Image forming device, multiple process cartridges, and connecting member

Abstract

[Problem] Further development of the existing technology. [Solution] An image forming apparatus having a connecting member (201) that connects at least two of second frames for a plurality of process cartridges, the image forming apparatus including a photosensitive drum and a plurality of process cartridges that can be mounted on / detached from an image forming apparatus main body and having: a first frame that rotatably supports a photosensitive body; a developing member that attaches toner to the photosensitive body; and a second frame that rotatably supports the developing member and moves between a developing position and a retracted position, in which the developing member attaches toner to the photosensitive body and in which the developing member is disposed further away from the photosensitive body than in the developing position, the second frame moving between these positions by moving relative to the first frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (such as a copying machine or a printer) that adopts an electrophotographic method, and to a cartridge and a connecting member usable with the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0002] Here, an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter also referred to as an "imaging device") forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic imaging process. Examples of imaging devices include copiers, fax machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and multifunction machines (multifunction printers). A cartridge is a device that integrally includes at least one device (developing device) as a processing device capable of acting on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a "photosensitive drum") to visualize an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the electrophotographic imaging process using a developer, and is attachable to and detachable from the main assembly of the imaging device. A connecting member is a member for connecting multiple developing devices that can be used with a color imaging device. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, in an imaging device using an electrophotographic imaging process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) and a processing device capable of acting on the photosensitive drum are integrated into a cartridge. A processing cartridge system is employed in which the cartridge can be mounted on and removed from a main assembly of the imaging device. In this processing cartridge system, in practice, the user can perform maintenance of the imaging device himself without relying on a service person, thereby significantly improving maintainability. Therefore, the processing cartridge system is widely used in imaging devices. A conventional processing cartridge includes a drum unit and a developing unit, the drum unit including a drum frame for holding a photosensitive drum, the developing unit including a developing roller as a device for developing a latent image on the photosensitive drum, a developing blade, and a toner as a developer.

[0004] A known imaging device, known as a tandem system, comprises multiple process cartridges. This tandem imaging device includes a process cartridge containing a photosensitive drum and a developer unit for each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black), and superimposes images of these colors to form a full-color image. When forming an image, a developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure. In a contact development method, in which the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum for development, the developer roller contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure. For example, a developer roller having an elastic layer is sometimes used and brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor. In such cases, if the developer roller is not used for an extended period, the elastic layer may deform. This can cause image unevenness during development.

[0005] As another example, regardless of the presence of an elastic layer, if the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum during periods when image formation is not in progress, the developer carried by the developing roller may unnecessarily adhere to the photosensitive drum. As another example, if the photosensitive drum and developing roller rotate while in contact with each other during periods when no development is taking place, friction between the photosensitive drum and developing roller may accelerate the degradation of the photosensitive drum, developing roller, and developer. Therefore, JP-A-2007-213024 and JP-A-2014-067005 disclose structures for an imaging device main assembly that include a mechanism that acts on the process cartridge to provide a space between the photosensitive drum and developing roller when image formation is not in progress. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problem to be solved]

[0007] However, the conventional technologies described in JP-A-2007-213024 and JP-A-2014-067005 still have room for further improvement. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further develop the conventional technologies.

[0008] [Solution to the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the imaging device disclosed herein includes:

[0010] Main component;

[0011] a plurality of process cartridges detachably mountable to the main assembly, each of the process cartridges comprising:

[0012] photosensitive member;

[0013] a first frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive member;

[0014] a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; and

[0015] a second frame that rotatably supports the developing member and is movable relative to the first frame between a developing position at which the developing member deposits toner onto the photosensitive member and a retracted position at which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than at the developing position; and

[0016] A connecting member connects at least two of said second frames of said process cartridges and is removable from at least one of said process cartridges and from said main assembly.

[0017] [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the existing technology can be further developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a side view of the drive side of the process cartridge mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0022] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a partial detailed view of the tray in Example 1.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the storage element pressing unit and the box pressing unit in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0029] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 12 3 is a perspective view of a development separation control unit in Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 13 This is an assembled perspective view of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0032] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0033] Figure 15 This is an assembled perspective view of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0034] Figure 16 This is an assembled perspective view of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a view of the spacer member R itself in Example 1.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a view of the urging member R itself in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the spacer member R in Example 1 after assembly.

[0038] Figure 20 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the spacer member R in Example 1.

[0039] Figure 21 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the spacer member R in Example 1.

[0040] Figure 22 It is a bottom view of the driving side of the process cartridge of Example 1.

[0041] Figure 23 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] Figure 24 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 25 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0044] Figure 26 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0045] Figure 27 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 28 This is a view of the spacer member L itself in Example 1.

[0047] Figure 29 This is a view of the urging member L itself in the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 30 1 is an assembled perspective view of the developer pressing spring and the spacer member L in Embodiment 1 after being assembled.

[0049] Figure 31 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the spacer member L in Example 1 after assembly.

[0050] Figure 32 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation and holding member L and the urging member L in Example 1.

[0051] Figure 33 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the spacer member in Example 1.

[0052] Figure 34It is a side view of the driving side of the process cartridge of Embodiment 1 in a state in which the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0053] Figure 35 1 is a view showing a process cartridge in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0054] Figure 36 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0055] Figure 37 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0056] Figure 38 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0057] Figure 39 1 and 2 are views illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0058] Figure 40 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the separation maintaining member R and the urging member in Embodiment 1. FIG.

[0059] Figure 41 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a separation maintaining member and an urging member in Embodiment 1. FIG.

[0060] Figure 42 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the tray in Embodiment 1, with the front door closed.

[0061] Figure 43 is a side view of the driving side of the process cartridge in Embodiment 1, with the front door closed.

[0062] Figure 44 is a perspective view of the process cartridge in Embodiment 1 with its front door closed.

[0063] Figure 45 is a perspective view of the process cartridge in Embodiment 1 with its front door closed.

[0064] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the process cartridge in Embodiment 1 with its front door closed.

[0065] Figure 47 It is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the tray in Embodiment 1 (Variation).

[0066] Figure 48 It is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the tray in Embodiment 1 (Variation).

[0067] Figure 49 is a perspective view of a process cartridge housed in the main assembly of the apparatus according to Embodiment 1 (Modification).

[0068] Figure 50 It is a view of the cartridge separation operation in which no urging member is provided in Embodiment 1 (Variation). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the sizes, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the present embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the structure and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0070] Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, as an imaging device, an imaging device that can install and remove four process cartridges (boxes) is exemplified. The number of process cartridges to be installed on the imaging device is not limited to this example. It is appropriately selected as needed. In addition, in the embodiment described below, a laser beam printer is exemplified as one aspect of the imaging device.

[0071] [Schematic Structure of Imaging Apparatus]

[0072] Figure 2 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus M. Figure 3 1 is a sectional view of a process cartridge 100. This image forming apparatus M is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording material S. This image forming apparatus M is of a process cartridge type, and forms a color image on a recording material S using a process cartridge detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

[0073] Here, with respect to the imaging device M, the side on which the front door 11 is provided is the front side (front side), and the side opposite to the front side is the back side (rear side). The right side of the imaging device M is referred to as the drive side, and the left side thereof is referred to as the non-drive side. In addition, when the imaging device M is viewed from the front side, the upper side is the upper surface, and the lower side is the lower surface. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus M as viewed from the non-driven side, wherein the front side of the sheet in the figure is the non-driven side of the imaging apparatus M, the right side of the sheet in the figure is the front side of the imaging apparatus M, and the back side of the sheet in the figure is the driven side of the imaging apparatus M. When viewed in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the driven side of the process cartridge 100 is the side on which a drum coupling member (photosensitive member coupling member) is provided, which will be described below. In addition, when viewed in the axial direction of the developing roller (developing member), the driven side of the process cartridge 100 is the side on which a developing coupling member (to be described below) is provided.

[0074] The main component 170 of the imaging device includes a first processing box 100Y including a separation and contact mechanism 150 to be described below, a second processing box 100M not including the separation and contact mechanism 150, a third processing box 100C not including the separation and contact mechanism 150, and a fourth processing box 100K including the separation and contact mechanism 150, wherein the four processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K) are arranged basically horizontally.

[0075] Each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K) has a similar electrophotographic processing mechanism and uses a different color developer (hereinafter referred to as toner). A rotational driving force is transmitted to the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) from a drive output portion of the imaging device main assembly 170 (described in detail below). A bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) is supplied from the imaging device main assembly 170 to each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) (not shown).

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) of this embodiment includes a drum unit 108 having a photosensitive drum 104 and a charging device as a processing device that can act on the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the drum unit can have not only a charging device but also a cleaning device as a processing device. Each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) has a developing unit 109 including a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. The drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected together. A more specific structure of the process cartridge 100 will be described below.

[0077] The first process cartridge 100Y contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing unit frame 125 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The second process cartridge 100M contains magenta (M) toner in the developing unit frame 125 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The third process cartridge 100C contains cyan (C) toner in the developing unit frame 125 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The fourth process cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner in the developing unit frame 125 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The developing unit 109 of the first process cartridge 100Y, the developing unit 109 of the second process cartridge 100M, and the developing unit 109 of the third process cartridge 100C are connected by a connecting member 201, which will be described below.

[0078] A laser scanner unit 14, serving as an exposure device, is provided above each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The laser scanner unit 14 outputs a laser beam U corresponding to image information. The laser beam U then passes through an exposure window 110 of the process cartridge 100 and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0079] The intermediate transfer unit 12, which serves as a transfer member, is disposed below the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The intermediate transfer unit 12 includes a drive roller 12e, a rotating roller 12c, and a tension roller 12b, around which a flexible transfer belt 12a is stretched. The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion is the primary transfer portion. The primary transfer roller 12d is disposed on the inner side of the transfer belt 12a so as to face the photosensitive drum 104. The secondary transfer roller 6 faces the rotating roller 12c, with the transfer belt 12a interposed therebetween. The contact portion between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is the secondary transfer portion.

[0080] A feed unit 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 12. The feed unit 4 includes a sheet feed tray 4a and a sheet feed roller 4b. Recording materials S are stored in a stacked manner in the sheet feed tray 4a. In the figure, a fixing device 7 and a paper discharge device 8 are provided in the upper left portion of the imaging apparatus main assembly 170. The upper surface of the imaging apparatus main assembly 170 serves as a paper discharge tray 13. The toner image is fixed to the recording material S by a fixing device provided in the fixing device 7, and the recording material S is discharged to the paper discharge tray 13.

[0081] [Imaging Operation]

[0082] The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows. The photosensitive drums 104 of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) are rotated at a predetermined speed (along the Figure 3 The transfer belt 12a is also driven to rotate in the same direction as the photosensitive drum 104 at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 104 ( Figure 2The laser scanner unit 14 is also driven to rotate. In synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit 14, the charging roller 105 in each process cartridge uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit 14 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 104 with a laser beam U according to the image signal for each color. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal for the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 104. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 106, which is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed.

[0083] Through the above-described electrophotographic imaging process operation, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the first process cartridge 100Y. This toner image is then primarily transferred to the transfer belt 12a. Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the second process cartridge 100M. This toner image is then primarily transferred so as to be superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred to the transfer belt 12a. Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the third process cartridge 100C. This toner image is then primarily transferred so as to be superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred to the transfer belt 12a. Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the fourth process cartridge 100K. Then, the toner image is primarily transferred so as to be superimposed on the yellow, magenta and cyan toner images already transferred to the transfer belt 12a. In this way, an unfixed full-color toner image of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan and black, is formed on the transfer belt 12a.

[0084] Meanwhile, the recording materials S are separated and fed one by one at predetermined control timing. The recording materials S are introduced into the secondary transfer portion, which is the contact area between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 12a, at predetermined control timing. As the recording materials S are fed into the secondary transfer portion, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12a is continuously transferred onto the surface of the recording material S at once. The structure of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus will be described in more detail below.

[0085] [Outline of Process Cartridge Attachment / Removal Structure]

[0086] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 7 , a tray (hereinafter referred to as a tray) 171 for supporting the process cartridge will be described in more detail. Figure 4 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M, wherein the tray 171 is located inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the front door 11 is open. Figure 51 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M, in which the front door 11 is opened, the tray 171 is located outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and the process cartridge 100 is accommodated in the tray. Figure 6 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M, in which the front door 11 is opened, the tray 171 is located outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and the process cartridge 100 is removed from the tray. Figure 7 Part (a) is from Figure 4 A detailed partial view of the tray 171 as viewed from the drive side in the illustrated state. Figure 7 Part (b) is from Figure 4 A detailed partial view of the tray 171 as viewed from the non-drive side in the illustrated state.

