Cartridge, attachment and mounting kit

Abstract

In order to further develop a drive transmission method from a main component of a device to a cartridge. The present disclosure relates to a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a driving output member configured to output a driving force, and a main assembly side urging member configured to tilt the driving output member by urging the driving output member. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a cartridge-side urging member. The cartridge-side urging member is configured to change an inclination angle of the drive output member by urging the main assembly-side urging member.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202080042403.6, application date June 9, 2020, and invention name “Box, accessories and installation kit”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a box, an accessory, a mounting kit and an imaging device.

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

[0004] The accessory is mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus separately from the cartridge.

[0005] Furthermore, the accessories and the box are collectively referred to as an installation kit.

[0006] The image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material by using an electrophotographic image forming process, and includes, for example, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like. Background Art

[0007] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to simply as an "image forming apparatus"), an electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is generally a drum type as an image bearing member, that is, a photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum), is uniformly charged. Next, an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed on the photosensitive drum by selectively exposing the charged photosensitive drum. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed into a toner image using a toner as a developer. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a recording material (e.g., a recording sheet or a plastic sheet), and heat or pressure is applied to the toner image transferred onto the recording material to fix the toner image, thereby performing an image recording operation.

[0008] Such an image forming apparatus generally requires toner replenishment and maintenance of various processing components. In order to make these toner replenishment and maintenance operations easier, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, etc. are collectively arranged in a frame to form a cartridge, and such a cartridge that can be mounted to and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus has been put into practical use.

[0009] According to this box system, the part of the device that requires maintenance operation can be completed by the user himself, without relying on the service personnel responsible for after-sales service. Therefore, the operability of the device can be significantly improved, and an imaging device with good usability can be provided. For this reason, this box method is widely used in imaging devices.

[0010] A process cartridge is one example of such a cartridge. The process cartridge is a device in which an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process device acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed as a cartridge and which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus.

[0011] In the above-mentioned process cartridge, a structure in which a coupling member is provided at the free end of the photosensitive drum so as to transmit the driving force from the main assembly of the device to the photosensitive drum is widely used. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-40625 proposes a structure in which the coupling member is configured to be able to advance and retract in the longitudinal direction, and proposes a structure in which a push rod provided in the process cartridge is operated to trigger the advance / retract movement of the coupling member. In addition, a structure in which the advance / retract movement of the coupling member is achieved by moving a pull cord fixed to the coupling member has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-40625). Summary of the invention

[0012] [Issues to be resolved]

[0013] The object of the present invention is to further develop the above-mentioned prior art.

[0014] [Methods of solving the problem]

[0015] A typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a drive output member configured to output a driving force, a main assembly side pushing member configured to tilt the drive output member by pushing the drive output member, the cartridge comprising:

[0016] Photosensitive drum; and

[0017] A cartridge side urging member configured to change the inclination angle of the drive output member by urging the main assembly side urging member.

[0018] Another typical structure according to the present application is a box, the box comprising:

[0019] a photosensitive drum disposed in a front portion of the cartridge; and

[0020] a movable urging member provided in a front portion of the cartridge at one side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum;

[0021] The urging member is configured to perform at least (a) a first operation of moving toward the outside of the cartridge in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum and (b) a second operation of moving in a direction different from the axial direction.

[0022] Another typical structure according to the present application is a box, the box comprising:

[0023] a photosensitive drum disposed in a front portion of the cartridge;

[0024] a first movable member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum;

[0025] A second movable member, which is arranged on the same side as the side on which the first movable member is arranged in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and is configured to perform at least (a) a first operation of moving toward the outside of the box in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and (b) a second operation of moving in a direction different from the axial direction.

[0026] Another typical structure according to the present application is an accessory mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a drive output member configured to output a driving force, a main assembly side pushing member configured to tilt the drive output member by pushing the drive output member, wherein the cartridge is detachably mountable to the main assembly, the accessory including:

[0027] a contact portion configured to change the inclination angle of the drive output member by moving the main assembly side urging member in contact with the main assembly side urging member for connecting the drive output member with the cartridge.

[0028] Another typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an apparatus including a tiltable drive output member capable of outputting a driving force, the cartridge comprising:

[0029] Photosensitive drum;

[0030] an engaging member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the engaging member being engageable with the drive output member; and

[0031] a movable positioning member configured to determine the position of the cartridge within the main assembly;

[0032] wherein the engagement member is configured to be brought into contact with the drive output member by being moved towards the drive output member, and

[0033] The cartridge is configured such that movement of the positioning member while the engaging member is in contact with the drive output member (a) changes the inclination angle of the drive output member and (b) moves the cartridge to a mounting position within the main assembly.

[0034] Another typical structure is a box, the box comprising:

[0035] a photosensitive drum disposed in a front portion of the cartridge;

[0036] an engaging member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum;

[0037] an operating member configured to move the engagement member in an axial direction toward the outside of the cartridge by receiving an external force from the outside of the cartridge; and

[0038] A positioning member is provided at a position located in the front portion of the cartridge and on the side opposite to the engaging member in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the positioning member protruding toward the front side of the cartridge and being movable toward the rear side of the cartridge.

[0039] Another typical structure is a box, the box comprising:

[0040] A photosensitive drum is disposed in a front portion of the cartridge.

[0041] an engaging member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum;

[0042] a movable positioning member provided at a position which is located in a front portion of the cartridge and on the same side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum as a side on which the engaging member is provided; and

[0043] An operating member is configured to move the positioning member away from the axis of the photosensitive drum by receiving an external force from the outside of the cartridge.

[0044] Another typical structure is a box, the box comprising:

[0045] a photosensitive drum disposed in a front portion of the cartridge;

[0046] a first movable member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum;

[0047] a second movable member provided outside the photosensitive drum at a position which is located in the front portion of the cartridge and on the same side as the side on which the first movable member is provided; and

[0048] An operating member configured to move the second movable member toward the front side by receiving an external force from the outside of the cartridge.

[0049] Another typical structure is an accessory mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output member capable of outputting a driving force, wherein the cartridge is detachably mountable to the main assembly, the accessory comprising:

[0050] a movable positioning member configured to determine the position of the cartridge within the main assembly of the image forming apparatus;

[0051] The positioning member is configured so that the movement of the positioning member when the engaging member provided on the box contacts the drive output member (a) changes the inclination angle of the drive output member, and (b) moves the box to the installation position within the main assembly.

[0052] Another typical structure is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output member capable of outputting a driving force, the cartridge comprising:

[0053] Photosensitive drum;

[0054] an urging member disposed outside the photosensitive drum and movable in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the urging member being configured to change an inclination angle of the drive output member by urging the drive output member; and

[0055] An engaging member is provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the engaging member being configured to be engageable with the drive output member by moving toward the drive output member urged by the urging member.

[0056] Another typical structure is a box, the box comprising:

[0057] a photosensitive drum disposed in a front portion of the cartridge;

[0058] an engaging member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum;

[0059] an urging member provided outside the photosensitive drum at a position which is located in the front portion of the cartridge and on the same side as a side where the engaging member is provided; and

[0060] An operating member is configured to move the engagement member in an axial direction toward the outside of the cartridge by receiving an external force from the outside of the cartridge.

[0061] Another typical structure is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output member capable of outputting a driving force, the cartridge comprising:

[0062] Photosensitive drum;

[0063] a gear member configured to bring the drive output member closer to the cartridge by rotation of the gear member in a state of being engaged with a gear portion provided in the drive output member; and

[0064] A contact portion is provided outside the photosensitive drum and is configured to change an inclination angle of the drive output member by contacting the drive output member caused to approach the cartridge via the gear member.

[0065] Another typical structure is a box, the box comprising:

[0066] Photosensitive drum;

[0067] Developing roller;

[0068] a gear member provided on a first side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum; and

[0069] an inclined portion disposed outside the photosensitive drum on a first side of the cartridge;

[0070] wherein, when the second side of the cartridge is a side opposite to the first side in the axial direction, at least a portion of the teeth of the gear member is farther from the second side than the inclined portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum,

[0071] The distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive drum to the inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second side of the cartridge in the axial direction increases, and

[0072] Among them, when observed from the direction of the axis of the photosensitive drum, as measured from a line extending from the center of the photosensitive drum through the center of the developing roller, the center of the gear member is located within a range greater than 60° and less than 120° upstream in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0073] Another typical structure is an accessory for a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, to which a cartridge can be detachably mounted, the main assembly including a drive output member capable of outputting a driving force, the accessory comprising:

[0074] The gear member is configured to connect the drive output member with the cartridge by causing the drive output member to approach the cartridge through rotation thereof in a state of being engaged with the gear portion of the drive output member.

[0075] Another typical structure is a box, the box comprising:

[0076] Photosensitive drum;

[0077] a gear member provided on a first side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum; and

[0078] an inclined portion disposed on a first side of the box;

[0079] wherein, when the second side of the cartridge is a side opposite to the first side in the axial direction, at least a portion of the teeth of the gear member is farther from the second side than the inclined portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum,

[0080] The distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive drum to the inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases with increasing distance from the second side of the cartridge in the axial direction, and

[0081] Here, the gear member is movable so as to change the distance from the axis of the photosensitive drum to the axis of the gear member.

[0082] Another typical structure is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output member capable of outputting a driving force, the cartridge comprising:

[0083] Photosensitive drum; and

[0084] a coupling member disposed adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive drum, capable of transmitting a driving force toward the photosensitive drum and capable of moving in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the coupling member comprising (a) a driving force receiving portion capable of receiving a driving force from a driving output member, and (b) an inclined portion capable of moving in an axial direction together with the driving force receiving portion and capable of rotating together with the driving force receiving portion,

[0085] wherein the inclined portion is further away from the axis of the photosensitive drum than the driving force receiving portion, and

[0086] The inclined portion is configured to contact the drive output member when the coupling member moves toward the drive output member to reduce an inclined angle of the drive output member, thereby engaging the drive output member with the driving force receiving portion.

[0087] Another typical structure is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:

[0088] a photosensitive drum having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; and

[0089] a coupling member disposed adjacent to the first end portion of the photosensitive drum, capable of transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum and capable of moving in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the coupling member including a protruding driving force receiving portion and an inclined portion capable of advancing and retracting together with the driving force receiving portion,

[0090] wherein the inclined portion is further away from the axis of the photosensitive drum than the driving force receiving portion, and

[0091] Here, the distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive drum to the inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second end portion of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction increases.

[0092] [Effects of the Invention]

[0093] The traditional structure can be further improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device.

[0095] exist Figure 2 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the box, part (b) is a perspective view of the box, and part (c) is an enlarged view around the coupling member.

[0096] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the drive transmission components and related components.

[0097] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission member.

[0098] Figure 5 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0099] Figure 6 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0100] exist Figure 7 In the figure, part (a) is a side view of the box, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the box.

[0101] Figure 8 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0102] Fig. 9 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0103] Fig.10 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0104] Fig.11 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0105] Fig.12 is a diagram of a gear.

[0106] Fig.13 is a side view of the box.

[0107] Fig.14 It is a diagram of a driving force transmission member.

[0108] Fig.15 is a partial perspective view of the box.

[0109] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view of the photosensitive drum and the coupling member.

[0110] Fig.17 It is an exploded view of the ring component.

[0111] Fig.18 This is a partial exploded view of the box.

[0112] Fig.19 It is a diagram of a box.

[0113] Fig. 20 is a diagram of the drive transmission member 81 .

[0114] Fig.21 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device.

[0115] Fig. 22 It is a diagram of a box.

[0116] exist Fig.23 In the figure, part (a) is a perspective view of the box, and part (b) is an enlarged view of the box.

[0117] Fig.24 It is an enlarged view of the connecting component.

[0118] Fig.25 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0119] Fig.26 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0120] Fig. 27 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0121] Fig.28 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the cartridge.

[0122] Fig.29 is a diagram of a pressing member.

[0123] Fig.30 It is a diagrammatic representation of the operation of the acting component.

[0124] Fig.31 is a diagrammatic representation of the operation of the push-down member.

[0125] Fig.32 is a perspective view showing the attachment.

[0126] Fig.33 is a diagrammatic representation of drive transmitting components and accessories.

[0127] Fig.34 is a diagram of a drive transmission component.

[0128] Fig.35 is a perspective view of the attachment.

[0129] Fig.36 is a diagram of accessories and drive transmitting components.

[0130] Fig.37 is a diagram of accessories and drive transmitting components.

[0131] Fig.38 is a diagram of accessories and drive transmitting components.

[0132] Fig.39 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

[0133] Fig.40 It is a cross-sectional view of the drum drive transmission portion.

[0134] Fig.41 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side member.

[0135] Fig.42 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side member.

[0136] Fig.43 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side member.

[0137] Fig.44 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side member.

[0138] Fig.45 is a perspective view around the second lever member.

[0139] Fig.46 is a perspective view of the periphery of the second lever member.

[0140] Fig.47 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and the process cartridge.

[0141] Fig.48 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and the process cartridge.

[0142] Fig.49 It is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission member.

[0143] Fig.50 is a perspective view around the second lever member.

[0144] Fig.51 This is a view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge as viewed from above.

[0145] Fig.52 It is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission member.

[0146] Fig.53 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and the process cartridge.

[0147] Fig.54 It is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission member.

[0148] Fig.55 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and the process cartridge.

[0149] Fig.56 is a perspective view of the periphery of the second lever member.

[0150] Fig.57 This is a view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge as viewed from above.

[0151] Fig.58 It is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission member.

[0152] Fig.59 is a perspective view of the connecting member.

[0153] Fig.60 is a diagram of a modified example of the lever member.

[0154] Fig.61 is a diagram of a modified example of the lever member.

[0155] Fig.62 is a diagram of a modified example of the lever member.

[0156] Fig.63 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

[0157] Fig.64 is a perspective view of the periphery of the advance / retract member.

[0158] Fig.65 is a perspective view of the periphery of the advance / retract member.

[0159] Fig.66 is a perspective view of the structure of the advancement / retraction member.

[0160] Fig.67 is a perspective view of the structure of the advancement / retraction member.

[0161] Fig.68 This is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission member as seen from above.

[0162] Fig.69 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and the process cartridge.

[0163] Fig.70 is a perspective view of the periphery of the advance / retract member.

[0164] Fig.71 This is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission member as seen from above.

[0165] Fig.72 This is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission member as seen from above.

[0166] Fig.73 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and the process cartridge.

[0167] Fig.74 This is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission member as seen from above.

[0168] Fig.75 is an illustration of a modified example in which the structure of the lever member is partially changed.

[0169] Fig.76 is an illustration of a modified example in which the structure of the lever member is partially changed.

[0170] Fig.77 is an illustration of a modified example in which the structure of the lever member is partially changed.

[0171] Fig.78 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit.

[0172] Fig.79 is a diagram showing the attitude of the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0173] Fig.80 is a diagrammatic representation of the operation of the positioning member.

[0174] Fig.81 is a schematic sectional view showing a process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0175] Fig.82 is a diagram of a modified example of the positioning member.

[0176] Fig.83 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side member.

[0177] Fig.84 It is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the drive transmission member.

[0178] Fig.85 is a diagram of a drive transmission member and a cover member.

[0179] Fig.86 It is a diagram of a box.

[0180] Fig.87 is a partial view of the box.

[0181] Fig.88 is a diagram of a drive transmitting member and a push-down member.

[0182] Fig.89 It is a diagram of a box.

[0183] Fig.90 It is a diagram of a box.

[0184] Fig.91 It is a diagram of a box.

[0185] Fig.92 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

[0186] Fig.93 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0187] Fig.94 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0188] Fig.95 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0189] Fig.96 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0190] Fig.97 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0191] Fig.98 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0192] Fig.99 is a diagram of installing a process cartridge.

[0193] Fig.100 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

[0194] Fig.101 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0195] Fig.102 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0196] Fig.103 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0197] Fig.104 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0198] Fig.105 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0199] Fig.106 is a diagram of installing a process cartridge.

[0200] Fig.107 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

[0201] Fig.108 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0202] Fig.109 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0203] Fig.110 is a perspective view of the periphery of the coupling member and the advancement / retraction member.

[0204] Fig.111 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0205] Fig.112 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member.

[0206] Fig.113 is an operational illustration of the advancing / retracting member, the coupling member and the third lever member. Specific embodiments

[0207] <Example 1>

[0208] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0209] Unless otherwise specified, the direction of the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is simply referred to as the longitudinal direction.

[0210] Further, in the longitudinal direction, a side on which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly is a driving side, and a side opposite to the driving side is a non-driving side.

[0211] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 Part (a) and part (b) will describe the overall structure and imaging process.

[0212] Figure 1 It is a sectional view of an apparatus main assembly (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly, image forming apparatus main assembly) A and a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as cartridge B) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Figure 2 Part (a) is a sectional view of the cartridge B. Here, the apparatus main assembly A is a portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge B. The cartridge B can be mounted to and demounted from the apparatus main assembly A.

[0213] Figure 2 Part (b) is a perspective view of the box. As shown in the figure, the box B includes a photosensitive drum 62 and a coupling member 64, which receives a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 62 and is capable of transmitting the driving force toward the photosensitive drum 62. In the axial direction Z parallel to the rotation axis Q2 of the photosensitive drum 62, the downstream side on which the coupling member 64 is provided in the direction of the arrow z1 is the driving side (first side) Bz1 of the box B. In addition, the downstream side in the direction of the arrow z2 is the non-driving side (second side) Bz2 of the box B, which is opposite to the driving side Bz1.

[0214] Unless otherwise specified, the side of the cartridge on which the photosensitive drum is placed is considered to be the front side of the cartridge. Figure 2 The left side in part (a) is the front side of the box, and the right side is the rear side.

[0215] The details of the structure of box B will be described below.

[0216] <Overall Arrangement of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus>

[0217] Figure 1 The illustrated electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic system, in which a cartridge B can be mounted to and detached from a main assembly A of the apparatus. An exposure device 3 (laser scanning unit) is provided for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 as an image bearing member of cartridge B when cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A of the apparatus. In addition, a sheet tray 4 is provided below cartridge B, in which a recording material (hereinafter referred to as a sheet material PA) to be subjected to an image forming operation is loaded. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 is a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) for forming an electrophotographic image thereon.

[0218] In addition, the main component A of the apparatus includes a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a feed roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, a fixing device 9, a discharge roller pair 10, a discharge tray 11, etc., which are arranged along the feeding direction D of the sheet material PA. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0219] <Imaging Processing>

[0220] Next, an outline of the image forming process will be described. In response to a print start signal, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 62, or simply drum 62) is rotationally driven in the arrow R direction at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed).

[0221] The charging roller (charging member) 66 to which a bias voltage is applied contacts the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62, and uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. The charging roller 66 is a rotatable member (roller) that can rotate and move in contact with the drum 62. The charging member is not limited to such a rotatable contact roller type, and a charging member (charger) fixed with a certain space from the drum 62, such as a corona charger, may also be used.

[0222] The exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L according to the image information. The laser beam L passes through a laser opening 71h provided in the cleaning frame 71 of the cartridge B, and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0223] On the other hand, Figure 2 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , in the developing unit 20 as the developing device, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred by the rotation of the feeding member (stirring member) 43 and fed to the toner supply chamber 28 .

[0224] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer carrying member that carries the developer on its surface so as to develop the latent image (electrostatic latent image) formed on the drum 62 with the developer (toner T). In the present embodiment, a non-contact developing method is used to develop the latent image, in which a small gap is provided between the developing roller 32 and the drum 62. A contact developing method may also be employed in which the latent image is developed with the developing roller 32 in contact with the drum 62.

[0225] By the development blade 42 , the toner T is frictionally charged, and the layer thickness of the toner on the outer peripheral surface of the development roller 32 as a developer carrying member is regulated.

[0226] The toner T is supplied to the drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image to develop the latent image. In this way, the latent image is visualized as a toner image. The drum 62 is an image bearing member that carries a latent image or an image (toner image, developer image) formed by a toner (developer) on its surface.

[0227] Furthermore, the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are rotatable members (rotating members) that can rotate while carrying the developer (toner) on the surfaces thereof.

[0228] like Figure 1As shown, the sheet material PA stored in the lower portion of the apparatus main assembly A is moved from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the feed roller pair 5b, and the feed roller pair 5c in temporal association with the output timing of the laser beam L. Then, the sheet material PA is fed to a transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 by means of the transfer guide 6. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet material PA.

[0229] The sheet material PA on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the drum 62, and is fed into the fixing device 9 along the feed guide 8. Then, the sheet material PA passes through a nip portion provided between a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b constituting the fixing device 9. A pressurization and heat fixing process is performed at this nip portion, by which the toner image is fixed on the sheet material PA. The sheet material PA having been subjected to the toner image fixing process is fed to the discharge roller pair 10, and is discharged to the discharge tray 11.

[0230] On the other hand, Figure 2 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the transferred drum 62 is used again for image forming processing after the residual toner is removed from the peripheral surface by the cleaning blade 77. The toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b of the cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a unit including the photosensitive drum 62.

[0231] In the above description, the charging roller 66 , the developing roller 32 , the transfer roller 7 , and the cleaning blade 77 are process devices (process members, acting members) that can act on the drum 62 .

