member 564 is configured to be pushed to a first position, i.e., a retracted position, in the longitudinal direction. 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 Example 2 are also mounted to the drum unit ( Fig.30 ).

[0345] As described above, the drive input member 564 is configured to be located relative to the output member 547. Fig.31 In addition, since the axis x3 of the output component 547 and the axis x4 of the drive side flange component are coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive component, the drive input component 564 in this embodiment can take any position in the x1 direction and the x2 direction relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive component.

[0346] Next, refer to Fig.33 and 34 , an assembling method for the drum unit according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.33 Component (a) of FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembling method of the drum unit.

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

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

[0349] like Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 5 , the drum unit of this embodiment is rotatably supported by a cleaning frame 571 through a drum bearing 573. In this embodiment, a coupling support member 552 and a coupling push member 553 are mounted to the drum bearing 573. Fig.33 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 5 , the coupling support member 552 is constructed so that the locked portion 552b of the coupling support member 552 is locked by the cutout portion 573a provided in the drum bearing 573. In addition, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the width d3 of the locked portion 552b of the coupling support member 552 and the cutout width d4 of the cutout portion 573a of the drum bearing 573 is d4>d3.

[0350] Thus, the axis of the coupling support member 552 is configured to be able to tilt relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member. A torsion coil spring is used as the coupling urging member 553 of this embodiment, and the torsion coil spring is held by the boss portions 573c and 573d of the drum bearing 573. One end of the torsion coil spring contacts the contacted portion 552d of the coupling support member 552, and the coupling support member 552 is configured to be in contact with the drum bearing 573. Fig.34 Push in the X5 direction in sub-figure (b).

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

[0352] Next, refer to Fig.34 , the inclination of the drive transmission component 581 will be described. Similar to the modification of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the drive transmission component 581 is also tiltable in this embodiment. That is, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, there is a gap (play) between the bearing portion supporting the drive transmission component 581 and the drive transmission component 581. The drive transmission component 581 can be tilted within the gap.

[0353] However, in this embodiment, the direction in which the drive transmission member 581 is tilted is different from the tilting direction in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. That is, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the drive transmission member is not yet connected to the cartridge B, the drive transmission member is tilted downward due to gravity ( Fig.15 However, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is inclined in a direction different from the gravity direction (vertically downward). Fig.34 As shown in FIG. 5( a ) of FIG. 5 , the drive transmission member 581 is inclined so that the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is directed to the downstream side in the mounting direction KH of the cartridge B. The reason for this will be described.

[0354] like Fig.34As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , the box can be installed to the main assembly of the device in a state slightly tilted relative to the main assembly of the device. At this time, a part of the box B slightly contacts the free end of the drive transmission component 581 and pushes it, and the possible result is that the drive transmission component 581 tilts toward the downstream side along the installation direction KH. If the posture and momentum when installing the box B are different, the contact state between the box B and the drive transmission component 581 will also be different, and the tilt direction and tilt distance of the drive transmission component 581 may be different. In this case, each time the box B is installed, the posture (inclination) of the drive transmission component 581 will change, and as a result, it may be difficult to make the drive transmission component 581 and the box B stably engage with each other.

[0355] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is tilted in advance to the downstream side of the installation direction KH. That is, no matter how the box B is installed, the drive transmission member 581 is always tilted in the same direction, thereby taking the same posture. Thus, the connection between the drive transmission member 581 and the box B remains stable every time.

[0356] In the state where cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is in a position relative to cartridge B. Fig.34 It is inclined in the direction of arrow x5 as shown in sub-figure (b).

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

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

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

[0360] Similar to Example 2, Fig.35 Component (a) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is closed. Fig.35Sub-figure (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken just after the driving force is input to the main component A of the device, the driving transmission component 581 starts to rotate, and the phase of the driving transmission part 581a and the phase of the driven transmission part 564a of the driving input component 564 are within a predetermined range. Fig.35 FIG. 5( c ) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 581 a of the drive transmission member 581 and the driven transmission portion 564 a of the drive input member 564 are completely engaged with each other.

[0361] Fig.36 yes Fig.35 A local detailed view of the y portion of the sub-figure (a).

[0362] The coupling member (Oldham coupling 549) of this embodiment has a structure capable of reciprocating movement similar to the coupling members of the first and second embodiments described above. The structure for moving the Oldham coupling 549 (drive input member 564, intermediate member 545, output member 547) in the longitudinal direction is the same as that in Embodiment 2. That is, the output member 547 moves in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member, similar to Fig.26 The coupling member 264 shown. By this movement of the output member 547, the entire coupling member (Oldham coupling 549) is in the extended position ( Fig.35 's sub-figure (c)) and the retreat position ( Fig.35 Move between the sub-images (a)).

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

[0364] More specifically, the drive input member 564 is pushed in the x5 direction so that, in a state where the opening and closing door 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus is closed, a portion of the chamfered portion 564e is located radially inside the drive transmission portion 581a of the drive transmission member 581. When the drive transmission member 581 is further rotated, the drive input member 564 moves to the second position in the longitudinal direction, and the engagement between the input member 564 of the Oldham coupling and the drive transmission member 581 is completed ( Fig.35 ’s sub-figure (c)).

[0365] As described above, in this embodiment, the axis of the drive input member (input member, input portion) 564 and the coupling support member (coupling bearing) 552 is configured to be tiltable 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 axis of the drive input member 564 and the coupling support member 552 is coaxial with the axis of the drive transmission member 581.

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

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

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

[0369] That is, the coupling member (cross slider coupling 549) has an input member 564 for inputting driving force from the main assembly of the device and an output member 547 for outputting driving force to the photosensitive drum. The axis of the output member 547 is substantially aligned with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and the input member 564 can move relative to the output member 547 in a direction intersecting with the axis of the output member (a direction perpendicular to each other). In other words, the axis (rotation center) of the input member 564 can be displaced (offset or separated) from the axis (L1) of the output member 547. Thus, 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. In other words, because the input member 654 is displaced in a direction intersecting with the axis L1, when the box B is installed in the main assembly of the device, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 and the input member 654 are close to 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 this embodiment, the direction in which the center of the input member 654 is displaced relative to the output member 547 and the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member is Fig.34The arrow X5 direction shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. The X5 direction is the direction in which the free end side of the drive transmission member 581 as described above is inclined. The X5 direction is the direction after the line X6 extending from the center of the photosensitive drum to the center of the developing roller rotates counterclockwise (i.e., rotates toward the downstream side of the photosensitive drum rotation direction) by an angle X5.

[0371] In the present embodiment, the angle at which the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is inclined in the direction X5 is 41 degrees. Therefore, the angle X7 of the displacement direction of the input member 654 is also 41 degrees. However, the 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., the range of ±30 degrees relative to the angle of the drive transmission member 581). In other words, the displacement direction of the input member 654 relative to the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member is in the range of greater than 11 degrees and less than 71 degrees relative to X6.

[0372] The input member 654 is held in a state of moving in the X5 direction by the coupling pressing member 553 (see Fig.33 Component (a) of FIG. 5 ). An elastic member (spring) is used as the coupling pressing member 553. Although the coupling pressing member 553 of the present embodiment is a torsion coil spring, it is not limited to this example and may have another structure.

[0373] In this embodiment, the axis of the input member 654 can be tilted relative to the axis (L1) of the output member 547 and the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member. The input member 654 is also tilted along the tilted drive transmission member 581 to stabilize the engagement state between the drive transmission member 581 and the input member 654. Fig.35 As shown in the sub-figures (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 65, the axis of the input member 654 is inclined to approach the axis of the drum toward the free end (i.e., the left side) of the Oldham coupling. Fig.35 In the sub-figures (a), (b) and (c), the axis of the input component 654 is inclined toward the upper left.