[0087] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the tray 171 can move relative to the imaging device main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow X1 (pushing direction) and the direction of arrow X2 (pulling direction). That is, the tray 171 is configured to be pulled out of and pushed into the imaging device main assembly 170, and the tray 171 is configured to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction when the imaging device main assembly 170 is placed on a horizontal surface. Here, the tray 171 is positioned outside the imaging device main assembly 170 ( Figure 5 The state in which the tray 171 is located inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus with the front door 11 open and the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a are separated from each other ( Figure 4 The state shown in FIG) is referred to as the internal position. In addition, the tray 171 is provided with a mounting portion 171a on which the process cartridge 100 can be detachably mounted in the external position, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown. Figure 7 As shown, each process cartridge 100 mounted on the mounting portion 171a outside the tray 171 is supported on the tray 171 by the drive side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117. And, when the tray 171 is moved, the process cartridge 100 is moved to the interior of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 while being supported in the mounting portion 171a. At this time, the tray 171 moves with a gap between the transfer belt 12a and the photosensitive drum 104, so that the tray 171 can move the process cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 without the photosensitive drum 104 coming into contact with the transfer belt 12a (details will be described below).

[0088] As described above, the plurality of process cartridges 100 can be collectively moved by the tray 171 to various positions inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 where an image can be formed, and can be collectively moved to the outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. After each process cartridge 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is inserted into the tray 171, the connecting member 201 is connected to the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100Y, the developing unit 109 of the first process cartridge 100Y, the developing unit 109 of the cartridge 100M, and the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100C. Details will be described below.

[0089] [Positioning the process cartridge into the electrophotographic image forming apparatus]

[0090] Reference Figure 7 , the positioning of the process cartridge 100 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described in more detail. Figure 7 As shown, the tray 171 is provided with positioning portions 171VR and 171VL for holding the process cartridge 100. The positioning portions 171VR have straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2, respectively. Figure 7 The arcuate portions 116VR1 and 116VR2 of the driving side cartridge cover member 116 are shown in contact with the straight line portions 171VR1 and 171VR2 to determine the center of the photosensitive drum. Figure 7 The tray 171 shown is provided with a rotation determining protrusion 171KR. Figure 7 The rotation determining recess 116KR of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 shown engages to determine the posture of the process cartridge 100 relative to the main assembly 170 of the apparatus. Here, the positioning portion 171VL and the rotation determining protrusion 171KL are arranged at a position (non-drive side) opposite to the positioning portion 171VR in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, with the transfer belt 12a interposed therebetween. In other words, the position of the process cartridge 100 is determined on the non-drive side by the engagement between the arc portions 117VL1 and 117VL2 of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 and the positioning portion 171VL and by the engagement between the rotation determining recess 117KL and the rotation determining protrusion 171KL. By doing so, the position of the process cartridge 100 relative to the tray 171 is correctly determined.

[0091] Then, if Figure 5 As shown, the processing box 100 integrated with the tray 171 is moved in the direction of arrow X1 and inserted into Figure 4 Then, by closing the front door 11 in the direction of arrow R, the process cartridge 100 is pressed by a cartridge pressing mechanism (not shown) to be described later and fixed to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 together with the tray 171. In addition, in association with the operation of the cartridge pressing mechanism, the transfer belt 12a comes into contact with the photosensitive member 4. In this state, the image forming operation ( Figure 2 ). In the present embodiment, the positioning portion 171VR and the positioning portion 171V are made of a metal plate because they also serve to reinforce the rigidity of the tray 171 when the tray 171 is pulled out, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0092] [Box pressing mechanism]

[0093] Reference Figure 8 , the details of the box pressing mechanism will be described. Figure 8 Part (a) shows only the Figure 4 The process cartridge 100, the tray 171, the cartridge pressing mechanisms 190 and 191, and the intermediate transfer unit 12 are shown in FIG. Figure 8 Part (b) shows only the Figure 2 The process cartridge 100, the tray 171, the cartridge pressing mechanisms 190 and 191, and the intermediate transfer unit 12 are shown in FIG.

[0094] When the process cartridge 100 receives a driving force during an image forming operation, it also receives a reaction force in the direction of arrow Z1 from the primary transfer roller 12d ( Figure 2 ). Therefore, it is necessary to press the process cartridge in the Z2 direction so as to maintain the process cartridge in a stable posture during the image forming operation without floating from the positioning portions 171VR and 171VL. To achieve this, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is provided with a cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191).

[0095] The cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191) includes a storage element pressing unit 190 on the non-driving side and a cartridge pressing unit 191 on the driving side. Further details will be described. Figure 4 The front door 11 shown, Figure 8 The storage element pressing unit 190 and the box pressing unit 191 shown are lowered in the direction of arrow Z2. The storage element pressing unit 190 has a main component side electrical contact (not shown) which is in contact with the electrical contact of the storage element (not shown) provided in the processing box 100. By utilizing a connecting rod mechanism (not shown) to be linked with the front door 11, the storage element 140 and the main component side electrical contact can be in contact with each other and can be out of contact with each other. More specifically, when the front door 11 is closed, the contacts are in contact with each other, and when the front door 11 is opened, the contacts are out of contact with each other. By doing so, when the processing box 100 is moved into the main component of the imaging device together with the tray 171, the electrical contacts are not rubbed, and the insertion and pulling out operation of the tray 171 is not hindered because the electrical contacts are retracted from the insertion / pulling path of the processing box 100.

[0096] The storage element pressing unit 190 is also used to press the process cartridge 100 against the positioning portion 171VR. Similar to the storage element pressing unit 190, the cartridge pressing unit 121 is also lowered in the direction of arrow Z2 in association with the closing operation of the front door 11, and has the function of pressing the process cartridge 100 against the positioning portion 171VL. In addition, although the details will be described below, the cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191) is also used to press downward the force application members 152L, 152R of the process cartridges 100Y, 100K to be described below.

[0097] [Drive transmission mechanism]

[0098] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 (For convenience of illustration, the tray 171 is omitted.) The drive transmitting mechanism of the main assembly in this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 Part (a) is in Figure 4 5 or a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in the state shown in FIG. 5 , in which the process cartridge 100 and the tray 171 are omitted. Figure 9 Part (b) is Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a state of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , in which the process cartridge 100, the front door 11, and the tray 171 are omitted. Figure 10 100Y is a side view of the process cartridge 100Y as viewed from the driving side. Since the drive transmission mechanism for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 is common among the first to fourth process cartridges, only the process cartridge 100Y will be described as a representative.

[0099] like Figure 10 As shown, the process cartridge 100 of this embodiment has a developing coupling portion 32a and a drum coupling member (photosensitive member coupling member) 143. By closing the front door 11 ( Figure 9 The main assembly side drum drive coupling 180 and the main assembly side developer drive coupling 185 that transmit the drive to the process cartridge 100 are moved in the direction of arrow Y1 through a link mechanism (not shown). In addition, by opening the front door 11 ( Figure 9), the drum drive coupling 180 and the developer drive coupling 185 are retracted in the direction of arrow Y2. By retracting each coupling from the insertion / removal trajectory (X1 direction, X2 direction) of the processing cartridge, the insertion / removal operation of the tray 171 is not hindered. By closing the front door 11 and starting to operate the imaging device main assembly 170, the drum drive coupling 180 engages with the drum coupling member 143, and the main assembly side developer drive coupling 185 engages with the developer coupling portion 32a, and the drive is transmitted to the processing cartridge 100. The drive transmission to the processing cartridge 100 is not limited to the two positions as described above, and the drive mechanism may be such that the drive is transmitted only to the drum coupling, and the drive is also transmitted to the developing roller 106.

[0100] [Structure of the Intermediate Transfer Unit]

[0101] Reference Figure 9 , the intermediate transfer unit 12 of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the front door 11 is closed, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is lifted in the direction of arrow R2 by a link mechanism (not shown) to a position to be taken during the imaging operation (a position where the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a are in contact with each other). In addition, by opening the front door 11, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is lowered in the direction of arrow R1, thereby separating the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a from each other. That is, in a state where the processing cartridge 100 is set on the tray 171, the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a are in contact with and separated from each other according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 11. In the contact-separation operation, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is moved in the direction of arrow R1. Figure 4 The intermediate transfer unit 12a moves up and down while following a rotation trajectory centered at the center point PV1 shown. Consequently, the transfer belt 12a rotates by receiving force from a gear (not shown) coaxially disposed with PV1. Therefore, by setting the aforementioned position PV1 as the center of rotation, the intermediate transfer unit 12 can move up and down without shifting the center of the gear. This eliminates the need to shift the center of the gear, allowing the gear position to be maintained with high precision.

[0102] With the above structure, when the tray 11 is inserted or removed with the process cartridge 100 set on the tray 171 , the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12 a do not slide relative to each other, thereby preventing image degradation due to scratching or charge memory of the photosensitive drum 104 .

[0103] [Development separation control unit]

[0104] Reference Figure 8 、 11 and 12, the separating mechanism of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment will be described. Figure 11 170 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 taken along the driving side end portion of the process cartridge 100 . Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the development separation control unit 195 viewed obliquely from the top.

[0105] In this embodiment, the developer separation control unit 195 controls the separation and contact operation of the developing units 109Y and 109K relative to the photosensitive drum 104 by engaging with a portion of the developing units 109Y and 109K. In this embodiment, the developer separation control unit 195 engages only with the developing units of the process cartridges 100Y and 100K, and does not engage with the developing units of the process cartridges 100M and 100C. However, since the developing units 109M and 109C operate in association with the operation of the developing unit 109Y by interrelating the connection member described below with the operation of the developing unit 109Y, the developer separation control unit 195 indirectly controls the separation and contact operation of the process cartridges 100M and 100C. The developer separation control unit 195 is located in the lower portion of the imaging device main assembly 170, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 shown.

[0106] Specifically, the developer separation control unit 195 is arranged vertically below the developer coupling portion 32a and the drum coupling member 143 (downward in the arrow Z2 direction). In addition, the developer separation control unit 195 is arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y1, Y2 direction) of the photosensitive drum 104 of the intermediate transfer unit 12. That is, the developer separation control unit 195 includes a developer separation control unit 195R on the drive side and a developer separation control unit 195L on the non-drive side. As described above, by arranging the developer separation control unit 195 in the dead space of the main assembly 170 of the image forming apparatus, the main assembly can be miniaturized.

[0107] The developing separation control unit 195R has at least two separation control members 196R corresponding to the process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100K). The separation control members have substantially the same shape. The developing separation control unit 195R is always fixed relative to the imaging device main assembly 170. However, the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), and in the separation control member 196R, the separation control members corresponding to the process cartridges 100Y, 100M and 100C operate synchronously. The detailed structure will be described below. In this embodiment, the imaging device main assembly 170 has four developing separation members 196R corresponding to the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K.

[0108] The developer separation control unit 195L has at least two separation control members 196L corresponding to the process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100K). The separation control members have substantially the same shape. The developer separation control unit 195L is always fixed to the imaging device main assembly 170. However, the separation control member 196L is configured to be movable along directions W41 and W42 by a control mechanism (not shown), and in the separation control member 196R, the separation control members corresponding to the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C operate synchronously. In this embodiment, the imaging device main assembly 170 has four developer separation members 196L corresponding to the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K.

[0109] Furthermore, in order for the developer separation control unit 195 to engage with a portion of the developer unit 109 to control the separation and contact operation of the developer unit 109, a portion of the developer control unit 196 and a portion of the developer unit 109 need to overlap in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 directions). Therefore, in order to achieve this vertical overlap (Z1, Z2 directions) after the developer units 109 of the process cartridges 100Y and 100K are inserted in the X1 direction, a portion of the developer unit 109 (in this embodiment) needs to protrude (described in detail below). If the developer separation control unit 195 itself were to be lifted to achieve engagement in the same manner as the intermediate transfer unit 12f, problems would arise, such as an increased operating force for interlocking the front door 11 and a complicated transmission system.

[0110] In this embodiment, a method is adopted in which the developer separation control unit 195 is fixed to the imaging device main assembly 170, and a portion of the developer unit 109 (the urging member 152) protrudes downward (Z2) in the imaging device main assembly 170, and this is done in consideration of the above-mentioned problem. In addition, the mechanism for protruding the urging member 152 uses the mechanism of the storage element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit 191 as it is, which does not cause the above-mentioned problem and can suppress the cost of the device main assembly. Although the developer separation control unit 195 is fixed to the imaging device main assembly 170 as a whole, as described below, a portion thereof is configured to be movable so that it can be actuated by engaging with the urging member 152 to achieve a separation and contact state of the developer unit 109 relative to the photosensitive drum 104. The details will be described below.

[0111] [Overall Structure of Process Cartridge]

[0112] refer to Figure 3 、 13 14, the structure of the process cartridge will be described. In each figure, part (a) shows the process cartridges 100Y and 100K including the separation and contact mechanism 150, and part (b) shows the process cartridges 100M and 100C not including the separation and contact mechanism 150. Figure 13 100Y is an assembled perspective view of the process cartridge 100Y viewed from the driving side, which is one end side of the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction. Figure 14 100Y is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100Y viewed from the driving side.

[0113] In this embodiment, the process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K) have the same electrophotographic process mechanism and differ from each other in the color and amount of toner contained therein. However, as described above, the process cartridges 100Y and 100K have the separation and contact mechanism 150, while the process cartridges 100C and 100K do not have the separation and contact mechanism 150.