[0232] <Overall structure of the box>

[0233] Next, refer to Figure 2 , the overall structure of box B will be described. Figure 2 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the box. Figure 2 Part (b) is a perspective view of the box. Figure 2 Part (c) is an enlarged view of the periphery of the connecting member 64.

[0234] The cartridge B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive member holding unit, drum holding unit, image bearing member holding unit, first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer bearing member holding unit, second unit) 20 .

[0235] The cartridge B of this embodiment is a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process device that can act on the photosensitive member, and the process device is integrated into the cartridge so that the process cartridge can be mounted to and removed from a main assembly (device main assembly). Examples of the process device include a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and the like.

[0236] like Figure 2 As shown in part (a) of the cleaning unit 60, the cleaning unit 60 includes a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning member 77, and a cleaning frame 71 supporting them. The drum 62 is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 71. The cleaning frame 71 is a part of the box frame (housing), supports each member arranged in the cleaning unit, and forms a waste toner chamber 71b, which will be described below.

[0237] In the cleaning unit 60, the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 are arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62, respectively. The cleaning member 77 includes a rubber scraper 77a, which is a blade-shaped elastic member made of rubber as an elastic material, and includes a supporting member 77b that supports the rubber scraper. The rubber scraper 77a contacts the drum 62 in the reverse direction relative to the rotational movement direction of the drum 62. That is, the rubber scraper 77a contacts the drum 62 so that the free end portion of the rubber scraper faces the upstream side in the rotational movement direction of the drum 62. The waste toner removed from the surface of the drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b formed by the cleaning frame 71 and the cleaning member 77.

[0238] Furthermore, a pressing sheet 65 for preventing waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame is provided at the edge of the cleaning frame 71 so as to be in contact with the drum 62 .

[0239] The charging roller 66 is rotatably mounted to the cleaning unit 60 by means of charging roller supports (not shown) at opposite ends of the cleaning frame 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0240] The longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71 (longitudinal direction of the cartridge B) is substantially parallel to the direction (axial direction) in which the rotation axis of the drum 62 extends. Hereinafter, when the longitudinal direction or the axial direction is simply mentioned, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the axial direction of the drum 62. The axial direction refers to the direction in which the axis or a line parallel to the axis extends.

[0241] The charging roller 66 is pressed against the drum 62 by pressing the charging roller support 68 toward the direction of the drum 62 via an urging member (not shown). The charging roller 66 is driven by the rotation of the drum 62.

[0242] The developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 supporting the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, and the like. The developing roller 32 is rotatably mounted to the developing container 23 by supporting members (not shown) provided at opposite ends. The developing container 23 and the supporting member mounted to the developing container are part of a cartridge frame (housing), similar to the above-mentioned cleaning frame 77. One of the frame of the cleaning unit (cleaning frame 77, etc.) and the frame of the developing unit 20 (developing container 23, etc.) may be referred to as a first frame (first housing), and the other may be referred to as a second frame (second housing).

[0243] In addition, a magnetic roller 34 is provided in the developing roller 32. In the developing unit 20, a developing scraper 42 for regulating the toner layer on the developing roller 32 is provided. A spacing member 38 is installed at opposite ends of the developing roller 32 (not shown), and when the spacing member 38 and the drum 62 are in contact with each other, the developing roller 32 is held with a small gap from the drum 62. In addition, a spray-proof sheet 33 for preventing the toner from leaking from the developing unit 20 is provided at the edge of the bottom member 22 in contact with the developing roller 32. In addition, a feeding member 43 is provided in the toner chamber 29 formed by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22. The feeding member 43 agitates the toner contained in the toner chamber 29 and conveys the toner to the toner supply chamber 28.

[0244] <Tilt Mechanism for Drive Transmitting Member>

[0245] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 , the tilting mechanism of the drive transmission member 81 for the device body A will be described. The drive transmission member 81 is a drive output member that outputs the driving force. The drive output member is connected to the coupling member (see FIG. 1 ) provided in the box B through the mechanism to be described below. Figure 7 ) is engaged and transmits the driving force to the box. Although the details will be described below, the drive transmission member 81 is supported so as to be tiltable.

[0246] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a support structure for the drive transmission member 81 . Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drive transmission member 81 . Figure 5 Part (a) is as viewed from the direction of arrow P1 Figure 3 A side view of part (b) of the invention, wherein the opening / closing door 13 (see Figure 1 )closure. Figure 5 Part (b) is Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of part (a) taken along line X1-X1. Figure 6 Part (a) is as viewed from the direction of arrow P1 Figure 3 A side view of part (b) in which the opening / closing door 13 is opened. Figure 6 Part (b) is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of part (a) taken along line X2-X2, and Figure 6 Part (c) is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of part (a) taken along line X3-X3.

[0247] like Figure 3 Part (a) and Figure 3As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the drive transmission member 81 is provided with a sliding portion 81a, which is rotatably supported by a support hole 82a of a support side plate 82 provided in the main component A of the device. The support side plate 82 is provided with a protrusion 82b and a protrusion 82c. The drive transmission member 81 has a cylindrical portion 81b, which is inserted into a hole portion 85a provided in the frame 85 by means of a cylindrical cam 83. The inner peripheral surface 83a of the cylindrical cam 83 is slidably supported by an annular rib 85c of the frame 85. The cylindrical cam 83 can be moved in the direction of arrow H1 and the direction of arrow H2 in association with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 13 through a mechanism (not shown). The frame 85 is provided with a boss 85b, which rotatably supports the hole portion 84a of the pressing member 84. As shown Figure 4 As shown, the drive transmission member 81 includes a gear portion (output gear portion) 81f, which is a right-hand helical gear. In this embodiment, the tooth tip circle diameter of the gear portion 81f is Module D4, helix angle D5 and root diameter for:

[0248]

[0249] D4=0.7,

[0250] D5=25°,

[0251]

[0252] The units of the module and the diameter are mm (millimeter) (the same applies hereinafter). In addition, a circumferential slit 81g is provided at the free end of the drive transmission member 81, and the outer diameter of the slit 81g is and inner diameter for:

[0253]

[0254]

[0255] Furthermore, a slope 81h is provided at the free end of the drive transmission member 81. Figure 5 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the pressing member 84 is pushed around the boss 85b in the direction of the arrow E1 by a spring (not shown). As a result, the contact portion 84b of the pressing member 84 presses the cylindrical portion 81b of the drive transmission member 81 with a pressing force F1. Figure 5 As shown in part (b), the drive transmission member 81 can be axially spaced from the diameter of the sliding portion 81a with the edge 82a1 of the support hole 82a as a fulcrum. and the diameter of the support hole 82a of the support side plate 82 At the same time, the drive transmission member can freely advance and retract in the direction of the axis Q1 of the sliding portion 81a. Therefore, the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the direction of the arrow N1 by the pressing force F1.

[0256] When the opening / closing door 13 is opened, the cylindrical cam 83 moves in the direction of the arrow H1 in association with the opening / closing door 13. As a result, the contact surface 83b of the cylindrical cam 83 contacts the contacted surface 81c of the drive transmission member 81, so that the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of the arrow H1 together with the cylindrical cam 83, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Then, the abutment surface 81d of the drive transmission member 81 contacts at least one of the protrusion 82b and the protrusion 82c of the support side plate 82. As a result, Figure 6 Part (a) and Figure 6 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 8 , the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the direction of arrow N2.

[0257] The reason for tilting the drive transfer member 81 as described above is, for example, as follows. The box B can be mounted to and removed from the main assembly A of the device. Depending on the structure of the box and the main assembly of the device, the box B can be smoothly removed and arranged by tilting the drive transfer member 81 when the box is mounted or removed. That is, by tilting the drive transfer member 81, it is easier to avoid interference between the box B and the drive transfer member 81 when the box B is mounted or removed.

[0258] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 is arranged to be tiltable so that the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 becomes larger, particularly when the opening / closing door 13 for mounting / detaching the cartridge B is opened.

[0259] Even though the drive transmission member 81 can be greatly tilted, it is desirable to reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 when connecting the drive transmission member 81 and the cartridge B to each other. Means for reducing the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 will be described below.

[0260] <Coupling Member Engagement Mechanism>

[0261] Next, refer to Figure 2 , 4 , 7 to 11, the coupling member 64 and the structure required for the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 to engage with each other will be described. The coupling member 64 is a member (drive input member, input coupling) for receiving a driving force (rotational force) for rotating the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 from the outside of the cartridge B (i.e., the main assembly of the imaging device). Figure 7 Part (a) is a side view of the driving side of box B, and Figure 7 Part (b) is Figure 7Cross-sectional view of part X4-X4 in (a). Figure 8 Part (a), Fig. 9 Part (a), Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.11 Part (a) is a side view of box B when it is inserted. Figure 8 Part (b), Fig. 9 Part (b), Fig.10 Part (b) and Fig.11 The parts (b) are respectively along Figure 8 Part (a), Fig. 9 Part (a), Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of part (a) taken along lines X5-X5, X6-X6, X7-X7 and X8-X8.

[0262] like Figure 4 As shown, the drive transmission member 81 includes a concave portion (drive transmission portion 81e) having a substantially triangular shape. Figure 7 The driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 shown in part (a) is engaged with the recess (drive transmission portion 81e) to receive the driving force. The coupling member 64 is an engaging member engaged with the drive transmission member 81. The driven transmission portion 64a is arranged on the axis of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0263] As described above, the side of the cartridge on which the coupling member 64 is provided in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62 is referred to as a driving side, and the side opposite to the driving side is referred to as a non-driving side. Figure 7 Part (a) is a side view of the driving side. In addition, the side of the box on which the photosensitive drum 62 is provided is called the front side, and Figure 7 In part (a), the right side is the front side and the left side is the rear side. The front side of the box corresponds to the downstream side in the installation direction of the box, and the rear side corresponds to the upstream side in the installation direction. Unless otherwise specified, the upper part and the lower part of the box are based on Figure 7 The pose shown in part (a) is defined. Figure 7 In part (a), a cleaning unit including a photosensitive drum is arranged on a developing unit including a developing roller.

[0264] like Figure 7 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the coupling member 64 is fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum by, for example, press fitting or clamping.

[0265] Therefore, when the coupling member 64 rotates, the photosensitive drum 62 also rotates. The photosensitive drum 62 and the members that rotate integrally with the photosensitive drum 62 are collectively referred to as a drum unit. The coupling member 64 is a part of the drum unit.

[0266] The sliding portion 64c of the coupling member 64 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 76a of a side member 76 integrally fixed to the cleaning frame 71. The side member 76 is a part that partially forms a side surface on the driving side of the cartridge and is a part of the frame (casing) of the cartridge.

[0267] In addition, the coupling member 64 is provided with a gear portion 64b. The developing roller gear 36 is provided at the end of the developing roller 32, and the gear portion 64b of the coupling member 64 meshes with the developing roller gear 36. Thus, the driving force (rotational force) received by the coupling member 64 from the drive transmission member 81 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 62 and the developing roller 32. In the present embodiment, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 adopts a protruding shape (protrusion) having a substantially triangular cross-section. Specifically, a shape is adopted, which is provided by twisting the substantially triangular cross-section counterclockwise from the driving side toward the non-driving side around the axis of the photosensitive drum. However, the driven transmission portion 64a is not limited to a driven transmission portion having such a shape, but may be a driven transmission portion that can be coupled to the driving transmission member 81 (see Figure 4 ) to receive a driven transmission part of any shape that can be engaged with the driving force. In the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the device is provided with a substantially triangular recess (drive transmission part, output coupling part) 81e that can engage with the driven transmission part 64a. Therefore, the driven transmission part 64a has a protruding shape that can engage with the recessed part. The number of the protruding shapes is not limited to but can be multiple, and the shape is not limited to a triangle. In addition, the protruding shape resembles a distorted triangle, but it does not necessarily have to be distorted.

[0268] On the other hand, the damper gear 87 is rotatably supported by the side member 76. The damper gear 87 has a predetermined rotation resistance provided by a mechanism such as a rotation damper including a built-in oil damper. The damper gear 87 includes a gear portion 87a which is a left-handed helical gear. Figure 7 As shown in part (a), in this embodiment, the distance D9 between the tooth tip circle of the gear portion 87a and the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62, the tooth tip circle diameter of the gear portion 87a Module D11, helix angle D12, root diameter And the distance D14 between the root circle and the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62 is:

[0269] D9=11.3,

[0270]

[0271] D11=0.7,

[0272] D12=20°,

[0273]

[0274] D14 = 12.875.

[0275] That is, regarding the pitch diameter of the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 module D4, helix angle D5, and root diameter (see Figure 4 and Fig.11 part (a)), the following relationship is satisfied:

[0276] D6 / 2 < D9 < D3 / 2 < D14,

[0277] D4 = D10 = 0.7,

[0278] D5 = D11 = 20°.

[0279] In this embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62, the damper gear 87 is on a straight line K2 that is substantially perpendicular to the straight line K1 connecting the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62 and the rotation axis Q3 of the developing roller 32. The damper gear 87 is disposed at a position 90° upstream in the rotation direction R of the drum 62 with respect to the developing roller 32.

[0280] In addition, the side member 76 is provided with an arc-shaped inclined rib (projecting portion) 86 that projects from the side member 76. In this embodiment, the range S1 where the inclined rib 86 is provided is ±45° on the side opposite to the rotation axis Q3 of the developing roller 32 with respect to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62. The inner diameter RD15 and the outer diameter RD16 of the inclined rib 86 are:

[0281] RD15 = R8.1

[0282] RD16 = R9.8.

[0283] That is, regarding the outer diameter of the slit 81g of the drive transmission member 81 and the inner diameter satisfy the following relationship:

[0284] D8 < 2 × D15 < 2 × D16 < D7, (see Figure 4 and Fig.11 part (a)).

[0285] In addition, as Figure 2 part (c), Figure 7 part (b), and Fig.84 shown, the inclined rib 86 is provided with an inclined surface (inclined portion, contact portion) 86a.

[0286] Next, referring to Figures 8 to 11, the engagement of the coupling member 64 will be described. Figure 8 The opening / closing door 13 is shown in the open state. Figure 6 In the state shown in , box B has been inserted into the main component A of the device. Fig. 9 Shows from Figure 8 The state of the closed open / close door 13. Fig.10 Shows from Fig. 9 The state of driving the device main component A and the state of rotating the drive transmission member 81. Fig.11 The drive transmission member 81 is shown Fig.10 The state is further rotated and the drive transmission member 81 and the connecting member 64 are engaged with each other. Figures 8 to 11 In the figure, for better illustration, only three parts of the box B are shown, namely the connecting member 64, the damper gear 87 and the side member 76.

[0287] When the box B is opened from the opening / closing door 13 (i.e., from Figure 6 When the damper gear 87 is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A in the state of being inserted into the apparatus main assembly A, the damper gear 87 is located near the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 inclined in the N2 direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in part (a) of the drive transmission member 81, the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 87a of the damper gear 87 are separated by a gap D17. At this time, the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62 are misaligned by a misalignment amount D18. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 8 , the drive transmission portion 81 e of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 are separated in the longitudinal direction by a gap D19 .

[0288] When the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cylindrical cam 83 moves in a Figure 8 The drive transmission member 81 is moved in the direction of the arrow H2 shown in part (b) of the embodiment, so that the contact surface 83b of the cylindrical cam and the contacted surface 81c of the drive transmission member 81 are separated from each other. As described above, the drive transmission member 81 is pressed by the pressing member 84 with the pressing force F1, and therefore, the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the direction of the arrow N3, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in part (a) of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 87a of the damper gear 87 are brought into a state of mutual meshing engagement in the area S2. Due to the misalignment amount D20, the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 is in a state of misalignment relative to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62.

[0289] In this state, the main assembly A of the device is driven to rotate the drive transmission member about the rotation axis Q1 in the direction of the arrow G1. As described above, the damper gear 87 has a predetermined rotation resistance. For this reason, between the gear portion 81f (which is a helical gear) of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 87a of the damper gear 87, a meshing force F2 and a force F3 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum are generated. Fig. 9 As a result, the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of the arrow H3 along the rotation axis Q1. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.84 As shown, the inclined surface 81h is guided by the inclined surface 86a of the inclined rib 86, and as a result, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.10 As shown in part (b), the free end surface 81k and the free end 64d of the coupling member 64 contact each other with a displacement amount D21 in the N4 direction. At this time, the relationship between the displacement amount D20 and the displacement amount D21 is:

[0290] D20>D21.

[0291] When the drive transmission member 81 is further rotated in the direction of arrow G1 from this state, the phases of the drive transmission portion 81e having a substantially triangular shape of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 are brought into alignment with each other. Then, the drive transmission member 81 is further moved in the direction of arrow H3, and as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the drive transmitting portion 81e of the drive transmitting member and the driven transmitting portion 64a of the coupling member 64 are engaged with each other.

[0292] In the present embodiment, the damper gear 87 is an independent gear having a predetermined rotation resistance, but such a structure is not always necessary. For example, the damper gear may be a part of a transmission system connected to the charging roller 66 or the feeding member 43. In this case, it is not necessary to incorporate the above-mentioned oil damper or the like in the damper gear 87 by utilizing the rotation resistance of the transmission system.

[0293] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the center (rotation axis) of the damper gear 87 is arranged at a position shifted 90° from the position of the center (rotation axis) of the developing roller 32 toward the upstream side in the rotation direction R of the drum 62, but it is not necessary to arrange the damper gear 87 strictly at this position. Fig. 9 As shown in part (a) of , as long as the position can make the damper gear mesh with the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 inclined in the direction of arrow N3. For example, the drum 62 can be arranged in the range of 60° to 120° on the upstream side relative to the rotation direction R of the developing roller 32 toward the drum.

[0294] Furthermore, although the damper gear 87 is a helical gear in the foregoing description, it is not always necessary to use the damper gear 87 , and it is sufficient that the damper gear 87 meshes with the gear portion 81 f of the drive transmission member 81 .

[0295] For example, you can use Fig.12 The spur gear 230 with a thin tooth width as shown in part (a) of Fig.12 The protrusions shown in part (b) are arranged in a spiral profile. If the damper gear is as follows Fig.12 The thin spur gear 230 shown in part (a) of the embodiment can be engaged with the helical gear of the drive transmission member 81. It is conceivable that the tooth width of the spur gear 230 is 1 mm or less.

[0296] In addition, in the Fig.12 In the gear 232 of the shape shown in part (b), four protrusions 232a are arranged obliquely relative to the axis of the gear. These four protrusions 232a are considered to be divided into four helical gear teeth 232b. That is, the gear 232 can be considered as a form of helical gear. In this application, when the helical gear of the box is mentioned, the gear in the form of the gear 232 is also included.

[0297] Furthermore, in this structure, the inclined rib 86 is provided within a range S1 within a range of ±45° relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum in the area opposite to the developing roller. However, this is not always necessary, and it is sufficient as long as the inclined rib is in a position where the inclined surface 81h of the drive transmission member 81 inclined in the arrow N3 direction and the arrow N4 direction can be guided thereby. For example, the inclined rib may be provided within a range of ±10° on the side opposite to the developing roller, or the inclined rib may be provided within a range of the entire 360° circumference.

[0298] The structure of the above-mentioned box is summarized as follows.

[0299] like Figure 2 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the coupling member (input coupling member, drum coupling, engaging member, drive input member) 64 is provided in the vicinity of the drive side end (first end) 62z1 of the photosensitive drum 62. The coupling member 64 includes a protruding driven transmission portion (drive input portion, drive force receiving portion, input coupling portion) 64a, and the driven transmission portion 64a is configured to receive the drive force from the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive force transmission member 1 (see Fig.11 ). In the present embodiment, the shape of the cross section of the driven transmission portion 64a is substantially triangular, but the shape is not necessarily limited to such a shape.

[0300] In addition, the box B also includes a gear member (damper gear) 87 and an inclined rib 86 (inclined portion 86a). The gear member 87 and the inclined portion 86a are arranged on the driving side Bz1 of the box B like the coupling member 64. That is, the coupling member 64, the inclined portion 86a and the gear member 87 are arranged near the side member 76. The side member 76 is a part of the frame of the box, and is a member constituting one side (driving side, first side) of the frame in the axial direction Z.

[0301] At least a portion of the inclined portion 86a is located outside (on the downstream side in the direction indicated by the arrow z1) relative to the non-drive transmitting portion 64a in the axial direction Z (see Figure 2 Part (b) and Fig.11 In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least a portion of the inclined portion 86a is arranged farther from the non-driving side 71z2 of the frame of the cartridge B than the driven transmission portion 64a or farther from the non-driving side. In even other words, in the axial direction Z, at least a portion of the inclined portion 86a is farther from the non-driving side end portion (second end portion) 62z2 of the photosensitive drum than the driven transmission portion 64a.

[0302] At least a portion of the teeth of the gear member 87 is arranged outside the driven transmission portion 64a in the axial direction Z (on the downstream side in the direction indicated by the arrow z1) (see Figure 2 Part (b) and Figure 7 In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least a portion of the teeth of the gear member 87 is further away from the non-driving side (second side) 71z2 of the frame of the cartridge B than the driven transmission portion 64a. In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least a portion of the teeth of the gear member 87 is further away from the non-driving side end portion (second end portion) 62z2 of the photosensitive drum than the non-driving transmission portion 64a.

