Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, cartridge, and drum unit

Abstract

[Problem] To further develop conventional techniques. [Solution] A cartridge has a housing, a photosensitive drum, and a cover ring. The cover ring has a driving force receiving unit for receiving a driving force by engaging with a driving force applying member, a braking force receiving unit for receiving a braking force by engaging with a braking force applying member, and a guide portion for moving the braking force applying member with respect to the driving force applying member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention with the application date of March 17, 2020, application number 202080021684.7 (International Application Number PCT / JP2020 / 012811), and invention title "Electrophotographic Imaging Apparatus, Cartridge, and Drum Unit". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic imaging apparatus that employs an electrophotographic method, such as a copying machine or a printer, and a cartridge that can be used with the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The present invention also relates to a drum unit that can be used with the electrophotographic imaging apparatus and the cartridge.

[0003] Here, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as an "imaging apparatus") is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording material by using an electrophotographic imaging method. Examples of the imaging apparatus include a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), and a multifunction printer thereof.

[0004] The cartridge is detachable from a main assembly (apparatus main assembly) of the imaging apparatus. Examples of the cartridge include a process cartridge in which at least one of a photosensitive member and a processing device that acts on the photosensitive member is integrally formed as a cartridge.

[0005] The drum unit is a unit that includes a photosensitive drum and is used for the cartridge or the imaging apparatus. Background Art

[0006] Conventionally, in the field of imaging apparatuses that use an electrophotographic forming process, it has been known that an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) and a processing device that acts on the photosensitive drum are integrally formed as a cartridge. Such a cartridge is detachable from a main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0007] According to this cartridge method, maintenance of the imaging apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without relying on a service person, so that maintainability can be significantly improved. Therefore, such a cartridge type is widely used in imaging apparatuses.

[0008] In a structure in which a cartridge can be mounted on and detached from a main assembly (apparatus main assembly) of an imaging apparatus, there is a structure in which the main assembly and the cartridge are connected by using a coupling to input a driving force from the apparatus main assembly to the cartridge (JP H8-328449).

[0009] The amount of torque required to drive the cartridge varies depending on the structure of the cartridge.

[0010] JP 2002-202690 proposes a structure of a cartridge including a load generating member that applies a load to the rotation of a photosensitive drum. The load generating member stabilizes the rotation of the photosensitive drum by increasing the torque of the photosensitive drum (JP 2002-202690). Summary of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to further develop the above-mentioned conventional technology.

[0012] An example of a cartridge according to the present application is a cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device, the main assembly including a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member, the cartridge including:

[0013] A housing;

[0014] A photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the housing;

[0015] A coupling connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission,

[0016] wherein the coupling includes,

[0017] A driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the coupling by engaging with the driving force applying member, and

[0018] A braking force receiving portion for receiving a braking force by engaging with the braking force applying member, the braking force being for applying a load that resists the rotation of the coupling, and

[0019] A guiding portion for moving the braking force applying member relative to the driving force applying member.

[0020] An example of a drum unit according to the present application is a drum unit that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an imaging device, the main assembly including a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member, the drum unit including:

[0021] A photosensitive drum;

[0022] A coupling connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission,

[0023] wherein the coupling includes,

[0024] A driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the coupling by engaging with the driving force applying member, and

[0025] A braking force receiving portion for receiving a braking force by engaging with the braking force applying member, the braking force being for applying a load that resists the rotation of the coupling, and

[0026] A guiding portion for moving the braking force applying member relative to the driving force applying member.

[0027] Another example of a cartridge according to the present application is a cartridge including:

[0028] A housing having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion;

[0029] A photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the first end portion and the second end portion of the housing; and

[0030] A coupling connected to the photosensitive drum for driving force transmission, the coupling being disposed adjacent to the first end portion of the housing,

[0031] wherein the coupling includes a first formed portion and a second formed portion,

[0032] The first formed portion has a portion located at a position farther from the second end portion of the housing than the second formed portion,

[0033] The distance measured along the axial direction of the coupling from the second end portion of the housing to the remote portion of the first formed portion decreases downstream in the rotational movement direction of the coupling,

[0034] The second formed portion has a first side portion at an upstream position in the rotational movement direction and a second side portion at a downstream position in the rotational movement direction, and

[0035] At least a part of the second formed portion is farther from the axis of the coupling than the remote portion of the first formed portion in the radial direction of the coupling.

[0036] Another example of a drum unit according to the present application can be used with the cartridge. The drum unit includes,

[0037] A photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the first end portion and the second end portion of the housing, and

[0038] A coupling connected to the photosensitive drum for driving force transmission, the coupling being disposed adjacent to the first end portion of the photosensitive drum,

[0039] wherein the coupling includes a first formed portion and a second formed portion,

[0040] The first formed portion has a portion located at a position farther from the second end portion of the photosensitive drum than the second formed portion,

[0041] The distance measured along the axis of the coupling from the second end portion of the photosensitive drum to the remote portion of the first formed portion decreases downstream in a predetermined circumferential direction of the coupling.

[0042] The second formed portion has a first side portion at a position upstream in the circumferential direction and the second side portion at a position downstream in the circumferential direction, and

[0043] At least a part of the second formed portion is farther from the axis of the coupling than the remote portion of the first formed portion in the radial direction of the coupling.

[0044] Another example of a cartridge according to the present application is a cartridge including:

[0045] A housing having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion;

[0046] A photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the first end portion and the second end portion of the housing;

[0047] A coupling disposed adjacent to the first end portion of the housing, the coupling being connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission,

[0048] wherein the coupling includes,

[0049] A first side portion facing upstream in the rotational movement direction of the coupling;

[0050] A second side portion facing downstream in the rotational movement direction; and

[0051] A guide portion extending so as to be closer to the second end portion of the housing downstream in the rotational movement direction of the coupling, the guide portion having a portion farther from the second end portion of the photosensitive drum than the first side portion in the axial direction of the coupling,

[0052] wherein at least a part of the first side portion is farther from the axis of the drum unit than the remote portion of the guide portion in the radial direction of the coupling.

[0053] Another example of a drum unit according to the present application is a drum unit including:

[0054] A photosensitive drum having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion; and

[0055] A coupling disposed adjacent to the first end portion of the photosensitive drum, the coupling being connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission,

[0056] wherein the coupling includes,

[0057] a first side portion facing upstream in a predetermined circumferential direction of the coupling,

[0058] a second side portion facing downstream in the circumferential direction, and

[0059] a guiding portion extending so as to be closer to a second end portion of the housing downstream in the circumferential direction, the guiding portion having a portion further from a second end portion of the photosensitive drum than the first side portion in an axial direction of the coupling,

[0060] wherein at least a part of the first side portion is further from an axis of the coupling than a remote portion of the guiding portion in a radial direction of the coupling.