[0114] The process cartridge 100 includes a photosensitive drum 104 (104Y, 104M, 104C, 104K) and a process device capable of acting on the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the process device includes a charging roller 105 as a charging device for charging the photosensitive drum 104, a developing roller 106 as a developing device (developing member) for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104, and a cleaning blade as a cleaning device for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. However, the cleaning device may not be necessary in some cases, and it is assumed that there is no cleaning device in this embodiment. The process cartridge 100 is divided into a drum unit 108 (108Y, 108M, 108C, 108K) and a developing unit 109 (109Y, 109M, 109C, 109K). As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes the process cartridges 100Y and 100K having the separation and contact mechanism 150 and the process cartridges 100M and 100C not having the separation and contact mechanism 150. However, the basic structure except for the presence or absence of the separation and contact mechanism is the same.

[0115] [Structure of the drum unit]

[0116] like Figure 3 and 13 As shown, the drum unit 108 includes a photosensitive drum 104, a charging roller 105, and a drum frame 115 as a first frame. The photosensitive drum 104 is rotatably supported by a drive side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 provided at opposite longitudinal ends of the process cartridge 100. The drive side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 will be described below.

[0117] like Figure 13 and 14 As shown, a drum coupling member 143 for transmitting driving force to the photosensitive drum 104 is provided at one longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum 104. As described above, the drum coupling member 143 is connected to the main assembly side drum drive coupling 180 (see FIG. 1 ) as the drum drive output portion of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device. Figure 9) is engaged to drive the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, whereby the driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104 to rotate it in the direction of arrow A. In addition, the photosensitive drum 104 has a drum flange 142 on the other longitudinal end side. The charging roller 105 is supported by the drum frame 115 so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 and to be rotationally driven.

[0118] [Structure of the developing unit]

[0119] like Figure 3 and 13 As shown, the developing unit 109 includes a developing roller 106, a toner supply roller 107, a developing blade 130, a developing unit frame 125 serving as a second frame, and the like. The developing unit frame 125 includes a lower frame 125a and a cover member 125b. The lower frame 125a and the cover member 125b are joined by ultrasonic welding or the like. The developing unit frame 125 serving as the second frame has a accommodating portion 129 for accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing roller 106. The developing unit frame 125 rotatably supports the developing roller 106 and the toner supply roller 107 via a drive-side bearing 126 and a non-drive-side bearing 127, which will be described below, and also supports the developing blade 130 for controlling the thickness of the toner on the periphery of the developing roller 106.

[0120] The developing blade 130 is provided by mounting an elastic member 130b of a metal plate having a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm on a supporting member 130a of a metal material having an L-shaped cross section by welding or the like. The developing blade 130 is mounted to the developing unit frame 125 at two locations, namely, at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction, by fixing screws 130c. The developing roller 106 includes a metal core 106c and a rubber portion 106d.

[0121] The developing roller 106 is rotatably supported by a driving side bearing 126 and a non-driving side bearing 127 mounted to opposite longitudinal ends of the developing unit frame 125. Figure 13 and 14 As shown, a developing coupling portion 32a for transmitting a driving force to the developing unit 109 is provided at one longitudinal end of the developing unit 109. The developing coupling portion 32a is connected to a main assembly side developing drive coupling 185 (see FIG. 1 ) as a developing drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Figure 9 ) is engaged, and the driving force of the driving motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is input to the developing unit 109. The driving force input to the developing unit 109 is transmitted by a transmission system (not shown) provided in the developing unit 109, so that the developing roller 106 can move along the Figure 3The developing roller 106 rotates in the direction of arrow D. A developing cover member 128 is provided at one longitudinal end of the developing unit 109 for supporting and covering the developing coupling portion 32a and a transmission system (not shown). Here, the outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104 is in the range of Φ18 to Φ22, and the outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is in the range of Φ8 to Φ14. By using these outer diameters, an efficient arrangement can be achieved.

[0122] [Assembling the drum unit and developer unit]

[0123] Reference Figure 13 , the assembling of drum unit 108 and developing unit 109 will be described. Drum unit 108 and developing unit 109 are connected by the driving side box cover member 116 and non-driving side box cover member 117 that are arranged at the longitudinal opposite end portion of process cartridge 100. The driving side box cover member 116 that is arranged at the longitudinal one end portion of process cartridge 100 is provided with a developing unit supporting hole 116a that is used to swingably (movably) support developing unit 109. Similarly, the non-driving side box cover member 117 that is arranged at the longitudinal other end portion of process cartridge 100 is provided with a developing unit supporting hole 117a that is used to swingably support developing unit 109. In addition, the driving side box cover member 116 and non-driving side box cover member 117 are provided with drum supporting holes 116b and 117b that are used to rotatably support photosensitive drum 104.

[0124] Here, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developer cover member 128 is fitted into the developer unit support hole 116a of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 on one end side. On the other end side, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the non-drive side bearing 127 is fitted into the developer unit support hole 117a of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117. In addition, the longitudinal opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104 are respectively fitted into the drum support hole 116b of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 and the drum support hole 117b of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117. The drive side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 are fixed to the drum unit 108 by screws, adhesive, etc. (not shown). Thus, the developer unit 109 is supported by the drive side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 so as to be rotatable relative to the drum unit 108 (photosensitive drum 104) and can be appropriately positioned to act on the photosensitive drum 104 during the imaging operation.

[0125] Figure 1410. The drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled and integrally formed into the process cartridge 100 through the above steps. The axis connecting the center of the developing unit support hole 116a of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 and the center of the developing unit support hole 117a of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 is referred to as the swing axis K. Here, the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 located at one end side is coaxial with the developing coupling 32. That is, the developing unit 109 is configured so that the driving force is transmitted from the imaging device main assembly 170 at this swing axis K. In addition, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported around the swing axis K.

[0126] [Structure of separation and contact mechanism]

[0127] As described above, the process cartridges 100Y and 100K include the separation and contact mechanism 150. Here, a detailed description will be given of a structure in which the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridges 100Y and 100K and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 in this embodiment are separated from each other and come into contact with each other. The process cartridges 100Y and 100K include a drive-side separation and contact mechanism 150R on the drive side and a non-drive-side separation and contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive side.

[0128] Figure 15 An assembled perspective view of the driving side of the developing unit 109 including the driving side separating and contacting mechanism 150R is shown. Figure 16 A perspective view of the assembly of the non-drive side of the developing unit 109 including the non-drive side separation and contact mechanism 150L is shown. Regarding the separation and contact mechanism 150, the drive side separation and contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail first, and then the non-drive side separation and contact mechanism 150L will be described. Regarding the separation and contact mechanism, the drive side and the non-drive side have almost the same functions, so R is added to the end of the reference numerals for each component on the drive side. For the non-drive side, the reference numerals for the various components are the same as those on the drive side, with L added to the end.

[0129] The separation and contact mechanism 150R includes a separation holding member 151R as a regulating member, an urging member 152R as a pressing member, and a tension spring 153. The non-driving side separation and contact mechanism 150L includes a separation holding member 151L as a regulating member, an urging member 152L as a pressing member, and a tension spring 153.

[0130] [Detailed Description of Separation Holding Member 151R]

[0131] The separation holding member 151R will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 17 Part (a) is a front view of the separation holding member 151R itself as viewed from the driving side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, Figure 17Part (b) and Figure 17 Part (c) is a perspective view of the separation holding member 151R, Figure 17 Part (d) is along Figure 17 A view of the separation holding member 151R as viewed in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) (vertically upward direction in the imaging state). The separation holding member 151R has an annular support receiving portion 151Ra, and has a separation holding portion 151Rb protruding from the support receiving portion 151Ra in the radial direction of the support receiving portion 151Ra. The free end of the separation holding portion 151Rb has an arc-shaped separation holding surface 151Rc centered on the separation holding swing axis H, which is inclined at an angle θ1 relative to a line HA parallel to the separation holding swing axis H. The angle θ1 is set to satisfy the following formula (1). 0°≤θ1≤45°……(1)

[0132] The separation-retaining member 151R also has a second restricted surface 151Rk adjacent to the separation-retaining surface 151Rc. The separation-retaining member 151R also has a second pressed portion 151Rd protruding from the support-receiving portion 151Ra in the Z2 direction, and an arcuate second pressed surface 151Re protruding from the second pressed portion 151Rd in the direction of the separation-retaining swing axis H of the support-receiving portion 151Ra. The separation-retaining member 151R also includes a main body portion 151Rf connected to the support-receiving portion 151Ra. The main body portion 151Rf has a spring hook portion 151Rg protruding in the direction of the separation-retaining swing axis H of the support-receiving portion 151Ra. The main body portion 151Rf also has a rotation-preventing portion 151Rm protruding in the Z2 direction, and a rotation-preventing surface 151Rn provided in a direction facing the second pressed surface 151Re.

[0133] [Detailed description of the force applying member R]

[0134] Reference Figure 18 , the urging member 152R will be described in detail. Figure 18 Part (a) is a front view of the urging member 152R itself as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. Figure 18 Part (b) and Figure 18 Part (c) is a perspective view of the force applying member 152R itself. The force applying member 152R has an oblong support receiving portion 152Ra. The longitudinal direction of the oblong shape of the oblong support receiving portion 152Ra is indicated by arrow LH, the upward direction is indicated by arrow LH1, and the downward direction is indicated by arrow LH2. Furthermore, the depth direction of the oblong support receiving portion 152Ra is HB.

[0135] The urging member 152R is provided with a protruding portion 152Rh formed on the downstream side of the oblong support-receiving portion 152Ra in the direction of arrow LH2. The oblong support-receiving portion 152Ra and the protruding portion 152Rh are connected by a main body portion 152Rb. Meanwhile, the urging member 152R has a pushed portion 152Re that protrudes in the direction of arrow LH1 and in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1. It has an arcuate pushed surface 152Rf on the downstream side in the direction of arrow LH1 and a push-limiting surface 152Rg on the upstream side. Furthermore, the urging member 152R is provided with a first retraction-limiting surface 152Rv extending from the main body portion 152Rb toward the upstream side in the direction of arrow LH2 from the protruding portion 152. A second retraction-limiting surface 152Rw, adjacent to the first retraction-limiting surface 152Rv, extends generally parallel to the first pressing surface 152Rq.

[0136] The protruding portion 152Rh is provided with a first force-bearing portion 152Rk and a second force-bearing portion 152Rn, which are arranged facing each other in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH2 at the end portion thereof. The first force-bearing portion 152Rk and the second force-bearing portion 152Rn respectively have a first force-bearing surface 152Rm and a second force-bearing surface 152Rp extending in the HB direction and having an arcuate shape. The protruding portion 152Rh has a spring hook portion 152Rs protruding in the HL direction and a locking portion 152Rt. The locking portion 152Rt has a locking surface 152Ru facing the same direction as the first force-bearing surface 152Rp.

[0137] Furthermore, the force-applying member 152R is provided with a first pressing surface 152Rq, which is part of the main body portion 152Rb and is located upstream of the second force-bearing portion 152Rn in the direction of arrow LH2 and faces the same direction as the second force-bearing surface 152Rp. Furthermore, the force-applying member 152R has a second pressing surface 152Rr, which is perpendicular to the first retraction-limiting surface 152Rv and opposite to the first pressing surface 152Rq. When the process cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device main assembly 170, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100.

[0138] [Assembly of separation and contact mechanism R]

[0139] refer to Figure 10 and 15 19, the assembly of the separation and contact mechanism will be described. Figure 19 151R is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 after the separation holding member 151R is assembled, as viewed from the drive side. Figure 15As shown, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported relative to the photosensitive drum 104 around the axis K by fitting the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 into the developing unit supporting hole 116a of the driving side cartridge cover member 116. In addition, the developing cover member 128 has a first cylindrical supporting portion 128c and a second supporting portion 128K protruding in the direction of the swing axis K.

[0140] The outer diameter of the first support portion 128c is matched with the inner diameter of the support receiving portion 151Ra of the separation holding member 151R to rotatably support the separation holding member 151R. Here, the swing center of the separation holding member 151R assembled to the development cover member 128 is referred to as the separation holding swing axis H. The development cover member 128 has a first holding portion 128d protruding in the direction of the separation holding swing axis H. Figure 15 As shown, the movement of the separation and holding member 151R assembled to the development cover member 128 in the direction of the separation and holding swing axis H is restricted by the contact of the separation and holding member 151R with the first holding portion 128 d.

[0141] In addition, the outer diameter of the second support portion 128k is fitted with the inner wall of the oblong support receiving portion 152Ra of the urging member 152R so as to rotatably and movably support the urging member 152R in the oblong direction. Here, the swing center of the urging member 152R assembled to the development cover member 128 is defined as the urging member swing axis HC. Figure 15 As shown, the movement of the urging member 152R assembled to the development cover member 128 in the direction of the urging member swing axis HC is restricted by the contact of the second retaining portion 128 m with the separation retaining member 151R.