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

[0375] <Example 4>

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

[0377] In the modification of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, in the process of moving the coupling member 64 toward the drive transmission member 81, the inclined surface of the free end of the coupling member 64 contacts the drive transmission member 81. Thus, the coupling member 64 causes the drive transmission member 81 to tilt so that the coupling member 64 engages with the drive transmission member 81.

[0378] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member are engaged with each other by controlling the phase of the coupling member to a specific state according to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81. That is, the coupling member is maintained at a phase that is conducive to engagement with the inclined drive transmission member 81. The differences in structure and operation caused by the difference in the coupling engagement method will be described in detail.

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

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

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

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

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

[0384] Next, refer to Fig.38, the internal structure of the coupling unit U3 for receiving the rotational force from the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A will be described. Fig.38 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.38 The sub-figure (b) is an exploded perspective view of the connection unit U3. The outer side of the long side is LO, and the inner side of the long side is LI.

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

[0386] The coupling shaft 793 is arranged on the driving side flange 775. In the present embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is fixed to the driving side flange 775 using a fixing screw 788. In the present embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62. More specifically, the fixing screw 788 passes through the hole 775a of the driving side flange 775, is inserted into the hole 793a1 of the coupling shaft 793, and is fixed by the screw. The coupling shaft 793 has a free end 793b (longitudinal outer end) as a limiting portion in the longitudinal outward direction LO and an axis 793a in the longitudinal inward direction LI. In the longitudinal inward direction LI of the free end 793b, a coupling portion 793b1 is provided, which includes a plurality of recesses and protrusions and serves as a drive transmission portion. The end face 793b2 is arranged on the radial inner side of the coupling portion 793b1 (enlarged view as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig.43 shown).

[0387] In the present embodiment, the input member 764 has a driven transmission portion 764a which is a substantially triangular twisted prism at one end and a substantially triangular prism 764e at the other end. The input member 764 is provided with an engagement portion 764f as a driving force transmission portion at the center of the rotation axis L1, the engagement portion 764f including a through hole 764c and a plurality of concave and convex portions ( Fig.39 The sub-figure (a) is an enlarged view). The engaging portion 764f is adjacent to the driven transmission portion 764a in the inward radial direction and is adjacent to the through hole 764c in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The coupling shaft 793 is inserted into the through hole 764c of the input component 764. The third pressing component 787 is installed around the shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 and is arranged between the input component 764 and the end face 793b2 of the free end 793b serving as the limiting portion of the coupling shaft 793. The engaging portion 793b1 as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaged portion 764f as the driving force transmitting portion of the input component 764 are configured to be able to engage with and disengage from each other. As a result, the driving force is transmitted or interrupted between the input component 764 and the coupling shaft 793.

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

[0389] Here, the engaging portion 793b1 serves as a limiting portion, and the engaging portion 764f serves as a controlled portion. The coupling shaft 793 can control the movement of the input member 764 by contact between the limiting portion (engaging portion 793b1) and the controlled portion (engaging portion 764f). That is, the movement of the input member 764 in a direction away from the driving side flange 775 (or the drum 62) can be limited.

[0390] The outer cylindrical cam 770 is provided around the outer circumference of the input member 764. The outer cylindrical cam 770 has an end surface 770a on the outer side with respect to the longitudinal outward direction LO. The outer cylindrical cam 770 is provided with an end surface 770b on the inner side in the longitudinal inward direction LI, and the end surface 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 arranged at the center of the cylindrical portion 774a. The cam 774d protrudes from the outer end face 774b in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The hole 774c is arranged around the cylindrical portion 774a. The hole 774e is at least arranged in the outer end face 774b. The hole 774e can be passed through. The shaft 774f and the wall 774h are arranged to protrude from the inner end face 774g in the longitudinal inward direction LI. The hole 774i is arranged on the longitudinal inward direction LI side in the inner cylindrical cam 774. The shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 is in the hole 774i.

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

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

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

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

[0396] A first pressing spring 759 as an urging member is accommodated in a hole 775c of the driving side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 contacts an end surface 775d of the driving side flange 775 in the longitudinal inward direction LI and contacts an end surface 774g of the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0397] Fig.39 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling shaft 793, the third pressing member 787 as the pressing member, and the input member 764. This is for explaining the free end portion 793b as the restricting portion of the coupling shaft 793.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0407] Fig.41 Schematic diagram of the structure of the drum bearing 773 that accommodates the outer cylindrical cam 770.

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

[0409] Fig.42 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner cylindrical cam 774 and the drum bearing 773.

[0410] The inner cylindrical cam 774 includes a cam 774d, a hole 774e and an outer end face 774b. The drum bearing 773 includes a rib 773f, a hole 773g and an end face 773h. The rib 773f of the drum bearing 773 is accommodated in the hole 774e of the inner cylindrical cam 774. Thus, the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to be able to slide along the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62 while being prevented from rotating relative to the drum bearing 773. The cam 774d of the inner cylindrical cam 774 is accommodated in the hole 773g of the drum bearing 773. The outer end face 774b of the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to be able to contact with the end face 773h of the drum bearing 773.

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

[0412] Fig.43 Sub-figure (b) shows the state where the input component 764 is retracted in the longitudinal inward direction LI (the state where the input component 764 is located in the retracted position).

[0413] The coupling shaft 793 is held on the drive side flange 775 by means of 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 do not engage with each other. A third pressing member 787 as a pushing member is arranged between the coupling shaft 793 and the input member 764. The third pressing member 787 is used to relatively move the input member 764 in the longitudinal inward direction LI relative 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 arranged between the input member 764 and the driving side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 for pressing the inner cylindrical cam is arranged between the inner cylindrical cam 774 and the driving side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 is used to relatively move the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO relative to the driving side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 is provided inside the driving side flange 775. The outer cylindrical cam 770 regulates the movement of the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The limiting member 790 regulates the movement of the outer cylindrical cam 770 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The limiting member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773. The drum bearing 773 rotatably supports the driving side flange 775 and the outer cylindrical cam 770.

[0415] Fig.43 FIG. (b) shows a state in which the input component 764 is retreated in the longitudinal inward direction LI (a state in which the input component 764 is located in the retreat position). In this state, the inner cylindrical cam 774 receives the force in the longitudinal outward direction LO by the pushing force of the first pressing spring 759. Thus, the cam 774l of the inner cylindrical cam 774 contacts the end face 770g of the outer cylindrical cam 770. Thus, the outer cylindrical cam 770 receives the force in the longitudinal 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 longitudinal outward direction LO by the end face 790a of the limiting component 790. The third pressing component 787 pushes the input component 764 in the longitudinal inward direction LI so that the end face 764n (in the longitudinal inward direction LI) and the end face 774m of the inner cylindrical cam 774 abut against 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 at this time is located in a (driving force) non-transmitting position. Therefore, the input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793 act as a clutch.

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

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

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

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

[0420] Fig.44 Components (a) and (b) of 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.44FIG. 78 shows a state in which the input member 764 stops at a certain phase after image formation is completed. The arm 789b of the torsion spring 789 contacts the approximately triangular prism 764e of the input member 764. More specifically, the arm 789b contacts the vicinity of the vertex 764h of the prism 764e. Here, the torsion spring 789 is set so that the pushing force acts in the direction in which the arms 789b and 789c expand. Therefore, in Fig.44 In the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 1 , the pushing force of the torsion spring 789 received by the input component 764 through the arm 789b acts in a direction to rotate the input component 764 clockwise.

[0422] Actually, when the input member 764 is coupled (engaged) with the drive transmission member 81, the input member 764 does not rotate. However, when the user opens the opening and closing door 13 of the main assembly A of the apparatus ( Fig.12 In the sub-figure (a)), the input component 764 retreats in the longitudinal inward direction LI. That is, the input component 764 moves from the extended position (drive transmission position, protruding position: Fig.43 Figure (a)) moves to the retreat position (non-drive transmission position: Fig.43 764 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 as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaging portion 764f as the driving force transmission portion of the input member 764 are disengaged from each other. Then, the input member 764 becomes able to freely rotate relative to the coupling shaft 793.