[0061] Another example of a cartridge according to the present application is a cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member movable relative to the driving force applying member, the cartridge including:

[0062] a housing;

[0063] a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the housing; and

[0064] a coupling connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission,

[0065] wherein the coupling includes,

[0066] a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the coupling by engaging with the driving force applying member, and

[0067] a braking force receiving portion for receiving a braking force for applying a load resisting rotation of the coupling by engaging with the braking force applying member.

[0068] Another example of a drum unit according to the present application is a drum unit that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member movable relative to the driving force applying member, the drum unit including:

[0069] a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the housing; and

[0070] a coupling connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission,

[0071] wherein the coupling includes,

[0072] A driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the coupling by engaging with the driving force applying member, and

[0073] A braking force receiving portion configured to receive a braking force for applying a load resisting rotation of the coupling by engaging with the braking force applying member.

[0074] In addition, another example of a cartridge according to the present application includes one of the above-described drum units and a housing that supports the drum unit.

[0075] In addition, an example of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus according to the present application includes any one of the above-described cartridges and a main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

[0076] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0077] Conventional techniques can be developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the drum coupling 143.

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0080] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge.

[0081] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0082] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0083] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0084] Figure 7 is a partial detailed view of the tray.

[0085] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the storage element pressing unit and the cartridge pressing unit.

[0086] Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the imaging apparatus.

[0087] Fig.10 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the process cartridge.

[0088] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0089] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the developing separation control unit.

[0090] Fig.13It is an assembled perspective view of the processing cartridge.

[0091] Fig.14 It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge.

[0092] Fig.15 It is an assembled perspective view of the processing cartridge.

[0093] Fig.16 It is an assembled perspective view of the processing cartridge.

[0094] Fig.17 It is a view of the separating and holding member R itself.

[0095] Fig.18 It is a view of the biasing member R itself.

[0096] Fig.19 It is a partial sectional view of the assembled separating and holding member R.

[0097] Fig. 20 It is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separating and holding member R.

[0098] Fig.21 It is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separating and holding member R.

[0099] Fig. 22 It is a bottom view of the drive side of the processing cartridge.

[0100] Fig.23 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0101] Fig.24 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0102] Fig.25 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0103] Fig.26 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0104] Fig. 27 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0105] Fig.28 It is a view of the separating and holding member L itself.

[0106] Fig.29 It is a view of the biasing member L itself.

[0107] Fig.30 It is an assembled perspective view after assembling the developing pressure spring and the separating and holding member L.

[0108] Fig.31 It is a partial sectional view of the separated holding member L after assembly.

[0109] Fig.32 It is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separated holding member L and the biasing member L.

[0110] Fig.33 It is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separated holding member.

[0111] Fig.34 It is a side view as viewed from the drive side, in which the processing cartridge is installed inside the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0112] Fig.35 It is a diagram showing the processing cartridge in the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0113] Fig.36 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0114] Fig.37 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0115] Fig.38 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0116] Fig.39 It is a diagram showing the operation of the developing unit in the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0117] Fig.40 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the separated holding member R and the biasing member.

[0118] Fig.41 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the separated holding member and the biasing member.

[0119] Fig.42 It is a side view as viewed from the drive side, in which the processing cartridge 100 is installed inside the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0120] Fig.43 It is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0121] Fig.44 It is a sectional view of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0122] Fig.45 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0123] Fig.46 It is a sectional perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus including the drive transmission unit 203.

[0124] Fig.47It is a front view of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143.

[0125] Fig.48 It is an exploded view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0126] Fig.49 It is an exploded view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0127] Fig.50 It is an exploded view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0128] Fig.51 It is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0129] Fig.52 It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the drum coupling.

[0130] Fig.53 It is an exploded view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0131] Fig.54 It is an exploded view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0132] Fig.55 It is a perspective view of the drum unit showing the drum coupling.

[0133] Fig.56 It is a diagram of the drum unit showing the drum coupling.

[0134] Fig.57 It is a perspective view of the drum unit showing the drum coupling.

[0135] Fig.58 It is a top view of the drum coupling.

[0136] Fig.59 It is a perspective view showing the components of the drive transmission unit.

[0137] Fig.60 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0138] Fig.61 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0139] Fig.62 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0140] Fig.63 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0141] Fig.64 It is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0142] Fig.65It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0143] Fig.66 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0144] Fig.67 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0145] Fig.68 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0146] Fig.69 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0147] Fig.70 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0148] Fig.71 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0149] Fig.72 It is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit and a drum unit.

[0150] Fig.73 It is a perspective view showing a modified example of a drum coupling.

[0151] Fig.74 It is a perspective view and a front view showing a modified example of a drum coupling.

[0152] Fig.75 It is a perspective view of a drum unit.

[0153] Fig.76 It is an exploded view showing the engagement of a drum coupling.

[0154] Fig.77 It is a perspective view of a drum unit and a front view of a coupling.

[0155] Fig.78 It is a perspective view of a drum unit and a drive transmission unit.

[0156] Fig.79 It is a side view, a perspective view, and a front view of a coupling.

[0157] Fig.80 It is a side view of a coupling.

[0158] Fig.81 It is a side view and a perspective view of a coupling.

[0159] Fig.82 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device.

[0160] Fig.83 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge.

[0161] Fig.84 is a schematic perspective view of a processing cartridge.

[0162] Fig.85 is a schematic perspective view of a processing cartridge.

[0163] Fig.86 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the processing cartridge taken along the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0164] Fig.87 is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission unit 811.

[0165] Fig.88 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit 811 taken along the rotational axis of the main assembly of the imaging apparatus to which it is mounted.

[0166] Fig.89 is a schematic perspective view of another form of the drum coupling 770.

[0167] Fig.90 is a schematic perspective view showing the mounting of the cartridge 701 to the main assembly 800 of the imaging apparatus.

[0168] Fig.91 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the cartridge 701 to the main assembly 800 of the imaging apparatus.

[0169] Fig.92 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the drum coupling 770 to the main assembly drive transmission unit 811.

[0170] Fig.93 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the drum coupling 770 to the main assembly drive transmission unit 811.

[0171] Fig.94 is a perspective view showing another form of the processing cartridge.

[0172] Fig.95 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit.

[0173] Fig.96 is a front view of the coupling.

[0174] In Fig.97 part (a) is a perspective view of the coupling and part (b) is a front view.

[0175] Fig.98 is a front view of the coupling.

[0176] Fig.99 is a perspective view showing the engaged state of the coupling and the brake engagement member.

[0177] Fig.100It is a front view of the coupling.

[0178] Fig.101 It is a front view of the coupling.

[0179] Fig.102 It is a front view, a perspective view and a side view of the coupling.

[0180] Fig.103 It is a perspective view showing the engaged state of the coupling and the brake engagement member.