[0303] When the cartridge B is viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62, Figure 7 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the teeth of the gear member 87 are arranged near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62. In addition, the center of the gear member 87 is arranged within a range between 60 degrees and 120 degrees with respect to a line extending from the center of the photosensitive drum 62 toward the center of the developing roller toward the upstream side in the rotational movement direction R of the drum 62. When the drive transmission member 81 is at the output gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 (see Figure 4 When the portion (a) of the drive transmission member 81 is engaged with the damper gear (gear member) 87 and rotates, the force generated by the gear engagement of the drive transmission member 81 approaches the cartridge B. At this time, the inclined rib (inclined portion) 86a contacts the drive transmission member 81 (inclined surface 81h) (see FIG. Fig.10Therefore, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the drum 62 is reduced, and the recessed portion (output coupling portion) 81e of the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged with the driven transmission portion 64a of the cartridge B (see Fig.11 By such a structure, the inclined drive transmission member 81 is connected to the box B, and the driving force can be transmitted from the drive transmission member 81 to the box B.

[0304] In the present embodiment, the coupling member 64 is used as a drive input member that receives the drive force from the drive transmitting member 81 .

[0305] However, the drive input member connected to the drive transmission member 81 to receive the drive force is not limited to the coupling member 64. A gear member capable of receiving the drive force by engaging with the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 may be provided separately from the damper gear 87 on the cartridge.

[0306] For example, in the present embodiment, the developing roller gear 36 connected to the developing roller 32 is configured to receive the driving force by means of the coupling member 64 (see Figure 7 81). However, the developing roller gear 36 may be exposed outside the cartridge and then directly meshed with the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81. That is, after the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 is reduced by the inclined rib 86a, the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 may be engaged with the developing roller gear 36, and the drive transmission member 81 and the cartridge may be connected so as to be able to transmit the driving force.

[0307] An example of a gear member of the cartridge is Fig.15 The gear member 187 shown in part (a) of the embodiment of the present invention can receive the driving force for rotating the developing roller 32 by engaging with the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 in this manner. The gear member 187 is a member connected to the developing roller 32 so as to enable drive-transmission. Fig.15 The damper gear 87 is not shown in the figure, but it can be considered that the damper gear 87 is arranged with Figure 1 In Embodiment 2, a structure of a cartridge in which a drive input member that receives a drive force is provided separately from the coupling member 64 will be described.

[0308] If the developing roller gear 36 (187) connected to the developing roller is configured to directly engage with the drive transmission member 81 to receive the driving force, the driving force can be transmitted from the gear 36 (187) to the photosensitive drum 62. Fig. 22 As shown, the photosensitive drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are connected by gears 39 and 63 , and the driving force can be transmitted from the drive transmission member 81 to the photosensitive drum 62 via the developing roller 32 .

[0309] That is, the gear member 36 (187) as the drive input member may be connected to the photosensitive drum 62 by means of the developing roller 32 and other gears 39 and 63 so as to enable drive-transmission. In this case, the photosensitive drum 62 does not need to receive the driving force from the coupling member 64. The coupling member 64 may be used only as an engaging member engaged with the drive transmission member 81, so that the driving force is not transmitted from the coupling member 64 toward the photosensitive drum 62. Alternatively, the coupling member 64 as an engaging member may be detachable from the cartridge.

[0310] However, the coupling member 64 as the engagement member positions the drive transmission member 81 relative to the cartridge by engaging with the recessed portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81. From this point of view, it is further preferred that the engagement member engaged with the drive transmission member 81 remain in the cartridge.

[0311] The coupling member 64 is provided so as to be able to engage with the recessed portion 81e (see Figure 2 The driven transfer portion 64a is in the form of an engaging portion (protrusion) that engages with the portion (c)). If the connecting member 64 is only an engaging member that does not transmit the driving force toward the photosensitive drum 62, the shape of the driven transfer portion 64a can be changed. For example, the shape of the driven transfer portion 64a can be a cylindrical protrusion, and the cylindrical protrusion can engage with the recess 81e of the drive transfer member 81. Even when engaged with the recess 81e, the cylindrical engaging portion cannot receive the driving force from the drive transfer member 81. Therefore, the connecting member 64 does not transmit the driving force toward the photosensitive drum 62, but is only a coupling member.

[0312] The structure of this embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0313] The image forming apparatus main assembly A includes an inclinable drive transmitting member (drive output member) 81 capable of outputting a driving force.

[0314] On the other hand, the cartridge is provided with a photosensitive drum 62 and a damper gear (gear member) 87. The damper gear 87 is provided on the driving side of the cartridge. The damper gear 87 rotates in a state of being engaged with a gear portion 81f provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drive transmission member 81 to bring the drive transmission member closer to the cartridge (see Fig. 9 Part (b), Fig.10 Part (b) and Fig.11 This is because the damper gear 87 is rotationally driven by the drive transmission member 81, so that a force F3 that pulls the drive transmission member 81 toward the box is generated (see Fig. 9 part (b)).

[0315] Furthermore, an inclined rib (inclined portion) 86 for contacting the drive transmission member is arranged on the driving side of the cartridge (see Fig. 9Part (b) and Fig.84 ), the drive transmission member approaches the box through the damper gear 87. The drive transmission member 81 moves along the inclined rib 86, so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 changes. That is, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the photosensitive drum 62 becomes smaller. In this way, the drive transmission member 81 is connected to the box so that the driving force can be transmitted. In this embodiment, the coupling member 64 is configured as a drive input member that receives the driving force from the drive transmission member 81 (see Figure 7 part (a)).

[0316] In the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the damper gear 87 is arranged on the driving side relative to the inclined rib 86 (see Figure 7 That is, at least a portion of the damper gear 87 is on the downstream side in the direction indicated by the arrow z1 with respect to the inclined rib 86.

[0317] In other words, in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the damper gear 87 is arranged farther from the non-driving side of the cartridge than the inclined rib 86 is.

[0318] At least a portion of the damper gear 87 is arranged on the driving side relative to the driven transmission portion (driving force receiving portion) 64a of the coupling member 64 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (see Figure 7 In other words, in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, at least a portion of the damper gear 87 is arranged at a position farther from the non-driving side of the coupling member 64 than the driven transmission portion (driving force receiving portion) 64a. The damper gear 87 is arranged closer to the arrow Z1 than the driven transmission portion 64a.

[0319] When the cartridge is viewed along the axis of the cartridge, the axis (center) of the damper gear 87 is arranged within an angle range of 60° to 120° upstream of the axis (center) of the drum 62 in the drum rotation direction R toward the axis (center) of the developing roller 32. That is, comparing a line extending from the center of the photosensitive drum to the center of the developing roller and a line extending from the center of the photosensitive drum and passing through the center of the damper gear 87, the latter line is upstream of the former line in the rotation direction R, and the angle between the two lines is greater than 60° and less than 120°. In the present embodiment, when the former line is rotated 90° upstream in the rotation direction R, it overlaps with the latter line.

[0320] The damper gear 87 can be connected with the gear portion 81f (see Figure 4 ) is engaged, and the gear portion is a helical gear. In this embodiment, the damper gear 87 is also a helical gear (see Figure 2 part (c)).

[0321] The inclined rib 86 for changing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 is configured so that its driving side is farther from the axis Q2 of the photosensitive drum than its non-driving side (see Figure 7 That is, when the distance from the axis Q2 of the photosensitive drum to the inclined rib is measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis Q2, the distance increases as the distance from the non-driving side of the cartridge in the axial direction increases. Figure 7 In portion (b), the distance between the inclined rib 86 and the axis Q2 increases toward the direction of arrow z1.

[0322] <Example 2>

[0323] Next, Example 2 will be described. The same points as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to those described in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals as those in Example 1, and the components different from those in Example 1 will be described.

[0324] In Embodiment 1, the position of the damper gear 87 is fixed relative to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62 , but in the present embodiment, the axis of the damper gear 87 is movable relative to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62 .

[0325] Fig.13 : is a side view of the box B in this embodiment. Fig.13 As shown, the gear holder 88 is mounted to the side member 76 so that it can swing around the rotation axis Q3. In addition, the damper gear 87 is mounted to the gear holder 88 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis Q4. Similar to Example 1, the damper gear 87 has a predetermined rotation resistance. The pushing spring 89 is mounted to the side member 76, and the gear holder 88 is pushed by the pushing force F21. Therefore, the gear holder 88 abuts on the abutment portion 76b of the side member 76. In addition, the side member 76 is provided with an inclined rib 86 within the range of S3 of ±45° at a position substantially opposite to the damper gear 87 relative to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62.

[0326] When the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A, the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 87a of the damper gear 87 are brought into meshing engagement with each other in the area S4, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown. The drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the direction of the arrow N5, and the gear holder 88 resists the urging force F21 of the urging spring 89 through the contact force F22 between the gear portion 81f and the gear portion 87a, so that the gear holder swings around the rotation axis Q3 in the direction of the arrow V1. In this embodiment, the moving direction of the gear 87 is a direction intersecting the axis of the gear 87. More specifically, the gear 87 can move in a direction perpendicular to its own axis.

[0327] Here, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed and the drive transmission member 81 is driven in the direction of the arrow G1, the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of the arrow H4 by the meshing force F23 in the thrust direction between the gear portion 81f of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 87a of the damper gear 87. As a result, as in Embodiment 1, the inclined surface 81h of the drive transmission member 81 is guided by the inclined surface 86a of the inclined rib 86, so that the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the non-drive transmission portion 64c of the coupling member 64 are brought into engagement with each other.

[0328] In the present embodiment, the swing center Q3 of the gear holder 88 supporting the damper gear 87 is provided on the side member 76, but this is not always necessary, and it is sufficient if the drum 62 can move relative to the rotation axis Q2. Fig.15 As shown, a gear 187 connected to the developing roller 32 by an Oldham coupling can be used. With the above structure, the damper gear 87 can move in a direction intersecting with its axis, such as Fig.15 In addition, the driving force can be transmitted to the developing roller 32 by the rotating gear 187. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the gear portion 64b of the coupling member 64 (see Figure 7 Part (b) transmits the drive to the developing roller 32.

[0329] It is also possible to transmit the driving force received from the gear 187 to the photosensitive drum 62. When the driving force is transmitted from the gear 187 to the photosensitive drum 62, the coupling member 64 does not necessarily have to receive the driving force from the drive transmission member 81. That is, the coupling member 64 is just an engaging member that engages with the drive transmission member 81, and it is not necessary to provide the driving force transmission function for the engaging member. Alternatively, the coupling member 64 can be completely removed from the box.

[0330] Reference Fig. 22 , an example of a structure in which a gear (gear member) 187 is used instead of the coupling member 64 to receive the driving force from the drive transmission member 81 will be described, wherein Fig. 22 A modified example in which the transmission system is partially different from the embodiment is shown.

[0331] Fig. 22 3 is a perspective view of the non-driving side of the cartridge B. As shown in the figure, the drum drive gear 39 is provided at the non-driving side end of the developing roller 32. Further, the drum driven gear 63 is provided at the end portion 62z2 on the non-driving side of the drum 62.

[0332] When the developing roller 32 is rotationally driven by the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the apparatus by means of the gear 187, the drive is transmitted from the drum driving gear 39 to the drum driven gear 63, and the drum 62 is rotationally driven. With this structure, it is not necessary to provide the driven transmission portion 364a of the coupling member 64, and the structure of the box B can be simplified.

[0333] In any case, the gear members 87 and 187 in this embodiment can move relative to the frame of the cartridge B and the photosensitive drum in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the gear members 87 and 187. Even if the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 changes, the gear member (187) can follow its movement. As compared with Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the gear members can be increased.

[0334] In addition, a box may include Fig.13 The gear 87 and Fig.15 86. That is, the gear 87 for making the drive transmission member 81 approach the inclined rib of the box and the gear 187 for receiving the driving force for rotating the developing roller 32, etc. from the drive transmission member 81 can be provided separately. In this case, the gear 187 does not necessarily have to be configured to be movable, and the gear 87 can be moved in a direction intersecting with its axis. This is because the gear 187 can be fixed at a position where it can engage with the drive transmission member 81, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission member is reduced by contact with the inclined rib 86.

[0335] <Example 3>

[0336] In the above-described embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 is described as being engaged in the direction of the arrow H2 (see FIG. 1 ) by the meshing engagement force with the damper gear 87 in the thrust direction. Figure 8 ) to engage with the coupling member 64. In the present embodiment, a structure in which the drive transmission member 81 engages with the coupling member 64 without moving in the direction of the arrow will be described. Also in this embodiment, the same points as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in the present embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, and the points different from those in the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0337] First reference Figures 16 to 17 , the driving side flange unit 369 will be described. Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of the driving side flange unit 369 . Fig.17 is an exploded perspective view of the driving side flange unit 369 .

[0338] like Fig.16As shown, the driving side flange member 75, the connecting member 364 and the first pressing member 59 are arranged at the driving side end of the drum 62. The driving side flange member 75 is fixed to the drum 62 by means of, for example, press fit or clamping. In addition, in the connecting member 364, the supported portion 364b is adapted and supported by the connecting support portion 75b of the driving side flange member 75, and can move in the direction of the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62. In addition, the first pressing member 59 is arranged between the driving side flange member and the connecting member 364, so as to press the connecting member 364 in the direction of the arrow H301 with a pressing force F301. The connecting member 364 is provided with a driven transmission portion (input connecting portion) 364a, which is connected to the driving transmission portion (output connecting portion) 81e of the driving transmission member 81 (see Figure 4 ) engagement. In addition, the coupling member 364 has a cylindrical portion 364g so as to surround the non-driving side transmission portion 364a. The free end of the cylindrical portion has an inclined surface (inclined portion) 364g1. The inclined surface 364g1 is located at a position away from the axis Q2 of the driven transmission portion 364a and has a tapered shape that opens outward in the longitudinal direction.

[0339] In addition, the coupling member 364 is provided with a pair of groove-shaped drive transmission portions 364c recessed from the supported portion 364b. On the other hand, the coupling support portion 75b of the driving side flange member 75 is provided with a pair of driven transmission portions 75c having a protruding shape, and the driven transmission portions 75c enter the pair of drive transmission portions 364c. Thus, the pair of drive transmission portions 364c contacts the pair of driven transmission portions 75c, so that the driving force is transmitted from the coupling member 364 to the driving side flange member 75.

[0340] Then, refer to Fig.18 , the cleaning unit 60 including the above-mentioned driving side flange unit 369 will be described.

[0341] Fig.18 1 is a partial perspective view illustrating the structure of the driving side of the cleaning unit 60 according to the present embodiment.

[0342] like Fig.18 As shown, the side member 376 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 376a supporting the coupling member 364, a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 376b supporting the cam member 70 (described below), and a protrusion 376c protruding outward from the cylindrical outer peripheral surface. In addition, the lever member (operating member) 12 and the cam member 70 are provided between the driving side flange unit 369 and the side member 376.

[0343] The lever member 12 includes an abutting portion 12a provided on one end side, an engaged portion 12b provided on the other end side, a sliding support portion 12c connecting the abutting portion 12a and the engaged portion 12b, etc. The cam member 70 is an annular member including a supported portion 70e, which is a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. In addition, the cam member 70 has an inner end surface 70c on the inner side in the longitudinal direction, a first surface 70a on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, a second surface 70d parallel to the first surface 70a and recessed inwardly from the first surface 70a in the longitudinal direction, and an inclined surface 70b is provided to smoothly connect the first surface 70a and the second surface 70b.

[0344] The lever member 12 is arranged so that the sliding support portion 12c is arranged between the sliding ribs 371g provided on the cleaning frame 371, and is supported so as to be movable in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 relative to the cleaning frame 371. The supported portion 70e of one of the advancing / retracting cam members 70 is fitted with the cylindrical outer peripheral portion 376b of the side member 376, and is supported by the side member 376 so as to be rotatable and movable in the direction of the axis Q2.

[0345] Then, refer to Fig.18 and 19 , the interrelated operations of the lever member 12, the cam member 70 and the coupling member 376 will be described.

[0346] Fig.19 1 and 2 are explanations of the operations between the lever member 12 and the coupling member 364 in relation to each other.

[0347] First, the engaged portion 12b provided at one end of the lever member 12 engages with the lever member engaging portion 70a of the advancing / retracting cam member 70. Thus, the movement of the lever member 12 in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 and the rotation of the cam member 70 are interrelated. The lever member 12 is an operating member that is operated to move the coupling member 364 forward and backward in the axial direction.

[0348] When the user moves the lever member 12 in the direction of arrow Y1, the effect is as follows. Due to the movement of the lever member 12 in the direction of arrow Y1, the cam member 70 moves in the direction of arrow Y1. Fig.18 Part (a) rotates counterclockwise (in Fig.18 Then, the portion of the cam member that contacts the protrusion 376c of the side member 376 moves from the first surface 70a to the second surface 70d by means of the inclined surface 70b. Thus, the cam member 70 moves in the direction of the arrow Z1 together with the coupling member 364 while utilizing the urging force of the first pressing member 59 (see Fig.16 ).

[0349] On the contrary, when the user moves the lever member 12 in the direction of arrow Y2 opposite to the direction of arrow Y1, the cam member 70 rotates in the direction opposite to the above direction, and the coupling member 364 moves in the direction of arrow Z2 against the urging force of the first pressing member. In other words, the coupling member 364 moves toward the outside of the photosensitive drum, that is, in the direction in which the free end of the coupling member 364 moves away from the photosensitive drum.

[0350] As described above, the movement of the lever member 12 in the directions of the arrows Y1 and Y2 and the movement of the coupling member 364 in the directions of the arrows Z1 and Z2 are linked to each other by means of the cam member 70 .

[0351] Reference Fig. 20 , a structure in which the cleaning unit 60 having the above-described structure is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A and the drives of the drive transmitting member 81 and the coupling member 364 are connected will be described.

[0352] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing how the coupling member 364 is connected to the drive transmitting member 81 .

[0353] First, before the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, the lever member 12 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y2. Then, as described above, the coupling member 364 is in a state of having moved in the direction of the arrow Z2. When the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A in this state, as described above, the coupling member 364 is in a state of having moved in the direction of the arrow Z2. Fig. 20 Part (a) and Fig. 20 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the coupling member 364 takes a position separated from the drive transmission member 81 in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the large gear is inclined in the direction of the arrow N1 as in the above-mentioned embodiment. When the lever member 12 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1 from this state, the coupling member 364 is thereby Fig.18 Move in the direction of the arrow Z1, as shown Fig. 20 Part (c) and Fig. 20 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 364 , the inclined surface 364g1 approaches the inclined surface 81h of the drive transmission member 81. Thereafter, the inclined surface 364g1 of the coupling member 364 contacts the inclined surface 81h of the drive transmission member 81, so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 decreases. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 Part (e) and Fig. 20 As shown in part (f), the inclined surface 364g1 enters the slit portion 81g of the drive transmission member 81, while reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. Finally, the recess 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 364a engage with each other (see Fig. 20 part (e) of 20 and part (f) of 20).

[0354] Conversely, when cartridge B is to be removed from the apparatus main assembly A, the lever member 12 is moved in the direction of arrow Y2. Then, the coupling member 364 is moved in the direction of arrow Z2, disengaged from the drive transmission portion, and finally returned to Fig. 20 Part (a) and Fig. 20 Thus, box B can be taken out from the main component A of the device.

[0355] As described above, according to this embodiment, by moving the connecting member 364 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) with the aid of the lever member 12, the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the device and the connecting member 364 can be engaged and disengaged relative to each other as needed.

[0356] In the present embodiment, the lever member 12 is moved by manual operation of the user in the present embodiment, but a pushing member (such as a spring) may be provided which pushes the lever member 12 to move the lever member in the direction of the arrow Y2. Fig.21 As shown, a portion (cartridge pressing member 1) for moving the lever member 12 in the direction of arrow Y1 may be provided on the opening / closing door of the apparatus main assembly A.

[0357] exist Fig.21 In the embodiment, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the box pressing member 1 associated with the opening / closing door 13 not only presses the box, but also presses the lever member 12. By this operation, the lever member 12 moves in the direction of the arrow Y2 relative to the frame of the box. With such a structure, the user does not need to operate the lever member 12 when installing / disassembling the box B, so that the practicality is improved.

[0358] The structure of the box B of this embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0359] In this embodiment, the coupling member (engagement member, movable member, advancing / retracting member) 364 that can be coupled to the drive transmission member 81 can be advanced / retracted in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. Fig. 20 As shown, the coupling member 364 can move between a position retracted toward the inside of the photosensitive drum 62 and a position advanced toward the outside of the photosensitive drum 62. In the present embodiment, the coupling member 364 moves linearly parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum, but this is not always necessary. If the moving direction of the coupling member 364 has a component in the axial direction, the coupling member 364 can also be considered to move in the axial direction.

[0360] The coupling member 364 and the photosensitive drum 62 are part of the drum unit.