[0423] Therefore, the input member 764 is rotated by the urging force of the torsion spring 789, and the phase changes from Fig.44 The phase change shown in the sub-graph (a) is Fig.44 The phase shown in the sub-figure (b). Fig.44 The phase of the input member 764 shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. 7 is the phase in which the arm 789b contacts the arcuate portion 764p of the input member 764. In this state, the rotational torque of the input member 764 received from the torsion spring 789 is balanced so that the input member 764 stops rotating. That is, the input member 764 is held in the position by the torsion spring 789. Fig.44 The torsion spring 789 is a phase determining component for determining the input component 764 at a predetermined phase.

[0424] The prism 764e of the input member 764 has a substantially triangular shape, which is substantially 120 degrees rotationally symmetrical (symmetrical). Therefore, when the input member 764 rotates one circle (360 degrees), the rotation is stopped by the torsion spring every 120 degrees. That is, assuming Fig.44The phase of the input member 764 shown in the sub-figure (b) is 0 degrees, then when the input member 764 is at the position 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 rotating) by the torsion spring 789 at any of the three different phases (0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees in this embodiment).

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

[0426] refer to Fig.45 , 38 and 44, which will be further described. Fig.45 764a is a view of the drive transmission unit viewed from the axial direction L0. In this embodiment, the three vertices 764h ( Fig.38 , 44 ) are arranged in substantially the same phase as the three vertices 764u of the substantially triangular driven transmission portion 764a. In this case, the direction facing each vertex 764u is substantially the same as the direction facing each vertex 764h.

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

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

[0429] Since the drive transmission member 81 is inclined, when the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A, the center of the driven transmission portion 764a of the input member 764 and the center of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 are misaligned. However, by the above-mentioned phase control, any one of the three triangle vertices 764u of the driven transmission portion 764a of the input member 764 is located in the AZ direction of the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.45 In other words, in the driven transmission portion 764a, the portion (apex 764u) that protrudes most radially from the center of the drum 62 is located in the AZ direction where the drive transmission member 81 is inclined. By keeping the input member 764 in such a phase, it is easy to engage the input member 764 and the drive transmission member 81 even if they are misaligned.

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

[0431] In the following we will refer to Fig.46 Sub-figures (a)-(f) of describe why phase control makes it easier for the input component 764 to engage with the tilted drive transmission component 81. Fig.46 The sub-figure (a), Fig.46 The sub-figure (b), Fig.46 The sub-figure (d), Fig.46 The sub-graph (e) and Fig.46 FIG. 5 (f) is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit as viewed from the axial direction LO. Fig.46 Figure (c) is a cross-sectional view observed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive transmission unit.

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

[0433] LA>LB(Formula A)

[0434] That is, in these triangular shapes (81a, 764a), the gap LA between the sides of the triangle (81a, 764a) is larger than the gap LB between the ends (the gap LA has a margin larger than the gap LB). In this case, Fig.46 As shown in the sub-figures (d), (e) and (f) of FIG. 1 , it is preferred that the vertex 764y of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) on the box side is inclined in the direction (the lower left AZ direction in the figure) in which the drive transmission component 81 is inclined. This corresponds to directing the side edge 764x of the convex portion 764a to the side opposite to the AZ direction in which the drive transmission component 81 is inclined. By doing so, the convex portion 764a of the input component 764 can smoothly engage with the concave portion 81a of the inclined drive transmission component 81.

[0435] like Fig.46 As shown in the sub-figure (d) of FIG. 1 , when the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are not engaged, their phases are not aligned. When the drive transmission component 81 in this state rotates clockwise from this state, the phases of the triangular shapes 81a and 764a are aligned, as shown in FIG. Fig.46As shown in the sub-figure (d) of . However, the drive transmission component 81 is inclined in the AZ direction, and therefore, the recess 81a is displaced in the inclined direction, and there is an area where the gap between the recess 81a and the protrusion 764a is narrowed. Nevertheless, in the present embodiment, the side of the recess 81a and the side of the protrusion 764a are located in the area where the gap is narrowed (i.e., on the side opposite to the direction in which the drive transmission component 81 is inclined). The gap between the side of the recess 81a and the side of the protrusion 764a is ensured to be relatively large (LA), as defined in Formula A and Fig.46 As shown in FIG. (a) of FIG. 81 . Therefore, even if the gap is shortened due to the inclination of the drive transmission component 81, the positional relationship required for the engagement between the operation drive transmission component and the input component can be ensured. Therefore, when the phases of the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are aligned, the convex portion 764a can enter the concave portion 81a ( Fig.38 In addition, the drive transmission member 81 continues to rotate, and the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a engage with each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.46 As shown in the sub-figure (d), the convex portion 764a receives the driving force from the concave portion 81a.

[0436] In short, even if the gap between the drive transmission component 81 and the input component 764 becomes smaller due to the inclination of the drive transmission component 81, the phase of the component 764 is set so that the gap between the drive transmission component 81 and the input component 764 is ensured to be greater than a certain level. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to directing the side of the triangle (convex portion 764a) of the input component 764 to the side opposite to the inclination direction AZ of the drive transmission component 81 (i.e., Fig.46 In other words, it corresponds to directing any one of the three vertices 764y of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) of the input member 764 toward the inclined direction AZ (lower left) of the drive transmission member 81. The three vertices of the convex portion 764a (three arcs 764y) correspond to the driving force receiving portion for receiving the driving force from the drive transmission member 81.

[0437] As (Formula A) and Fig.46 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , the reason why the gap LA between the sides is set to be larger than the gap LB between the vertices will be described below.

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

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

[0440] Here, when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, at a stage where the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are not fully engaged, a force may act in a direction to move the coupling member 764 away from the drive transmission member 81. That is, Fig.46 As shown in FIG. 8( c ), the input member 764 can contact the chamfer 81p of the recessed portion 81a, with the result that the input member 764 receives a force from the drive transmission member 81 in a direction that hinders engagement. The above-mentioned gap LA is set to be large so that such a force is not generated. If the gap LA is large, the above-mentioned force does not work when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, and therefore, the state in which the recessed portion 81a and the convex portion 764a can engage with each other can be maintained 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 easily engaged with each other. However, as long as the direction of the free end (arc portion 764y) of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) is within ±30° relative to the inclination direction of the drive transmission member 81, the effect of promoting engagement between the couplings can be enhanced.

[0442] As described above, the inclination direction (the direction of arrow AZ) of the drive transmission member 91 is a direction in which a line drawn from the center of the drum 62 to the center of the developing roller 32 is inclined 41 degrees toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62. In view of this, it is preferred that the apex of the convex portion (protrusion) 764 is within a range of 11 to 71 degrees inclined toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62 from a line passing through the center of the drum 62 and the center of the developing roller 32.

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

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

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

[0446] <Example 5>

[0447] Next, description will be given of Embodiment 5. The coupling member 664 shown in this embodiment includes an input member (drive receiving portion, drive input member, input unit) 610 that receives a driving force from outside the cartridge, a pressing member 620 (pressing member) that controls the posture of the input member 610, and an advancing and retreating member 630 that can advance and retreat in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

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

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

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

[0451] The cylindrical shape 611 of the input member 610 is engaged with the concave shape 641 of the support member 640a and is rotatably (swingably) supported. The input member 610 can change the inclination angle about the axis of the cylindrical shape 611. The cylindrical shape 612 of the input member 610 is engaged with and supported by one end 621 of the pushing member 620. The other end 622 of the pushing member 620 is engaged with and supported by the cylindrical shape 642 of the support member 640a.