[0181] Fig.104 It is a perspective view and a side view of the drum unit.

[0182] Fig.105 It is a perspective view of the drum unit and a front view of the coupling.

[0183] Fig.106 It is a sectional view of the drum unit.

[0184] Fig.107 It is a perspective view of the drum unit.

[0185] Fig.108 It is a sectional view of the coupling.

[0186] Fig.109 It is a perspective view of the drum unit.

[0187] Fig.110 It is a sectional view of the drum unit and the drive transmission unit. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0188] [[Example 1]]

[0189] Hereinafter, the modes for implementing the present invention will be described in detail exemplarily with reference to the drawings and examples. However, unless otherwise specified, the functions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0190] Hereinafter, Example 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0191] In the following examples, as an imaging device, an imaging device to which four process cartridges can be mounted and removed therefrom is shown.

[0192] The number of process cartridges mounted on the imaging device is not limited to this example. It is appropriately selected as needed.

[0193] In addition, in the following embodiments, a laser beam printer is exemplified as an aspect of the imaging device.

[0194] [Outline Structure of Imaging Device]

[0195] Figure 2is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device M. In addition, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the processing cartridge 100.

[0196] The imaging device M is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process and forms a color image on a recording material S. The imaging device M is of a processing cartridge type, and the processing cartridge is detachably mounted on the imaging device main assembly (device main assembly, electrophotographic imaging device main assembly) 170 to form a color image on the recording material S.

[0197] Here, regarding the imaging device M, one side of the front door 11 is the front surface (front surface), and the surface opposite to the front surface is the rear surface (back surface). In addition, the right side of the imaging device M as viewed from the front is referred to as the drive side, and the left side is referred to as the non-drive side.

[0198] In addition, when the imaging device M is viewed from the front side, the upper side is the upper surface and the lower side is the lower surface. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M as viewed from the non-drive side; the front side of the paper in the figure is the non-drive side of the imaging device M; the right side of the paper in the figure is the front side; and the rear side of the paper in the figure is the drive side of the imaging device.

[0199] The drive side of the processing cartridge 100 is the side on which a drum coupling (photosensitive member coupling) is provided in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum as will be described below. In addition, the drive side of the processing cartridge 100 is also the side on which a developing coupling is arranged in the axial direction of the developing roller (developing member) as will be described below.

[0200] The axial direction of the photosensitive drum is the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, which will be described below. Similarly, the axial direction of the developing roller is the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller, which will be described below. In the present embodiment, the axis of the photosensitive drum and the axis of the developing roller are substantially parallel, and thus, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum and the axial direction of the developing roller are considered to be substantially the same.

[0201] The imaging device main assembly 170 has four processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) arranged almost horizontally, namely a first processing cartridge 100Y, a second processing cartridge 100M, a third processing cartridge 100C, and a fourth processing cartridge 100K.

[0202] Each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) has the same electrophotographic processing mechanism, and the color of the developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is different. The rotational driving force is transmitted from the drive output portion (details will be described below) of the imaging device main assembly 170 to the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K).

[0203] In addition, a bias voltage (charging bias voltage, developing bias voltage, etc.) is supplied from the main component 170 of the imaging device to each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) (not shown).

[0204] As Figure 3 shown, each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) of the present embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 104 and a drum holding unit 108, and the drum holding unit 108 is provided with a charging device acting as a processing device on the photosensitive drum 104. In addition, each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) includes a developing unit 109, and the developing unit 109 is provided with a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0205] The drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are coupled to each other. A more specific structure of the processing cartridge 100 will be described below.

[0206] The first processing cartridge 100Y contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0207] The second processing cartridge 100M contains magenta (M) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0208] The third processing cartridge 100C contains cyan (C) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0209] The fourth processing cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. A laser scanner unit 14 serving as an exposure device is disposed above the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The laser scanner unit 14 outputs a laser beam U corresponding to image information. The laser beam U passes through the exposure window 110 of the processing cartridge 100 and is scanned so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is exposed to the laser beam U.

[0210] Below the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), an intermediate transfer unit 12 serving as a transfer member is provided. The intermediate transfer unit 12 includes a driving roller 12e, a turning roller 12c, and a tension roller 12b, and a flexible transfer belt 12a extends around these rollers.

[0211] The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion is the primary transfer portion. A primary transfer roller 12d is provided inside the transfer belt 12a so as to face the photosensitive drum 104.

[0212] The secondary transfer roller 6 is in contact with the turning roller 12c through the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is the secondary transfer portion.

[0213] The feeding unit 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 12. The feeding unit 4 includes a sheet feeding roller 4b and a sheet feeding tray 4a on which the recording material S is loaded and accommodated.

[0214] The fixing device 7 and the paper discharging device 8 are provided on Figure 2 the upper left side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The upper surface of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 serves as a paper discharging tray 13.

[0215] The toner image is fixed on the recording material S by a fixing member provided in the fixing device 7, and the recording material is discharged to the paper discharging tray 13.

[0216] [Image Forming Operation]

[0217] The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows.

[0218] The photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed (in the Figure 3 direction of arrow A in the figure).

[0219] The transfer belt 12a is also rotationally driven in the forward direction ( Figure 2 direction of arrow C in the figure) in the same direction as the rotation of the photosensitive drum at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0220] The laser scanner unit 14 is also driven. In synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit 14, the charging roller 105 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined polarity and potential in each processing cartridge. The laser scanner unit 14 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 104 with a laser beam U according to the image signal of each color.

[0221] Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 104. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing roller 106 that is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed. More specifically, the developing roller 106 contacts the photosensitive drum 104, and toner moves from the developing roller 106 to the latent image on the photosensitive drum 104, so that the latent image is developed into a toner image. In this embodiment, a contact developing method is employed, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. However, a non-contact developing method may be employed, in which the toner jumps from the developing roller 106 to the photosensitive drum 104 through a small gap between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104.

[0222] Through the electrophotographic imaging process operation as described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the first processing cartridge 100Y. Then, the toner image is transferred once onto the transfer belt 12a. A part of the photosensitive drum 104 is exposed outside the cartridge and contacts the transfer belt 12a. At this contact portion, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0223] Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the second processing cartridge 100M. Then, the toner image is superposed and transferred onto the yellow toner image that has already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0224] Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the third processing cartridge 100C. Then, the toner image is superposed and transferred once onto the yellow and magenta toner images that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0225] Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the fourth processing cartridge 100K. Then, the toner image is superposed and transferred once onto the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0226] In this way, a four-color full-color unfixed toner image of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the transfer belt 12a.

[0227] On the other hand, the recording materials S are separated and fed one by one at a predetermined control moment. Then, the recording materials S are introduced into a secondary transfer portion that is a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 12a at a predetermined control moment.