[0142] Figure 10 1 is a sectional view in which a portion of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 and a portion of the developer cover member 128 are partially omitted along the partial section line CS, so that the assembly portion between the oblong support receiving portion 151Ra of the urging member 152R and the cylindrical portion 128b of the developer cover member 128 can be seen. The separation contact mechanism 150R is provided with a tension spring 153 as a urging device that urges the separation holding member 151R to rotate about the separation holding swing axis H in the direction of the arrow B1 in the figure and urges the urging member 152R in the direction of the arrow B3. The arrow B3 direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LH2 direction of the oblong support receiving portion 152Ra of the urging member 152R (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 18 The tension spring 153 is provided between the spring hook portion 151Rg provided on the separation holding member 151R and the spring hook portion 152Rs provided on the urging member 152R. Figure 10The spring hook portion 151Rg of the separation holding member 151R is urged in the direction of arrow F2, thereby applying an urging force to rotate the separation holding member 151R in the direction of arrow B1. In addition, the tension spring 153 urges the spring hook portion 152Rs of the urging member 152R in the direction of arrow F1, thereby applying an urging force to move the urging member 152R in the direction of arrow B3.

[0143] The angle θ2 formed between the line GS connecting the spring hook portion 151Rg of the separation holding member 151R and the spring hook portion 152Rs of the urging member 152R, and the line HS connecting the spring hook portion 152Rs of the urging member 152R and the swing axis HC of the urging member is selected to satisfy the following formula (2), where the clockwise direction around the spring hook portion 152Rs of the urging member 152R is positive. As a result, the urging member 152R is urged to rotate in the direction of arrow BA around the urging member swing axis HC. 0°≤θ2≤90°……(2)

[0144] like Figure 15 As shown, the developing drive input gear 132 is arranged so that the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 is matched with the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing drive input gear 132, and the portion 126a of the driving side bearing 126 is matched in the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the developing drive input gear, through which the driving force is transmitted to the developing roller gear 131, the colorant supply roller gear 133 and other gears.

[0145] In this embodiment, the attachment positions of the separation and holding member 151R and the urging member 152R are such that, in the direction of the swing axis K, the separation and holding member 151R is disposed on the side of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 (longitudinal outer side) relative to the developer cover member 128, and the urging member 152R is disposed on the side of the developer drive input gear 132 (longitudinal inner side) relative to the developer cover member 128. However, these positions are not restrictive, and the arrangement positions of the separation and holding member 151R and the urging member 152R may be interchanged, and the separation and holding member 151R and the urging member 152R may be disposed on one side relative to the developer cover member 128 in the direction of the swing axis K. Furthermore, the arrangement order of the separation and holding member 151R and the urging member 152R may be changed.

[0146] The developing cover member 128 is fixed to the developing unit frame 125 through the driving side bearing 126 to form the developing unit 109. Although the fixing method in this embodiment uses the fixing screws 145 and an adhesive (not shown), as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown, the fixing method is not limited to such an example, and thermal welding or a resin material may be used.

[0147] here, Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view, where Figure 10 The vicinity of the separation holding member 151R in the figure is enlarged, and for better illustration, a portion of the separation holding member 151R and the tension spring 153 are partially omitted along the section line CS4. In the force member 152R, the force of the tension spring 153 pointing in the F1 direction in the figure causes the first retraction limiting surface 152Rv of the force member 152R to contact the first limiting surface 128h of the developer cover member 128. In addition, the second retraction limiting surface 152Rw of the force member 152R contacts the second limiting surface 128q of the developer cover member 128 to be positioned in an appropriate position. This position is referred to as the retracted position (reference position) of the force member 152R. In addition, the separation holding member 151R is rotated in the B1 direction around the separation holding swing axis H by the urging force of the tension spring 153 in the F2 direction, so that the second pressed portion 151Rd of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the force member 152R, whereby its rotation is stopped. This position is referred to as a separation holding position (restriction position) of the separation holding member 151R.

[0148] also, Figure 21 yes Figure 10 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the separation holding member 151R and its surroundings in FIG. 1 , and for better illustration, the tension spring 153 is omitted. It is assumed here that the process cartridge 100 including the separation and contact mechanism 150R described in this embodiment is moved along the process cartridge 100 during transportation. Figure 21 JA direction in the figure. At this time, the separation holding member 151R is subjected to a rotational force in the direction of arrow B2 about the separation holding swing axis H due to its own weight. When the separation holding member 151R begins to rotate in the direction B2 due to the above reasons, the rotation prevention surface 151Rn of the separation holding member 151R abuts the locking surface 152Ru of the force applying member 152R, and the separation holding member 151R receives a force in the direction F3 in the figure, thereby suppressing rotation in the direction B2. As a result, the rotation of the separation holding member 151R in the direction B2 during logistics can be suppressed, and the separation state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0149] In the present embodiment, the tension spring 153 is used as a pushing device for pushing the separation and holding member 151R to the separation and holding position and for pushing the force member 152R to the retracted position, but the pushing device is not limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc. can be used as a pushing device to push the force member 152R to the retracted position and push the separation and holding member 151R to the separation and holding position. In addition, the material of the pushing device can be metal, a mold, etc., as long as it has elasticity and can push the separation and holding member 151R and the force member 152R. As described above, the developing unit 109 provided with the separation and contact mechanism 150R is integrally connected to the drum unit 108 via the drive side box cover member 116 ( Figure 19 status).

[0150] Figure 22 It is along Figure 19 The view observed in the direction of arrow J. Figure 15 As shown, the driving side cover member 116 of this embodiment has a contact surface 116c. Figure 22 As shown, the contact surface 116c is formed with an inclination angle θ3 relative to the swing axis K. The angle θ3 is preferably the same as the angle θ1 forming the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R, but the angle θ3 is not limited to this angle. Figure 15 and 19 As shown, when the drive side cartridge cover member 116 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum unit 108, the contact surface 116c faces the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R located in the separation holding position, and contacts the separation holding surface 151Rc by the urging force of the developing pressure spring 134, which will be described below. This structure is such that when the engaging surface 116Rc and the separation holding surface 151Rc contact each other, the developing unit 109 is positioned so that the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated by a gap P1. Therefore, the state in which the developing roller 106 (developing member) is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation holding member 151R by the gap P1 is referred to as the separation position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see Figure 34 part (a)).

[0151] Here, refer to Figure 24 and 25 , the separation state and the contact state of the process cartridge 100 will be described in detail. Figure 24 and 25 1 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 mounted inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, viewed from the driving side. Figure 24 A state in which the developing unit 109 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 is shown. Figure 25 A state in which the developing unit 109 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 is shown.

[0152] First, with the separation and holding member 151R in the separation and holding position and the developing unit 109 in the separation position, the urged portion 152Re of the urging member 152R is urged in the ZA direction, causing the protruding portion 152Rh of the urging member 152R to protrude from the process cartridge 100. As described above, the second pressed surface 151Re of the separation and holding member 151R contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the urging member 152R via the tension spring 153. Therefore, when the second forced portion 152Rn is pressed in the direction of arrow W42, the urging member 152R rotates about the urging member swing axis HC in the direction of arrow BB, causing the separation and holding member 151R to rotate in the direction of arrow B2. When the separation and holding member 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B2, the separation and holding surface 151Rc separates from the contact surface 116c, and the developing unit 109 can rotate from the separation position about the pivot axis K in the direction of arrow V2. That is, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction from the separated position so that the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other is referred to as a contact position (developing position) ( Figure 25 16d). The position where the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R is separated from the contact surface 116c is referred to as a separation releasing position (permitting position). When the developing unit 109 is located at the contact position, the second restricted surface 151Rk of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second restricting surface 116d of the driving side cartridge cover member 116, thereby holding the separation holding member 151R at the separation releasing position.

[0153] In addition, the driving side bearing 126 is provided with a first pressed surface 126 c which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. Since the driving side bearing 126 is fixed to the developing unit 109, when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position and the first force receiving portion 152Rk of the force applying member 152R is pressed in the direction of the arrow 41, the developing unit 109 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 about the swing axis K and moves to the separated position ( Figure 24 Here, the direction in which the first pressed surface 126c moves when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position is Figure 24 and 25, which is indicated by arrow W41. The direction opposite to arrow W41 is arrow W42, and arrows W41 and W42 are substantially horizontal directions (X1 and X2 directions). As described above, the second force-bearing surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R assembled to the developing unit 109 is located upstream of the first pressed surface 126c of the drive side bearing 126 in the direction of arrow W41. In addition, the first pressed surface 126c and the second force-bearing surface 151Re of the separation and retaining member 151R are arranged at a position where they at least partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. The operation of the separation and contact mechanism 150R inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device will be described in detail below.

[0154] [Installation of the process cartridge into the imaging device]

[0155] Reference Figure 12 、 23 24, the operation of engaging the separation and contact mechanism 150R of the process cartridge 100 with the development separation control unit 195 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 when the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described. For better explanation, these figures are sectional views along section lines CS1 and CS2 with a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 omitted.

[0156] Figure 23 The processing box 100 is shown as viewed from the driving side when the processing box 100 is installed on the box tray 171 (not shown) of the imaging device M and the box tray 171 is inserted into the first installation position, and parts other than the processing box 100, the box pressing unit 121 and the separation control member 196R are omitted.

[0157] As described above, the imaging device main assembly 170 of this embodiment has a separation control member 196R corresponding to each process cartridge 100 as described above. When the process cartridge 100 is located in the first inner position and the second inner position, the separation control member 196R is arranged closer to the lower surface side of the imaging device main assembly 170 than the separation holding member 151R. The separation control member 196R includes a first force application surface 196Ra and a second force application surface 196Rb, which face each other with a space 196Rd therebetween and project toward the process cartridge 100. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected by a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower side of the imaging device main assembly 170. In addition, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by the control metal plate 197 around the rotation center 196Re. The separation control member 196R is always urged in the E1 direction by the urging spring. Furthermore, by configuring the control metal plate 197 to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

[0158] In association with the transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state as described above, the cartridge pressing unit 121 is lowered in the direction of arrow ZA, and the first force applying portion 121a abuts against the urged surface 152Rf of the force applying member 152R. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 121 is lowered to a predetermined position, i.e., the second mounting position, the protruding portion 152Rh of the force applying member 152R protrudes downward in the Z2 direction of the process cartridge 100 ( Figure 24 When this operation is completed, a gap T4 is formed between the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the first force receiving surface 152Rp of the force application member 152R, and a gap T3 is formed between the second force application surface 196Rb and the second force receiving surface 152Rp, as shown in FIG. Figure 24 As shown. Furthermore, it is in the second installation position where the force-applying member 152R does not act on the separation control member 196R. This position of the separation control member 196R is referred to as the initial position. At this point, the first force-bearing surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R and the first force-applying surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R are arranged to partially overlap with each other in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the second force-bearing surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R and the second force-applying surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R are arranged to partially overlap with each other in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0159] [Abutment Operation of Developing Unit]

[0160] The operation of bringing the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 into contact with each other by the separation and contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail below. Figures 24 to 26 ). These figures are sectional views along partial section lines CS1, CS2 and CS3, in which a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and a portion of the driving side bearing 126 are omitted for better illustration.

[0161] In this embodiment, the developer input connector 32 receives the input signal from the imaging device main assembly 170. Figure 24 The driving force in the direction of the arrow V2 is applied, and the developing roller 106 rotates. That is, the developing unit 109 having the developing input coupling 32 receives the torque about the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V2 from the main assembly 170 of the imaging device. Figure 24As shown, when the developing unit 109 is in the separation position and the separation holding member 151R is in the separation holding position, even if the developing unit 109 receives the torque and the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134 to be described below, the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R contacts the contact surface 116c of the drive side box cover member 116, so that the posture of the developing unit 109 is maintained in the separation position.

[0162] The separation control member 196R of this embodiment is configured to be able to move from the initial position along Figure 24 Moves in the direction of arrow W42. When the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W42, the second force applying surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the force member 152R contact each other, so that the force member 152R rotates around the force member swing axis HC in the direction of arrow BB. In addition, when the force member 152R rotates, the second pressing surface 152Rr of the force member 152R causes the separation holding member 151R to rotate in the direction of B2 while in contact with the second pressed surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R. Then, the separation holding member 151R is rotated to the separation release position where the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c are separated from each other by the force member 152R. Here, the separation holding member 151R is moved to the separation release position where the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c are separated from each other. Figure 25 The position of the disconnect control member 196R in the disconnect release position shown is referred to as a first position.

[0163] Thus, when the separation holding member 151R is moved to the separation releasing position by the separation controlling member 196R, the developing unit 109 is rotated in the direction V2 by the torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the developing pressure spring 134 (to be described later), whereby it moves to the contact position ( Figure 25 At this time, the separation holding member 151R, which is urged in the direction of arrow B1 by the tension spring 153, is held in the separation release position by the contact of the second restricted surface 151Rk with the second control surface 116d of the drive side cartridge cover member 116. Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction and returns to the initial position. At this time, the force member 152R is rotated in the BA direction by the tension spring 153, and the first pressing surface 152Rq of the force member 152R contacts the first pressed surface 126c of the drive side bearing 126 ( Figure 26 Thus, the gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196R reaches a position where it does not act on the urging member 152R. Figure 25 Status to Figure 26 The state transition.

[0164] As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R from the initial position to the first position, the urging member 152R rotates, so that the separation holding member 151R can be moved from the separation holding position to the separation releasing position. This enables the developing unit 109 to move from the spaced position to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. Figure 26 The position of the separation control member 196R in Figure 24 The same as in .