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

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

[0454] The advancing and retreating member 630 includes an advancing and retreating member 630a and an advancing and retreating member 630b, wherein the advancing and retreating member 630a has an advancing and retreating contact portion 631 that can contact the input member 610 when advancing and retreating, and the advancing and retreating member 630b receives the advancing and retreating drive of the rod member 12. The two are joined together by welding or the like and have a bonding relationship with each other. As the advancing and 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 portion (drive receiving portion) 613 for engagement with the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A. The input member 610 receives the rotational drive through the free end portion 613 and transmits the rotational drive to the supporting member 640a supporting itself.

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

[0457] The support member 640b has a first rotation receiving portion 643 and can engage with the second rotation receiving portion 632 of the advance and retreat member 630b to transmit the rotation drive. That is, the advance and retreat member 630 and the support member 640 are configured to slide relative to each other in the drum axis direction LI and 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 driving side flange 75 so as to engage therewith to transmit the driving force.

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

[0460] Reference Fig.50 , the action of the connecting 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 a structure similar to Fig.14 The connecting part 664 is linked to the movement of the rod part 12 in the extending action steps (a)-(f).

[0462] Fig.50 The sub-figure (a) shows the state of the retracted position, in which the coupling member 664 is moved to the inside of the box to the greatest extent in conjunction with the movement of the rod member 12.

[0463] Fig.50 The sub-figure (d) shows the state in the extended position, in which the coupling member 664 is moved to the outside of the box to the greatest extent in conjunction with the movement of the rod member 12.

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

[0465] Fig.50 (e) and (f) show the state of moving from the extended position to the retracted position. Fig.50 In the figure, the order of state changes of the connecting component 664 in one reciprocating motion is shown in the sub-figure (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-mentioned state changes will be described.

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

[0468] When the operating lever 12 ( Fig.12), the advancing and retreating member 630 can slide along the drum axis L1 by rotating the cylindrical cam 74. The sliding of the advancing and retreating member 630 changes the position of the supporting member 640 in the L1 direction on the drum axis and the opening amount (radial movement amount) of the free end 613 of the input member 610.

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

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

[0471] [2] Next, we will describe Fig.50The state changes from (b) to (c) in the figure. The cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the direction H in the figure, and the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b receiving the spring force of the first pressing component 59 extend. As a result, when extending and retreating, the contact portion 631 contacts the input component 610 and presses it in the direction H in the figure. At this time, the stopper shape 698 and the support component 640a provided on the drum bearing component 73 contact each other, and the support component 640a does not extend further in the direction H in the figure. As a result, the input component 610 rotates due to the force of rotating in the R direction in the figure with the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis becoming greater than the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, and the inclination angle in the R direction in the figure changes. In other words, the free end 613 of the input component 610 begins to open radially outward at the second extended position. The radial direction is the radial direction (rotation radial direction) of the connecting component 664. That is, the free end of the input component 610 begins to move away from the axis of the connecting component 664.

[0472] [3] Next, we will describe Fig.50 The state changes from (c) to (d). Fig.50 In the state of the sub-figure (c), the advance and retreat components 630a, 630b are further extended, and the input component 610 changes the inclination angle in the R direction shown in the same manner as in [2], and reaches the extended position moved to the outside of the box to the maximum extent. Fig.50 In the state of the sub-figure (d), the free end 613 of the input component 610 is opened outward in the radial direction, so that the free end 613 of the input component 610 is engaged with the triangular recess (drive transmission part) 81a (drive transmission component 81) ( Fig.25 ). Thus, drive transmission is enabled, 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, we will describe Fig.50 When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, after the entire coupling member 664 is retracted, the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure. Fig.50 The sub-image (d) to Fig.50In the state change of the sub-diagram (e), the cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the G direction in the figure, the spring of the first pressing component 59 is compressed, and the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b retreat. At this time, when the spring force of the propulsion component 620 is applied to the contact point 631 as a pressing force in the L direction in the figure during the advance and retreat process, and the friction force between the input component 610 and the advance and retreat component 630 at the contact point 631 during the advance and retreat process is large, the overall coupling component 664 follows and retreats in the G direction in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 and the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a ( Fig.25 ) is released. Next, the Fig.50 The state changes from sub-figure (e) to (f) to (a). Similar to the above, the advance-retract component 630 retreats, and the entire connecting component 664 tends to retreat, but the support component 640b and the stopper shape 699 provided on the drum bearing component 73 abut against each other, and therefore, the support component 640b will not retreat further in the G direction in the figure. Thereafter, as the advance-retract component 630 retreats, the contact state between the input component 610 and the advance-retract component 630 changes, and the input component 610 rotates around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis by the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, so that the inclination angle changes in the direction shown in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 is closed inwardly in the radial direction. That is, the free end 613 of the drive transmission component 610 approaches the axis of the connecting component 664.

[0474] [5] will describe Fig.50 When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the advance and retreat component 630 retreats first, and the inclination angle of the input component 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure, and then the support component 640 retreats. Fig.50 The sub-image (d) to Fig.50 In the state change of the sub-figure (c), the cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the direction G in the figure, and the spring of the first pressing component 59 is compressed, so that the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b retreat. Then, the input component 610 rotates around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis by the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, and the inclination angle changes toward the direction L in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 and the triangular recess (drive transmission part) 81a ( Fig.25 ) is released. Fig.50 The sub-image (c) to Fig.50In the state change of the sub-diagram (b), as described above, the inclination angle of the input component 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure by the retreat of the advance and retreat component 630. Fig.50 The sub-image (b) to Fig.50 In the state change of the sub-figure (a), when the advance-retract component 630 retreats, the advance-retract component 630b and the support component 640b abut against the abutment portion 697, and thereafter, when the advance-retract component 630 retreats, the support component 640b also follows and retreats. As a result, the entire connecting component 664 retreats in the G direction in the figure and reaches the first retreat position.

[0475] The structure in which the entire coupling member 664 can move back and forth in the axial direction has been described. Fig.51 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.51 As shown in sub-figure (b), even in a structure in which the coupling member 664 as a whole does not move back and forth in the axial direction, the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be engaged with each other.

[0476] Fig.51 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.51 FIG. (b) of FIG. 6 shows such an example. As shown in these figures, the change in the tilt angle of the input component 610 ( Fig.51 Then, when the free end of the input component 610 moves outward in the radial direction, the protrusion amount ( Fig.51 The X in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. 8 is increased. The engagement width in the axial direction between the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be increased. Then, even if the entire coupling member 664 does not slide in the axial direction, the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged only by tilting the input member 610.

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

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

[0479] Next, refer to Fig.52 , the conditions for engaging the drive transmission portion (recess) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the free end portion (drive receiving portion) 613 of the input member 610 will be described. Fig.52 As shown, when the free ends 613 of the three input components 610 are maximally close to the rotation axis of the coupling component 664 through the push component 620, the circle 688 drawn around the rotation axis passing through the farthest points of the three ends 613 is closest to the rotation axis. The circle 688 is the circumscribed circle of the free ends 613. Next, a circle 686 is drawn around the rotation axis of the coupling component 664, and the circle 686 passes through the point closest to the rotation axis of the coupling component 664 in the recess (drive transmission part) 81a of the drive transmission component 81. The circle 686 is the inscribed circle of the drive transmission part 81a. Both the circle 688 and the circle 686 are perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0480] At this time, it is sufficient that the circle 688 formed by the free end portion 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 recessed portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664, the input member 610 enters the interior of the drive transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, by changing the inclination angle of the input member 610, the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be reliably engaged with each other.

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

[0482] For better understanding, Fig.53 The figure shows a state where the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 is greater than the actual inclination. Fig.53In FIG. 6 , a circle 687 is drawn with the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 as the center, passing through the point in the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 that is closest to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664. The 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 as long as the circle 687 formed by the recess (drive transmission part) 81a of the drive transmission component 81 is larger than the circle 688 formed by the free end 613 of the input component 610. That is, in this case, regardless of the phase combination formed by the recess (drive transmission part) 81a of the drive transmission component 81 and the input component 610 of the coupling component 664, the input component 610 of the coupling component 664 can enter the drive transmission part 81a. That is, after the coupling component 664 extends, the input component 610 is engaged with the drive transmission component 81 by changing the inclination angle of the input component 610. As the inclination angle of the input component 610 changes, the drive transmission component 81 becomes approximately coaxial with the coupling component 664 by reducing the inclination angle of the input component 610. The drive transmission component 81 is aligned with the coupling component 664.