[0361] The coupling member 364 has a cylindrical portion 364g in addition to the protruding portion as the driven transmission portion (input coupling portion) 364a, and has an inclined surface (inclined portion) 364g1 (see Fig.17 When the coupling member 364 advances and retracts, the inclined portion 364g1 moves in the axial direction together with the driven transmission portion 364a ( Fig.17 That is, the inclined portion 364g1 and the driven transmission portion 364a move as a whole.

[0362] Therefore, when the coupling member 364 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, the inclined portion 364g1 advances toward the outside of the photosensitive drum together with the driven transmission portion 364a, that is, moves in a direction approaching the drive transmission member 81. By this movement, the inclined portion 364g1 contacts the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member (see Fig. 20 Part (c), Fig. 20 Part (d), Fig. 20 Part (e) and Fig. 20 Therefore, the recessed portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 can be reliably engaged with the driven transmission portion 364a of the coupling member 364.

[0363] In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 364g1 for reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 is arranged in a circumferential shape so as to surround the entire circumference of the driven transmission portion 364a (see Fig.17 That is, the coupling member 364 has a cylindrical portion 364g surrounding the driven transmission portion (drive input portion, drive force receiving portion), and has an inclined portion 364g1 near the free end of the cylindrical portion 364g. Therefore, regardless of the phase of the coupling member 364, the inclined portion 364g1 is sure to contact the drive transmission member 81.

[0364] However, the structure is not limited to such a structure, and a structure in which the inclined portion 364g1 is arranged only in a specific portion can be considered. For example, if the coupling member 364 is held so as to have a predetermined phase when the coupling member 364 stops, the inclined portion 364g1 can be arranged at a specific position where it can contact the drive transmission member 81.

[0365] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the inclined portion 364g1 is arranged at a position overlapping with the driven transmission portion 364a in the axial direction. Fig.16As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, when the inclined portion 364g1 and the driven transmission portion 364a are projected on a straight line parallel to the axis Q2, the projection area U1 of the inclined portion 364g1 and the projection area U2 of the driven transmission portion 364a at least partially overlap each other. However, similar to the embodiment 1, the inclined portion 364a1 of the embodiment may be in the axial direction ( Fig.16 The inclined portion 364g1 may be arranged at a position farther from the end portion 62z2 on the non-driving side of the photosensitive drum 62 than the driven transmission portion 364a.

[0366] The cartridge B further includes a lever member as an operating member for moving the coupling member 364. The end of the lever member 12 protrudes toward the rear side of the cartridge ( Fig.21 ). On the rear side of the box B, the lever member 12 moves toward the front side of the box by receiving an external force. Through this movement, the coupling member 364 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position.

[0367] The structure of this embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0368] The image forming apparatus main assembly A includes a tiltable drive transmission member (drive output member) 81 (see Figure 3 and 4 ).

[0369] On the other hand, the cartridge has a photosensitive drum 62 and a coupling member 364 (see Figure 3 and 18 ).

[0370] The coupling member 364 is a drive input member arranged near the drive side end (first end) of the photosensitive drum, and is connected to the photosensitive drum so that the driving force can be transmitted toward the photosensitive drum. In addition, the coupling member 364 is a movable member that can move in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (see Fig.19 ).

[0371] The coupling member 364 includes a driven transmission member (driving force receiving portion, engaging member) 364e which engages with a recess (output coupling portion) 81e ( Figure 4 ) engages to receive driving force ( Fig.17 The coupling member 364 is an engaging member that can engage with the drive transmission member 81.

[0372] The driven transmission portion 364e is a protrusion having a shape corresponding to the recessed portion 81e ( Fig.17The driven transmission portion 364e extends along the axis Q2 of the coupling member and the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the driven transmission portion 364e is arranged on the axis Q2.

[0373] In addition, the coupling member 364 has an inclined portion 364g1. The inclined portion 364g1 is a member that can move integrally with the driven transmission portion 364e. That is, when the coupling member 364 moves in the axial directions Z1 and Z2, the driven transmission portion 364e and the inclined portion 364g1 move together in the axial directions Z1 and Z2 (see Fig.19 ) Likewise, when the coupling member 364 is rotationally driven, the inclined portion 364g1 and the driven transmission portion 364e rotate together.

[0374] In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 364g1 is arranged at the edge of the cylindrical portion 364g.

[0375] The inclined portion 364g1 is farther from the axis of the coupling member 364 than the driven transmission portion 364e ( Fig.16 and Fig.17 part (a)).

[0376] When the coupling member 364 moves toward the drive transmission member 81, the inclined portion 364g1 reduces the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 by contacting the drive transmission member 81. Thus, the driven transmission portion 364e can enter the interior of the recess 81e of the drive transmission member 81 (see Fig. 20 ). That is, the coupling member 364 of the cartridge becomes connectable to the drive transmission member 81.

[0377] In order to change the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81, the inclined portion 364g of the coupling member 364 is as follows. When the distance from the axis of the photosensitive drum to the inclined portion 364g is measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis, the distance increases (becomes longer) as the distance from the non-driving side increases. Fig.16 As shown, the left side of the inclined portion 364g1 is located farther from the axis Q2 than the right side of the inclined portion 364g1. Fig.16 The left side is the drive side of the cartridge, and the right side is the non-drive side of the cartridge.

[0378] That is, the inclined portion 364g1 is farther away from the axis Q2 (see FIG. 1 ) as it is away from the non-driving side end portion (second end portion) 62z2 of the photosensitive drum 62. Fig.16 ).

[0379] In this embodiment, the coupling member 364 can be regarded as a pressing member (urging member) on the cartridge side which presses and urges the drive transmission member 81 through the inclined portion 364g1 to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 .

[0380] The coupling member 364 performs two functions, namely, a drive input member for receiving a drive force from the drive output member 81, and a pressing member for pressing the drive output member 81. However, the coupling member 364 does not necessarily have to perform two functions, and for example, it is conceivable that the coupling member 364 is only a structure of a pressing member. In this case, a drive input member may be additionally provided on the cartridge. That is, as described with reference to Fig.15 As described above, as long as the cartridge B has a gear portion 81f (see Figure 4 ) is sufficient. The method of connecting the gear member 187 to the photosensitive drum 62 so as to enable drive transmission is referred to in Fig. 22 etc as described above.

[0381] In this embodiment, when the gear member 187 is provided on the cartridge, the gear member 187 does not need to be movable in a direction perpendicular to its axis. This is because the inclination angle of the drive output member 81 is reduced by the contact inclined portion 364g1, and it is sufficient to arrange the gear member in a position where it can engage with the drive output member 81 in this state.

[0382] When the photosensitive drum 62 is rotated by the driving force received by the gear member 187, the driven transmission portion 364e of the coupling member 364 does not need to receive the driving force from the drive transmission member 81. That is, the driven transmission portion 364e may also be omitted from the coupling member 364 as a pressing member. However, the driven transmission portion 364e also serves as an engaging portion for engaging with the recessed portion 81e (see Figure 4 ) engages with the drive transfer member 81 relative to the box. Therefore, it is preferred that the coupling member 364 as a pressing member is provided with a driven transfer portion 364e as an engaging portion. In order to construct the driven transfer portion 364e as a simple engaging portion that engages with the drive transfer member 81 but does not receive the driving force, the shape of the driven engaging portion 364e can be changed. For example, if the shape of the driven transfer portion 364e is changed to a cylindrical protrusion, the driven transfer portion 364e is a simple engaging portion that does not receive the driving force even when engaged with the recessed portion 81e of the drive transfer member 81.

[0383] It is also conceivable that the cartridge has both the coupling member 364 and the gear member 187 as drive input members.

[0384] <Example 4>

[0385] In this embodiment, the drive transmission member 481 and the coupling member 464 are coupled by pushing down a pressing member (main assembly side pressing member, main body side pressing member) 412 which is a member for tilting the drive transmission member (drive output member) 481 .

[0386] Fig.23 Part (a) is a perspective view of the box in this embodiment. Fig.23 Part (b) and Fig.24 yes Fig.23 An enlarged view of the vicinity of connecting member 464. Fig.24 Part (a) shows a state in which the lever member 412 has moved the most in the direction of arrow Y2. Fig.24 Part (b) shows the posture when the lever member 412 moves in the direction of arrow Y1 from this state, and Fig.24 Part (c) of FIG. 4 shows the posture when the lever member 412 is further moved in the direction of arrow Y1 from this state.

[0387] By comparing with the above embodiment Fig.18 The same structure, the movement of the lever member 412 and the connecting member 464 is linked. That is, when the lever member 412 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1, the connecting member 464 moves in the direction of the arrow Z1, and when the lever member 412 moves in the direction of the arrow Y2, the connecting member 464 moves in the direction of the arrow Z2. The chamfered portion (inclined portion) 464a is provided at the free end of the connecting member 464.

[0388] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operations of the lever member 412 and the push-down member (box side pressing member, box side pushing member) 402 are also interrelated. Fig.23 As shown in part (b), the side member 476 is provided with a circumferential slit 476a, the center of which is located at the rotation axis Q2 of the drum, and the push-down member 402 is arranged in the slit 476a so as to be able to rotate and move along the slit 476a. In addition, the push-down member 402 is pushed in the direction of the arrow G4 by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the lever member 412 is provided with a guide portion 412a, which contacts the first guided portion 402a of the push-down member 402.

[0389] Here, the lever member 412 is Fig.24The push-down member 402 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1 in the state shown in part (a). The push-down member 402 is pushed in the direction of the arrow G4, and therefore, the first guided portion 402a receives the contact force F41. Since the first guided portion 402a is tapered, the contact force F41 has a component force F41a in the direction of the arrow Z1. As a result, the push-down member 402 is guided by the guide portion 412a of the lever member 412 at the first guided portion 402a, and moves in the direction of the arrow Z1. As a result, the Fig.24 At this time, the connecting member 464 has not moved from Fig.24 The position shown in part (a) is moved.

[0390] In addition, when the lever member 412 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1, the second guided portion 402b receives the contact force F42. The second guided portion 402b is different from the first guided portion 402a and is not a tapered surface, and therefore, the contact force F42 does not have a component force in the direction of the arrow Z1. Therefore, the guide portion 412a of the lever member 412 guides the second guided portion 402b of the push-down member 402, so that the push-down member 402 rotates around the rotation axis Q2 of the drum 62 along the slit 476a in the direction of the arrow C40.

[0391] Simultaneously with or after the movement of the push-down member 402 in the direction of C40, the coupling member 464 moves in the direction of the arrow Z1 by the same mechanism as in the above-described embodiment, and thus, the Fig.24 In this embodiment, the cam member 70 is used to guide the connecting member 464 (see Fig.18 ) and by using the lever member 412 to guide the push-down member 402, the connecting member 464 and the push-down member 402 can be controlled at any given moment.

[0392] Next, the structure of the drive transmission member 481 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.85 and Fig.25 Part (a) is a side view showing the appearance of the drive transmitting portion of the main component A of the apparatus in this embodiment, and Fig.25 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the support structure of the drive transmission member 481 in the cover member 401. Fig.85 As shown, in the present embodiment, the drive transfer member 481 is partially covered by the cover member 401. This is to protect the drive transfer member 481 so that the user does not touch the drive transfer member 481.

[0393] like Fig.25As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , as in the above-described embodiment, the pressing member 484 is pressed by a pressing spring (not shown) about the rotation axis 484a in the direction of the arrow E40. Therefore, the drive transmission member 481 is pressed by the pressing member 484 through the contact force F40 to tilt in the direction of the arrow B40. Fig.25 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the drive transmission member 481 is covered by the cover member 401. The cover member 401 has three cutout portions, namely, the cutout portion 401a, the cutout portion 401b, and the cutout portion 401c. This is to expose a portion of the drive transmission member 481 through the cover member 401. That is, in the drive transmission member 481, the portion required to perform the function is exposed through the cover member 401.

[0394] Next, the engaging operation between the drive transmitting member 481 and the coupling member 464 will be described. Fig.25 1 shows the state immediately after cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A. For simplicity, Fig.25 Part (a) and Fig.25 Part (c) shows only the push-down member 412 for box B. In addition, Fig.25 Part (b) shows only the push-down member 402 and the pressing member 484. In this state, as described above, the drive transmission member 481 is inclined in the direction of the arrow B40, and therefore, the recessed drive transmission portion 481e provided at the free end is offset by a misalignment amount W41 relative to the axis Q2 of the drum 62.

[0395] In this embodiment, as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, the opening / closing door 13 is provided with a mechanism for pressing the lever member 412. Fig.21 In the embodiment, the lever member 12 pressed by the pressing member 1 of the opening / closing door 13 corresponds to the lever member 412 in this embodiment. Fig.24 When the lever member 412 of the box B is moved in the direction of the arrow Y1 by operating the opening / closing door 13, the push-down member is moved in the direction of the arrow Z1. Fig.25 As shown in part (b), when the push-down member 402 moves in the direction of arrow Z1, the free end portion 402c contacts the end portion 484b of the pressing member 484. Since the free end portion 402c of the push-down member 402 is tapered, the pressing member 484 moves along the axis 484a. Fig.25 The part (c) is rotated in the direction of arrow E41 to achieve Fig.26 The result is as shown in part (b). Fig.26 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 4 , the drive transmission member 481 is inclined in the direction of the arrow B41 by a displacement amount W42.

[0396] When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed from here, the lever member 412 is further moved in the direction of the arrow Y1 (see Fig.24 ), and the push-down member rotates around the drum axis Q2 in the direction of arrow C40. Therefore, the pressing member 484 further rotates in the direction of arrow E41 to achieve Fig. 27 The result is as shown in part (b). Fig. 27 As shown, the drive transmission member 481 is tilted in the direction of the arrow B42 by the offset amount W43. At the same time, the coupling member moves in the direction of Z1 (see Fig.24 ) and with Fig.28 The chamfered portion 464a shown in part (a) contacts. Fig.28 As shown in part (b), when the connecting member 464 moves further from here in the direction of arrow Z1, the connecting member 464 is inserted into the drive transmission part (output connecting part, recess) 481e of the drive transmission member 481 and engages with the drive transmission part.

[0397] In the present embodiment, the push-down member 402 performs a combination of a linear motion as a first motion and a rotational motion as a second motion, but these motions are not limited to the structure described in the present embodiment and can be arbitrarily combined. In addition, it is not always necessary to perform both a linear motion and a rotational motion. It is sufficient as long as the pressing member 484 can be pushed downward (rotated in the direction of the arrow E41). For example, Fig.29 As shown, by expanding the cone shape 402c, the pressing member 484 can be pushed downward only by the advancing / retracting movement in the Z1 direction.

[0398] For example, by adopting Fig.30 In the structure shown, the operating member 404 can move forward (move in the Z41 direction), lift (move in the X41 direction), and lower (move in the X42 direction) relative to the guide rail 403 as a fixed member. In this example, the slit portion 404a of the operating member 404 is guided by the track portion 403 of the guide rail 403. In addition, the guided boss 404b of the operating member is guided by the cam groove 405a of the sliding guide 405. In addition, the bottom portion 404c of the operating member 404 is guided by the top surface 405b of the sliding guide 405. By appropriately combining these mechanisms, the push-down member 402 can be made to perform a crank-like movement, for example, as Fig.31 As shown in the figure, the pressing member 484 can be pushed downward while avoiding the cover member 401 without providing a tapered shape at the free end. Fig.30 The structure shown is an example of a box in which linear operation pushes the pressing member 484 downward. Fig.86Part (a) is a perspective view of a box having such a mechanism, and Fig.86 Part (b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the connecting member 464. Fig.86 As shown in part (b), the side member 476 is provided with a accommodating hole 476b, and the push-down member 414 is supported in the accommodating hole so as to move in the direction of arrow X41, the direction of arrow X42, the direction of arrow Z1, and the direction of arrow Z2. In addition, the push-down member 414 is pushed in the direction of arrow Z2 by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the lever member 413 is mounted on the box B so as to be slidable in the direction of arrow Y1 and the direction of arrow Y2. The lever member 413 is provided with a guide rib 413a and a guide slit 413b, the guide rib being a cam for moving the push-down member 414 in the direction of arrow Z1 and the direction of arrow Z2, and the guide slit being a cam for moving the push-down member 414 in the direction of arrow X41 and the direction of arrow X42. Next, refer to Fig.87 and 88 , the behavior of the push-down member 414 operating to push the pressing member 484 downward will be described. Fig.87 Part (a) to Fig.87 Part (e) of FIG. 4 shows in chronological order the movement of the push-down member 414 when the lever member 413 gradually slides in the direction of the arrow Y1. Fig.88 Part (a) to Fig.88 The parts (e) correspond to Fig.87 Part (a) to Fig.87 When the lever member 413 is moved from Fig.87 Part (a) and Fig.88 When the push-down member 414 is slid in the direction of arrow Y1 in the state shown in part (a), the push-down member 414 is guided by the guide rib 413a, moves in the direction of arrow Z1 and passes under the cover member 401 to reach Fig.87 Part (b) and Fig.88 When the lever member 413 further slides in the direction of arrow Y1 from this state, the push-down member 414 is guided by the guide slit 413b and moves in the direction of arrow X41 to reach Fig.87 Part (c) and Fig.88 When the lever member 413 further slides in the direction of the arrow Y1, the push-down member 414 is guided by the guide rib 413a, moves in the direction of the arrow Z1, and rides on the pressing member 484 to achieve Fig.87 Part (d) and Fig.88 When the lever member 413 further slides in the direction of the arrow Y1, the push-down member 414 is guided by the guide slit 413b and moves in the direction of the arrow X42, and the pressing member is pushed downward to reach Fig.87 Part (e) and Fig.88 The status of part (e).

[0399] Finally, this embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0400] The main assembly of the image forming apparatus includes a drive transmission member (drive output member) 481 configured to output a driving force and a drive transmission member ( Fig.25 The pressing member (pushing member, main component side pressing member) 484 of the drive transmission member is tilted by part (a)).

[0401] The cartridge B includes the photosensitive drum 62 and a push-down member (pushing member) 402 which is a cartridge-side pressing member and is configured to press the apparatus main assembly-side pressing member (see Figure 2 Part (a) and Fig.23 ). The photosensitive drum 62 is arranged in the front portion of the box, and a part of it is exposed. The front side of the box B is Figure 2 The left side of part (a) and Fig.23 on the right side of part (a).

[0402] The push-down member 402 is arranged in the front portion of the cartridge together with the photosensitive drum 62 (see Fig.23 In addition, the push-down member is arranged on the driving side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62. The driving side of the cartridge is Fig.23 The downstream side in the direction indicated by the arrow Z1 in the middle is the side where the coupling member 464 is arranged on the box. That is, the coupling member 464 and the push-down member 402 are arranged on the same side.

[0403] The push-down member 402 on the cartridge side is configured to change the inclination angle of the drive transmission member by pressing and pushing the pressing member 484 on the apparatus main assembly side (see Fig. 27 Part (a) and Fig.28 part (b)).

[0404] That is, when the push-down member 402 acts on the pressing member 484 on the apparatus body side, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 481 relative to the photosensitive drum 62 becomes smaller (see Fig.28 part (b)).

[0405] By reducing the inclination angle, the drive transmission member 481 can be connected to the cartridge. In this embodiment, the coupling member (engagement member) 464 is disposed adjacent to the end of the photosensitive drum (see Fig.23 ). By the coupling member 464 being pushed toward the drive transmission member 481 in the axial direction of the cartridge, the coupling member engages with and connects with a recess (output coupling portion) 481e provided at the free end of the drive transmission member (see Fig.28Thus, the drive transmission member and the box are connected so that the driving force can be transmitted.

[0406] More specifically, the coupling member 464 is moved in the axial direction from the retracted position ( Fig.28 (a)) moves to the advancing position ( Fig.28 In the part (a) of FIG. 1 , the coupling member is retracted toward the inside of the photosensitive drum at the retracted position and is advanced toward the outside of the photosensitive drum at the advanced position. The coupling member 464 does not necessarily have to move parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum, nor does it necessarily have to move linearly. If the direction of movement of the coupling member 464 has an axial component, the coupling member can engage with the drive transmission member 481.

[0407] The method for connecting the drive transmission member 481 and the cartridge 60 to enable drive transmission is not limited to the coupling member 464 that can move forward and backward. Fig.15 As shown, instead of the coupling member 464, the gear member 187 is connected to the developing roller, and the gear member 187 is connected to the drive transmission member 481, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission member is reduced by the push-down member 402. That is, by providing the box with a gear member that can mesh with the gear portion provided on the outer peripheral portion of the drive transmission member 481, the drive transmission member and the box B are connected so that drive transmission can be performed. The driving force received by the gear member 187 can be transmitted by means of another gear 39, 63 provided in the box (see Fig. 22 ) is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 62. In this case, the gear member of the cartridge is the drive input member. In addition, in this case, the gear member 187 ( Fig.15 ) does not need to be movable in a direction intersecting its axis. This is because it is sufficient to arrange the gear member 187 at a position where it can engage with the drive transmission member 481 having a reduced inclination angle.

[0408] If the box includes a gear member as a drive input member, the coupling member 464 does not necessarily have to receive the driving force from the drive transmission member. The coupling member 464 can be made into a simple engagement member that only engages with the drive transmission member 481, so that the engagement member does not transmit the driving force to the photosensitive drum 62. Alternatively, the coupling member 464 can be omitted from the box. However, it is preferable to provide an engagement member that can engage with the drive transmission member 481 near the end of the photosensitive drum 62, because the position of the drive transmission member can be determined by the engagement member.