[0228] Thus, during the feeding of the recording materials S to the secondary transfer unit, the four-color superposed toner images on the transfer belt 12a are sequentially and jointly transferred onto the surface of the recording materials S.

[0229] More specifically, the structure of the main components of the imaging device will be described below.

[0230] [Outline of the Processing Cartridge Mounting / Demounting Structure]

[0231] Referring to Fig.42 and Figures 4 to 7 , the tray 171 that supports the processing cartridge will be described in more detail. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M, where the tray 171 is inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device with the front door 11 open. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M in a state where the tray 171 is outside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device, with the front door 11 open and the processing cartridge 100 accommodated in the tray. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M in a state where the tray 171 is outside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device, with the front door 11 open and the processing cartridge 100 having been removed from the tray. Figure 7 Part (a) of Figure 4 is a partial detailed view of the tray 171 viewed from the drive side in the state shown in Figure 7 Part (b) of Figure 4 is a partial detailed view of the tray 171 viewed from the non-drive side in the state of

[0232] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the tray 171 can move relative to the main assembly 170 of the imaging device in the direction of arrow Xl (pushing direction) and the direction of arrow X2 (pulling direction). That is, the tray 171 is arranged to be retractable from and insertable into the main assembly 170 of the imaging device, and the tray 171 is configured to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction in a state where the main assembly 170 of the imaging device is installed on a horizontal floor. Here, the state where the tray 171 is outside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device ( Figure 5 the state shown) is referred to as the external position. In addition, the state where the tray is placed inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device with the front door 11 open and the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a separated from each other ( Figure 4 the state in

[0233] Furthermore, the tray 171 has a mounting portion 171a, and in the external position, the processing cartridge 100 can be detachably mounted in the mounting portion 171a as shown in Figure 6 . Then, each processing cartridge 100 mounted on the mounting portion 171a in the external position of the tray 171 is supported by the tray 171 via the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-movable-side cartridge cover member 117, as shown in Figure 7As shown. Then, while the processing cartridge is placed in the mounting portion 171a, it moves within the main assembly 170 of the imaging device as the tray 171 moves. At this time, during the movement, a gap is maintained between the transfer belt 12a and the photosensitive drum 104. When the photosensitive drum 104 is not in contact with the transfer belt 12a, the tray 171 can transport the processing cartridge 100 into the main assembly 170 of the imaging device (details will be described below).

[0234] As described above, by using the tray 171, a plurality of processing cartridges 100 can be jointly moved to a position where an image can be formed inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device and jointly moved outside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device.

[0235] [Positioning of the Processing Cartridge Relative to the Main Assembly of the Electrophotographic Imaging Device]

[0236] Refer to Figure 7 , and the positioning of the processing cartridge 100 relative to the main assembly 170 of the imaging device will be described more specifically.

[0237] As Figure 7 shown, the tray 171 is provided with positioning portions 171VR and 171VL for holding the cartridge 100. The positioning portions 171VR each have straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2. The center of the photosensitive drum is determined by the arcuate portions 116VR1 and 116VR2 of the cartridge cover member 116 as shown in Figure 7 contacting the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2.

[0238] In addition, Figure 7 as shown, the tray 171 is provided with a rotation determination projection 171KR. By mating the processing cartridge 100 with the rotation determination recess 116KR of the cartridge cover member 116 as shown in Figure 7 shown, the attitude of the processing cartridge 100 is determined relative to the main assembly of the device.

[0239] The positioning portions 171VL and the rotation determination projection 171KL are provided at positions (non-driving side) opposite to each other across the intermediate transfer belt 12a in the longitudinal direction of the positioning portion 171VR and the processing cartridge 100. That is, also on the non-driving side, the position of the processing cartridge is determined by the engagement of the arcuate portions 117VL1 and 117VL2 of the cartridge cover member 117 with the positioning portion 171VL and the engagement of the rotation determination recess 117KL with the rotation determination projection 171KL.

[0240] By doing so, the position of the processing cartridge 100 relative to the tray 171 is correctly determined.

[0241] Then, as Figure 5 shown, the processing cartridge 100 integrated with the tray 171 moves in the direction of arrow Xl and is inserted into Figure 5 The position shown.

[0242] Then, by closing the front door 11 in the direction of arrow R, the processing cartridge 100 is pressed by a cartridge pressing mechanism (not shown) described below and fixed to the imaging device main assembly 170 together with the tray 171. Further, the transfer belt 12a comes into contact with the photosensitive member 104 in relation to the operation of the cartridge pressing mechanism. In this state, imaging ( Figure 2 ) can be performed.

[0243] In the present embodiment, the positioning portions 171VR and 171V also serve as reinforcing members for maintaining the rigidity during the pulling-out operation of the tray 171, and thus, a metal plate is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0244] [Cartridge Pressing Mechanism]

[0245] Next, referring to Figure 8 , details of the cartridge pressing mechanism will be described.

[0246] Figure 8 Part (a) of Figure 4 only shows the processing cartridge 100, the tray 171, the cartridge pressing mechanisms 190 and 191, and the intermediate transfer unit 12 in the Figure 8 state. Part (b) of Figure 2 only shows the processing cartridge 100, the tray 171, the cartridge pressing mechanisms 190 and 191, and the intermediate transfer unit 12 in the

[0247] The processing cartridge 100 receives a driving force during the imaging process and further receives a reaction force from the primary transfer roller 12d ( Figure 2 ) in the direction of arrow Zl. Therefore, in order to maintain a stable posture without a gap between the processing cartridge and the positioning portions 171VR and 171VL during the imaging operation, it is necessary to press the processing cartridge in the Z2 direction.

[0248] To achieve this, in the present embodiment, the imaging device main assembly 170 is provided with a cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191).

[0249] For the cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191), the storage element pressing unit 190 operates on the non-driven side, and the cartridge pressing unit 191 operates on the driven side. This will be described in more detail below.

[0250] By closing the Figure 4 front door 11 shown, Figure 8 the storage element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit 191 shown descend in the direction of arrow Z2.

[0251] The storage element pressing unit 190 is provided with main assembly side electrical contacts (not shown) that mainly come into electrical contact with the electrical contacts of a storage element (not shown) provided in the process cartridge 100. By being interlocked with the front door 11 by a link mechanism (not shown), the storage element 140 and the electrical contacts on the main assembly side can be brought into contact with and separated from each other.

[0252] That is, the contacts are brought into contact with each other by closing the front door 11, and the contacts are separated by opening the front door 11.

[0253] With this structure, when the process cartridge 100 is moved inside the imaging apparatus main assembly together with the tray 171, the electrical contacts are not rubbed and the contacts are retracted from the insertion / removal trajectory of the process cartridge 100, so as not to interfere with the insertion and removal operations of the tray 171.