[0484] In addition, depending on the phase combination of the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664, the change of the inclination angle of the input member 610 may be stopped halfway before the engagement of the drive transmission portion 81a and the input member 610 is completed. Fig.54 As shown, when the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes, the input member 610 temporarily stops until the minimum inner diameter portion (circle 686) of the drive transmitting portion 81a and the input member 610 contact each other.

[0485] At this time, even if the rod member 12 is operated to a position where the coupling member 664 is maintained in the extended position, the first pressing member 59 also acts as a damper so that the advance and retreat member 630 does not extend further. The first pressing member 59 maintains the compressive reaction force in the extension direction of the advance and retreat member 630. Therefore, the drive transmission member 81 is rotated by the drive of the main assembly of the device, and when the recess (drive transmission part) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664 are in phase, the advance and retreat member 630 extends, and the inclination angle of the input member 610 also changes. That is, the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes until the free end of the input member 610 is located at a position corresponding to the maximum inner diameter circle 685 of the recess (drive transmission part) 81a of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 is pushed by the input member 610, and the drive transmission member 81 rotates (sways) to reduce its inclination angle. The drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the input member 610, and the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be reliably engaged with each other.

[0486] The input member (drive input member) 610 of this embodiment has a 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 recessed 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 engage 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 components 610 including the same shape and three push components 620 using tension springs are arranged along the circumferential direction, the structure is not limited to this example. In addition, the shape of the advance and retreat component 630 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment. In addition, a structure as in Embodiment 2 may also be adopted in which an advance and retreat mechanism for advancing and retreating the coupling component is located on the non-driving side of the box.

[0488] <Example 6>

[0489] Next, Embodiment 6 will be described. The description of the same points as those of the above-described embodiments may be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to those described in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names as those of 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] Differences in structure and operation resulting from this distinction will be described in detail.

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

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

[0494] Fig.56 1 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of an operation unit of Embodiment 6.

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

[0496] Fig.58 It is a side view showing the operation of the connecting member of Example 6.

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

[0498] As in Embodiment 1, the drum bearing member 873 is supported by the cleaning unit 860. Fig.55 and 56 As shown, the coupling member 864 includes a plurality of convex portions 801, a convex portion supporting member (supporting 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) to which a driving force is input from the outside of the coupling member 864 (i.e., from a drive transmission member of the main assembly of the device).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0507] The plurality of protrusions 801 receiving the pressing force of the plurality of protrusion 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 regulating surface 802e abuts against the longitudinal regulating surface 874d of the inner cylindrical cam member 874. The inner cylindrical cam member 874 receiving the pressing force in the direction of arrow N abuts against the outer cylindrical cam member 870 and presses the outer cylindrical cam member 870 in the direction of arrow N.

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

[0509] Similar to the coupling member 64 of 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 this embodiment, if 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 the driving force is input to the main component A of the device, the drive transmission component 881 starts to rotate, and a portion of the protrusion 801 of the coupling component 864 starts to engage with a portion of the drive input coupling 881.

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

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

[0521] exist Fig.58 In the sub-figures (c), (d) and (e), as the multiple protrusions 801 of the connecting member 864 are sequentially engaged with the drive transfer member 881, the engagement operation is completed and the inclination angle of the drive transfer member 881 is reduced.

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

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

[0524] according to relationship, such as Fig.58 As shown in the sub-diagram (a) of , the drive transmission component 881 is inclined in the V direction due to its own weight.

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

[0526] In this modification, 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 portion 881a by the pressing force of the convex pressing member 803, and a part thereof abuts against the end surface 881c ( Fig.57 The sub-figure (b) of Fig.58 Component (b)).

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

[0528] When the drive transmission component 881 is located Fig.58 The sub-graph (b) and Fig.59 When the convex portion 801 is in the position shown in the sub-figure (b), the convex portions 801B, 801C and 801E in the convex portion 801 abut against the drive transmission portion 881a, and 801A, 801D and 801F abut against the end surface 881C.

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

[0530] In addition, if Fig.58 The sub-graph (d) and Fig.59As shown in the sub-figure (d) of FIG. 8 , the drive transmission component 881 rotates in the direction of the arrow R and moves in the direction of the arrow HB at the same time, so that all the protrusions 801 abut against the drive transmission part.

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

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

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

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

[0535] Since each of the 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. In other words, the number of convex portions 801 engaged with the drive transmission member 881 gradually increases. As a result, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 881 gradually decreases, and the engagement (connection, linking) between the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 is finally completed. In this state, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 881 relative to the photosensitive drum can be set to a value close to 0 degrees. In other words, the drive transmission member 881 can be aligned with the photosensitive drum.

[0536] Furthermore, when cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the support member 802 is in Fig.58 Then, the convex portion 801 retreats to Fig.58 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.59 The position is shown in the sub-figure (a), and the engagement with the drive transmission component 881 is released.

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

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

[0539] In addition, as described above, in order for the protrusion 801 to perform the function of centering the drive transfer component 881, the following relationship may preferably be satisfied. That is, preferably, when the drive transfer component 881 and the connecting component 864 are coaxially arranged, at least three of the multiple protrusions 801 are arranged at positions where they can engage with the drive transfer component 881 at the same time. If the multiple protrusions 801 include protrusions other than the engaging protrusions that engage with the rotational trajectory of the surfaces 881d, 881e and 881f of the drive transfer component 881, it may be difficult to obtain the centering effect if the drive transfer component 881 first engages with the protrusions other than the engaging protrusions. In the present embodiment, the multiple (six) protrusions 801 of the connecting component 864 are arranged to form a roughly triangular shape ( Fig.59 In this case, due to the recessed portion 81a ( Fig.59 The sub-figure (a) of FIG. 8 is roughly triangular, so six convex parts 801 are arranged accordingly. By arranging the plurality of convex parts 801 to correspond to the shape of the concave part of the drive transmission component 881, the number of convex parts 801 engaged with the concave part 81a increases as the drive transmission component 881 rotates ( Fig.59 As a result, the tilt of the drive transmission component 881 is reduced, as shown in FIG. Fig.58 As shown in the sub-figures (a)-(e), the connection between the drive transmission component 881 and the connecting component 864 can be realized.

[0540] <Example 7>

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

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

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

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

[0545] refer to 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 this 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] like 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, if Fig.61 As shown, the pin receiving member 303 is provided with a pin receiving portion 303a, a drive transmission portion 303b, a cylindrical receiving portion 303c, a hole portion 303d, a groove portion 303e, a spring seat surface 303f and a longitudinal restriction surface 303h. At this time, the three pin receiving portions 303a are arranged at equal intervals along the cylindrical receiving portion 303c.

[0552] like Fig.62 and 63 As shown, the drive input unit 300 in this embodiment includes an alignment member 301, a pin 302, and a pin receiving member 303. The cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 is inserted into and engaged with the cylindrical receiving portion 303c of the pin receiving member 303. 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 fixing, 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 connection member 304 (which will be described later), the longitudinal regulation surface 301d of the alignment member 301 and the flange portion 302a of the pin 302 contact each other, and the alignment member 301 is restricted in the longitudinal direction. Fig.62 As shown, a pin is provided in each of the three cutout portions of the alignment member 301 .