[0409] Furthermore, the cartridge may have two drive input members, namely a gear member and a coupling member.

[0410] In this embodiment, when the lever member (operating member) 412 ( Fig.23When the lever member 412 receives an external force from the outside of the box, the push member 402 operates. That is, the lever member 412 is at the rear side of the box ( Fig.23 The left side of the box protrudes from the frame (housing) of the box. Fig.21 The lever member 412 is similar to the lever member 12 shown in part (b) of the apparatus, and the lever member 412 can receive external force by contacting with the pressing member 1 provided on the door 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus. Under the action of the external force, the end of the lever member 412 moves toward the front of the box. As the lever member 412 moves, the push-down member 402 operates.

[0411] Furthermore, the lever member (operating member) 412 is an operating member for operating not only the push-down member 402 but also the coupling member 464 .

[0412] The lever member 412 is configured to start the operation of the push-down member 402 before the operation of the coupling member 464. It is possible that the coupling member 464 is connected to the drive transmitting member 481 after the inclination angle of the drive transmitting member 481 is reduced by the push-down member 402.

[0413] In the present embodiment, the push-down member 402 and the coupling member 464 are operated by one lever member 412, but a lever member (operating member) may be provided for each of the push-down member 412 and the coupling member 464. Fig.63 In the described embodiment, the cartridge includes two operating members (lever members) 905 and 812. In this manner, two operating members may be employed.

[0414] Desirably, the pressing member 402 performs a plurality of operations including the following operations so as to be able to press the pressing member of the apparatus main assembly.

[0415] Desirably, the push-down member 402 performs a first operation of moving in the axial direction Z1 of the photosensitive drum 62 to approach the pressing member (see Fig.25 At this time, the push-down member does not necessarily have to move in parallel with the axial direction, and does not necessarily have to move in a straight line. It is sufficient as long as the direction in which the push-down member moves in the first operation includes a component in the axial direction.

[0416] Desirably, after the first operation, the push-down member 402 performs a second operation ( Fig.26 part (a)). Fig.26 Part (b) shows an example in which the push-down member moves in the C40 direction intersecting the axial direction. By combining a plurality of operations, the push-down member 402 can easily perform appropriate movement of the pressing member 484 on the apparatus main assembly side.

[0417] The push-down member 402, the lever member 412, etc. shown in this embodiment can be separated from the cartridge to provide an accessory that can be mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus separately from the cartridge. An example of such an accessory will be described in Embodiment 5 below.

[0418] <Example 5>

[0419] Next, Embodiment 5 will be described in which the pressing member 484 is pushed downward using a detachable attachment for the apparatus main assembly A.

[0420] The accessory is a unit which is mountable separately from the cartridge B. In the present embodiment, the accessory is a member for acting on a drive transmitting member provided in the apparatus main assembly A, and is mountable to the apparatus main assembly A by a user.

[0421] Fig.32 502 is a perspective view of an attachment member 502 according to the present embodiment. The attachment member 502 has a push-down surface 502a, and is provided with a damper gear 587 rotatably mounted to the attachment member 502. As in Embodiment 1, the damper gear 587 has a predetermined rotation resistance. Fig.89 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge B in this embodiment. A protruding portion is provided in the vicinity of the coupling member 464 of the cover member 576.

[0422] Fig.33 4 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is opened and the attachment member 502 is mounted to the cut-out portion 401a of the cover member 401. Fig. 27 Similar to the part (b) of the embodiment, the push-down surface 502a of the attachment member 502 pushes the pressing member 484 downward. In this state, since the opening / closing door 13 is open, the drive transmission member 481 maintains the state of being inclined in the direction of the arrow B40 regardless of the posture of the pressing member, as described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Here, when the cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly A of the apparatus and the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the inclination of the drive transmission member 481 is as shown in FIG. Fig.34 The cover member 401 is released and the gear portion 481f is brought into meshing engagement with the gear portion 587a of the damper gear 587. Furthermore, the protruding portion 504 provided on the cartridge B is arranged within the cut-out portion 401c of the cover member 401.

[0423] Here, when the drive is applied and the drive transmission member 481 rotates in the direction of the arrow R, the drive transmission member 481 is brought into contact with the protrusion by the engagement force F50 between the gear portions in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, so that the posture becomes substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum. That is, the protrusion 504 is an inclined portion (contact portion) which is inclined so that it reduces the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 481 when it contacts the drive transmission member 481, like the inclined rib 86 in Embodiment 1 (see Fig.84 ) situation.

[0424] Simultaneously with the decrease in the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 481, the drive transmission member is driven by the meshing thrust between the gears as described in Example 1 ( Fig. 9 F3 in the longitudinal direction, i.e. Fig.34 As a result, the drive transmission portion 481e of the drive transmission member 481 and the coupling member 464 are brought into engagement with each other.

[0425] In the present embodiment, in order to make the drive transmission member 481 substantially coaxial with the axis Q2 of the drum, the protruding portion (inclined portion) 504 is arranged in the cut-out portion 401c of the cover member 401, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, as described in Embodiment 4, if the chamfered portion 464a ( Fig.28 Part (a)) is sufficient.

[0426] In the present embodiment, the damper gear 587 is provided on the attachment member 502 so as to attract the drive transmission member 481 to the coupling member 464 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not necessarily the case. As shown in Embodiment 1, the damper gear may be provided on the cartridge B, and further, the damper gear may be provided at the position of the cutout portion 401c instead of the cutout portion 401a of the cover member 401. In this case, the damper gear 587 may also be provided on the cartridge B, or the damper gear 587 may be provided on another accessory other than the attachment member 502.

[0427] In the case where the damper gear 587 is provided on the cartridge B, the drive transmission member does not necessarily have to engage with the coupling member 464. The cartridge B may also be driven directly by using the driving force received by the damper gear 587. Alternatively, the damper gear may not be provided, and the cartridge may be provided with the lever member 412 to advance and retract the coupling member 464, as described in the above embodiment.

[0428] In this embodiment, the push-down surface 502a of the attachment is a portion corresponding to the pressing member 402 of the cartridge of Embodiment 4 (see Fig.23 and 24). The push-down surface 502a is a contact portion configured to contact with the pressing member 484 to move the pressing member 484. The push-down surface 502a causes the pressing member 484 to move away from the drive transfer member 481 and fixes the pressing member at this position. As a result, the drive transfer member 481 becomes unpressed by the pressing member 484, or the pressing force is reduced, so that the inclination angle of the drive transfer member 481 is reduced. As a result, the drive transfer member 481 becomes connectable to the box to transfer the drive. In the present embodiment, the push-down surface 502a is an immovable part in the accessory, but if the pressing member 484 can be moved in contact with the pressing member 484, the push-down surface 502a can be made movable.

[0429] In addition, the push-down surface 502a may be configured to move in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A in the same manner as the push-down member of Embodiment 4. In this case, the push-down surface 502a may be changed to the push-down member of Embodiment 4, and the lever member 412 and the slit 476a described in Embodiment 4 may also be provided on the accessory. That is, the side member ( Fig.23 (b)) and the components supported by the side member 476 ( Fig.23 The parts (b)) are separated from the rest of the box and they are formed into an attachment.

[0430] For example, the reason for changing the inclination of the drive transmission member by using an accessory as in the present embodiment is considered as follows. As described above, depending on the structure of the cartridge, it is easier to install and / or remove the cartridge by inclining the drive transmission member when installing and / or removing the cartridge. In view of this, the main assembly of the imaging device adopts a structure in which the drive transmission member is intentionally inclined. Then, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, when the cartridge is installed, the inclination of the drive transmission member is reduced.

[0431] However, in the case where a cartridge having a different structure can be selectively mounted to the main assembly of the device, it may not be necessary to tilt the drive transmission member when mounting / removing the cartridge, depending on the type of cartridge. Therefore, when only cartridges that do not particularly require tilting the drive transmission member are used, it may be desirable to stop the tilting of the drive transmission member or reduce the tilt angle. In this case, the user can change the tilt angle of the drive transmission member by mounting an accessory such as in the present embodiment to the main assembly of the imaging device. The user can mount the cartridge to the main assembly of the device after mounting the accessory to the main assembly of the device.

[0432] Preferably, the accessory is detachable from the apparatus main assembly A. That is, when the drive transmitting member needs to be tilted again, by detaching the accessory by the user, the drive transmitting member becomes tiltable as before.

[0433] Fig.32 The accessories shown in Fig.89 The boxes shown in are all mounting units that can be mounted to the main assembly of the device. The combination including the accessories and the box will be called a mounting kit (mounting unit kit). The mounting kit is a kit including multiple units that can be mounted to the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0434] <Example 6>

[0435] Next, another embodiment will be described in which the coupling member is engaged with the apparatus main assembly A by using a detachable attachment. In the above-described embodiment 5, the attachment acting on the pressing member on the main assembly side which presses the drive transmission member has been described, but in the present embodiment, the attachment directly acting on the drive transmission member will be described.

[0436] Fig.35 is a perspective view of the attachment member 602 in this embodiment. Fig.35 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the attachment member 602 is provided with a movable arm 603 rotatable around an axis 602a, and a damper gear 687 is provided at the free end of the movable arm. Similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the damper gear 687 has a predetermined rotation resistance. The push spring 604, which is a twisted coil spring, is installed in alignment with the axis 602a, and the movable arm 603 is pushed in the direction of the arrow A60. Fig.35 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 6 , the posture of the movable arm 603 is determined by abutting against the abutment portion 602b of the attachment member 602. Fig.35 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the movable arm 603 can rotate in the direction of arrow A61 together with the damper gear 687 provided at the free end portion against the urging force of the urging spring 604.

[0437] That is, the damper gear 687 is movably supported by the movable arm 606 in the attachment, and the position of the axis of the damper gear 687 is configured to be movable. Fig.90 676 is a perspective view of the cartridge B in this embodiment. The protruding portion 605 is provided in the vicinity of the coupling member 464 of the cover member 676 .

[0438] Fig.36The state in which the opening / closing door 13 is opened and the attachment member 602 is mounted to the main assembly A of the device is shown. As described above, in the state in which the opening / closing door 13 is opened, the drive transmission member 481 maintains a state of being inclined in the direction of the arrow B40. Therefore, when the attachment member 602 is mounted, the damper gear 687 contacts the gear portion 481f of the drive transmission member 481, and the movable arm of the attachment member 602 is in a state in which it has rotated in the direction of the arrow A61. On the other hand, the drive transmission member 481 receives the contact force F60 from the damper gear 687 by the urging force of the urging spring 604. The urging spring is selected so that the contact force F60 is sufficiently greater than the contact force F61 received by the drive transmission member through the pressing member 484.

[0439] Here, the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A, and then the opening / closing door 13 is closed. Fig.36 , the contact force F60 received by the drive transmission member 481 from the damper gear 687 is greater than the contact force F61 received from the pressing member 484, and therefore, as Fig.37 As shown, the movable arm 603 rotates in the direction of arrow A60 until it abuts against the abutment portion 602b. As a result, the inclination of the drive transfer member 481 is released. That is, the drive transfer member 481 is pressed and pushed by the damper gear 687, and the inclination angle of the drive transfer member 481 is reduced. In the present embodiment, the damper gear 687 is a pressing member (biasing member) that changes the inclination angle of the drive transfer member by applying force to the drive transfer member 481. More specifically, the damper gear 687 reduces the inclination angle of the drive transfer member 481 relative to the photosensitive drum of the box when the box is installed.

[0440] Furthermore, a protruding portion (inclined portion) 605 provided on the cartridge B is arranged within the cutout portion 401 a of the cover member 401 .

[0441] When the drive is applied and the drive transmission member 481 rotates in the direction of the arrow R, the drive transmission member 481 contacts the protrusion due to the engagement force F62 between the gear portions in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and as a result, the posture becomes substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Q2 of the drum. At the same time, as described in Embodiment 1, the drive transmission member is rotated due to the meshing thrust ( Fig. 9 F3 in the figure moves in the longitudinal direction, i.e. Fig.37 As a result, the drive transmission portion 481e of the drive transmission member 481 and the coupling member 464 engage with each other.

[0442] Also in this embodiment, the protrusion 605 is provided in the cutout portion 401a of the cover member 401 so as to make the drive transmission member 481 substantially coaxial with the axis Q2 of the drum, but this is not always necessary. For example, as described in Embodiment 4, a chamfered portion 464a ( Fig.28 part (a)).

[0443] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the damper gear 687 is provided on the attachment member 602 so as to attract the drive transmission member 481 to the coupling member 464 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not necessarily the case. Fig.38 As shown, the acting portion 606a of the movable arm 606 may be in direct contact with the drive transfer member 481. In this case, the movable arm 606 functions as a pressing member that presses the drive transfer member 481.

[0444] Therefore, by providing the damper gear 687 at another position as described in the above embodiment or by moving the coupling member 464 forward and backward, the drive transmission member 481 and the coupling member 464 can be engaged with each other.

[0445] For example, Fig.91 The cartridge B shown in the figure includes a damper gear 687 and a projection (inclined portion) 605 located near the coupling member 464. Here, the damper gear 687 and the projection 505 are arranged so as to become respectively the same as those in the above-described embodiment when the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A of the apparatus. Fig.34 The damper gear 587 and the protrusion 504 are at the same position as shown. Therefore, as in the above-mentioned embodiment (see Fig.34 ), the drive transmission member 481 contacts the protruding portion 605 through the meshing force F50 and becomes a posture that is basically coaxial with the rotation axis Q2 of the drum.

[0446] At the same time, as described in Embodiment 1, the drive transmission member is driven by the meshing thrust between the gears ( Fig. 9 F3 in the longitudinal direction, i.e. Fig.34 Therefore, the drive transmission member 481 and the coupling member 464 can be engaged with each other. Fig.38 In the embodiment, the acting portion 606a of the movable arm 606 is brought into contact with the gear portion 481f of the drive transmission member 481, but the same effect can be provided by bringing the acting portion 606a into contact with the cylindrical portion 481g.

[0447] As described above, in the present embodiment, the user of the image forming apparatus mounts the attaching member to the apparatus main assembly A in advance, and then mounts the cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A. Thus, the attaching member can facilitate the connection between the drive transmitting member and the cartridge.

[0448] That is, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 481 is changed by the attachment member, or the drive transmission member 481 is brought closer to the cartridge by the attachment member. Thus, the drive transmission member 481 can be connected to a coupling member or a gear member provided on the cartridge for drive transmission.

[0449] As shown in the present embodiment, an attachment member other than the cartridge may have a structure for connecting the drive transmitting member to the cartridge.

[0450] <Example 7>

[0451] Embodiment 7 will be described. Also in this embodiment, the same points as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to those described in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, and only the points different from those in the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0452] Fig.39 2 is a perspective view of the process box B of this embodiment. Fig.39 As shown, the side member 801 is arranged on the driving side of the cleaning unit 60, and the side member 801 is provided with a first positioning protrusion 801a on the driving side and a second positioning protrusion 801b on the driving side. In addition, a lever member 812 is provided as an operating member. A coupling member 864 as an advancing / retracting member (movable member) is provided at the end of the drum 62, and the end of the coupling member 864 is provided with a protrusion (driven transmission part 864a), which enters the recess of the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the device to receive the drive.

[0453] On the other hand, a second lever member 825 as a movable member is provided on the non-driving side.

[0454] Fig.40 62 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the drive transmission portion of the drum 62. Fig.40 As shown, the driving side flange member 75, the coupling member 864 and the first pressing member 59 are arranged at the driving side end portion. With this structure, the coupling member 864 can be pressed in the direction of the arrow H80 in the figure while moving in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow H80 in the figure (see also Fig.16 and 17 ).

[0455] Reference Figures 41 to 43 , the advancement / retraction structure of the connecting member 864 will be described. Figures 41 to 43 801 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the side member 801. In the figure, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0456] As shown in the figure, the lever member (operating member) 812 is assembled to the track portion 801k of the side member 801. The coil portion 820c of the first pushing member 820 is inserted into the fixed protrusion 801c of the side member 801, and the first pushing end portion 820a of the first pushing member contacts the pushed protrusion 812b of the lever member 812. The second pushing end portion 820b of the first pushing member 820 contacts the wall surface 801m of the side member 801. By this structure, the side member 801 is supported so that when Fig.43 While being pushed in the direction of the middle arrow H81, it can move in the direction of the arrow H81 and the opposite direction.

[0457] The inner peripheral surface 70k of the cam member 70 is slidably fitted around the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 801d of the side member 801. The lever member engaging portion 70a of the cam member 70 is engaged with the engaging hole 812c of the lever member 812 and is located in the guide hole 801f of the side member 801. With this structure, the cam member 70 can rotate and move relative to the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 801d according to the movement of the lever member 812.

[0458] The sliding cylindrical portion 864 b of the coupling member 864 is slidably inserted into the sliding portion 801 g of the side member 801 .

[0459] Reference Fig.43 and 44 , the operation of the cam member 70 will be described. The side member 801 is provided with a protrusion 801e (see Fig.41 ). In addition, the cam member 70 has a first surface 70e (three positions) on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, a second surface 70d (three positions) parallel to the first surface 70e and recessed inwardly from the first surface 70e in the longitudinal direction, and an inclined surface 70b (three positions) that smoothly connects the first surface 70e and the second surface 70d to each other (see Fig.42 ).

[0460] Fig.43 812 is shown in a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the lever member 812. The lever member 812 has moved in the direction of the arrow H81 in the figure by the force of the first pushing member 820. At this time, the cam member 70 is in the phase shown in the figure. Since the coupling member 864 is pushed in the direction of the arrow H87 in the figure (see Fig.40 ), the first surface 70e of the cam member 70 contacts the protrusion 801e of the side member 801 while receiving an urging force in the direction of arrow H87.

[0461] Fig.44812 is shown in the state after the lever member 812 is pushed. As shown in the figure, when the contact portion 812a (see FIG. 812) of the lever member 812 is pushed in the direction of the arrow H82 in the figure, Fig.43 ) when a force is applied, the lever member 812 moves in the direction of the arrow H82 in the figure. According to this operation, the cam member 70 rotates to change the phase so that the second surface 70d contacts the protrusion 801e of the side member 801. Therefore, relative to the free state ( Fig.43 In the state in the figure), the cam member moves in the direction of the arrow H83 in the figure. As a result, the coupling member 864 protrudes toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow H83 in the figure).

[0462] When the external force acting on the lever member 812 disappears, the lever member 812 is pushed by the first pushing member 820. Fig.43 As a result, the lever member returns to the free state, and the coupling member 864 moves to the non-driving side.

[0463] Reference Fig.45 and 46 , the structure around the second lever member 825 will be described. Fig.45 and 46 8 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the second lever member 825. In the figure, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0464] As shown in the figure, the second lever member 825 is provided with a contact portion 825a, a locking portion 825b and a protrusion 825c. The cleaning frame 830 as a first frame rotatably supporting the drum 62 is provided with a frame protrusion 830c, a locking surface 830d and a lever opening 830e.

[0465] like Fig.46 As shown, the second lever member 825 is installed in the direction of arrow H84 through the lever opening 830e of the cleaning frame 830. Fig.45 As shown, the locking portion 825b of the second lever member contacts the locking surface 830d of the cleaning frame 830, so that the second lever member 825 is prevented from being disengaged. The second pressing member is disposed between the protrusion 825c of the second lever member 825 and the frame protrusion 830c of the cleaning frame 830. Fig.45 While being pushed in the direction of arrow H88, it is movably supported in the direction of arrow H88 and in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow H88.

[0466] Reference Figures 47 to 58 , the installation of box B to the device main component A will be described. Figures 47 to 581 is a perspective view showing the installation of the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0467] Reference Fig.47 and 48 , the structure of installing box B to the main component A of the device will be described. Fig.47 and 48 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly A in a state where the opening / closing door 13 is opened.

[0468] like Fig.47 As shown, the driving side side plate 850 is arranged on the driving side portion of the main component A of the device. The driving side side plate 850 is provided with a driving side first guide portion 850a and a driving side second guide portion 850b; the terminal portion of the driving side first guide portion 850a is provided with a driving side first positioning portion 850c; and the terminal portion of the driving side second guide portion 850b is provided with a driving side second positioning portion 850d. On the other hand, on the non-driving side of the box B, a non-driving side first positioning protrusion 830a and a non-driving side second positioning protrusion 830b are provided.

[0469] like Fig.48 As shown, the non-driving side side plate 851 is arranged on the non-driving side of the main component A of the device. The non-driving side side plate 851 is provided with a non-driving side first guide portion 851a and a non-driving side second guide portion 851b. The non-driving side first positioning portion 851c is arranged at the terminal portion of the non-driving side first guide portion 851a, and the non-driving side second positioning portion 851d is arranged at the terminal portion of the non-driving side second guide portion 851b. On the other hand, the driving side of box B is provided with a driving side first positioning projection 801a and a driving side second positioning projection 801b.