[0165] [Developing unit separation operation]

[0166] Reference Figure 26 and 27 , the operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separated position by the separation and contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail. These figures are sectional views taken along the section line CS, in which a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 116, and a portion of the driving side bearing 126 are omitted for better illustration.

[0167] In this embodiment, the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable from an initial position along Figure 26 When the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of the arrow W41, the second force applying surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm of the force applying member 152R come into contact with each other, so that the force applying member 152R rotates in the direction of the arrow BB about the force applying member swing axis HC. Then, the first pressing surface 152Rq of the force applying member 152R comes into contact with the first pressed surface 126c of the driving side bearing 126, and the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position ( Figure 271) rotates around the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1. At this time, the urged surface 152Rf of the urging member 152R has an arc shape, and the center of the arc is set to align with the swing axis K. In this way, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the force applied to the urged surface 152Rf of the urging member 152R from the cartridge pressing unit 121 points in the direction of the swing axis K, and therefore, the operation can be performed without hindering the rotation in the direction of arrow V1. In the separation holding member 151R, the second restricted surface 151Rk of the separation holding member 151R and the second control surface 116d of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 are separated from each other, and the separation holding member 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B1 by the urging force of the tension spring 153. Thus, the separation holding member 151R rotates until the second pressed surface 151Re contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the urging member 152R, and through the contact operation, it switches to the separation holding position. When the separation control member 196R moves the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position, and the separation holding member 151R is located at the separation holding position, as shown in FIG. Figure 27 As shown, a gap T5 is provided between the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c. Here, the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position to the separation position so that the separation holding member 151 can move to the separation holding position. Figure 27 The position shown is referred to as the second position of the disconnect control member 196R.

[0168] Thereafter, when the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of arrow W42 and returns from the second position to the initial position, the developing unit 109 rotates in the direction of arrow V2 by the torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the developing pressure spring 134 (to be described later) while holding the separation holding member 151R at the separation holding position, and the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c contact each other. In other words, the developing unit 109 is held at the spaced position by the separation holding member 151R, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are spaced apart from each other by the gap P1 therebetween ( Figure 24 and 34 (a) shows the state). As a result, the above-mentioned gaps T3 and T4 are set again, and the separation control member 196R is positioned at a position not acting on the urging member 152R ( Figure 24 Execute immediately from Figure 27 Status to Figure 24 The state transition.

[0169] As described above, in this embodiment, the separation control member 196R moves from the initial position to the second position, and the separation holding member 151R moves from the separation release position to the separation holding position. Furthermore, the separation control member 196R returns from the second position to the initial position, and the developing unit 109 is held in the separation position by the separation holding member 151R.

[0170] [Detailed Description of Separation Holding Member 151L]

[0171] With reference to the drawings, the separation holding member 151L will be described in detail. Figure 28 Part (a) is a front view of the separation holding member 151L itself as viewed on the driving side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, Figure 28 Part (b) and Figure 28 Part (c) is a perspective view of the separation and holding member 151L itself. The separation and holding member 151L is provided with an annular support receiving portion 151La, and is provided with a separation and holding portion 151Lb protruding from the support receiving portion 151La in the radial direction of the support receiving portion 151La. The free end of the separation and holding portion 151Lb has an arc-shaped separation and holding surface 151Lc centered on the separation and holding swing axis H. In addition, the separation and holding member 151L has a second restricted surface 151Lk adjacent to the separation and holding surface 151Lc. In addition, the separation and holding member 151L is provided with a second pressed portion 151Ld protruding beyond the support receiving portion 151La in the Z2 direction, and is provided with an arc-shaped second pressed surface 151Le protruding from the second pressed portion 151Ld in the direction of the separation and holding swing axis (H) of the support receiving portion 151La. Furthermore, the separation holding member 151L has a main body portion 151Lf connected to the support receiving portion 151La, and the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a spring hook portion 151Lg protruding in the separation holding swing axis (H) direction of the support receiving portion 151La. Furthermore, the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a rotation preventing portion 151m protruding in the Z2 direction, and its rotation preventing surface 151Ln is provided in a direction facing the second pressed surface 151Le.

[0172] [Detailed Description of the Force Applying Member L]

[0173] Reference Figure 29 , the urging member 152L will be described in detail. Figure 29 Part (a) is a front view of the urging member 152L itself as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. Figure 29 Part (b) and Figure 29Part (c) is a perspective view of the force member 152L itself. The force member 152L has an oblong support receiving portion 152La. Here, the longitudinal direction of the oblong support receiving portion 152La is indicated by the arrow LH, the upward direction is indicated by the arrow LH1, and the downward direction is indicated by the arrow LH2. In addition, the direction in which the oblong support receiving portion 152La is formed is defined as HD. The force member 152L is provided with a protruding portion 152Lh formed downstream of the oblong support receiving portion 152La in the direction of the arrow LH2. The oblong support receiving portion 152La and the protruding portion 152Lh are connected by a main body portion 152Lb. On the other hand, the force member 152L is provided with a pushed portion 152Le protruding in the direction of the arrow LH1 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow LH1, and an arc-shaped pushed surface 152Lf and a push limiting surface 152Lg are provided on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH1. In addition, the urging member 152L is provided with a first retraction restricting surface 152Lv as a part of the oblong support receiving portion 152La, which is located on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2.

[0174] The protruding portion 152Lh is provided with a first force-bearing portion 152Lk and a second force-bearing portion 152Ln at its distal end in the direction of arrow LH2. These portions are arranged opposite each other in a direction generally perpendicular to arrow LH2. The first force-bearing portion 152Lk and the second force-bearing portion 152Ln have arcuate first and second force-bearing surfaces 152Lm, 152Lp, respectively, extending in the HD direction. Furthermore, the protruding portion 152Lh is provided with a spring hook portion 152Ls protruding in the HB direction and a locking portion 152Lt. The locking portion 152Lt has a locking surface 152Lu facing the same direction as the second force-bearing surface 152Lp.

[0175] Furthermore, the force-applying member 152L is part of the main body portion 152Lb and is positioned upstream of the second force-bearing portion 152Ln in the direction of arrow LH2. It has a first pressing surface 152Lq that faces the same direction as the second force-bearing surface 152Lp. Furthermore, the force-applying member 152L is provided with a second pressing surface 152Lr that is part of the main body portion 152Lb and faces the same direction as the first force-bearing surface 152Lm. The second pressing surface 152Lr is positioned upstream of the first force-bearing portion 152Lk in the direction of arrow LH2. When the process cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device main assembly 170, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100.

[0176] [Assembly of separation and contact mechanism L]

[0177] refer to Figure 16 and 29 To 35, the assembly of the separation mechanism will be described. Figure 30 151L is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 after the separation holding member 151L is assembled, as viewed from the driving side. Figure 16 As described above, by fitting the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 127a of the non-drive side bearing 127 into the developing unit supporting hole 117a of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117, the developing unit 109 is supported so as to be rotatable about the driving axis K relative to the photosensitive drum 104. In addition, the non-drive side bearing 127 is provided with a first cylindrical supporting portion 127b and a second supporting portion 127e that protrude in the direction of the swing axis K.

[0178] The outer diameter of the first support portion 127b cooperates with the inner diameter of the support receiving portion 151La of the separation holding member 151L to rotatably support the separation holding member 151L. Here, the swing center of the separation holding member 151L assembled to the non-drive side bearing 127 is referred to as the separation holding swing axis H. The non-drive side bearing 127 has a first retaining portion 127c protruding in the direction of the separation holding swing axis H. Figure 16 As shown, the movement of the separation holding member 151L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 in the direction of the interval-maintaining swing axis H is restricted by the contact between the first retaining portion 127 c and the separation holding member 151L.

[0179] In addition, the outer diameter of the second support portion 127e is matched with the inner wall of the oblong support receiving portion 152La of the urging member 152L so as to support the urging member 152L rotatably and movably in the oblong direction. Here, the swing center of the urging member 152L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 is referred to as the urging member swing axis HC. Figure 16 As shown, the movement of the urging member 152L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 in the direction of the urging member swing axis HE is restricted by the contact between the second retainer 127f and the separation holding member 151L.

[0180] Figure 31It is a view of the processing box 100 after assembling the separation holding member 151L, as viewed in the direction of the separation holding swing axis (H). It is a sectional view of a portion of the non-drive side box cover member 117 partially cut along the partial section line CS, so that the assembly portion between the oblong support receiving portion 151La of the force applying member 152L and the cylindrical portion 127e of the non-drive side bearing 127 can be seen. Here, the non-drive side separation contact mechanism 150L is provided with a tension spring 153, which serves as a pushing device for pushing the separation holding member 151L to rotate around the separation holding swing axis H in the direction of arrow B1 and for pushing the force applying member 152L in the direction of arrow B3. The direction of arrow B3 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal LH2 direction of the oblong support receiving portion 152La of the force applying member 152L (see Figure 29 The tension spring 153 is stretched between the spring hook portion 151Lg provided on the separation holding member 151L and the spring hook portion 152Ls provided on the urging member 152L. Figure 31 The tension spring 153 applies a force in the direction of arrow F2 to the spring hook portion 151Lg of the separation holding member 151L, thereby applying an urging force to rotate the separation holding member in the direction of arrow B1. In addition, the tension spring 153 applies a force in the direction of arrow F1 to the spring hook portion 152L of the urging member 152L, thereby applying an urging force to move the urging member 152L in the direction of arrow B3.

[0181] The angle formed between the line GS connecting the spring hook portion 151Lg of the separation retaining member 151L and the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force retaining member 152L, and the line HS connecting the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force applying member 152L and the force applying member swing axis HE is selected to satisfy the following formula (3), where the counterclockwise direction around the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force applying member 152L is the positive direction. As a result, the force applying member 152L is urged to rotate in the direction BA about the force applying member swing axis HE as the rotation center. 0° ≤ θ3 ≤ 90° (3).

[0182] In this embodiment, the separation holding member 151L and the urging member 152L are mounted on one side (longitudinal outer side) of the non-driving side bearing 127 on which the non-driving side cover member 117 is arranged in the direction of the swing axis K, as shown in FIG. Figure 29As shown. However, the positions are not limited to such examples, and they may be arranged on the developing unit frame (125) side (longitudinal inner side) of the non-driving side bearing 127, or the separation and holding member 151L and the force member 152L may be arranged so that the non-driving side bearing 127 is interposed therebetween. In addition, the arrangement order of the separation and holding member 151L and the force member 152L may be interchanged. The non-driving side bearing 127 is fixed to the developing unit frame 125 to form the developing unit 109. As Figure 16 As shown, the fixing method in this embodiment uses the fixing screws 145 and an adhesive (not shown), but the fixing method is not limited to such an example, and another connecting method is satisfactory, such as heat welding, resin material.

[0183] here, Figure 32 Part (a) and Figure 32 Part (b) is Figure 31 The urging member pivot axis HE and the separation holding member 151L are enlarged in the view, and for better explanation, the non-driving side cover component 117 and the tension spring 153 and the separation holding member 151L are partially cut away along the section line CS. The urging member 152L is urged in the direction of arrow F1 by the tension spring 153 so that the first retraction limiting surface 152Lv of the urging member 152L contacts the second support portion 127e of the non-driving side bearing 127. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 32 As shown in part (b), the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force member 152L contacts and is positioned with the first pressed surface 127h of the non-drive side bearing 127. This position is referred to as the retracted position (reference position) of the force member 152L. In addition, the separation and holding member 151L rotates in the direction of the arrow B1 around the separation and holding swing axis H by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 in the direction of the arrow F2, and is positioned by the contact surface 151Lp of the separation and holding member 151L contacting the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force member 152L. This position is referred to as the separation and holding position (limiting position) of the separation and holding member 151L. When the force member 152L moves to the protruding position to be described below, the second pressed surface 151Le of the force member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force member 152L, so that the force member 152L can be positioned in the separation and holding position.

[0184] Figure 33 yes Figure 31 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the separation and holding member 151L and its surroundings in FIG. 1 , and for better illustration, the tension spring 153 is omitted. Assume that the process cartridge 100 including the non-driving side separation and contact mechanism 150L is moved along the Figure 33151L is dropped in the direction of arrow JA. At this time, separation and holding member 151L is subjected to a force due to its own weight that causes it to rotate about separation and holding swing axis H in the direction of arrow B2. For the reasons described above, when separation and holding member 151L begins to rotate in the direction of arrow B2, rotation preventing surface 151Ln of separation and holding member 151L contacts locking surface 152Lu of force applying member 152L, and separation and holding member 151L receives a force in the direction of arrow F4, inhibiting rotation in the direction of arrow B2. Thus, rotation of separation and holding member 151L in the direction of arrow B2 during transport can be restricted, thereby preventing damage to the separation between photosensitive drum 104 and developing unit 109.

[0185] In this embodiment, tension spring 153 serves as a biasing element for biasing separation and retention member 151L to the separation and retention position and biasing force member 152L to the retracted position, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like may be used as a biasing element to bias biasing force member 152L to the retracted position and biasing separation and retention member 151L to the separation and retention position. The biasing element may be made of a metal, a mold, or the like, as long as it is elastic and capable of biasing separation and retention member 151L and biasing force member 152L.