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

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

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

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

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

[0558] As in Embodiment 1, the driving side flange unit 269 is fixed to the driving side end portion of the photosensitive drum 62 by means such as press fitting or clamping. Fig.65As shown, the drive input unit connecting component 304 (the buffer component 255 therein is supported by the buffer component supporting portion 304b) is inserted into the drum from the non-driving side end 62b. At this time, the buffer component 255 supported by the drive input unit connecting component 304 contacts the spring seat surface 303f of the pin receiving component 303, and the alignment component supporting portion 304a engages with the connecting component receiving portion 301e of the alignment component 301. Here, the alignment component supporting portion 304a of the drive input unit connecting component 304 and the connecting component receiving portion 301e of the alignment component 301 are firmly fixed by means of press fit, screw connection, bonding, etc. Then, under the state where the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is assembled to the inner peripheral portion 254b, the non-driving side flange component 254 is fixed to the non-driving side drum end 62b by the clamping method in Example 1, for example. At this time, the drive input unit connecting component 304 is rotatably supported on the connecting component supporting portion 274b of the inner cylindrical cam component 274 by the supported portion 304d. The structure of the drum unit of Embodiment 7 is as described above.

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

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

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

[0562] Fig.66 1 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 an operation unit according to the present embodiment.

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

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

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

[0567] In addition, if Fig.64 As shown, when the cartridge is not mounted to the main assembly A of the device, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is arranged to resist the elastic force of the first pressing member 259 to cause the pin receiving member 303 to retreat into the drum. That is, in a state where the door 13 of the main assembly is released or before the cartridge pressing member 1 abuts against the rod member 12, the pin receiving member 303 is configured to be located at a position closest to the non-driving side. The position where the pin receiving member 303 retreats to the non-driving side is referred to as the pin receiving member retreat position. Fig.64 As shown, when the pin receiving member 303 is in the pin receiving member retreat position, the pin 302 and the drive transmission part 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the device are configured not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. That is, when the alignment member 301 is also in the alignment member retreat position, the processing box B can be smoothly installed and removed without causing interference between the pin 302 and the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device. In addition, as will be described in detail below, when the opening and closing door 13 is fully closed, the box pressing member 1 contacts the rod member 12 of the driving side operating unit. Then, the 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 this 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 retreat position and the extended position along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 as a photosensitive member.

[0568] Reference 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 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus as seen from the non-driving side of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge pressing member 1 approaches the lever member 12 and the lever member 212 during closing of the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A in the direction H in the figure. In the figure, the lever member 12 on the driving side is indicated by a dotted line.

[0570] The two cartridge pressing members 1 are arranged so 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. Fig.68 As shown, in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 in the direction H in the figure, the arrangement makes the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212 contact the box pressing member 1 before the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 contacts the box pressing member 1. Therefore, in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13, the non-driven side operating unit is operated before the driving side operating unit is operated. Therefore, as will be described below, before the pin receiving member 303 is extended / retracted by the driving side operating unit, the extension / retraction of the alignment member 301 is first performed by the non-driven side operating unit.

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

[0573] here, Fig.69 Component (a) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus main component A and the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main component A and the opening and closing door 13 is fully opened. Fig.69 FIG. 2( b ) is a longitudinal sectional view when the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operating unit begins to be pressed by the box pressing member 1 in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 after the box is inserted into the main assembly A of the apparatus. Fig.69 FIG. 5 (c) is a longitudinal sectional view when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the rod member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the alignment member 301 reaches the alignment member extending position.

[0574] Fig.69 FIG. 5 (d) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300 are completely engaged. Fig.69 FIG. (d) shows a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed, the lever member 12 of the drive side operation 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] exist Fig.69 In the sub-figures (a), (b), (c) and (d), as the alignment member 301 of the drive input unit 300 moves toward the alignment member extended position, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 decreases. However, the process of engaging the drive transmission member 81 is shown.

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

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

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

[0579] At this time, if Fig.70 As shown, the inclined surface 301a of the alignment member 301 contacts the ridge 81d of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Then, the alignment member 301 moves toward the driving side, while displacing the drive transmission member 81. Here, by applying a sufficiently large pressure to the buffer member 255, the alignment member 301 can resist the torque acting in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted due to its own weight and move to the driving side. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.69 As shown in the sub-figure (b), the alignment component 301 rotates the drive transfer component 81 in the W direction, that is, moves toward the driving side, while reducing the inclination angle of the drive transfer component 81. Then, after the inclined surface 301a passes through the ridge line 81d of the drive transfer component 81, the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment component 301 and the ridge line of the drive transfer portion 81a immediately abut against each other. Here, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transfer component 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300 are aligned with each other through the engagement of the cylindrical portion 301b and the drive transfer portion 81a. Thereafter, as Fig.69 As shown in the sub-figure (c), the alignment component 301 is not moved to the driving side until the end surface 301f of the alignment component 301 contacts the drive transmission component 81, that is, it is moved to the alignment component extended position.

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

[0581] At this time, if Fig.71 As shown, if the phase of the drive transmission part 81a matches the phase of the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300, the pin 302 engages with the drive transmission part 81a at this time point. However, in the case of other phases, the pin 302 and the pin receiving part 303 are not moved to the driving side until the pin 302 contacts the end surface 81c of the drive transmission part 81. However, even in this case, when the drive is input to the main assembly of the device, the drive transmission part 81 rotates, and the phase difference of the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300 relative to 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 part 81a by the pushing force of the first pressing part 59.

[0582] Thus, the pin 302 can receive the driving force from the drive transmission part 81a. The pin 302 is an input component (drive input component) to which the driving force is input. When driven, the pin 302 and the pin receiving component 303 are rotated by the driving force from the drive transmission part 81, and at this time, the alignment component 301 is rotated by receiving the driving force from the flange part 302a of the pin 302 to the cutout part 301c. At this time, the drive input unit connecting component 304 also rotates integrally with the alignment component 301 while sliding on the connecting component supporting part 274b of the inner cylindrical cam component 274.

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

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

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

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

[0587] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the movable member (alignment member) 301 arranged near the input member (pin 302) of the coupling member moves from the retracted position (non-acting position) toward the drive transmission member 81, that is, moves to the extended position (acting position). This corresponds to Fig.69 When the alignment member 301 moves in this way, the alignment member 301 pushes the drive transmission member 81, thereby reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the drive input member (302) and the drive transmission member 81 enter an engageable state. This is exactly Fig.69 The state shown in sub-figure (c).

[0588] That is, after the alignment member 301 moves from the retracted position to the extended position to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81, the coupling member (the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303) moves from the retracted position to the extended position ( Fig.69 d). Thus, the coupling member is engaged 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] As in the modification of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, in the case where 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 that directly receives the driving force of the drive transmission member 81 is the pin 302, and the alignment member 301 aligns the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 with the rotation axis of the drum, and therefore, it is not necessary to provide chamfers 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] <Variation of Embodiment 7>

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

[0592] First, refer 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 a drive input unit 300 according to this modification.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0601] Next, refer to Fig.74 and 75 , how the drive input unit 300 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other in a 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 will be described.

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

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

[0604] Fig.75 It is a partial enlarged view of the portion 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 abut against each other.

[0605] like Fig.74 As shown in the sub-figure (a), as in the case of Example 1, the drive transfer component 81 is tilted in the V direction in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the pin 302. At this time, the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 and the pin 302 are in the retreat position, and neither is in contact with the drive transfer component 81. Next, in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13, the box pressing component 1 and the pressed portion 212a of the rod component 212 contact each other. Then, the outer cylindrical cam component 270 rides on the inner cylindrical cam component 274, so that the inner cylindrical cam component 274, the drive input unit connecting component 304 and the outer peripheral receiving alignment component 305 begin to move the cylindrical cam toward the driving side of the box.