[0470] In order to mount the cartridge B on the apparatus main assembly A, the first drive side positioning projection 801a and the second drive side positioning projection 801b of the cartridge B are mounted to the first drive side guide portion 850a and the second drive side guide portion 850b of the apparatus main assembly A, respectively, so as to move along the guide portion. Similarly, the first non-drive side positioning projection 830a and the second non-drive side positioning projection 830b of the cartridge B are mounted to the first non-drive side guide portion 851a and the second non-drive side guide portion 851b of the apparatus main assembly A, respectively, so as to move along the guide portion.

[0471] When the cassette is mounted in position for imaging (see Fig.57), the driving side first positioning protrusion 801a and the driving side second positioning protrusion 801b of the box B are respectively arranged at the driving side first positioning portion 850c and the driving side second positioning portion 850d of the main component A of the device. Similarly, the non-driving side first positioning protrusion 830a and the non-driving side second positioning protrusion 830b of the box B are respectively arranged at the non-driving side first positioning portion 851c and the non-driving side second positioning portion 851d of the main component A of the device.

[0472] Fig.49 It is a view around the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A having mounted the cartridge B. The positioned contact portion 801h of the cartridge B contacts the positioning contact portion 850e of the driving side side plate 850, and the positions of the apparatus main assembly A and the cartridge B are determined.

[0473] Fig.50 The state of the non-driving side of the device main assembly A to which the cartridge B has been installed is shown. As shown in the figure, the contact portion 825a of the second lever member 825 of the cartridge B contacts the contacted portion 851e of the non-driving side side plate 851. Therefore, the non-driving side first positioning projection 830a and the non-driving side second positioning projection 830b of the cartridge B have not been installed to the non-driving side first positioning portion 851c and the non-driving side second positioning portion 851d of the device main assembly A, respectively.

[0474] Fig.51 1 shows the state as viewed from the top of the apparatus main assembly A. As shown in the figure, the drive side of the cartridge B almost reaches the inner side of the apparatus main assembly A. On the other hand, the non-drive side does not reach the inner side of the apparatus main assembly A. Therefore, the rotation axis of the drum 62 of the cartridge B is in a relative position to the position when the cartridge B is in the mounting position for imaging (see FIG. Fig.57 ) is installed in a state where the rotation axis of the extended drum 62 is tilted when it is installed on the main component A of the device.

[0475] The state around the drive transmission member 81 at this time is shown in FIG. Fig.52 The dotted line L80 in the figure indicates when the cartridge B is in the position for imaging (see Fig.57 ) is the direction of the rotation axis of the drum 62 when installed in the main component A of the device.

[0476] As shown in the figure, the drive transmission member 81 is inclined, and therefore, the drive transmission member is inclined by θ81° with respect to the dotted line L80 in the figure, and the free end surface 81k of the drive transmission member (see also Figure 4 ) is displaced in the direction of arrow H89 in the figure. On the other hand, box B is inclined by θ82° relative to the dotted line L80 in the figure, and the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion of the coupling member 864 is also displaced in the direction of arrow H89 in the figure (see Fig.39 ).

[0477] Fig.53 The behavior of the opening / closing door 13 of the main component A of the device being closed in this state is shown. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed in the direction of the arrow H86 in the figure, the driving side box pressing member 1 provided on the opening / closing door is brought into contact with the contact portion 812a of the lever member 812. In addition, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the box pressing member 1 on the driving side pushes the lever member 812. At this time, as described above, the coupling member 864 of the box B is ejected toward the driving side.

[0478] Fig.54 81 and 864a of the drive transmission member 81. The free end surface 81k of the drive transmission member 81 and the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion of the coupling member 864 are offset in the direction of the arrow H89 in the figure. Therefore, the driven transmission portion 864a of the coupling member 864 is aligned with the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 (see also Figure 4 ) between the driven transmission portion 864c and the drive transmission portion 81e in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (a direction perpendicular to L80) is reduced. For this reason, the protruding front end surface of the driven transmission portion 864c enters the drive transmission portion 81e.

[0479] Reference Fig.55 and 56 , the state that the opening / closing door 13 is further closed under this state will be described.As shown in the figure, the box pressing member 1 on the drive side fully pushes the lever member 812.On the other hand, the box pressing member 1 on the non-drive side begins to press the pressing portion 830d of the cleaning member 830.When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the non-drive side of box B is pressed by the box pressing member 1 on the drive side. Fig.56 1 shows the state of the cartridge B on the non-driving side of the main assembly A of the device at this time. When the cartridge B is pressed, the pressing force acts on the second lever member 825 in contact with the contacted portion 851e of the non-driving side side plate 851, so that the second pressing member 831 (see Fig.45 ) is retracted, and the second pressing member 831 enters into the cleaning frame 830. Thus, the non-driving side of the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A.

[0480] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the non-driving side first positioning protrusion 830a and the non-driving side second positioning protrusion 830b of box B become arranged in the non-driving side first positioning part 851c and the non-driving side second positioning part 851d of the main component A of the device, respectively.

[0481] On the other hand, the driving side end of the cartridge B is Fig.55 The process of further closing the opening / closing door is affected by the operation of the non-driving side of the box B, so that it Fig.54 At this time, since the ejected free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part is in a state of entering the drive transmission part 81e, the drive transmission member 81 is also tilted in the direction of the arrow H90 in the figure together with the free end surface 864c of the drive transmission part.

[0482] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed in this manner, the cartridge B is positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly A at a position for image formation (see Fig.57 ). When the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the device is rotationally driven in this state, the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 864a of the coupling member 864 engage with each other to transmit the drive to the box B.

[0483] In this embodiment, the cartridge pressing member 1 of the apparatus main assembly A is constructed to press the cartridge B against the apparatus main assembly A by receiving the pressing force of the pressing spring 19 of the apparatus main assembly A when the opening / closing door 13 is closed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure.

[0484] At this time, if the driving transmission portion 81e and the driven transmission portion 864a have the above-mentioned twisted protrusion-recess configuration, the driving transmission portion 81e and the driven transmission portion 864a attract each other, so that stable drive transmission is completed.

[0485] When the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly A, the above operation is reversed. When the opening / closing door 13 is opened, the non-driving side of the cartridge B is displaced from the imaging position by the action of the second lever member 825, and the state becomes as follows: Fig.54 When the opening / closing door 13 is further opened, the lever member 812 returns, and the coupling member 864 is pulled toward the box B side ( Fig.52 After the opening / closing door 13 is fully opened, the box B is taken out.

[0486] like Fig.59 As shown, if a guide protrusion 864d having an outer shape smaller than the driven transmission part 864a is provided at the free end of the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling member 864, it is easy to enter the drive transmission part 81e of the drive transmission member 81 when the coupling member 864 is ejected. In addition, if an inclined portion 864e is provided at the free end of the guide protrusion 864d, it is easier to enter.

[0487] Reference Figures 60 to 62, a modified example in which the structure of the lever member is partially changed will be described. As shown in the figure, the side member 801 is provided with a third lever member 813 and a fourth lever member 814 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow H82 in the figure and in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow H82. The third lever member 813 and the fourth lever member 814 correspond to the first lever member 812 (see Fig.41 ) is divided into two parts.

[0488] The first pushing end portion 820a of the first pushing member 820 contacts the pushing protrusion 814b of the fourth lever member 814. The second pushing member 815 is provided between the third lever member 813 and the fourth lever member 814, and opposite ends of the second pushing member contact the pressure receiving portion 813a of the third lever member 813 and the pressure receiving portion 814a of the fourth lever member 814, respectively. Fig.60 A free state in which no external force is applied to the third lever member 813 is shown.

[0489] With this structure, when the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is closed, the third lever member 813 is pushed by the above-mentioned cartridge pressing member 1.

[0490] When the third lever member 813 is pushed in the direction of arrow H82 in the figure, the second urging member 815 is pushed in the direction of arrow H82 while being compressed. Fig.61 A state in which the fourth lever member 814 is fully pushed and the cam member 70 is fully rotated is shown.

[0491] When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed from this state, the second urging member (elastic member, spring) 815 is compressed by an amount corresponding to the amount by which the third lever member 813 is pushed in, so that the movement of the opening / closing door 13 is not hindered.

[0492] By adopting this structure, the degree of freedom in designing the position of the third lever member 813 and the position of the cartridge pressing member 1 of the apparatus main assembly A is increased. The reason is that the second pressing member 815 as an elastic member is deformable, and therefore, even if the arrangement relationship and dimensions of the third lever member 813 and the apparatus main assembly A are changed, such changes can be absorbed by deformation of the second pressing member 815.

[0493] In this manner, it is also preferred that an elastic member (second pushing member 815) is provided between the coupling member 864 and the operating member (lever member 813) for operating the coupling member (engaging member) 864. The structure in which the elastic member is provided between the operating member and the object operated by the operating member may also be adopted in other embodiments that have been described in the foregoing and will be described below.

[0494] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of lever members 812, 825, 813, and 314 are referred to as the first lever member, the second lever member, the third lever member, and the fourth lever member, respectively. When the plurality of lever members are referred to individually in this manner, for convenience, they may be referred to as the first lever member, the second lever member, the third lever member, the fourth lever member, etc., in no particular order. The same applies to the description of other embodiments.

[0495] In this embodiment, the cartridge B can receive the driving force by engaging the coupling member 864 that can be advanced and retracted with the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A. However, as described above, the drive transmission member 81 is provided with a gear portion (output gear portion) 81f (see Figure 4 ). Therefore, if the cartridge B includes a gear member that can engage with the gear portion 81f to receive the driving force, the cartridge B can also receive the driving force from the gear portion 81f provided on the outer peripheral portion of the drive transmission member 81. As an example of the gear included in the cartridge B, there are Fig.15 The gear 187 shown in FIG. 187 is connected to the developing roller 32 to enable drive transmission. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig. 22 As shown, if the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 62 are connected so that the driving force can be transmitted through the gear train, both the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 62 can be driven by the driving force input from the gear portion 81f.

[0496] That is, the coupling member 864 in the present embodiment has two functions, namely, (1) reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 and (2) receiving the driving force from the drive transmission member 81 by engaging with the drive transmission member 81. However, the former and the latter functions do not necessarily have to be realized by a single member. The coupling member 864 can be changed to a structure in which the coupling member 864 is only an advancing / retracting member, or is only an engaging member that engages with the drive transmission member 81 but does not receive the drive transmission from the drive transmission member 81.

[0497] The structure of this embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0498] The apparatus main assembly A includes a drive transmitting member (drive output member) 81 which can output a driving force and can be tilted.

[0499] The cartridge includes the photosensitive drum 62 , a coupling member (engaging member) 864 , and a second lever member 825 .

[0500] The second lever member 825 is a movable member movably supported by the frame body (housing) of the box, and is used as a positioning member for determining the position of the box B in the device main component A by contacting the device main component A. The second lever member 825 is arranged in the front part of the box B and on the non-driving side of the box B. The second lever member 825 protrudes toward the front of the box and can be moved so as to retract toward the rear side of the box. The second lever member is pressed by the second pressing member 831 ( Fig.45 ) towards the protruding position (see Fig.39 ) is pushed, and the second pressing member is an elastic member (spring).

[0501] exist Fig.51 In the embodiment, the second lever member 825 determines the position of the cartridge when the cartridge B is tilted relative to the main assembly A of the apparatus; on the other hand, Fig.57 In the embodiment, the position of the box is determined in a state where the inclination angle of the box B is reduced by retracting the second lever member 825 to the rear of the box.

[0502] Fig.51 and 57 One of the positions of box B in can be referred to as the first box position, and the other can be referred to as the second box position. Similarly, Fig.51 and 57 One of the positions of the second lever member in the embodiment may be referred to as a first positioning member position, and the other may be referred to as a second positioning member position or the like.

[0503] Fig.57 The position of the box shown in is the normal installation position for imaging operations. Fig.51 The position of the box B tilted relative to the installation position is shown. That is, as the second lever member 825 moves, the tilt angle of the box B relative to the main assembly A of the device changes.

[0504] The coupling member 864 is an engaging member that engages with the drive transmission member 81. The coupling member 864 is a movable member that is arranged near the end of the photosensitive drum, and constitutes a drum unit together with the photosensitive drum 62.

[0505] When box B is in Fig.51 In the posture shown, the coupling member 864 is brought into contact with the drive transmission member 81 by being pushed in the axial direction toward the drive transmission member 81 (see Fig.54 ). In this state, when the second lever member 825 is retracted to the rear of the box, the box B moves to Fig.57 Along with this, the drive transmission member 81 is moved by the coupling member 864 so as to change its inclination angle (see Fig.58 ).

[0506] As a result, the drive transmission member 81 and the box B reach the normal posture and position for the image forming operation, and both are connected so that drive transmission can be performed.

[0507] The second lever member 825 projects toward the front of the cartridge and toward the downstream in the mounting direction of the cartridge (see Fig.39 ). In addition, the second lever member 825 can be retracted and moved to the rear of the cartridge and upstream in the mounting direction by contacting the apparatus main assembly A (see Fig.57 ).

[0508] In addition, the cartridge B has a first lever member 812 as an operating member for advancing and retracting the coupling member 864. A portion of the first lever member 812 protrudes at the rear side of the cartridge, similar to the operating member of the aforementioned other embodiment (see Fig.39 ). Therefore, when the door 13 of the main assembly of the device (see Fig.21 ) is closed, the connecting member 864 can be moved to the advancing position by receiving external force from the door 13. Fig.21 The lever member 21 shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the first lever member 812 in the present embodiment.

[0509] As described above, the second lever member 825 is arranged on the non-driven side opposite to the driven side provided with the coupling member 864. However, a movable positioning member for determining the position of the box may also be arranged on the driven side. Such an example will be described in Embodiment 9 below.

[0510] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the cartridge is provided with a movable positioning member (second lever member 825) for determining the position of the cartridge in the main assembly of the device. However, the positioning member (second lever member 825) may be separated from the cartridge and configured as an accessory so as to be mounted to the main assembly A of the device separately from the cartridge. In this case, the cartridge B is positioned by the positioning member of the accessory mounted to the main assembly A of the device. Furthermore, by the movement of the positioning member to the accessory, the position of the cartridge in the main assembly A of the device is changed.

[0511] <Example 8>

[0512] Embodiment 8 will be described. Also in the description of this embodiment, the same points as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the elements corresponding to those described in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, and only the points different from those in the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0513] Fig.63901 is a perspective view of the process box B of the present embodiment. The side member 901 is arranged on the driving side of the cleaning unit 60, and the side member 901 is provided with a driving side first positioning protrusion 901a and a driving side second positioning protrusion 901b. In addition, a lever member 812, a third lever member 905 and an advancing / retracting member 920 are provided. Although the details will be described below, the third lever member 905 is an operating member that is operated to operate the advancing / retracting member 920.

[0514] The coupling member 864 is provided at the end of the drum 62, and a driven transmission portion 864a for receiving drive from the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is provided at the end of the coupling member 864. The structure of the lever member 812 and the coupling member 864 is the same as that of Embodiment 7.

[0515] Reference Fig.64 and 65 , the structure around the advancing / retracting member 920 will be described. Fig.64 and 65 9 is a perspective view around the advancing / retracting member 920. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0516] As shown, the sliding portion 915a of the cam member 915 is slidably inserted into the first sliding portion 901f of the side member 901. The third lever member 905 is slidably inserted into the second sliding portion 901c of the side member 901. The engaging protrusion 905c of the third lever member 905 engages with the engaging hole 915d of the cam member 915.

[0517] The advance / retract member 920 is Fig.64 The left side of the middle side member 901 is slidably inserted into the third sliding portion 901d of the side member 901. In addition, the cam pin 921 is press-fitted into the fixing hole 920a of the advancing / retracting member 920 by means of the through hole 901h of the side member 901 to be fixed there. The rear end portion of the cam pin 921 is slidably inserted into the cam groove 915b of the cam member 915 (see Fig.66 ).

[0518] The third urging member 906 is arranged at the urging member supporting portion 901e of the side member 901, and opposite ends thereof are respectively mounted to the contact wall 901g of the side member 901 and the urging wall 905b of the third lever member 905. It is in a contact state.

[0519] Through these structures, the third lever member 905 Fig.65The cam member 915 is pushed in the direction of the arrow H92 in FIG. 1 and is movably supported in the direction of the arrow H92 and the opposite direction. In addition, by these structures, the cam member 915 moves in accordance with the movement of the third lever member 905 in the direction of the arrow H92 and the opposite direction. Fig.65 It is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow H91.

[0520] Fig.66 and 67 The operation of the advance / retract member 920 and the third lever member 905 is shown. Fig.66 and 67 9 is a perspective view of the advancing / retracting member 920 and the third lever member 905. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0521] Fig.66 The figure shows a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever member 905. The third lever member 905 moves in the direction of arrow H92 in the figure by the force of the third pushing member 906. At this time, the cam member 915 and the advancing / retracting member 920 are in the phase shown in the figure, and the advancing / retracting member 920 is in the retracted position.

[0522] Fig.67 The state after the third lever member 905 is pushed is shown. As shown in the figure, when a force is applied to the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905 in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure, the third lever member 905 moves in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure. According to this operation, the cam member 915 rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure.

[0523] Although the advance / retract member 920 is engaged with the cam member 915 by means of the cam pin 921, Fig.64 and 65 As shown, the advance / retract member 920 cannot be Fig.65 moves in the direction of arrow H91. Fig.67 As shown, as the cam member 915 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the figure, the cam pin 921 slides in the cam groove 915b, so that the advancing / retracting member 920 moves in the direction of arrow H95 in the figure. Then, the advancing / retracting member moves to the advancing position.

[0524] Fig.68 The state that the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly A of the apparatus is opened and the cartridge B is installed in the position for the imaging operation (imaging) is shown. In the figure, reference numeral L91 indicates the direction of the rotation axis of the drum 62 of the cartridge B in the position for the imaging operation (imaging).

[0525] As shown in the figure, the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is inclined by θ91° relative to the axis L9.

[0526] Fig.69 The behavior of the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly A of the device is shown to be closed in this state. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed in the direction of the arrow H96 in the figure, the box pressing portion 13a provided on the opening / closing door 13 contacts the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905. When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the box pressing portion 13a pushes the third lever member 905. At this time, as described above, the advancing / retracting member 920 of the box B moves to the advancing position and pops up toward the driving side (see Fig.70 ).

[0527] Fig.71 The figure shows how the coupling member 864 moves to the driving side. As the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the third lever member 905 is pushed, and the advancing / retracting member 920 moves in the direction of the arrow H97 in the figure as shown. At this time, the inclined portion 920b of the advancing / retracting member 920 contacts the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the device. When the advancing / retracting member 920 moves further, the inclined portion 920b presses the drive transmission member 81, and the drive transmission member tilts in the direction of the arrow H98 in the figure, so that the angle θ91 decreases. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.72 As shown, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 is nearly coaxial with L91.

[0528] Fig.73 1 shows how the opening / closing door 13 is closed. As shown in the figure, at the moment when the third lever member 905 is pushed and the drive transmission member 81 becomes close to being coaxial with the rotation axis L91, the box pressing member 1 provided on the opening / closing door 13 begins to press the lever member 812. When the lever member 812 is further pushed in, the coupling member 864 of the box B pops up at the driving side, as described in Embodiment 7.

[0529] Fig.74 The state around the drive transmission member 81 when the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed is shown.

[0530] As shown in the figure, the driven transmission portion 864a of the coupling member 864 protrudes toward the drive transmission member 81 substantially coaxial with L91, and the free end surface 864c ( Fig.40 ) enters the drive transmission portion 81e (see Figure 4 ). Alternatively, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion contacts the free end surface 81k (see Figure 4 ).

[0531] When the drive transmission member 81 of the main component A of the device is rotationally driven with the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part in the drive transmission part 81e, the drive transmission part 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the transmission part 864a of the connecting member 864 engage with each other, so that the drive is transmitted to box B.

[0532] First, the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the device is rotationally driven in a state where the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion is in contact with the free end surface 81k. When the drive transmission portion 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 864a of the coupling member 864 become phase-matched with each other, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion enters the drive transmission portion 81e. When the drive transmission member 81 is further rotationally driven, the drive transmission portion 81e and the driven transmission portion 864a engage with each other to transmit the drive to the box B.

[0533] At this time, if the driving transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 864a have the above-mentioned twisted convex-concave shape, the driving transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 864a attract each other, so that stable drive transmission can be completed.

[0534] When the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly A, the above operation is reversed. When the opening / closing door 13 is opened, the lever member 812 returns and the coupling member 864 is pulled toward the cartridge B side ( Fig.72 When the opening / closing door 13 is further opened, the third lever member 905 returns, and the advancing / retracting member 920 is pulled toward the box B side and arranged at the retracted position ( Fig.68 After the opening / closing door 13 is fully opened, the box B is taken out.

[0535] In this embodiment, the cartridge pressing member 1 of the apparatus main assembly A is constructed to press the cartridge B against the apparatus main assembly A by receiving the pressing force of the pressing spring 19 of the apparatus main assembly A when the opening / closing door 13 is closed. However, such a structure is not inevitable for the present invention.