[0254] The storage element pressing unit 190 also functions to press the process cartridge against the above-described positioning portion 171VR.

[0255] In addition, similar to the storage element pressing unit 190, the cartridge pressing unit 121 also descends in the direction of arrow Z2 in association with the operation of closing the front door 11, and functions to press the process cartridge 100 against the above-described positioning portion 171VL.

[0256] In addition, although details will be described below, the cartridge pressing mechanisms (190, 191) also function to downwardly press the urging members 152L and 152R of the process cartridge 100, as will be described below.

[0257] [Drive transmission mechanism]

[0258] Next, with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 (for better illustration, the tray 171 is omitted), the drive transmission mechanism of the main assembly in this embodiment will be described.

[0259] Fig. 9 Part (a) of is a perspective view in which the process cartridge 100 and the tray 171 are omitted in the state of Figure 4 or Figure 5 . Fig. 9 B is a perspective view in which the process cartridge 100, the front door 11, and the tray 171 are omitted.

[0260] Fig.10 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 viewed from the drive side.

[0261] As Fig.10 shown, the process cartridge in this embodiment includes a developing coupling portion 32a and a drum coupling (photosensitive member coupling) 143.

[0262] The structure is such that by closing the front door 11 ( Fig. 9 In the state of part (b), the processing cartridge 100 is driven and the driving force is transmitted to the main assembly side drum drive coupling and the main assembly side developing drive coupling 185 of the processing cartridge 100, which protrude in the direction of arrow Y1 through a link mechanism (not shown).

[0263] In addition, by opening the front door 11 ( Fig. 9 in the state of part (a)), the drum drive coupling 180 and the developing drive coupling 185 are retracted in the direction of arrow Y2.

[0264] By retracting each coupling from the insertion / removal trajectory (X1 direction, X2 direction) of the processing cartridge, the insertion / removal of the tray 171 is not hindered.

[0265] By closing the front door 11 and starting to drive the main assembly of the imaging device, the above-mentioned drum drive coupling 180 engages with the drum coupling (coupling member, cartridge side coupling) 143. At the same time, the developing drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side engages with the developing coupling portion 32a. Thus, the drive is transmitted to the processing cartridge 100. The drive transmission to the processing cartridge 100 is not limited to the above structure, and a mechanism that only inputs the drive to the drum coupling and transmits the drive to the developing roller can be provided.

[0266] [Intermediate transfer unit structure]

[0267] Next, referring to Fig. 9 , the intermediate transfer unit 12 of the main assembly of the imaging device in this embodiment will be described.

[0268] In this embodiment, the structure is such that by closing the front door 11, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is raised in the direction of arrow R2 through a link mechanism (not shown), and moves to a position for imaging operation (the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a are in contact with each other).

[0269] In addition, by opening the front door 11, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is lowered in the direction of arrow Rl, and the photosensitive drum 2 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a are separated from each other.

[0270] That is, in the state where the processing cartridge 100 is set in the tray 171, the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a come into contact with and separate from each other according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 11.

[0271] The structure is such that in the contact / separation operation, the intermediate transfer unit rises and falls while drawing a rotational trajectory around the center point PVl shown in Figure 4 .

[0272] The intermediate transfer belt 12a is driven by receiving force from a gear (not shown) provided coaxially with PV1. Therefore, by setting the above position PV1 as the rotation center, the intermediate transfer unit 12 can be raised and lowered without moving the center of the gear. By doing so, it is not necessary to move the center of the gear, and the position of the gear can be maintained with high precision.

[0273] With the above structure, in a state where the processing cartridge 100 is set in the tray 171, when the tray 11 is inserted or removed, the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a do not rub against each other, and thus, damage to the photosensitive drum 104 and image deterioration caused by the charge memory are prevented.

[0274] [Developing separation control unit]

[0275] Next, referring to Figure 8 、 Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the separation mechanism of the main components of the imaging device in this embodiment will be described.

[0276] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M taken along the drive side end of the processing cartridge 100. Fig.12 is a perspective view of the developing separation control unit obliquely viewed from above.

[0277] In this embodiment, the developing separation control unit 195 controls the separation contact operation of the developing unit 109 with respect to the photosensitive drum 104 by engaging with a part of the developing unit 109. As Figure 8 shown, the developing separation control unit 195 is provided in the lower part of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device.

[0278] Specifically, the developing separation control unit 195 is placed vertically (downward in the direction of arrow Z2) below the developing input coupling part 32a and the drum coupling 143.

[0279] In addition, the developing separation control unit 195 is placed in the longitudinal direction (Yl, Y2 directions) of the photosensitive drum 104 of the intermediate transfer belt 12. That is, the developing separation control unit 195 includes a drive side developing separation control unit 195R and a non-drive side developing separation control unit 195L.

[0280] By setting the developing separation control unit 195 in the dead space of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device as described above, the size of the main assembly can be reduced.

[0281] The developing separation control unit 195R has four separation control members 196R corresponding to the process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), respectively. The four separation control members have substantially the same shape. The developing separation control unit 195R is always fixed to the main assembly of the imaging apparatus. However, the separation control members 196R are configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown). The detailed structure will be described below.

[0282] The developing separation control unit 195L has four separation control members 196L corresponding to the process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The four separation control members have substantially the same shape. The developing separation control unit 195L is always fixed to the main assembly of the imaging apparatus. However, the separation control members 196L are configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown). The detailed structure will be described below.

[0283] In addition, in order for a part of the developing separation control unit 195 to engage with a part of the developing unit 109 and control the separation contact operation of the developing unit 109, a part of the developing control unit 196 and a part of the developing unit need to overlap in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 directions).

[0284] Therefore, for the overlap in the vertical direction (Z1 and Z2 directions) as described above after the developing unit 109 of the process cartridge 100 is inserted in the X1 direction, a part of the developing unit (in this embodiment, the biasing member 152) needs to protrude. Details will be described below.

[0285] When the developing separation control unit 195 itself is raised in the same manner as in the case of the intermediate transfer unit 12 for engagement, there are problems such as an increase in the operating force of the interlocked front door 11 and complexity of the drive train.

[0286] In this embodiment, a method is adopted in which the developing separation control unit 195 is fixed to the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus, and a part of the developing unit 109 (the biasing member 152) protrudes downward (Z2) in the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus, and one of the reasons for this arrangement is to solve this problem. In addition, the mechanism for causing the biasing member 152 to protrude utilizes the mechanism of the above-described storage element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit, and thus, the above problems do not exist and an increase in the cost of the main assembly of the apparatus can be suppressed.

[0287] The entire developing separation control unit 195 is fixed to the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus. However, as will be described hereinafter, a part of the developing unit is movable so as to engage with the urging member 152 to cause an operation such that the developing unit 109 is in a separated state and a contacting state with respect to the photosensitive drum 104. Details will be described hereinafter.