[0606] At this time, if Fig.75 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inclined surface 305a of the peripheral receiving alignment member 305 contacts the peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Thereafter, the alignment member 301 moves toward the driving side while moving the drive transmission member 81 away. Here, by applying a sufficiently large pressure to the buffer member 255, the alignment member 301 can resist the torque acting in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted due to its own weight and move toward the driving side. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.69As shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. 1 , the drive transmission component 81 rotates along the direction W in the figure of the drive transmission component 81, that is, the drive transmission component 81 moves toward the driving side, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission component 81 decreases. Thereafter, the inclined surface 305a passes through the peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission component 81, and then the cylindrical portion 305b of the alignment component 301 and the peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission component 81 contact each other. Here, the rotation axis of the drive transmission component 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 pass through the three cylindrical portions 305b ( Fig.72 ) and the drive transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, as Fig.74 As shown in the sub-figure (c), the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 moves toward the driving side until the end surface of the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 contacts the drive transmission component 81, that is, moves to the alignment component extended position.

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

[0608] During driving, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 rotate by the driving force from the drive transmission part 81, and at this time, the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 moves to the cylindrical portion 305b by receiving the driving force from the outer cylindrical receiving portion 303i of the pin receiving member 303. 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 supporting portion 274b of the inner cylindrical cam member 274.

[0609] In the above 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 axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 deviate from each other, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 can be accurately aligned.

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

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

[0612] <Example 8>

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

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

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

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

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

[0618] Fig.78 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus. Fig.78 As shown in FIG. 5( a ), the control member 402 is disposed downstream of the line M1 connecting the rotation axis of the drum 62 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 32 in the direction of gravity. In addition, the control member 402 has a moment acting in the direction of the arrow MA around the axis MX as the rotation center due to its own weight, and the initial contact portion 402c contacts the control member contact portion 401a of the driving side bearing member 401.

[0619] Next, when the process cartridge is Fig.78 As shown in FIG. (b) of FIG. 1 , when the process cartridge is inserted, the contact portion (cartridge side guide portion) 402b of the control member 402 contacts the main component guide portion 403 provided in the main component A of the apparatus. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the contact portion 402b moves along the main component guide portion 403, and the control member 402 rotates around the axis MX in the direction of the arrow MB. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the limiting portion 402a contacts the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member 81, as shown in FIG. Fig.78 Then, the limiting portion (pressing portion, action portion) 402a presses and pushes the side surface 81f of the drive transmission component in the direction of the arrow MC.

[0620] Thus, in the drive transmission component 81, Fig.15 The moment in the direction of the arrow W shown is generated as in Embodiment 1, so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced. At this time, the distance L2 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 402a is smaller than Fig.78The distance L1 between the drum rotation axis and the restricting portion 402a in the sub-diagram (a) is short. The position of the control member 402 at this time is referred to as an action position (contact position).

[0621] When the control member 402 is in the active position, the limiting portion 402a of the control member 402 is adjacent to the peripheral surface (peripheral surface) of the photosensitive drum 62 on 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 limiting portion 402a of the control member 402 is adjacent to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62.

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

[0623] Fig.79 4 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 of Embodiment 8. By providing the initialization spring 404, the initial contact portion 402c of the control member 402 can more reliably contact the control member contact portion 401a of the drive side bearing member 401. Therefore, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced more stably.

[0624] By reducing the inclination 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. Fig.25 ) is close to the center of the coupling member 264, and therefore, the output coupling portion 81a becomes engageable with the coupling member 264.

[0625] As described above, the coupling member 264 can move back and forth similarly to the coupling member 264 shown in Embodiment 2. Thus, similarly to Fig.24 The coupling member 264 shown in the sub-figures (a) to (c) of FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the coupling member 264 can also be engaged with the drive transmission member 81 by approaching the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.24 ’s sub-figure (c)).

[0626] The control member 402 is an alignment auxiliary member (auxiliary member, alignment member, movable member) for assisting the alignment of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the coupling member 264. The limiting portion 402a is an acting portion (contact portion) that contacts and acts on the drive transmission member 81. The limiting portion 402a is a pressing portion that presses the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81.

[0627] refer to Fig.78 , the moving trajectory of the control component 402 will be described. The control component 402 can move between two positions. Fig.78 The position of the control component 402 shown by the solid line in the sub-figure (d) is the position where it acts on the drive transmission component 81 (the above-mentioned action position: Fig.78 The limiting portion 402a of the control member 402 is located near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member. Fig.78 The position of the control component 402 shown by the dotted line in the sub-figure (d) is a position retreated from the action position (the above-mentioned non-action position and retreat position: Fig.78 When the control member 402 is in the non-operating position, the control member 402 is further away from the center (axis) of the photosensitive drum 462 as the photosensitive member than in the operating position.

[0628] The action position of the control component 402 ( Fig.78 's sub-image (c)) and non-active position ( Fig.78 One of the sub-figures (a) of FIG. 402 can be referred to as the first position of the control member, and the other as the second position of the control member. The action position of the control member 402 is a position where it acts on the drive transmission member 81 (more specifically, where it pushes the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81). The non-action position is a position retreated from the action position.

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

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

[0631] <Variation 1 of Embodiment 8>

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

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

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

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

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

[0637] Fig.81 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus. Fig.81 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 4 , the initial contact portion 412c of the control component 412 contacts the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73 by its own weight.

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

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

[0640] When the process cartridge is further inserted, the control member 412 receives a reaction force from the main assembly guide portion 413 and moves in the direction of the arrow MD, as shown in FIG. Fig.81As shown in the sub-figure (c) of FIG. By this operation, the limiting portion 412a contacts the side surface 81g of the coupling portion of the drive transmission member 81. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the limiting portion 412a presses the side surface 81g of the coupling portion in the direction of the arrow MD. As a result, in the drive transmission member 81, as in Example 1, a Fig.15 The moment in the direction of the arrow W shown in FIG. 1 can reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. This is the state where the control member 412 is in the action position. At this time, the distance L4 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 412a is smaller than Fig.81 The distance L3 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 412a in the sub-diagram (a) is short. At this time, the limiting portion 412a of the control member is located near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. Fig.82 4 is a cross-sectional view of a structure in which an 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. Thus, the initial contact portion 412c of the control member 412 can contact the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73 more reliably.

[0641] In Embodiment 7, 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, the control component 412 of this embodiment is not arranged near the coupling component 264, but is arranged in the frame of the box. Even if the control component (centering auxiliary component, movable component, alignment component) 412 is arranged away from the coupling component 264 in this way, it can move toward the drive transmission component 81, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission component 81 can be reduced by pushing the drive transmission component 81. Thus, the control component 412 can engage and connect the drive transmission component 81 and the coupling component 264.

[0642] <Variation 2 of Embodiment 8>

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

[0644] Fig.83 : is a perspective view of a process cartridge of this modification. Fig.84 When the process cartridge is installed into the main assembly of the device, Fig.83 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Fig.87 yes Fig.83 Longitudinal cross-section 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 the sub-figure (c) of FIG. 1 , the limiting portion 422a is located near the outer peripheral surface of the drum in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum. When the control member 422 is in the active position ( Fig.84 The sub-graph (c) and Fig.87 As shown in the sub-figure (c)), at least a portion of the control component (ie, the contact portion 422b) is located outside the free end of the coupling component 264 in the axial direction (LO direction).

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

[0651] On the other hand, in the second modification, when the control member 442 is moved from the inactive position ( Fig.84 ) moves to the action position ( Fig.84 In the case of the control unit 442 moving to the action position, the limiting unit 422a moves outward in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. Fig.84 In the sub-figure (c), it moves towards the left.

[0652] <Variation 3 of Embodiment 8>

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

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

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

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

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

[0658] <Example 9>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0667] Fig.88 FIG. 2( a ) is a perspective view of box B according to the present embodiment. Fig.88 FIG. 2 (b) is an exploded perspective view of box B according to the present embodiment. Fig.89 FIG. 2 (a) is a side view of box B according to the present embodiment. Fig.89 The sub-graph (b) is along Fig.89 A cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX of the driving side end of box B in sub-figure (a).