[0536] exist Figures 75 to 77 In the following, a modification example in which the structure of the third lever member is partially modified will be described. This modification is effective for a structure in which the cylindrical cam 83 (see Figure 5 Part (b) and Figure 6 Part (b)) Figure 5 The movement in the direction of the arrow H2 shown in part (b) of the apparatus is performed immediately before the closing of the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is completed.

[0537] like Fig.75As shown, the side member 901 is provided with a fourth lever member 907 and a fifth lever member 908 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow H93 in the figure and the opposite direction. The fourth lever member 907 and the fifth lever member 908 correspond to the structure in which the third lever member 905 is divided into two parts.

[0538] A fourth urging member 909 is provided between the fourth lever member 907 and the fifth lever member 908 , and opposite ends of the fourth urging member are in contact with the pressure receiving portion 907 a of the fourth lever member 907 and the pressure receiving portion 908 a of the fifth lever member 908 , respectively. Fig.75 The fourth lever member 907 is shown in a free state in which no external force acts on the fourth lever member 907. The third urging member 906 is in contact with the urging wall 908b of the fifth lever member 908.

[0539] In this structure, when the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is closed, the fourth lever member 907 is pushed in by the above-mentioned cartridge pressing member 1.

[0540] When the fourth lever member 907 is pushed in the direction of arrow H93 in the figure, the fifth lever member 908 is pushed in the direction of arrow H93 while the fourth urging member 909 is compressed.

[0541] Fig.76 1 shows a state in which the advancing / retracting member 920 has moved to the driving side and is in contact with the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A during the process in which the fifth lever member 908 is pushed ( Fig.71 The cylindrical cam 83 is not yet in Figure 5 The drive transmission member 81 cannot be tilted. For this reason, the advancing / retracting member 920 cannot be moved in the direction of the arrow H2 shown in part (b) of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig.71 The position shown is moved to the driving side. Therefore, the fifth lever member 908 cannot move either.

[0542] When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed from this state, the fourth pressing member 909 is compressed by an amount corresponding to the amount by which the fourth lever member 907 is pushed in (see Fig.77 ). Therefore, the movement of the opening / closing door 13 is not hindered.

[0543] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the cylindrical cam 83 moves in a Figure 591, so that the drive transmission member 81 becomes tiltable. At this time, the cam member 915 rotates by the pressing force of the compressed fourth pushing member 909, so that the advancing / retracting member 920 moves to the driving side. The drive transmission member 81 is tilted by the advancing / retracting member 920, and therefore, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 becomes close to being coaxial with L91 ( Fig.72 status in ).

[0544] The advancement and retraction of the coupling member 864 will be described. Figure 5 Before the cam member 70 moves in the direction of the arrow H2 shown in part (b), Fig.44 In the phase shown, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion of the coupling member 864 also abuts against the free end surface 81k of the inclined drive transmission member 81. For this reason, the coupling member 864 does not pop out.

[0545] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 becomes close to being coaxial with L91 due to the action of the above-mentioned advancing / retracting member 920. At this time, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion of the coupling member 864 enters the drive transmission portion 81e (see Fig.40 ). Alternatively, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion is brought into contact with the free end surface 81k.

[0546] The operation when the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is rotationally driven is as described above.

[0547] In the present embodiment, a structure has been described in which two cam members (cam member 70, cam member 915) are driven by two lever members (lever member 812, third lever member 905). The two lever members and the two cam members can be collectively referred to as an operating mechanism. Since the two cam members are operably connected to the connecting member 364 and the advancing / retracting member 920, respectively, the operating mechanism can move the connecting member 864 and the advancing / retracting member 920 at respective appropriate times by operating each lever member.

[0548] The operating mechanism does not always have to have two levers and two cam members. For example, the operating mechanism can be configured to drive two cam members with one lever. In this case, one lever and two cams can be appropriately connected so that the two cams are operated at the appropriate time by operating one lever. Alternatively, the operating mechanism can have a structure comprising a cam member acting on both the connecting member and the advancing / retracting member, and a lever acting on one cam member. In this case, the cam member can be configured so that the connecting member and the advancing / retracting member are locked to each other so as to operate at the appropriate time when the cam member is operated. In any case, it is sufficient if the operating mechanism is configured so that the connecting member 864 and the advancing / retracting member 920 can move at the appropriate time. Such an example will be described below.

[0549] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0550] The apparatus main assembly A includes a drive transmitting member (drive output member) 81. On the other hand, the cartridge B includes a coupling member (engagement member) 864 and an advancing / retracting member 920.

[0551] Both the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member 864 are movable members that can move in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The coupling member 864 is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 62 and constitutes a drum unit together with the photosensitive drum 62. On the other hand, the advancing / retracting member 920 is movably supported by the side member 901, which is the frame (housing) of the cartridge (see Fig.64 ). The advancing / retracting member 920 is a movable member provided outside the photosensitive drum (outside the drum unit).

[0552] Both the advance / retract member 920 and the coupling member 864 are disposed in the front portion of the cartridge on the drive side of the cartridge.

[0553] The advancing / retracting member 920 is configured to move toward the drive transmission member 81 and change the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 by contacting the drive transmission member 81. That is, the advancing / retracting member 920 is a member that presses the drive transmission member 81 so as to reduce its inclination angle (see Fig.71 and 72 When the coupling member 864 is to be engaged with the drive transmission member 81 having a reduced inclination angle, they can engage with each other (see Fig.74 ).

[0554] In the present embodiment, the advancing / retracting member 920 moves linearly in parallel with the axis of the photosensitive drum, but the moving direction is not necessarily limited thereto. If the advancing / retracting member 920 has an axial component in the moving direction, it can be considered that the advancing / retracting member 920 moves in the axial direction. A modified example in which the advancing / retracting member 920 moves in the axial direction accompanied by the rotational motion will be described below with reference to Embodiment 8-4.

[0555] In this embodiment, the coupling member 864 is used as a driving force receiving member (driving input member) for receiving driving force. However, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, a gear member box capable of engaging with the driving transmission member 81 having a reduced inclination angle may be provided. That is, the driving input member is not limited to the coupling member, but may also be a gear. Fig.15 Like the gear member 187 shown in part (a) of the embodiment, a gear member 187 exposed to the box can be provided, and the gear member can be engaged with a gear portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drive transmission member 81.

[0556] In the present embodiment, the cartridge has the lever member 812 as an operating member for moving the coupling member 864, and provides the lever member 905 as an operating member for moving the advancing / retracting member 920. One of these operating members may be referred to as a first operating member, and the other may be referred to as a second operating member.

[0557] Each operating member is configured to move toward the front of the box by receiving an external force from the outside of the box. More specifically, these operating members move to operate the connecting member 864 and / or the advancing / retracting member 920 by receiving a force from the main assembly of the device when the door 13 of the main assembly A of the device is closed.

[0558] Furthermore, a part of the structure of this embodiment may be separated from the cartridge and formed as an accessory in Embodiments 5 and 6. For example, the advancing / retracting member 920, the lever member 905, and the cam member 915 for operating the members, and the side member 901 or the like supporting these members (920, 905, 915) are separated from the cartridge and formed as an accessory mountable to the apparatus main assembly A.

[0559] The coupling member and the gear member of the box can be connected with the drive transmission member so that drive transmission can be performed, and the drive transmission member has an inclined angle reduced by the advancement / retraction member 920 of the accessory.

[0560] <Example 8-2>

[0561] In Embodiment 8-2, the structure is such that the advancing / retracting member 920 and the connecting member 864 are advanced and retracted by the action of one lever (operating member). Also in this embodiment, the same points as those in the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in these embodiments, the elements corresponding to the elements described in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals as those in the above-mentioned embodiments, and only the points different from those in the above-mentioned embodiments will be described.

[0562] Fig.92 is a perspective view of the process cartridge B of this embodiment.

[0563] The coupling member 864 is provided at the end of the drum 62, and a driven transmission portion 864a for receiving a drive from the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the apparatus is provided at the end of the coupling member 864. The side member 901 is provided on the driving side of the cleaning unit 60. The side member 901 is provided with a third lever member 905 and an advancing / retracting member 920. Although the details will be described below, the third lever member 905 is an operating member for operating the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member 864.

[0564] Reference Fig.93 , 94 and 95 , the structure around the advancement / retraction member 920 and the coupling member 864 will be described. Fig.93 , 94 95 are perspective views of the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member 864. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0565] like Fig.93 and 94 As shown, the engagement protrusion 70m is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cam member 70. In addition, the cam member 915 is provided with a cam groove 915b, a second cam groove 915c and an engagement hole 915e. The engagement protrusion 70m of the cam member 70 is rotatably inserted into the engagement hole 915e of the cam member 915 (see also Fig.95 ). The assembly of other components is as described in Examples 8 and 7.

[0566] Through these structures, the third lever member 905 Fig.95 The cam member 915 is supported movably in the direction of the arrow H92 and the opposite direction while being pushed in the direction of the arrow H92. In addition, by these structures, the cam member 915 is supported so as to move in the direction of the arrow H92 and the opposite direction according to the movement of the third lever member 905. Fig.95 The cam member 70 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow H91. In addition, the cam member 70 is supported by the engagement between the engagement protrusion 70m and the engagement hole 915e according to the rotation of the cam member 915 so as to Fig.95 It can rotate in the direction of the arrow H91.

[0567] Reference Figures 96 to 98 , the operations of the advancing / retracting member 920, the coupling member 864 and the third lever member 905 will be described. Figures 96 to 98 8 is a perspective view of the advancing / retracting member 920, the coupling member 864, and the third lever member 905. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0568] Fig.96 Part (a) and Fig.96 Part (b) of 95 shows a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever member 905. The third lever member 905 moves in the direction of arrow H92 in the figure by the force of the third pushing member 906. At this time, the cam member 915 and the advancing / retracting member 920 are in the retracted position shown in the figure. In addition, as shown in part (b) of 95, since the first surface 70e of the cam member 70 contacts the protrusion 901k of the side member 901, the connecting member 864 moves to the non-driving side (see also Fig.43 ).

[0569] Fig.97 Part (a) and Fig.97 Part (b) shows the state when the third lever member 905 is pushed. As shown in the figure, when a force is applied to the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905 in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure, the third lever member 905 moves in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure. According to this operation, the cam member 915 rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure.

[0570] The advancing / retracting member 920 engages with the cam groove 915b of the cam member 915 by means of the cam pin 921. As the cam member 915 rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure, the cam pin slides in the cam groove 915b, so that the advancing / retracting member 920 moves in the direction of the arrow H95 in the figure. Then, when the cam pin 921 slides to the end in the cam groove 915b, the advancing / retracting member 920 moves to the advancing position ( Fig.98 position in the middle part (a)).

[0571] The state of the coupling member 864 at this time will be described. Since the engaging protrusion 70m of the cam member 70 and the engaging hole 915e of the cam member 915 engage with each other, as the cam member 915 rotates as described above, the cam member 70 rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure. Fig.97 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the first surface 70e of the cam member 70 continues to be in contact with the protrusion 901k of the side member 901, and it is still in a state of being moved to the non-driving side.

[0572] Fig.98 Part (a) and Fig.98 Part (b) shows the state when the third lever member 905 is pushed further in. As shown in the figure, when the third lever member 905 is pushed further in, the cam member 915 moves along Fig.98 The cam pin 921 further rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure in part (a). At this time, the cam pin 921 slides in the second cam groove 915c of the cam member 915. Fig.98 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, since the second cam groove 915c is not inclined relative to the direction of arrow H95 in the drawing, the advancing / retracting member 920 remains in the advancing position even if the cam member 915 rotates.

[0573] The state of the coupling member 864 at this time will be described. As the cam member 915 further rotates, the cam member 70 also further rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure. Fig.98 As shown in part (b) of the cam member 70, the surface of the cam member 70 that abuts against the protrusion 901k of the side member 901 is changed from the first surface 70e to the second surface 70d by means of the inclined surface 70b. In this process, the coupling member 864 changes from a state of being moved to the non-driving side to a state of protruding toward the driving side (see also Fig.44 ).

[0574] As described above, when the third lever member 905 is pushed in, the advancing / retracting member 920 first moves to the advancing position, and then the coupling member 864 projects to the driving side.

[0575] Fig.99 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the process cartridge B of the present embodiment is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus. As shown in the figure, when the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus and the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressing portion 13a provided on the opening / closing door 13 contacts the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905. In addition, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressing portion 13a pushes the third lever member 905.

[0576] Thereafter, as described above, the advancing / retracting member 920 moves to the advancing position. At this time, as described in Embodiment 8, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drum 62 become close to being coaxial with each other (see Fig.71 and 72 ). When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the coupling member 864 protrudes toward the driving side as described above. At this time, as described in Example 8 (see Fig.74 ), the driven transmission portion 864a of the coupling member 864 pops out toward the drive transmission member 81, and the free end surface 864c ( Fig.40) enters the drive transmission portion 81e (see Figure 4 Alternatively, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion contacts the free end surface 81k (see Figure 4 ). The operation when the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is rotationally driven after the opening / closing door 13 is closed is as described above. In this embodiment, the structure is such that when the third lever member 905 as the operating member receives an external force, the advancing / retracting member 920 moves first, and then the coupling member 864 starts to move.

[0577] <Example 8-3>

[0578] In Embodiment 8-3, another structure in which the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member 864 advance and retract by the action of one lever will be described. Also in this embodiment, the same points as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the elements corresponding to those described in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, and only the points different from those in the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0579] Fig.100 is a perspective view of the process cartridge B of this embodiment.

[0580] The coupling member 864 is provided at the end of the drum 62, and a protrusion as a driven transmission portion 864a for receiving a drive from the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the device is provided at the end of the coupling member 864. The side member 901 is provided on the driving side of the cleaning unit 60. The side member 901 is provided with a third lever member 905 and an advancing / retracting member 920. Although the details will be described below, the third lever member is an operating member for operating the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member 864.

[0581] Reference Fig.101 and 102 , the structure around the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member will be described. Fig.101 and 102 8 and 9 are perspective views of the advancing / retracting member 920 and the coupling member 864. In these drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0582] like Fig.101As shown, the lever member 812 is assembled through the slit portion 901m of the side member 901. In addition, the coil portion 820c of the first pushing member 820 is inserted into the fixed protrusion 901n of the side member 901, and the first pushing end portion 820a contacts the pushed protrusion 812b of the lever member 812. Through this structure, the lever member 812 is arranged to be pushed in the direction of the arrow H100 in the figure while being slidable in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow H100 in the figure. In addition, the lever member engaging portion 70a of the cam member 70 is engaged with the engaging hole 812c of the lever member 812. Through this structure, the cam member 70 can rotate and move according to the movement of the lever member 812 in the direction of the arrow H100 in the figure.

[0583] In the cartridge B of the present embodiment, a lever member 812 is additionally provided compared to the cartridge described in Embodiment 8-2. The third lever member 905 can operate the coupling member by means of the lever member 812. Therefore, unlike Embodiment 8 described above, in the present embodiment, the lever member 812 is not exposed to the outside of the cartridge and does not directly receive an external force from the apparatus main assembly A. Instead, it receives a force from the third lever member 905 inside the cartridge.

[0584] After the lever member 812 and the cam member 70 are assembled, the third lever member 905, the cam member 915 including the cam groove 915b and the second cam groove 915c, etc. are assembled. Fig.102 This structure is the same as that of Example 8. In addition, Fig.102 As shown, the third lever member 905 of the present embodiment is provided with a lever contact portion 905d.

[0585] Reference Figures 103 to 105 , the operations of the advancing / retracting member 920, the coupling member 864 and the third lever member 905 will be described. Figures 103 to 105 8 is a perspective view of the advancing / retracting member 920, the coupling member 864, and the third lever member 905. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0586] Fig.103 Part (a) and Fig.103 Part (b) shows a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever member 905. The third lever member 905 moves in the direction of arrow H92 in the figure by the force of the third pushing member 906. At this time, the cam member 915 and the advancing / retracting member 920 are in the retracted position. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig.103As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the lever member 812 moves in the direction of the arrow H101 in the figure by the force from the first urging member 820. At this time, because the first surface 70e of the cam member 70 contacts the protrusion 901k of the side member 901, the coupling member 864 is moved to the non-driving side (see also FIG. Fig.43 ).

[0587] Fig.104 Part (a) and Fig.104 Part (b) shows the state when the third lever member 905 is pushed. As shown in the figure, when a force is applied to the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905 in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure, the third lever member 905 moves in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure. According to this operation, the cam member 915 rotates in the direction of the arrow H94 in the figure. As described above, due to the engagement between the cam pin 921 and the cam groove 915b, the advancing / retracting member 920 moves along the Fig.104 Then, when the cam pin 921 slides to the end in the cam groove 915b, the advancing / retracting member 920 moves to the advancing position (see Fig.97 On the other hand, during the movement of the third lever member 905, the lever contact portion 905d of the third lever member 905 comes into contact with the pressed protrusion 812b of the lever member 812. By this contact, the lever member 812 moves along Fig.104 Part (a) and Fig.104 According to this operation, the cam member 70 moves along the direction of the arrow H102 in the portion (b). Fig.104 Rotate in the direction of arrow H103 in part (b). Fig.104 As shown in part (b), since the first surface 70e of the cam member 70 and the protrusion 901k of the side member 901 are in contact with each other, the coupling member 864 is still on the non-driving side. Fig.104 Part (a) and Fig.104 In the state of part (b), the advance / retract member 920 is in the advance position and the coupling member 864 is on the non-drive side.

[0588] Fig.105 Part (a) and Fig.105 Part (b) shows a state when the third lever member 905 is pushed further in. As shown in the figure, when the third lever member 905 is pushed further in, the cam pin slides in the second cam groove 915c of the cam member 915 as described above, and therefore, the advancing / retracting member 920 is maintained in the advancing position (see Fig.105 part (a)).

[0589] The state of the coupling member 864 at this time will be described. As the third lever member 905 is pushed further in, the lever member 812 moves further in the direction of the arrow H102 in the figure. According to this operation, the cam member 70 also moves in the direction of the arrow H102 in the figure. Fig.105 The part (b) rotates in the direction of arrow H103. Fig.105 As shown in part (b) of the cam member 70, the surface of the cam member 70 in contact with the protrusion 901k of the side member 901 is changed from the first surface 70e to the second surface 70d by means of the inclined surface 70b. In this process, the coupling member 864 changes from a state of being moved to the non-driving side to a state of protruding toward the driving side (see also Fig.44 ). As described above, when the third lever member 905 is pushed in, the advancing / retracting member 920 is first moved to the advancing position, and then the coupling member 864 protrudes toward the driving side.

[0590] Fig.106 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the process cartridge B of the present embodiment is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus. As shown in the figure, when the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus and the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressing portion 13a provided on the opening / closing door 13 contacts the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905. When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the cartridge pressing portion 13a pushes the third lever member 905.

[0591] Thereafter, the advancing / retracting member 920 is moved to the advancing position as described above. At this time, as described in Embodiment 8, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drum 62 become nearly coaxial (see Fig.71 and 72 ). When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the coupling member 864 protrudes toward the driving side as described above. At this time, as described in Example 8 (see Fig.74 ), the driven transmission portion 864a of the coupling member 864 protrudes toward the drive transmission member 81, and the free end surface 864c ( Fig.40 ) enters the drive transmission portion 81e (see Figure 4 Alternatively, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission portion contacts the free end surface 81k (see Figure 4 ). The operation when the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is rotationally driven after the opening / closing door 13 is closed is as described above.

[0592] <Example 8-4>

[0593] Embodiment 8-4 will be described. This embodiment is an embodiment (modified example) in which the structure of Embodiment 8 is partially modified. Also in this embodiment, the description of the same points as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the elements corresponding to the elements described in the above-described embodiment are given the same figure marks as the components in the above-described embodiment, and only the points different from the elements in the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0594] Fig.107 901 is a perspective view of the process box B of this embodiment. The side member 901 is provided on the driving side of the cleaning unit 60, and is provided with a driving side first positioning protrusion 901a and a driving side second positioning protrusion 901b. In addition, the side member is also provided with a lever member 812, a third lever member 905 and a rotatable member 930.

[0595] Reference Fig.108 and 109 as well as Fig.110 Part (a) and Fig.110 In part (b), the structure around the rotatable member 930 will be described. Fig.108 and 109 is an exploded perspective view of the area surrounding the rotatable member 930 . Fig.110 Part (a) and Fig.110 Part (b) is a perspective view of the rotatable member 930 and the third lever member 905. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0596] like Fig.109 and Fig.107 As shown, the rotatable member 930 is provided with a support hole 930a, a cam pin 930b and a contact portion 930c. As shown, the support hole 930a of the rotatable member 930 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the rotation shaft 901r of the side member 901. After the rotatable member 930 is installed, the retaining member 931 is fixed to the free end of the rotation shaft 901r by a method such as adhesion to prevent the rotatable member 930 from being separated from the rotation shaft 901r.

[0597] like Fig.110 Part (a) and Fig.110 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, a cam groove 905e is provided at an end portion of the third lever member 905. The cam pin 930b of the rotatable member 930 is slidably engaged with the cam groove 905e.