[0186] As described above, the developing unit 109 provided with the non-driving side separation and contact mechanism 150L is integrally coupled to the drum unit 108 via the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 ( Figure 30 status). Figure 16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the non-driving side cartridge cover 117 of this embodiment has a contact surface 117c. The contact surface 117c is a surface parallel to the swing axis K. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 and 30As shown, when the non-drive side cover member 117 is assembled to the developer unit 109 and drum unit, the contact surface 117c faces the retaining surface 151Lc of the separation retaining member 151L, which is in the separation retaining position. Here, the process cartridge 100 is provided with a developer pressure spring 134, which serves as an urging member for bringing the developer roller 106 into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. The developer pressure spring 134 extends between a spring hook portion 117e of the non-drive side cover member 117 and a spring hook portion 127k of the non-drive side bearing 127. The urging force of the developer pressure spring 134 causes the separation retaining surface 151Lc of the separation retaining member 151L and the contact surface 117c of the non-drive side cover member 117 to contact each other. Then, when the contact surface 117c and the separation retaining surface 151Lc are in contact, the posture of the developer unit 109 is determined so that the developer roller 106 of the developer unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 104 are spaced apart by a gap P1. Therefore, the state where the developing roller 106 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation holding member 151L with the gap P1 is referred to as the spaced position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see FIG. Figure 34 part (a)).

[0187] Reference Figure 34 , the separation state and the contact state of the process cartridge 100 will be described in detail. Figure 34 1 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 mounted inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, viewed from the non-driving side. Figure 34 Part (a) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the developing unit 109 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 104 . Figure 34 B shows a state in which the developing unit 109 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 .

[0188] First, in a state where the separation holding member 151L is located at the separation holding position and the developing unit 109 is located at the separation position, by pushing the urged portion 152Le of the urging member 152L in the direction of the arrow ZA, the protrusion 152Lh of the urging member 152L protrudes from the process cartridge 100 ( Figure 34). This position is referred to as the protruding position of the force member 152L. As described above, the second pressed surface 151Le of the separation and holding member 151L is in contact with the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force member 152L via the tension spring 153. Therefore, when the second force-bearing portion 152Ln is pressed in the direction of the arrow W42, the force member 152L rotates around the force member swing axis HE in the direction of the arrow BD to rotate the separation and holding member 151L in the direction of the arrow B5. When the separation and holding member 151L rotates in the direction of the arrow B5, the separation and holding surface 151Lc is separated from the contact surface 117c, and the developing unit 109 becomes rotatable from the separation position around the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V2. That is, the developing unit 109 rotates from the separation position in the direction of V2, so that the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other is referred to as a contact position (developing position) ( Figure 34 17d. The state shown in part (b) of FIG. 17b). The position where the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L is separated from the contact surface 117c is referred to as a separation release position (permitting position). When the developing unit 109 is located at the contact position, the second restricted surface 151Lk of the separation holding member 151L contacts the second regulating surface 117d of the driving side cartridge cover member 116, thereby holding the separation holding member 151L at the separation release position.

[0189] In addition, the non-driving side bearing 127 of this embodiment has a first pressed surface 127h, which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. The non-driving side bearing 127 is fixed to the developing unit 109, and therefore, when the first force receiving portion 152Lk of the force applying member 152L is pressed in the direction of arrow 41 while the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the first pressing surface 152Lq comes into contact with the first pressed surface 127h, so that the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 and moves to the separated position ( Figure 34 Here, the direction in which the first pressed surface 127h moves when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the spaced position is represented by Figure 34 Part (a) and Figure 34. The direction opposite to the arrow W41 is the direction of the arrow W42, and the directions of the arrows W41 and W42 are substantially horizontal directions (the X1 and X2 directions). The second force-bearing surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L assembled to the developing unit 109 as described above is placed upstream of the first pressed surface 127h of the non-driving side bearing 127 in the direction of the arrow W41. In addition, the first pressed surface 127h and the second force-bearing surface 151Le of the separation and retaining member 151L are arranged at positions where at least a portion of them overlap with each other in the W1 and W2 directions. The operation of the non-driving side separation and contact mechanism 150L inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device will be described below.

[0190] [Installation of the process cartridge into the imaging device]

[0191] Reference Figure 35 and 36 , the operation of engaging between the separation and contact mechanism 150R of the process cartridges 100Y and 100K and the development separation control unit 196 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 when the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described. For better explanation, these figures are sectional views along the partial section line CS with a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 omitted. Figure 3 This is a view of the processing box 100 observed from the driving side when the processing box 100 is installed on the box tray 171 (not shown) of the imaging device M and the box tray 171 has been inserted into the first installation position, in which parts other than the processing box 100, the box pressing unit 121 and the separation control member 196L are omitted.

[0192] As described above, the imaging device main assembly 170 of this embodiment has a separation control member 196L corresponding to each of the process cartridges 100 described above. When the process cartridge 100 is located in the first inner position and the second inner position, the separation control member 196L is arranged closer to the lower surface side of the imaging device main assembly 170 than the separation retaining member 151L. The separation control member 196L protrudes toward the process cartridge 100 and is provided with a first force application surface 196La and a second force application surface 196Lb facing each other with a space 196Rd therebetween. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected to each other by a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the imaging device main assembly 170. The separation control member 196R is rotatably supported about a rotation center 196Re by a control metal plate 197. The separation member 196R is always urged in the E1 direction by an urging spring. Furthermore, the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the directions W41 and W42 by a control metal plate 197 , and the control metal plate 197 is configured to be movable in the directions W41 and W42 by a control mechanism (not shown).

[0193] As described above, in association with the transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 121 descends in the direction of the arrow ZA, so that the first force applying portion 121a comes into contact with the urged surface 152Lf of the force applying member 152L. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 121 is lowered to a predetermined position as the second mounting position, the force applying member 152Lh moves to a protruding position (ie, downwardly projecting) of the process cartridge 100 in the Z2 direction. Figure 36 When the operation is completed, as shown in Figure 36 As shown, a gap T4 is formed between the first force-applying surface 196La of the separation control member 196L and the first force-bearing surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L, and a gap T3 is formed between the second force-applying surface 196Lb and the second force-bearing surface 152Lp. It is then positioned in the second mounting position, in which the separation control member 196L does not act on the force-applying member 152L. This position of the separation control member 196L is referred to as the initial position. At this time, the first force-bearing surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L and the first force-applying surface 196La of the separation control member 196L are arranged to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the second force-bearing surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L and the second force-applying surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L are arranged to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0194] [Contact Operation of Developing Unit]

[0195] Reference Figures 36 to 38 , the contact operation between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 by the non-driving side separating contact mechanism 150L will be described in detail. These figures are sectional views, in which a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117, and a portion of the non-driving side bearing 127 are omitted along a partial section line CS for better explanation.

[0196] As described above, the developer input coupling 32 receives the input from the main assembly 170 of the imaging device. Figure 24 The driving force in the direction of the arrow V2 is shown in FIG. That is, the developing unit 109 provided with the developing input coupling 32 receives the torque in the direction of the arrow V2 about the swing axis K from the main assembly 170 of the imaging device. In addition, the developing unit 109 is also pushed in the direction of the arrow V2 by the pushing force of the above-mentioned developing pressure spring 134. Figure 36As shown, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the separation holding member 151L is in the separated holding position, even if the developing unit 109 receives the torque and the urging force of the developing pressure spring 134, the holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L contacts the contact surface 117c of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117, so that the posture of the developing unit 109 is maintained in the separated position ( Figure 36 status shown).

[0197] The separation control member 196L of this embodiment is configured to be movable from an initial position along Figure 36 Moves in the direction of the arrow W41. When the separation control member 196L moves in the W41 direction, the second force applying surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L and the second force receiving surface 152Lp of the force member 152L contact each other, so that the force member 152L rotates in the direction of BD around the force member swing axis HD. In addition, when the force member 152L rotates, the separation holding member 151L rotates in the B5 direction, and at the same time, the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force member 152L contacts the second pressed surface 151Le of the separation holding member 151L. Then, the separation holding member 151L is rotated by the force member 152L to the separation release position where the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c are separated from each other. Here, the separation holding member 151L moves to Figure 37 The position of the disconnect control member 196L in the disconnect release position shown is referred to as a first position.

[0198] When the separation holding member 151L is moved to the separation releasing position by the separation controlling member 196L, the developing unit 109 is rotated in the direction V2 to the contact position ( ) where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other by the torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force of the developing pressure spring 134. Figure 37 At this time, the separation holding member 151L, which is pushed by the tension spring 153 in the direction of arrow B4, is held in the separation release position by the contact of the second restricted surface 151Lk with the second control surface 117d of the non-driving side box cover member 117. Thereafter, the separation control member 196L moves in the W42 direction and returns to the initial position. At this time, the force member 152L is rotated in the BC direction by the tension spring 153, and the state is switched to a state in which the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force member 152L is in contact with the first pressed surface 127h of the non-driving side bearing 127 ( Figure 38 ). Thus, the gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196L is in a position where it does not act on the urging member 152L. Figure 37 The status shown is Figure 38 The state transitions are shown. Figure 38The position of the separation control member 196L in Figure 36 The same as in .

[0199] As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, the separation control member 196L moves from the initial position to the first position, thereby rotating the urging member 152L and moving the separation holding member 151L from the separation holding position to the separation release position. This allows the developing unit 109 to move from the separation position to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other.

[0200] [Developing unit separation operation]

[0201] refer to Figure 38 and 39 , the movement of the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position will be described in detail. Figure 39 1 and 2. It is a sectional view in which a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117, and a portion of the non-driving side bearing 127 are omitted along a partial section line CS for better illustration.

[0202] In this embodiment, the separation control member 196L is configured to be movable from an initial position along Figure 38 When the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of the arrow W42, the second force application surface 196Lb and the first force receiving surface 152Lm of the force application member 152L come into contact with each other, so that the force application member 152L rotates about the arrow BC around the force application member swing axis HD. Since the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force application member 152L comes into contact with the first pressed surface 127h of the non-driving side bearing 127, the developing unit 109 rotates about the pivot axis K in the direction of the arrow V1 from the contact position ( Figure 39). At this time, the pushed surface 152Lf of the urging member 152L has an arc shape, and the center of the arc coincides with the swing axis K. Thus, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the force received by the pushed surface 152Lf of the urging member 152L from the box pressing unit 121 points in the direction of the swing axis K, and does not hinder the rotation of the developing unit 109 in the direction of arrow V1. Regarding the separation holding member 151L, the second restricted surface 151Lk of the separation holding member 151L and the second control surface 117d of the non-driving side box cover member 117 are separated from each other, so that the separation holding member 151L is rotated in the direction of arrow B4 by the urging force of the tension spring 153. Thus, the separation holding member 151L rotates until the second pressed surface 151Le comes into contact with the second pressing surface 152LR of the urging member 152L, and through this contact, it moves to the separation holding position. When the developing unit 109 is moved from the contact position to the separation position by the separation control member 196L and the separation holding member 151L is placed in the separation holding position, as shown in FIG. Figure 39 Here, the position where the separation maintaining member 151 can be moved to the separation maintaining position by rotating the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position is referred to as the second position of the separation controlling member 196L.

[0203] Thereafter, when the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of arrow W41 and returns from the second position to the initial position, the developing unit 109 rotates in the direction of arrow V2 by the torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force of the developing pressure spring 134 while the separation holding member 151L is held in the separation holding position, so that the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c come into contact with each other. In other words, the developing unit 109 is held in the separation position by the separation holding member 151L, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated by the gap P1 ( Figure 36 and Figure 34 152L). As a result, the gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196L is positioned at a position where it does not act on the urging member 152L ( Figure 36 Execute immediately from Figure 39 Status to Figure 36 The state transition.

[0204] As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, the separation control member 196L moves from the initial position to the second position, and the separation holding member 151L moves from the separation release position to the separation holding position. When the separation control member 196L returns from the second position to the initial position, the developing unit 109 is held in the separation position by the separation holding member 151L.

[0205] So far, the operation of the separation mechanism provided on the driving side of the process cartridges 100Y and 100K and the operation of the separation mechanism provided on the non-driving side have been described separately, but in the present embodiment, they operate in conjunction with each other. More specifically, when the developing unit 109 is placed in the separation position by the separation holding member 151R, the developing unit 109 is placed in the separation position by the separation holding member 151L substantially at the same time, and the same applies to the contact position. Specifically, Figures 23 to 27 and the separation control member 121R and the separation control member 121L described in 35 to 39 are moved as a whole through a connecting mechanism (not shown). Thus, the timing at which the separation holding member 151R of the drive side is positioned at the separation holding position is substantially the same as the timing at which the separation holding member 151L of the non-drive side is positioned at the separation holding position, and the timing at which the separation holding member 151R is positioned at the separation release position is substantially the same as the timing at which the separation holding member 151L is positioned at the separation release position. These timings may be different between the drive side and the non-drive side, but it is desirable that at least the timing at which it is placed at the separation release position is the same so as to save the time elapsed from the user starting the print job to the output print. In the present embodiment, the separation member swing axes H of the separation holding member 151R and the separation holding member 151L are coaxial with each other, but this is not necessary, as long as the timing at the separation release position is substantially the same. Similarly, the urging member swing axis HC of the urging member 152R and the urging member swing axis HE of the urging member 152L do not coincide with each other, but this is not essential, and as described above, it is sufficient that the timing of positioning at the separation release position is substantially the same.