[0288] [Overall Structure of the Processing Cartridge]

[0289] Reference Figure 3 、 Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the structure of the processing cartridge will be described.

[0290] Fig.13 is an assembled perspective view of the processing cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, which is the side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104. Fig.14 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side.

[0291] In the present embodiment, the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) have the same electrophotographic processing mechanism, but the colors of the toners contained and the filling amounts of the toners are different from each other.

[0292] The processing cartridge 100 includes a photosensitive drum 104 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a processing device acting on the photosensitive drum 104. The cartridge 100 includes a charging roller 105 as the processing device, and the charging roller 105 is a charging device (charging member) for charging the photosensitive drum 104. In addition, the cartridge 100 includes a developing roller 106, and the developing roller 106 is a developing device (developing member) for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 as another processing device.

[0293] In addition, as an example of the processing device, a cleaning device (for example, a cleaning blade, etc.) for removing the residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 can be considered. However, the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment adopts a structure in which a cleaning device that contacts the photosensitive drum 104 is not provided.

[0294] The processing cartridge 100 is divided into a drum holding unit 108 (108Y, 108M, 108C, 108K) and a developing unit 109 (109Y, 109M, 109C, 109K).

[0295] [Drum Holding Unit Structure]

[0296] As Figure 3 and Fig.13As shown, the drum holding unit 108 includes a photosensitive drum 104, a charging roller 105, a drum frame 115 as a first frame, etc. The photosensitive drum 104 is combined with a coupling 143 and a drum flange 142 to provide a drum unit 103 (see Figure 1 part (a) of which, details will be described hereinafter).

[0297] The drum unit 103 is rotatably supported by a driving-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-driving-side cartridge cover member 117 provided at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100. The driving-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-driving-side cartridge cover member 117 will be described hereinafter.

[0298] In addition, as Fig.13 and Fig.14 shown, a drum coupling 143 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 104 is provided near one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 104. As described above, the coupling 143 engages with a main-component-side drum driving coupling 180 (see Fig. 9 ) of the drum driving output unit of the main component 170 of the imaging device. The driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the main component 170 of the imaging device is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104 to rotate it in the direction of arrow A. In addition, a drum flange 142 is provided near the other end (second end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0299] A shaft portion 143j of the coupling 143 (see Figure 1 ) is supported by the driving-side cartridge cover 116, and the drum flange 142 is supported by a shaft fixed to the non-driving-side cartridge cover 117. Thus, the drum unit 103 is rotatably supported in the cartridge. That is, the ends of the photosensitive drum 104 are rotatably supported by the ends of the outer shell of the cartridge (i.e., the cartridge covers 116 and 117) through the coupling 143 and the drum flange 142.

[0300] The charging roller 105 is supported by the drum frame 115 in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 so that it can be rotationally driven by the photosensitive drum 104.

[0301] In the opposite sides of the drum unit 103 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction), the side on which the coupling 143 is provided is the driving side, and the side on which the drum flange 142 is placed is the non-driving side. That is, in the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction, the coupling 143 is fixed near the end on the driving side, and the drum flange 142 is fixed near the end on the side opposite to the driving side. Among the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104, one can be called the first end, and the other can be called the second end. Fig.80 An end portion 104a on the drum driving side and an end portion 104b on the non-driving side of the photosensitive drum are shown.

[0302] Similar to the drum unit 103, in the opposite sides of the cartridge 100, the side on which the coupling 143 is placed is referred to as the drive side, and the side opposite to the drive side is referred to as the non-drive side. For example, Fig.10 and Fig.19 are diagrams showing the drive side of the cartridge. In addition, Fig.16 is a diagram showing the non-drive side of the cartridge.

[0303] As Fig.13 and Fig.14 shown, the drive side cartridge cover 116 is a component provided at the drive side end of the outer shell of the cartridge 100, and the non-drive side cartridge cover is a component provided at the non-drive side end of the outer shell. It can be considered that the drum coupling 143 supported by the drive side cartridge cover 116 is located near the non-drive side end of the outer shell of the cartridge 100. In the opposite ends of the cartridge 100, one can be referred to as the first end, and the other can be referred to as the second end.

[0304] [Developing Unit Structure]

[0305] As Figure 3 and Fig.13 shown, the developing unit 109 includes a developing roller 106, a toner supply roller (toner feed roller) 107, a developing blade 130, a developing unit frame 125, etc. The developing unit frame 125 includes a lower frame 125a and a cover member 125b. The lower frame 125a and the cover member 125b are connected by ultrasonic welding or the like.

[0306] The developing frame 125 as the second frame (second outer shell) includes a toner storage portion 129 for storing the toner to be supplied to the developing roller 106. In addition, the developing frame 125 rotatably supports the developing roller 106 and the toner supply roller 107 through a drive side bearing 126 and a non-drive side bearing 127, which will be described below, and holds the developing blade 130, which is used to control the layer thickness of the toner on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 106.

[0307] The developing blade 130 is formed by mounting an elastic member 130b on a support member 130a by welding or the like. The elastic member 130b is a plate-shaped metal with a thickness of about 0.1 mm, and the support member 130a is a metal material with an L-shaped cross-section. The developing blade 130 is mounted to the developing frame 125 with fixing screws 130c at two positions, one near one end in the longitudinal direction and the other near the other end. The developing roller 106 includes a core metal 106c and a rubber portion 106d.

[0308] The developing roller 106 is rotatably supported by a driving-side bearing 126 and a non-driving-side bearing 127 respectively mounted to opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 125. The developing frame 125, the driving-side bearing 126, and the non-driving-side bearing 127 are part of the frame (housing) of the cartridge. Broadly speaking, the bearings 126 and 127 can be regarded as part of the developing frame 125, and the bearings 126 and 127 and the developing frame 125 can be collectively referred to as the developing frame.

[0309] The toner feed roller 107 conveys and supplies the toner contained in the toner storage portion 129 to the developing roller 106 to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. The toner feed roller 107 is in contact with the developing roller 106.

[0310] In addition, as Fig.13 and Fig.14 shown, a developing input coupling portion (developing coupling) 32a for transmitting the driving force to the developing unit 109 is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 109. The developing input coupling portion 32a engages with a developing drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side which is the developing drive output portion of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device (see Fig. 9 ), and the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device is input to the developing unit 109.

[0311] The driving force input to the developing unit 109 is transmitted by a transmission system (not shown) provided in the developing unit 109, so that the developing roller 106 can rotate in the Figure 3 direction of arrow D. Similarly, the driving force received by the developing input coupling portion 32a also causes the toner feed roller 107 to rotate to supply the toner to the developing roller 106.