[0598] Furthermore, the third urging member 906 is provided on the urging member supporting portion 901 e of the side member 901 , and opposite ends thereof are in contact with the contact wall 901 g of the side member 901 and the urging wall 905 b of the third lever member 905 , respectively.

[0599] Through these structures, the third lever member 905 is supported so as to Fig.110 In part (a), while being pushed in the direction of arrow H92, it is movable in the direction of arrow H92 and in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow H92.

[0600] Reference Fig.110 Part (a), Fig.110 Part (b) to Fig.112 Part (a) and Fig.112 In part (b), operations of the rotatable member 930 and the third lever member 905 will be described. Figures 110 to 112 9 is a perspective view of the rotatable member 930 and the third lever member 905. In the drawings, some parts are omitted for better explanation.

[0601] Fig.110 Part (a) and Fig.110 Part (b) shows a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever member 905. The third lever member 905 moves in the direction of arrow H92 in the figure by the force of the third pushing member 906. At this time, the rotatable member 930 is in the retracted position shown in the figure.

[0602] Fig.111 Part (a) and Fig.111 Part (b) shows the state when the third lever member 905 starts to be pushed. As shown in the figure, when a force is applied to the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905 in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure, the third lever member 905 moves in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure.

[0603] In the rotatable member 930, the cam pin 930b is engaged with the cam groove 905e of the third lever member 905, and therefore, as the third lever member 905 moves in the direction of the arrow H93 in the figure, the cam pin 930b receives a force in the direction of the arrow H105 in the figure from the cam groove 905e. By this force, the rotatable member 930 rotates in the direction of the arrow H104 in the figure.

[0604] Fig.112 Part (a) and Fig.112 Part (b) is an illustration after the third lever member 905 is further pushed. As shown in the figure, the third lever member 905 moves in the direction of arrow H93 in the figure, and the rotatable member 930 rotates further. Fig.113 Part (a) and Fig.113 Part (b) of the present invention will describe the operation of the rotatable member 930 on the drive transmitting member 81 of the main component A of the device. Fig.113 Part (a) and Fig.113Part (b) is a perspective view of the rotatable member 930 and the drive transmission member 81 and its surroundings. In the figure, some parts are omitted for better explanation. Fig.113 In part (a) of FIG. 1 , the drive transmission member 81 is in a state in which the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is opened and the cartridge B is mounted in a position for image formation (image forming operation), as has been described with reference to FIG. Fig.68 Described. Fig.113 In part (a), L91 represents the direction of the rotation axis of the drum 62 (not shown) of the cartridge B arranged at the position for image formation (image forming operation). As shown in the figure, the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A is inclined by θ91° relative to L91.

[0605] In this state, when the opening / closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is closed (see Fig.69 ), the cartridge pressing portion 13a provided on the opening / closing door 13 pushes the contact portion 905a of the third lever member 905. At this time, as described above, the rotatable member 930 of the cartridge B rotates.

[0606] Fig.113 Part (a) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the inclined surface 930d of the rotatable member 930 that has rotated in the direction of arrow H107 in the figure abuts against the drive transmission member 81 during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13. Furthermore, when the rotatable member 930 rotates in the direction of arrow H107 in the figure, the contact surface 930e of the rotatable member 930 presses the drive transmission member 81 and tilts the drive transmission member 81, so that the drive transmission member moves in the direction of arrow H106 in the figure ( Fig.113 In this way, the angle θ91 is reduced, and as shown in part (b) of Fig.113 As shown in part (b) of , the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 becomes nearly coaxial with the rotation axis direction L91 of the drum 62 (not shown) of box B.

[0607] In addition, during the process of closing the opening / closing door 13, the ejection operation of the connecting member 864 of box B to the driving side, and the engagement operation between the drive transmission member 81 of the device main component A and the connecting member after closing the opening / closing door 13 are as described above.

[0608] The rotatable member 930 of this embodiment is different from the advancing / retracting member 920 in Embodiment 8 (see Fig.70 ) corresponds to the advancing / retracting member 920 in Embodiment 8 is a pressing member that moves linearly in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. On the other hand, the rotatable member 930 is a pressing member that moves in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum accompanying the rotation.

[0609] That is, as the lever member 905 receives the external force, the free end portion (contact portion 930c) of the rotatable member 930 moves away from the cartridge in the axial direction. That is, the contact portion 930c of the rotatable member 930 moves in a direction approaching the drive transmission member 81, i.e., toward the Fig.113 Move to the right in.

[0610] <Example 9>

[0611] In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the structure is such that the coupling member moves forward and backward in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62 through the lever member 12. This embodiment is a further modification of embodiment 3. Components equivalent to those used in the above-mentioned embodiment will be given the same figure marks, and only the main points different from those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. Although the details will be described below, when the box B is installed on the main component A of the device, the box B can be installed to the rear side of the position during the imaging operation in a direction substantially the same as the direction N1 in which the drive transmission member 81 is inclined. Thereby, compared with embodiment 3, the amount of advancement and retraction of the coupling member can be reduced.

[0612] Fig.78 1060 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the driving side on the cleaning unit 1060 side in this embodiment.

[0613] Fig.79 1 is a diagram showing the posture of box B according to this embodiment during the image forming operation of the main component A of the device.

[0614] Fig.80 : is a side view showing the operation of the positioning member in this embodiment.

[0615] Fig.81 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views showing the sequence of operations for mounting the cartridge B according to the present embodiment to the apparatus main assembly A.

[0616] Fig.83 is a perspective view of box B.

[0617] like Fig.79 As shown, when the cartridge B is completely mounted on the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge positioning members (hereinafter referred to as positioning members) 1091 and 1092 provided on the side member 1076 contact the positioning portions 1080a and 1080b provided in the apparatus main assembly A. Thus, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 can determine the position of the cartridge B in a state where the photosensitive drum 62 is close to the drive transmission member 81.

[0618] The photosensitive drum 62 has an exposed portion which is not covered by the cleaning frame 1071 or the developing device unit 1020 and is exposed at a position facing the transfer roller 7. The main assembly side positioning portions 1080a and 1080b are arranged so as to sandwich the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0619] Reference Fig.78 , the structure of the cleaning unit 1060 for box B will be described. Fig.78 Part (a) and Fig.78 Part (b) is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit 1060 including the advancing / retracting mechanism of the coupling member 1064. Fig.78 Part (c) is an exploded perspective view of the structure of the positioning members 1091 and 1092 and the positioning lever 1093 of the side member 1076.

[0620] Similar to Example 3, Fig.78 Part (a) and Fig.78 As shown in part (b), the side member 1076 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 1076a, a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 1076b, a protrusion 1076c, etc. The cylindrical inner peripheral surface 1076a supports the coupling member 1064. The cylindrical outer peripheral surface 1076b supports the cam member 1070. The protrusion 1076c protrudes outward from the cylindrical outer peripheral surface.

[0621] In addition, the lever member (operating member) 1012 and the cam member 1070 are provided between the driving side flange unit 1069 and the side member 1076. In addition, the lever member 1012 is provided with a pushing device 1012d that pushes the lever member in the Y2 direction. Thus, the coupling member 1064 can be maintained in the retracted position until the contact portion 1012a of the lever member 1012 is brought into contact with the opening / closing door 1013 (not shown) of the main component A of the device. By this structure, the coupling member 1064 can be advanced and retracted in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62 in association with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 1013.

[0622] In addition, if Fig.78 As shown in part (c) of the side member 1076, the side member 1076 is provided with positioning members 1091 and 1092, a positioning member lever (hereinafter referred to as the lever member) 1093, and a retaining member 1076d for constraining the lever member 1093. The positioning member 1091 has an action portion 1091a in contact with the main component side positioning member 1080a, a rotation center 1091b around which the action portion 1091a rotates, and a connecting boss 1091c that controls the rotation angle by connecting with the lever member 1093. Similarly, the positioning member 1092 also has an action portion 1092a, a rotation center 1091b, and a connecting boss 1092c. The connecting bosses 1091c and 1092c are arranged closer to the action portions 1091a and 1092a than the rotation centers 1091b and 1092b.

[0623] The lever member 1093 is provided with a pressing portion 1093a pushed by the opening / closing door 1013, connecting holes 1093b and 1093e and the pressing portion 1093a for assembling the connecting bosses 1091c and 1092c, and a connecting portion 1093c connecting the connecting holes 1093b and 1093e. The lever member also has a pushing device 1093d that pushes the pressing portion 1093a in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 62.

[0624] like Fig.80 As shown, the connecting holes 1093b and 1093e have a hole shape corresponding to the moving track of the connecting bosses 1091c and 1092c, which is used to allow the action parts 1091a and 1092a to move between the first position (first positioning member position) and the second position (second positioning member position). In addition, the lever member 1093 is provided with a pressing part 1093a pressed by the open / close door 1013, and the lever member 1093 moves in the direction of the arrow Y101. When released by pressing the open / close door 1013, the lever member moves in the direction of the arrow Y102 by the pushing force of the pushing device 1093d. Through this structure, in association with the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 1013, the moving operation of Y101 and Y102 causes the action part 1091a to rotate as shown in R101 and R102, and causes the action part 1092a to rotate as shown in R103 and R104. Thus, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 can move between a first position (first positioning member position) and a second position (second positioning member position).

[0625] The movement angles of the first positions relative to the second positions of the positioning members 1091 and 1092 need not be the same. It is desirable to determine the rotation amounts of the positioning members 1091 and 1092 so that the cartridge B can be mounted in the direction N1 in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted relative to the second position.

[0626] (Installation operation of box B to device main assembly A)

[0627] Reference Fig.81 , the installation of box B to the device main component A will be described.

[0628] like Fig.81As shown in part (a), box B is inserted into the main component A of the device substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 until the non-drive side positioning portion 1094 of the photosensitive drum 62 abuts the main component side positioning portion 1080c of the device. This insertion operation is performed by the user. At this time, the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the N2 direction relative to the imaging position. In addition, at this time, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are in the first position (first positioning member position). Since the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are in the first position, there are gaps between the main component side positioning portions 1080a and 1080b and the positioning members 1091 and 1092 at the imaging position, respectively.

[0629] Next, if Fig.81 As shown in part (b), box B is inserted in a state where the positioning member is in the first position (first positioning member position) until the positioning members 1091 and 1092 contact the main component side positioning members 1080a and 1080b. As described above, the rotation amount of the positioning members 1091 and 1092 is determined so that box B can be installed in the direction N1 in which the drive transmission member 81 is inclined. Thus, the user inserts box B so that its drive side reaches the N1 side of the imaging position in the main component A of the device. At this time, the photosensitive drum 62 intrudes more toward the transfer roller 7 beyond the position for imaging, but the transfer roller 7 has sufficient elasticity, and therefore, box B can be installed without any problems. In this state, box B is in a position (first box position) that is more toward the inner side of the main component A of the device toward the downstream side in the installation direction than the conventional installation position.

[0630] Thereafter, the cylindrical cam 83 (such as Figure 5 As shown) moves in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 1012, and the driving transmission member 81 changes its tilting direction in the N1 direction.

[0631] When the opening / closing door 1013 is further closed, the contact portion 1012a of the lever member 1012 is Fig.81 As shown in part (c) of the embodiment 1, the coupling member 1064 contacts the opening / closing door 1013 in association with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 1013 of the main assembly A of the apparatus, so that the coupling member 1064 protrudes to the outside (Z1 side) in the direction of the axis of the photosensitive drum 62. At this time, as in Embodiment 3, the inclined surface 1064g1 of the coupling member 1064 enters the slit portion 81g of the drive transmission member 81. The coupling member 1064 and the drive transmission member 81 are brought into contact with each other and engage with each other.

[0632] When the opening / closing door 1013 is further closed, the pressing portion 1013a of the lever member 1093 is pushed by the opening / closing door 1013, so that the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are rotated to the second position (second positioning member position) in association with the lever member. Fig.81 As shown in part (d) of the apparatus, box B moves to the conventional installation position (imaging position, second box position) in the main assembly A of the apparatus. In this installation operation of box B, the coupling member 1064 contacts and engages with the drive transmission member 81, and therefore, the drive transmission member 81 reduces its inclination angle according to the movement of box B. As a result, the axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 are substantially aligned with each other, and the drive transmission member is connected to box B so that the drive can be transmitted. Thus, box B is enabled to form an image.

[0633] (Modification example of the present embodiment)

[0634] In the present embodiment, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are configured to take the first position and the second position by rotating, but the structure is not limited to such an example. Fig.82 As shown, a structure using a linear motion cam that linearly moves the positioning members 1091 and 1092 that take the first position and the second position by the operation of the lever member 1093 may be used.

[0635] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lever member 1012 and the lever member 1093 are used as separate members. However, if the coupling member 1064 and the positioning members 1091 and 1092 can perform Fig.81 Part (a) to Fig.81 If the operations shown in part (d) are performed, they can be operated using only one operating member.

[0636] For example, the lever member 1012 and the lever member 1093 may be connected to each other in the box, and one of the lever member 1012 and the lever member 1093 may be associated with the operation of the other. By receiving an external force from the outside of the box by one lever member, the other lever member may also be moved. Then, the operating member operated from the outside of the box may be integrated into one. The lever member 812 and the lever member 905 (see Example 8-3) are used in the above. Fig.103 etc.) have already described examples of such structures.

[0637] The structure of this embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0638] The apparatus main assembly A includes a drive transmitting member (drive output member) 81 capable of outputting a driving force and capable of tilting. Further, the cartridge B includes a photosensitive drum 62, a coupling member 1064, positioning members 1091, 1092, and the like.

[0639] The coupling member 1064 is an engaging member for engaging with the drive transmission member 81, and is a movable member provided adjacent to the end of the photosensitive drum 62. The coupling member 1064 is movable in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0640] The positioning members 1091 and 1092 are movable members for determining the position of the cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly A. The above-mentioned coupling member 1064 is attached to the photosensitive drum, while the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are arranged outside the photosensitive drum (outside the drum unit).

[0641] More specifically, positioning members 1091 and 1092 are arranged in the front side and on the driving side of the box. Fig.79 The right side in the figure corresponds to the front side of the box, and the front side of the surface of the sheet in the figure corresponds to the driving side. That is, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 and the coupling member 1064 are arranged on the same side of the box in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0642] In this embodiment, the positioning member is only provided on the driving side of the cartridge, but a positioning member may also be provided on the non-driving side. An example of the positioning member on the non-driving side is the lever member 825 described in Embodiment 7 (see Fig.50 ).

[0643] When viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are arranged in the vicinity of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum.

[0644] The cartridge of the present embodiment is provided with two positioning members 1091 and 1092, one of which may be referred to as a first positioning member and the other as a second positioning member. In the present embodiment, both positioning members are movable, but only one of the positioning members may be movable. The positioning members 1091 and 1092 may be moved so as to change the distance relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum (see Fig.80 ).

[0645] exist Fig.80 In FIG. 1 , the dotted lines indicate the state where the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are close to the axis of the photosensitive drum and are in the first positioning member position. The solid lines indicate the positions of the positioning members 1091 and 1092 arranged at the second positioning member position away from the axis of the photosensitive drum. The position of the first positioning member ( Fig.80 The dotted line in ( ) is the position taken before cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus, i.e., the position of positioning members 1091 and 1092 in a state where no external force is applied to cartridge B. The position of the second positioning member ( Fig.80 The solid line in (a) is the position of the positioning member when box B is installed in the device main component A and an external force is applied from the device main component A to box B.

[0646] By moving the two positioning members 1091 and 1092 to the position of the second positioning member, the distance between the acting portions provided at the free ends of the two positioning members increases. That is, the longest distance (maximum distance) between the positioning members 1091 and 1092 becomes larger.

[0647] By moving the positioning members 1091 and 1092, the position of the cartridge B relative to the apparatus main assembly A can be changed. This will refer to Fig.81 Give a description.

[0648] When the positioning members 1091 and 1092 are in the first positioning member position ( Fig.79 ), box B is in Fig.81 When the positioning members 1091 and 1092 move to the second positioning member position ( Fig.82 ), box B moves to Fig.81 The second box position is shown in part (d). This is the correct installation position for the box used for imaging.

[0649] The driving side of cartridge B is moved from the first cartridge position ( Fig.81 portion (b)) toward the second box position ( Fig.81 The part (d) is moved to the upstream side in the direction of cartridge insertion. Here, the direction of cartridge insertion refers to the direction in which cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly A of the device. Fig.81 In the process, cartridge B is moved upward and inserted relative to the main assembly A of the apparatus. That is, the upstream in the insertion direction is Fig.81 Middle points downward.

[0650] In from Fig.81 Part (b) to Fig.81 During the change of state of part (d), the left side of the box (i.e., the driving side) and the connecting member 1064 move downward within the main component A of the device.

[0651] In this embodiment, the inclination angle of cartridge B relative to the apparatus main assembly A is changed by moving the positioning members 1091 and 1092. That is, when cartridge B is in the first cartridge position ( Fig.81 , the box is tilted relative to the posture when the box is in the second box position (part (d) of 81).

[0652] The installation process of box B is as follows.

[0653] In box B is arranged Fig.81 In the state shown in the position (first cartridge position) of part (b) of FIG. 1 , the coupling member 1064 advances in the axial direction toward the drive transmission member 81 so that the coupling member 1064 is brought into contact with the drive transmission member 81 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.81 In this state, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 move away from the axis of the photosensitive drum. That is, the positioning members 1091 and 1092 move downstream in the insertion direction of the cartridge B and move toward the front side of the cartridge. By this operation, the cartridge B moves to the position within the main assembly A of the device. Fig.81The position shown in part (d) (installation position, second cartridge position). In addition, the drive transmission member 81 is caused to change its inclination angle according to the movement of cartridge B by the coupling member.

[0654] As a result, the drive transmission member 81 and the box B reach the normal posture and position for image formation, and both become a connected state in which drive transmission can be performed.

[0655] The installation process of box B in this embodiment is similar to the installation process of box B in the above embodiment 7 (see Fig.51 and 57 ).

[0656] In this embodiment, unlike in Embodiment 7, the cartridge B is provided with a lever member as an operating member, which is operated to operate the positioning members 1091 and 1092. The lever member 1093 has the same structure as the operating member (lever member) in the above-described embodiment. That is, the lever member 1093 also receives an external force from the apparatus main assembly A in response to the closing operation of the door 13 (see Fig.21 ). The lever member 1093 receives an external force, which moves to the front of the cartridge to operate the positioning members 1091 and 1092. That is, the lever member 1093 moves the positioning members 1091 and 1092 toward the front of the cartridge so as to move away from the axis of the photosensitive drum, and moves them to the second positioning member position (see Fig.80 ).

[0657] In the present embodiment, the coupling member 1064 is used as a coupling member for engaging with the drive transmission member 81 to change the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. However, the coupling member does not necessarily have to be a coupling member for transmitting the driving force to the photosensitive drum 62. If the coupling member is configured not to transmit the driving force to the photosensitive drum 62, the cartridge B may be additionally provided with a gear member capable of receiving the driving force by engaging with the gear portion of the drive transmission member 81. Here, it refers to Fig.15 The gear member 187 is shown in part (a).

[0658] <Summary of all embodiments>

[0659] In Embodiments 1 to 9, various structures are adopted in order to make the drive transfer member 81 engage with the box to achieve the purpose of drive transfer. That is, the boxes or accessories described in these embodiments have various structures so as to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transfer member 81. For example, such a structure has been described in which the inclination of the drive transfer member is reduced by making the inclined portion of the box or the accessory contact with the drive transfer member. As another way, a structure in which the drive transfer member is pressed by a pressing member provided on the box or the accessory has been described. As yet another way, a structure of a pressing member on the box side or the accessory side has been described, wherein the pressing member on the box side or the accessory side presses the pressing member on the device main component side, and the pressing member on the device main component side causes the drive transfer member to incline.

[0660] Furthermore, the cartridge or attachment of the present embodiment has various structures to reduce the distance between the drive transmission member 81 and the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0661] For example, a structure in which a drive transmission member is attracted to a box through a gear member provided on a box or an accessory has been described. In addition, as another method, a structure in which a coupling member provided in a box is pushed toward a drive transmission member has also been described.

[0662] The box or the accessory may be a different combination of the structures of these embodiments. In addition, the box B may have any structure, including a structure in which the driving force is received from a gear portion provided on the drive transmission member, a structure in which the driving force is received from a coupling portion provided in the drive transmission member, or a structure in which the driving force is received from both the coupling and the gear portion provided on the drive transmission member. A portion of the structure provided in the box may be provided in the accessory, or a portion of the structure provided in the accessory may be provided in the box.

[0663] [Industrial Applicability]

[0664] According to the present invention, there are provided a main assembly mountable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus (eg, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus) and a cartridge, an accessory for the cartridge, and a mounting kit.

[0665] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, to disclose the scope of the present invention, the following claims are attached.

[0666] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-109672 filed on June 12, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-180284 filed on September 30, 2019, all of which are incorporated into this application.

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly comprising a drive output member configured to output a driving force, a main assembly side pushing member configured to tilt the drive output member by pushing the drive output member, the cartridge comprising: Photosensitive drum; as well as A cartridge side urging member which is movable relative to the photosensitive drum and is configured to change the inclination angle of the drive output member by urging the main assembly side urging member.

Images