[0206] As described above, the driving side and the non-driving side have the same separation and contact mechanism, and they operate basically simultaneously, whereby even if the processing box 100 is twisted or deformed in the longitudinal direction, the change in the spacing amount along the longitudinal direction can be suppressed because the spacing amount between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 can be controlled at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0207] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R(L) in one direction (the direction of arrows W41 and W42) between the initial position, the first position, and the second position, it is possible to control the contact state and the separation state between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the developing roller 106 in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 only when the image forming operation is being performed, and to maintain the developing roller 106 spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 104 when the image forming operation is not being performed. Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus is left for a long period of time without image formation, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 do not deform, and stable image formation can be performed.

[0208] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the urging member 152R(L) that acts on the separation holding member 151R(L) to rotate and move can be positioned in the retracted position by the urging force of the tension spring 153 or the like. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 is outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 100 has a portion that protrudes from the outermost shape of the main body, and therefore, the size of the process cartridge 100 can be reduced.

[0209] Similarly, the biasing member 152R(L) can be positioned in the retracted position by the urging force of the tension spring 153 or the like, so that when the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the main assembly 170 of the image forming apparatus, the mounting operation can be completed by moving it only in one direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the process cartridge 100 (tray 171) vertically. As a result, the size of the main assembly 170 of the image forming apparatus can be reduced without requiring additional space.

[0210] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when separation control member 196R(L) is in its initial position, no load is applied to separation control member 196R(L) from process cartridge 100. Consequently, the rigidity required for separation control member 196R(L) and the mechanism for operating separation control member 196R(L) can be reduced, and their size can be reduced. Furthermore, the load on the sliding portion of the mechanism for operating separation control member 196R(L) is also reduced, thereby suppressing wear of the sliding portion and the generation of abnormal noise.

[0211] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the developing unit 109 can be maintained in the separated position only by the separation retaining member 151R(L) of the process cartridge 100. Therefore, by reducing the number of components that cause variations in the amount of separation between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104, component tolerances can be reduced and the amount of separation can be minimized. Since the amount of separation can be reduced, in the imaging device main assembly 170, when the developing unit 109 moves between the contact position and the separated position, the area occupied by the developing unit 109 becomes smaller, and the imaging device can be miniaturized accordingly. Furthermore, since the space for the developer container 29 for the developing unit 109 that moves between the contact position and the separated position can be increased, a compact and large-capacity process cartridge 100 can be placed in the imaging device main assembly 170.

[0212] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the process cartridge 100 is installed, the biasing member 152R(L) can be positioned in the retracted position, and the developing unit 109 can be held in the separated position solely by the separation retaining member 151R(L) of the process cartridge 100. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging apparatus main assembly 170, the installation operation can be completed by moving the process cartridge 100 in only one direction. Therefore, there is no need to vertically move the process cartridge 100 (tray 171). Consequently, the size of the imaging apparatus main assembly 170 can be reduced without requiring additional space. Furthermore, since the spacing can be reduced, when the process cartridge 100 is placed in the imaging apparatus main assembly 170, the area occupied by the developing unit 109 as it moves between the contact position and the separation position becomes smaller, enabling a reduction in the size of the imaging apparatus. Furthermore, since the space for the developer container 29 of the developing unit 109, which moves between the contact position and the separation position, can be increased, a compact and high-capacity process cartridge 100 can be placed in the imaging apparatus main assembly 170.

[0213] [Layout details of separation and contact mechanisms]

[0214] Reference Figure 40 and 41 , the arrangement of the separation and contact mechanisms R and L in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 40 1 is an enlarged view of the separation holding member 151R and its surroundings when the process cartridge 100Y is viewed from the driving side along the swing axis K (photosensitive drum axial direction) of the developing unit 109. In addition, for better explanation, it is a sectional view along the section line CS in which a portion of the developing cover member 128 and a portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 116 are omitted. Figure 41 1 is an enlarged view of the separation and holding member 151R and its surroundings when the process cartridge 100 is viewed from the non-driven side along the swing axis K (photosensitive drum axis direction) of the developing unit 109. Furthermore, for better explanation, it is a cross-sectional view along the partial section line CS, omitting a portion of the developing cover member 128 and a portion of the driving-side cartridge cover member 116. Regarding the arrangement of the separation and holding member and the biasing member described below, there is no difference between the driving side and the non-driven side, except for the portions that will be described in detail below, and therefore, only the driving side will be described.

[0215] like Figure 40As shown, point M1 is the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 104, point M2 is the rotation center of the developing roller 106, and line N is a line passing through points M1 and M2. Furthermore, the contact area between the separation-retaining surface 151Rc of the separation-retaining member 151R and the contact surface 116c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is denoted by M3, and the contact area between the second pressed surface 151Re of the separation-retaining member 151R and the second pressing surface 152Rr of the urging member 152R is denoted by M4. Furthermore, the distance between the swing axis K of the developing unit 109 and point M2 is distance e1, the distance between the swing axis K and area M3 is distance e2, and the distance between the swing axis K and point M4 is distance e3.

[0216] In the structure of this embodiment, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the urging member 152R (L) is in the protruding position, the following positional relationship is satisfied. Figure 40 When viewed in the axial direction of the swing axis K shown (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum), at least a portion of the contact area M3 between the separation and maintaining member 151R and the drive-side cartridge cover member is provided in an area on the opposite side of the area where the center of the developing coupling 32 (the swing axis K) is located, with a line N passing through the center of the drum 104 and the center of the developing roller 106 interposed therebetween. In other words, the separation and maintaining surface 151Rc of the separation and maintaining member 151R is arranged so that the distance e2 is longer than the distance e1.

[0217] By providing the separation holding member 151R and the separation holding surface 151Rc in this manner, when the position of the separation holding surface 151Rc varies due to component tolerances, etc., a change in the posture of the separation position of the developing unit 109 can be suppressed. In other words, the change in the separation holding surface 151Rc has no significant effect on the spacing amount (gap) P1 (see FIG. Figure 34 The influence of part (a)) can be minimized, and the developing roller 106 can be spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 104 with high precision. In addition, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position, there is no need to provide an additional space for retracting the developing unit 109, which leads to a reduction in size of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

[0218] Furthermore, the first force receiving portion 152Rk (Lk) and the second force receiving portion 152Rn (Ln) as the force receiving portion of the force applying member 152R (L) are arranged on the side opposite to the side on which the rotation center of the developing coupling 32 is provided, with the extension line of the line N interposed therebetween. As described above, the force receiving portions 152Rk (Lk) and 152Rn (Ln) are arranged at the end portions in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as Figure 15 ( Figure 16), the cylindrical portion 128b (127a) serving as the supporting portion for the developing unit 109 is provided at the end portion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by placing the force-bearing portions 152Rk (Lk) and 152Rn (Ln) on the opposite side of the line N from the cylindrical portion 128b (127a) of the developing unit 109 (i.e., the swing axis K), the functional portions can be efficiently arranged. In other words, the size of the process cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus M can be reduced.

[0219] In addition, the force receiving portions 152Rk, 152Rn are arranged at the ends of the longitudinal driving side. Figure 15 As shown, the developing drive input gear 132 that receives the drive from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and drives the developing roller 106 is provided at the driving side end portion in the longitudinal direction. Figure 40 As shown, the force applying members 152Rk and 152Rn are arranged on the side opposite to the side of the rotation center K of the developing drive input gear 132 (developing coupling portion 132a) indicated by the dotted line, with the extension line of line N between them. With this arrangement, the functional parts can be arranged effectively. In other words, the size of the process cartridge 100 and the imaging device M can be reduced. In addition, the contact portion between the separation and holding member 151R and the force applying member 152R is set so that the distance e3 is longer than the distance e1. As a result, the separation and holding member 151R and the drive side box cover member 116 can contact each other with a lighter force. In other words, the spacing between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be stably maintained.

[0220] [Details of connecting components]

[0221] Next, the structure in which the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridges 100M and 100C and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 are spaced apart from each other and in contact with each other will be described in detail. As described above, the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100Y, the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100M, and the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100C are connected by the connecting member 201.

[0222] First, refer to Figure 42 , the structure of the connecting member will be described. Figure 42 Part (a) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 and the tray 171, wherein the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the tray 171, the connecting member 201 is detachably mounted to the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C, and the front door is closed. Figure 42 10 is fixed in the state of part (a), the position of the swing axis K of the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100 is fixed. Figure 42 Part (b) is related to Figure 42Part (a) is a perspective view of the same state, but is a view before the connection member 201 is installed.

[0223] like Figure 42 As shown in FIG. 1 , a connecting member 201 is provided (detachably mounted) on the upper portion of the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C. Support shafts 202Y, 202M, and 202C extend substantially parallel to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum and are provided on the top of the developing units 109Y, 109M, and 109C, respectively. The connecting member 201 is a plate-shaped member having three grooves (engaging portions / connecting portions) 2011Y, 2011M, and 2011C that open downward. The connecting member 201 is rotatably supported relative to the support shafts 202Y, 202M, and 202C by engaging (connecting) the grooves 2011Y, 2011M, and 2011C provided on the developing units 109Y, 109M, and 109C, respectively, with the support shafts (engaged portions / connected portions) 202Y, 202M, and 202C. At this time, the line connecting the support shafts 202Y, 202M, and 202C is parallel to the line connecting the swing axes KY, KM, and KC of the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C, and the distance between the support shaft 202Y and the support shaft 202M is equal to the swing axis KY of the process cartridge 100Y and the swing axis KM of the process cartridge 100M. Furthermore, the distance between the support shaft 202M and the support shaft 202C is equal to the swing axis KM of the process cartridge 100M and the swing axis KC of the process cartridge 100C. In other words, a parallel link mechanism is formed by the swing axes KY, KM, and KC, which serve as the connecting rod joints, and the support shafts 202Y, 202M, and 202C.

[0224] After the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the tray 171 as described above, the connecting member 201 is mounted downward from above ( Figure 42 At this time, the grooves 2011Y, 2011M, and 2011C of the above-mentioned connecting member are respectively fitted to the support shafts 202Y, 202M, and 202C of the process cartridge 100. At this time, the retaining portion can be provided in the groove portion 2011 so that the connecting member does not fall off from the process cartridge 100.

[0225] Next, refer to Figure 43 Part (a) and Figure 43 In part (b), the separation and contact operations of the process cartridges 100M and 100C will be described. Figure 43 Part (a) and Figure 43 Part (b) is a driving side side view of the process cartridge, wherein the connecting member 201 is mounted on the process cartridge 100Y, the process cartridge 100M, and the process cartridge 100C, the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are mounted on the tray 171, and the front door is closed. Figure 43 Part (a) shows a state where the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 are spaced apart from each other, Figure 43 Part (b) shows a state in which the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 are in contact with each other. Figure 43 Part (a) and Figure 43 In the state of part (b), as described above, the parallel link mechanism is formed by the swing shafts KY, KM and KC as joints and the support shafts 202Y, 202M and 202C, and the swing postures of the swing shafts KY, KM and KC of 109Y, 109M and 109C are kept the same. That is, when the developing unit 109Y of the process cartridge 100Y including the separation and contact mechanism 150 is in the state as shown in FIG. Figure 43 When the posture of the developing unit 109Y is switched from the separated position to the contact position, the postures of the developing units 109M and 109C are also switched from the separated position to the contact position, resulting in Figure 43 The same is true when the posture of the developing unit 109Y is switched from the contact position to the separation position.

[0226] In this embodiment, the connecting member 201 is a parallel link rotatably supported by the support shafts 202Y, 202M and 202C, but as shown in FIG. Figure 44 As shown, it may include two connecting rods rotatably supported on two supporting shafts respectively. Figure 44100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K in the main assembly, with the front door closed. The grooves 2011Y1 and 2011M1 of the connecting member 201YM are rotatably supported by the support shafts 202Y and 202M, respectively, and the grooves 2011M2 and 2011C1 of the connecting member 201MC are rotatably supported by the support shafts 202M and 202C, respectively. The connecting member 201YM is rotatably supported by the support shafts 202Y and 202M, so that the distance between the support shafts 202Y and 202M remains constant. Furthermore, as described above, when the main assembly front door is closed, the positions of the swing shafts KY, KM, and KC are fixed. Therefore, due to the action of the connecting member 201YM, a parallel link mechanism is established through the swing axes KY and KM of the process cartridges 100Y and 100M and the support shafts 202Y and 202M, which serve as a joint, and the swing postures of the developing units 109Y and 109M about the swing axes KY and KM remain the same. Similarly, due to the action of the connecting member 201MC, the swing postures of the developing units 109M and 109C about the swing axes KM and KC remain the same. As described above, the swing postures of the developing units 109Y, 109M, and 109C about the swing axes KY, KM, and KC remain the same. Therefore, the developing units 109M and 109C move in conjunction with the separation and contact operations of the developing unit 109Y.