[0312] On one side in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 109, a developing cover member 128 that supports and covers the developing input coupling portion 32a and the transmission system (not shown) is provided. The outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected to be smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. The outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104 in this embodiment is selected in the range of Φ18 to Φ22 (mm), and the outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected in the range of Φ8 to Φ14. By selecting such outer diameters, effective arrangement can be achieved.

[0313] [Assembly of the Drum Holding Unit and the Developing Unit]

[0314] Referring to Fig.13 , the assembly of the drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 will be described. The drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected by a driving-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-driving-side cartridge cover member 117 provided at corresponding ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100.

[0315] A driving - side cartridge cover member 116 disposed on one side (driving side) of the processing cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a developing - unit support hole 116a for swingably (movably) supporting the developing unit. Similarly, a non - driving - side cartridge cover member 117 disposed on the other side (non - driving side) of the processing cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a developing - unit support hole 117a for swingably supporting the developing unit 109.

[0316] In addition, the driving - side cartridge cover member 116 and the non - driving - side cartridge cover member 117 are provided with drum support holes 116b and 117b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 104. Here, on the driving side, an outer - diameter portion of a cylindrical portion 128b of the developing - cover member 128 is fitted into the developing - unit support hole 116a of the driving - side cartridge cover member 116. On the non - driving side, an outer - diameter portion of a cylindrical portion (not shown) of the non - driving - side bearing 127 is fitted into the developing - unit support hole 117a of the non - driving - side cartridge cover member 117.

[0317] In addition, opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 104 are respectively fitted into the drum support holes 116b of the driving - side cartridge cover member 116 and the drum support holes 117b of the non - driving - side cartridge cover member 117. Then, the driving - side cartridge cover member 116 and the non - driving - side cartridge cover member are fixed to a drum frame 115 of the drum holding unit 108 with screws or an adhesive (not shown). Thus, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported by the driving - side cartridge cover member 116 and the non - driving - side cartridge cover member 117. The developing unit 109 can move (rotate) relative to the drum holding unit 108, and the developing roller 106 can move relative to the photosensitive drum through this movement. At the time of imaging, the developing roller 106 can be placed at a position acting on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0318] The drum frame 115 and the cover members 116 and 117 are part of a cartridge frame (housing). More specifically, they are the frames of the drum holding unit 108. In addition, since the cover members 116 and 117 are respectively fixed to one end and the other end of the drum frame 115, the cover members 116 and 117 can be regarded as part of the drum frame 115. Alternatively, the cover members 116 and 117 and the drum frame 115 can be collectively referred to as the drum frame.

[0319] In addition, one of the frames (115, 116, 117) of the drum holding unit 108 and the frames (125, 126, 127) of the developing unit can be referred to as a first frame (first housing), and the other can be referred to as a second frame (second housing), etc. In addition, the frames (115, 116, 117) of the drum holding unit 108 and the frames (125, 126, 127) of the developing unit can be collectively referred to as the frame of the cartridge (the housing of the cartridge) without any special distinction between them.

[0320] Fig.14 Shows the state where the drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled through the above steps to provide the overall processing cartridge 100.

[0321] The axis connecting the center of the developing unit support hole 116a of the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and the center of the developing unit support hole 117a of the non-moving side cartridge cover member 117 is referred to as the swing axis K. Here, the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 on the driving side is coaxial with the developing input coupling 74. That is, the developing unit 109 has a structure for transmitting a driving force from the main assembly 170 of the imaging device on the swing axis K. In addition, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported about the swing axis K.

[0322] [Structure of the separation / contact mechanism]

[0323] The structure in which the photosensitive drum 104 of the processing cartridge 100 and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 are separated from and contacted with each other in this embodiment will be described in detail. The processing cartridge includes a separation / contact mechanism 150R on the driving side and a separation / contact mechanism 150L on the non-driving side. Fig.15 Shows an assembled perspective view of the driving side of the developing unit 109 including the separation / contact mechanism 150R. Fig.16 Shows an assembled perspective view of the developing unit including the separation / contact mechanism 150L on the non-driving side. Regarding the separation / contact mechanism, the details of the separation / contact mechanism 150R on the driving side will be described first, and then the separation / contact mechanism 150L on the non-driving side will be described.

[0324] Since the separation / contact mechanisms on the driving side and the non-driving side have almost the same functions, the same reference numerals are used for both sides, except that R is added at the end for the driving side and L is added for the non-driving side.

[0325] The separation / contact mechanism 150R includes a separation holding member 151R as a restricting member, a biasing member 152R as a pressing member, and a tension spring 153.

[0326] The separation / contact mechanism 150L includes a separation holding member 151L as a restricting member, a biasing member 152L as a pressing member, and a tension spring 153.

[0327] [Detailed description of the separation holding member R]

[0328] Refer to Fig.17 , and the separation holding member 151R will be described in detail.

[0329] Fig.17 Part (a) of is a front view of the separation holding member 151R itself of the processing cartridge 100 viewed from the longitudinal direction of the driving side. Fig.17Parts (b) and (c) are perspective views of the separation holding member 151R itself. Fig.17 Part (d) is Fig.17 a view of the separation holding member 151R observed in the direction of arrow Z2 (vertically upward in the imaging state) in part (a). The separation holding member 151R includes an annular support receiving portion 151Ra and includes a separation holding portion 151Rb that projects from the support receiving portion 151Ra in the radial direction of the support receiving portion 151Ra. The free end of the separation holding portion 151Rb has an arcuate separation holding surface 151Rc that has a center on the swing axis H of the separation holding member and is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to a line HA parallel to the swing axis H of the separation holding member. The angle θ1 is selected to satisfy equation (1).

[0330] 0°≦θ1≦45°...(1)

[0331] In addition, the separation holding member 151R has a second regulated surface 151Rk adjacent to the separation holding surface 151Rc. In addition, the separation holding member 151R is provided with a second pressure receiving portion 151Rd that projects beyond the support receiving portion 151Ra in the Z2 direction, and an arcuate second pressure receiving surface 151Re that projects from the second pressure receiving portion 151Rd in the direction of the swing axis H of the separation holding member in the support receiving portion 151Ra.

[0332] In addition, the separation holding member 151R includes a main body portion 151Rf connected to the support receiving portion 151Ra, and the main body portion 151Rf is provided with a spring hook portion 151Rg that projects in the direction of the swing axis H of the separation holding member in the support receiving portion 151Ra. In addition, the main body portion 151Rf is provided with a rotation (about its own axis) preventing portion 151Rm that projects in the Z2 direction, and a rotation preventing surface 151Rn is provided facing the direction of the second pressure receiving surface 151Re.

[0333] [Detailed description of the biasing member R]

[0334] Refer to Fig.18 , and the biasing member 152R will be described in detail.

[0335] Fig.18 Part (a) is a front view of the biasing member 152R itself observed from the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100, and Fig.18 B and Fig.18 C are perspective views of the biasing member 152R itself.