[0668] like Fig.88 As shown in the sub-figures (a) and (b), the control component 1001 (which is used to control the drive transmission component 1081 ( Fig.92 The control member 1001 is a movable member that can move relative to the photosensitive drum 62.

[0669] The control member 1001 is provided with a hole 1001c. The hole 1001c is supported by a support boss 1071a provided on the cleaning frame 1071. In addition, 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 frames 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 push spring 1002, which is a torsion coil spring, is mounted to the support boss 1071a, and one end 1002a of the push spring 1002 contacts the pressed portion 1001d of the control member 1001. The other end 1002b of the push spring 1002 contacts the contacted portion 1073c of the drum bearing 1073. Therefore, the control member 1001 is pushed in the direction of arrow BB by the push force FF1 of the push spring 1002.

[0671] On the other hand, the drum bearing 1073 is provided with a control member contact portion (stop portion) 1073a which limits the rotation range of the control member 1001. The control member 1001 is pushed in the direction of arrow BB by the push spring 1002, and therefore, the 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 is stopped by the control member contact portion 1073a contacting the control member 1001.

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

[0673] In addition, if Fig.89 As shown in the sub-figure (b), the limiting portion 1001a of the control component 1001 is arranged at a position at a distance DB outside the driven transmission portion 1064a of the connecting component 1064 in the longitudinal direction.

[0674] In addition, if Fig.98 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.98As shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. 1 , when an external force is applied to the limiting portion 1001a of the control component 1001, the control component 1001 can rotate around the axis AA in the BB2 direction. At this time, the control component 1001 rotates in the BB2 direction against the pushing force of the pushing spring 1002. In this state, the contacted portion 1001b of the control component 1001 does not contact the control component contact portion 1073a. The control component 1001 can rotate a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow BB2.

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

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

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

[0678] (Structure of drive transmission component)

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

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

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

[0682] In addition, according to the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 13, the opening / closing door 13 can be moved in the direction of the arrow KK and the direction of the arrow TT ( Fig.96 The advance and retreat member 1003 that moves on the main assembly A of the device is mounted to the drive transmission member 1081 by a device not shown. The advance and retreat member 1003 is provided with an inclined spring 1006 (which is a compression spring), and the drive transmission member 1081 is pushed by the pushing force FF2 in the pressed portion 1081c. By the pushing force FF2 of the inclined spring 1006, the contacted portion 1081d of the drive transmission member 1081 contacts the convex portion 1004 provided on the main assembly A of the device, and at the same time, the contacted portion 1081e contacts the convex portion 1005. As a result, the drive transmission member 1081 takes a posture inclined in the direction of the arrow VV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0690] like Fig.93 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 1001, before the control portion 1001a of the control member 1001 contacts the gear portion 1081b of the drive transmission member 1081, the drive transmission member is the same as when the cartridge B has not been installed in the main assembly A of the apparatus, that is, the drive transmission member 1081 is inclined in the direction of the arrow VV. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig.93 As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the control component 1001 is pushed in the direction of arrow BB by the pushing force FF1 of the pushing spring 1002, and the contacted portion 1001b of the control component 1001 contacts the control component contact portion (stop portion) 1073a of the drum bearing 1073. That is, when the control component 1001 is located in the working position, the movement of the control component 1001 is stopped by the control component contact portion 1073a.

[0691] like Fig.94 The sub-graph (a) and Fig.94As shown in sub - figure (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. As Fig.94 shown in sub - figure (a), the drive transmission member 1081 receives the pushing force FF3 from the control unit 1001a. During the process from Fig.93 the states of sub - figures (a) and (b) to Fig.94 the states of sub - figures (a) and (b), the torque MM2 (not shown) generated by the pushing force FF2 around RR in the direction of arrow VV and the torque MM3 (not shown) generated by the pushing force FF3 around RR in the direction of arrow WW satisfy MM2 > MM3. Therefore, the dri...

Claims

1. A processing box, comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about its axis; a first gear coaxially positioned with the photosensitive drum; a coupling positioned at one end of the photosensitive drum and one side of the process cartridge relative to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the coupling being movable relative to the first gear and the photosensitive drum in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and the coupling being configured to transmit a driving force to the first gear and the photosensitive drum; a developing roller rotatable about its axis and configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with a toner; a second gear coaxially positioned with the developing roller and engaged with the first gear, the second gear being configured to transmit a driving force from the first gear to the developing roller; a charging roller configured to charge the photosensitive drum; a first frame supporting the photosensitive drum; a first electrical contact on the first frame, the first electrical contact being electrically connected to the charging roller; a second frame supporting the developing roller; as well as a second electrical contact, the second electrical contact being disposed on the second frame at the one side of the process cartridge, the second electrical contact being electrically connected to the developing roller, Wherein, when observed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are located on opposite sides relative to a straight line passing through the axis of the photosensitive drum and the axis of the developing roller.

2. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: Viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, a surface of the first electrical contact faces the straight line and a surface of the second electrical contact faces away from the straight line.

3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The first frame includes a protrusion protruding from the one side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and Wherein, when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the protrusion of the first frame surrounds at least two sides of the first electrical contact.

4. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first frame further comprises (i) a first guide protruding from the one side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum and (ii) a second guide protruding from the one side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and in, Viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, (i) the first guide and the second guide are located on the same side of the straight line, and (ii) the first guide is located closer to the straight line than the second guide.

5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a drum flange fixed to said one end of said photosensitive drum, The coupling is configured to transmit the driving force to the photosensitive drum through the drum flange.

6. A process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein said first gear is integral with said drum flange.

7. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coupling has a convex portion configured to receive a driving force from outside the process cartridge.

8. A process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion of the coupling has a triangular shape.

9. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coupling includes a convex portion having a chamfered surface.

10. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the one end of the photosensitive drum is a first end of the photosensitive drum, and the photosensitive drum has a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and The process cartridge further includes a shaft at the second end of the photosensitive drum, and the shaft is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum.

11. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The first electrical contact protrudes from the one side of the process cartridge along an axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

12. A process cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about its axis; a developing roller rotatable about its axis and configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with a toner; a coupling positioned at one end of the photosensitive drum and at one side of the process cartridge relative to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the coupling being movable relative to the photosensitive drum in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and the coupling being configured to transmit a driving force to the photosensitive drum and the developing roller; a charging roller configured to charge the photosensitive drum; a first frame supporting the photosensitive drum; a first electrical contact on the first frame, the first electrical contact being electrically connected to the charging roller; a second frame supporting the developing roller; as well as a second electrical contact, the second electrical contact being disposed on the second frame at the one side of the process cartridge, the second electrical contact being electrically connected to the developing roller, Wherein, when observed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are located on opposite sides relative to a straight line passing through the axis of the photosensitive drum and the axis of the developing roller.

13. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: Viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, a surface of the first electrical contact faces the straight line and a surface of the second electrical contact faces away from the straight line.

14. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: The first frame includes a protrusion protruding from the one side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and Wherein, when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the protrusion of the first frame surrounds at least two sides of the first electrical contact.

15. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the first frame further comprises (i) a first guide protruding from the one side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum and (ii) a second guide protruding from the one side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and in, Viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, (i) the first guide and the second guide are located on the same side of the straight line, and (ii) the first guide is located closer to the straight line than the second guide.

16. A process cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising a drum flange fixed to said one end of said photosensitive drum, The coupling is configured to transmit the driving force to the photosensitive drum through the drum flange.

17. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the coupling has a convex portion configured to receive a driving force from outside the process cartridge.

18. A process cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the protrusion of the coupling has a triangular shape.

19. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the coupling comprises a convex portion having a chamfered surface.

20. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the one end of the photosensitive drum is a first end of the photosensitive drum, and the photosensitive drum has a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and The process cartridge further includes a shaft at the second end of the photosensitive drum, and the shaft is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum.

21. A process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: The first electrical contact protrudes from the one side of the process cartridge along an axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

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