[0227] In this embodiment, the process cartridge having the separation and contact mechanism 150 among the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C is the process cartridge 100Y, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Figure 45 100Y, 100M, 100C and 100K are perspective views of the interior of the main assembly with the front door closed. Figure 45 As shown in part (a) of FIG, only the process cartridge 100M may have the separation and contact mechanism 150. Similarly, as Figure 45 As shown in part (b), only the process cartridges 100Y and 100C may have the separation and contact mechanism 150. Here, Figure 45 Parts (a) and 45 (b) show the non-driving side separation and contact mechanism 150L. In addition, although not shown, only the processing cartridge 100C may have the separation and contact mechanism 150. Only the processing cartridges 100Y and 100M may have the separation and contact mechanism 150. Only the processing cartridges 100M and 100C may have the separation and contact mechanism 150. In any of the above cases, it is sufficient as long as the connecting member 201 is rotatably connected to the developing unit of the processing cartridge that does not have all the separation and contact mechanisms and the developing unit of the processing cartridge that has the separation and contact mechanism. For example, in Figure 45In part (b), although the connecting members 201YM and 201MC are provided, it is sufficient to provide any one of them.

[0228] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support shaft is provided on the top of the developing unit, but this is not the only possibility. Figure 46 Part (a) is a perspective view of the connecting member 201 and the process cartridge 100 in a state where the connecting member 201 and the process cartridge 100 are mounted on the tray 171 and the front door is closed. Figure 46 Part (b) shows the Figure 46 The same state as part (a) is shown, but the connecting member 201 is not shown. Figure 46 Part (a) and Figure 46 As shown in part (b) of the process cartridge, the support shafts 203Y, 203M, and 203C may be provided on the side surfaces of the developing units 109Y, 109M, and 109C. In addition, in this embodiment, one support shaft 203Y, one support shaft 203M, and one support shaft 203C are located on the driving side (including the side of the driving structure) of the corresponding developing unit in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, each developing unit may have a support shaft provided on the non-driving side ( Figure 43 Part (a) and Figure 43 A support shaft may be provided on the end portion in the Y2 direction in part (b), or a support shaft may be provided on each side.

[0229] In this embodiment, the user assembles the connecting member 201 to the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C mounted on the tray 171 , but this is not the only option. Figure 47 Part (a) and Figure 47 Part (b) is a perspective view of the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C1, and 100K and the tray 171. Figure 47 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the connecting member 204 is provided on the process cartridge 100C1 and is rotatably supported by the support shaft 202C. Figure 47 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100K are first mounted on the tray 171, and then the process cartridge 100C1 is mounted on the tray 171, and the groove portion 2041Y and the groove portion 2041M of the connecting member 204 are engaged with the support shafts 202Y and 202M of the process cartridges 100Y and 100M, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 47 However, the connecting member 204 is not limited to being provided on the process cartridge 100C1, but may be provided on the process cartridge 100Y or the process cartridge 100M.

[0230] In this embodiment, the connecting member 201 is rotatably supported by the supporting shafts 202Y, 202M, and 202C provided on the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Figure 48 171 and the connecting member 205 are installed. The connecting member 205 is a member (flexible material, such as a string-like component) that can transmit force in the tensile direction but cannot transmit force in the compressive direction, and is connected to the developing units 109Y, 109M and 109C of the processing cartridges 100Y, 100M and 100C. However, there are many connection methods available, for example, they can be fastened with screws. Since the connecting member 205 is made of a flexible material, it cannot transmit force in the compressive direction. Therefore, in the case of Figure 48 In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 205 is provided on the upper portion of the developing unit, and the separation and contact mechanism 150 is provided on the process cartridge 100C. Alternatively, the connecting member may be provided with a protruding shape such as a boss or rib, and the process cartridge may be provided with a recessed shape such as a groove or step, and the protruding shape may engage with the recessed shape. In either case, the connecting member may be detachably attached to at least one cartridge. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the connecting member is removed from the main assembly of the imaging device by removing the connecting member from the process cartridge or by removing the process cartridge from the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0231] So far, description has been made of an example in which at least one of the process cartridges 100Y, 100M, and 100C has the separation and contact mechanisms 150R and 150L, and the separation and contact mechanisms 150R and 150L are each provided with the urging members 152R and 152L, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Figure 49 100C, and the like. 100Y and 100Y are connected to each other in a manner that is consistent with the embodiment of the present invention. 100Y is a perspective view in which a process cartridge 300 not including a force-applying member as a separation and contact mechanism is mounted on a tray (not shown), and a connecting member 301 is mounted on process cartridges 300Y, 300M, and 300C in a state already mounted in the main assembly. 100Y performs a contact-separation operation by an operation to be described hereinafter. 100C and the like, process cartridges 300M and 300C also perform a contact-separation operation in synchronization with the contact-separation operation of process cartridge 300Y through the action of the connecting member 301.

[0232] Reference Figure 50 Part (a) and Figure 50 In part (b) of the present invention, the separating operation of the process cartridge 300 having no urging member as the separating / contacting mechanism will be described. Figure 50 Part (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 300 and the separation control member 396 when the process cartridge 300 is in a separated state, Figure 50Part (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 300 and the separation control member 396 when the process cartridge 300 is in contact. Figure 50 ), the separation holding member 351 rotatably provided on the developing cover member 328 abuts against the contact surface 316t of the driving side box cover member 316. As a result, the developing unit 309 is maintained in the separated position. When the processing box 300 switches from the separated state to the abutted state, the separation control member 396 moves in the W342 direction and contacts the separation holding member 352, so that the separation holding member 352 rotates in the B35 direction. Then, the developing unit 309 is moved to the contact position around the swing axis K by the same mechanism as the contact operation of the processing box 100 including the separation and contact mechanism 150, and the separation control member 396 returns to the initial position ( Figure 50 Next, refer to Figure 50 Part (a) and Figure 50 The separation operation will be described in part (b) of FIG. 3. When the developing unit 309 of the process cartridge 300 is moved from the contact position ( Figure 50 When the state shown in part (b) of FIG3 is switched to the separated state, the separation control member 396 moves in the W343 direction, and the developing unit 309 contacts the pressed surface 328h, so that the developing unit rotates in the V31 direction. Then, the developing unit 309 is held in the separated position by the separation holding member 351 by the same mechanism as the separation operation of the process cartridge 100 including the above-mentioned separation and contact mechanism 150, and the separation control member 396 returns to the initial position ( Figure 50 (a) Status)).

[0233] [Industrial Applicability]

[0234] Provided are a connecting member capable of connecting a plurality of process cartridges, a plurality of process cartridges connected by the connecting member, and an image forming apparatus including the plurality of process cartridges.

[0235] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are intended to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0236] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-156781 filed on September 17, 2020, and incorporates the entire contents of the specification herein.

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: a primary assembly comprising a force applying surface; a first process cartridge and a second process cartridge, the first process cartridge and the second process cartridge being detachably mountable to the main assembly, each of the first process cartridge and the second process cartridge comprising: photosensitive member, a first frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive member, a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member, and a second frame that rotatably supports the developing member and is movable relative to the first frame between a developing position at which the developing member deposits toner onto the photosensitive member and a retracted position at which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than at the developing position; and a connecting member connecting the first process cartridge and the second frame of the second process cartridge and being removable from the second frame of the first process cartridge and from the main assembly, wherein the first process cartridge includes a force receiving portion for receiving a force from a force applying surface of the main assembly to move the second frame of the first process cartridge from the developing position to the retracted position, and Wherein, when the first processing box and the second frame of the second processing box are connected, in response to the second frame of the first processing box moving from the developing position to the retracted position by receiving the force from the force applying surface of the main component, the connecting member moves the second frame of the second processing box from the developing position to the retracted position.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The connecting member includes an engaging portion engaged with an engaged portion provided on at least one second frame, and when the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged with each other, the connecting member connects the first process box and the second process box so that the movements of the first process box and the second process box between the developing position and the retracted position are correlated with each other.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The connecting member is provided with a plurality of the engaging portions.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The connecting member is rotatably connected to the second frames of the first and second process cartridges.

5. A process cartridge removably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, another process cartridge comprising a force receiving portion removably mountable to said main assembly, said main assembly comprising a force applying surface, said process cartridge comprising: photosensitive member; a first frame that rotatably supports a photosensitive member; a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; a second frame that rotatably supports the developing member and is movable relative to the first frame between a developing position in which the developing member contacts the photosensitive member and a retracted position in which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than in the developing position; as well as a connecting member connecting the second frame and said other process cartridge, the connecting member being removable from said other process cartridge and from said main assembly, wherein the force receiving portion of the other process cartridge receives the force from the force applying surface of the main assembly, and wherein, when the second frame and the other process cartridge are connected, the connecting member moves the second frame from the developing position to the retracted position in response to movement of the other process cartridge by receiving a force from the force applying surface of the main assembly.

6. A connecting member which is removable from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus and detachably mountable to a first process cartridge and a second process cartridge mountable to the image forming apparatus, wherein The first process cartridge and the second process cartridge each include a photosensitive member, a first frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive member, a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member, a second frame that rotatably supports the developing member and is movable relative to the first frame between a developing position and a retracted position in which the developing member contacts the photosensitive member and in which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than in the developing position, the connecting member including: an engaging portion for engaging with an engaged portion provided on the second frame of the first process cartridge and the second process cartridge, wherein the main assembly of the image forming apparatus includes a force applying surface, and the first process cartridge includes a force receiving portion for receiving a force from the force applying surface of the main assembly to move the second frame of the first process cartridge from the developing position to the retracted position, In which, when the second frame of the first processing box is moved from the developing position to the retracted position by the force from the force applying surface of the main component, the connecting member connects the first processing box and the second processing box in a state where the engaging part is engaged with the engaged part, so that the movements of the first processing box and the second processing box from the developing position to the retracted position are correlated with each other. The connecting member according to claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of the engaging portions.

8. The connecting member according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The connecting member is rotatably connected to the second frames of the first and second process cartridges.

9. An imaging device comprising: a primary assembly comprising a force applying surface; a first cartridge and a second cartridge, the first cartridge and the second cartridge being detachably mountable to the main assembly, the first cartridge and the second cartridge each comprising: a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member, a developing frame that rotatably supports a developing member and is movable relative to the photosensitive member between a developing position at which the developing member deposits toner onto the photosensitive member and a retracted position at which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than at the developing position; and a connecting member which connects the developing frames of the first and second cartridges and is removable from the first cartridge and from the main assembly, wherein the first cartridge includes a force receiving portion for receiving a force from a force applying surface of the main assembly to move the developing frame of the first cartridge from the developing position to the retracted position, and Wherein, when the developing frames of the first box and the second box are connected, in response to the development frame of the first box moving from the developing position to the retracted position by receiving the force from the force application surface of the main component, the connecting member moves the development frame of the second box from the developing position to the retracted position.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The connecting member includes an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on at least one developing frame, and the connecting member connects the first box and the second box in a state where the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged with each other, so that the movements of the first box and the second box between the developing position and the retracted position are correlated with each other.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The connecting member is provided with a plurality of the engaging portions.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The connecting member is rotatably connected to the developing frames of the first and second cartridges.

13. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, another cartridge comprising a force receiving portion detachably mountable to said main assembly, said main assembly comprising a force applying surface, said cartridge comprising: a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; a developing frame that rotatably supports the developing member and is movable relative to the photosensitive member between a developing position at which the developing member contacts the photosensitive member and a retracted position at which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than at the developing position; a connecting member connecting the developing frame and said other cartridge, the connecting member being removable from said other cartridge and from said main assembly, wherein the force receiving portion of the other cartridge receives a force from the force applying surface of the main assembly, and wherein, when the developing frame and the other cartridge are connected, the connecting member moves the developing frame from the developing position to the retracted position in response to movement of the other cartridge by receiving a force from the force applying surface of the main assembly.

14. A connecting member which is removable from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus and detachably mountable to a first cartridge and a second cartridge mountable to the image forming apparatus, wherein The first and second cartridges each include a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member, a developing frame rotatably supporting the developing member and movable relative to the photosensitive member between a developing position in which the developing member contacts the photosensitive member and a retracted position in which the developing member is further away from the photosensitive member than in the developing position, and the connecting member includes: an engaging portion for engaging with an engaged portion provided on the developing frames of the first and second cartridges, wherein a main assembly of the image forming apparatus includes a force applying surface, and the first cartridge includes a force receiving portion for receiving a force from the force applying surface of the main assembly to move the developing frame of the first cartridge from the developing position to the retracted position, In which, when the developing frame of the first box is moved from the developing position to the retracted position by the force from the force applying surface of the main component, the connecting member connects the first box and the second box in a state where the engaging part is engaged with the engaged part, so that the movements of the first box and the second box from the developing position to the retracted position are correlated with each other.

15. The connecting member according to claim 14, further comprising a plurality of the engaging portions.

16. The connecting member according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The connecting member is rotatably connected to the developing frames of the first and second cartridges.

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