[0336] The urging member 152R is provided with an elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra having an elliptical shape. Here, the longitudinal direction of the ellipse of the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra is indicated by the arrow LH, the upward direction is indicated by the arrow LH1, and the downward direction is indicated by the arrow LH2. In addition, the direction in which the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra is formed is indicated by HB. The urging member 152R has a protruding portion 152Rh formed on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2 of the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra. The elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra and the protruding portion 152Rh are connected by a main body portion 152Rb. On the other hand, the urging member 152R includes a pressed portion 152Re that protrudes in the direction of the arrow LH1 and is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow LH1, has an arcuate pressed surface 152Rf on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH1, and has a push limiting surface 152Rg on the upstream side. In addition, the urging member 152R has a first accommodation limiting surface 152Rv extending from the main body portion 152Rb on the upstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2, and a second accommodation limiting surface 152Rw adjacent to the first accommodation limiting surface 152Rv and substantially parallel to the first pressing surface 152Rq.

[0337] The protruding portion 152Rh includes a first force receiving portion 152Rk and a second force receiving portion 152Rn, and the first force receiving portion 152Rk and the second force receiving portion 152Rn are arranged to face each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow LH2 at the end portions in the direction of the arrow LH2. The first force receiving portion 152Rk and the second force receiving portion 152Rn respectively have a first force receiving surface 152Rm and a second force receiving surface 152Rp that extend in the HB direction and have an arc shape. In addition, the protruding portion 152Rh has a locking portion 152Rt and a spring hook portion 152Rs that protrudes in the HL direction, and the locking portion 152Rt has a locking surface 152Ru facing the same direction as the first force receiving surface 152Rp.

[0338] In addition, the urging member 152R is a part of the main body portion 152Rb, is arranged on the upstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2 of the second force receiving portion 152Rn, and has a first pressing surface 152Rq facing the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Rp. In addition, the urging member 152R has a second pressing surface 152Rr that is perpendicular to the first accommodation limiting surface 152Rv and faces the first pressing surface 152Rq.

[0339] When the processing cartridge 100 is installed on the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. Further, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100.

[0340] [Assembly of Separation / Contact Mechanism R]

[0341] Next, with reference to Fig.10 and Figures 15 to 19 , the assembly of the separation contact mechanism will be described. Fig.19 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side after the processing cartridge 100 and the separation holding member 151R are assembled.

[0342] As described above Fig.15 shown, in the developing unit 109, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 is fitted into the developing unit support hole portion 116a of the drive side cartridge cover member 116. Thereby, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported relative to the photosensitive drum 104 about the swing axis K. Further, the developing cover member 128 includes a cylindrical first support portion 128c and a second support portion 128k that project in the direction of the swing axis K.

[0343] The outer diameter of the first support portion 128c is fitted to the inner diameter of the support receiving portion 151Ra of the separation holding member 151R to rotatably support the separation holding member 151R. Here, the swing center of the separation holding member 151R assembled to the developing cover member 128 is the separation holding member swing axis H. The developing cover member includes a first holding portion 128d that projects in the direction of the separation holding member swing axis H. As Fig.15 shown, the movement of the separation holding member 151R assembled to the developing cover member 128 in the direction of the swing axis H is restricted by the contact of the first holding portion 128d with the separation holding member 151R.

[0344] Further, the outer diameter of the second support portion 128k is fitted to the inner wall of the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra of the biasing member 152R to support the biasing member 152R so as to be rotatable and movable in the elliptical direction. Here, the swing center of the biasing member 152R assembled to the developing cover member 128 is the biasing member swing axis HC. As Fig.15 shown, the movement of the biasing member 152R assembled to the developing cover member 128 in the direction of the swing axis HC is restricted by the contact of the second holding portion 128m with the separation holding member 151R.

[0345] Fig.10It is a cross-sectional view taken along line CS, where a part of the drive-side lid member 116 and a part of the developing lid member 128 are omitted so that the mating part between the elliptical support receiving part 151Ra of the biasing member 152R and the cylindrical part 128b of the developing lid member 128 can be seen. The separation contact mechanism 150R is provided with a tension spring 153 as a pressing device, which is used to press the separation holding member 151R to rotate it in the direction of arrow B1 in the figure around the separation holding member swing axis H and to press the biasing member 152R in the direction of arrow B3.

[0346] The direction of arrow B3 is a direction substantially parallel to the elliptical direction LH2 (see Fig.18 ) of the elliptical support receiving part 152Ra of the biasing member 152R. The tension spring 153 is assembled between the spring hook part 151Rg provided on the separation holding member 151R and the spring hook part 152Rs provided on the biasing member 152R. The tension spring 153 Fig.10 applies a force in the direction of arrow F2 in

[0347] to the spring hook part 151Rg of the separation holding member 151R to apply a pressing force for rotating the separation holding member 151R in the direction of arrow B1. In addition, the tension spring 153 applies a force in the direction of arrow F1 to the spring hook part 152Rs of the biasing member 152R to apply a pressing force for moving the biasing member 152R in the direction of arrow B3.

[0348] 0°≦θ2≦90°...(2)

[0349] As Fig.15 shown, in the developing drive input gear 132, the inner diameter part of the cylindrical part 128b of the developing lid member 128 and the outer diameter part of the cylindrical part 32b of the developing drive input gear 132 are mated, and in addition, the support part 126a of the drive-side bearing 126 and the cylindrical part (not shown) of the developing drive input gear are mated. Thus, the driving force can be transmitted to the developing roller gear 131, the toner supply roller gear 133, and other gears.

[0350] In this embodiment, the mounting positions of the separation holding member 151R and the biasing member 152R are as follows. As Fig.15 shown, in the direction of the swing axis K, the separation holding member 151R is provided on the side where the drive side cover member 116 is provided (the outer side in the longitudinal direction), with the developing cover member 128 interposed therebetween. The biasing member 152R is provided on the side where the developing drive input gear 13 is arranged (the inner side in the longitudinal direction). However, the positions are not limited thereto, and the positions of the separation holding member 151R and the biasing member 152R may be interchanged, and the separation holding member 151R and the biasing member 152R may be provided on one side in the direction of the swing axis K with respect to the developing cover member 128. In addition, the arrangement order of the separation holding member 151R and the biasing member 152R may be interchanged.

[0351] The developing cover member 128 is fixed to the developing frame 125 by the drive side bearing 126 to form the developing unit 109. As Fig.15 shown, the fixing method in this embodiment uses fixing screws 145 and an adhesive (not shown), but the fixing method is not limited to this example, and for example, welding such as welding by heating or pouring and hardening a resin material may be used.

[0352] Here, Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view, in which, for the sake of convenience of explanation, Fig.10 the periphery of the separation holding portion 151R in

[0353] is enlarged and a part of the tension spring 153 and the separation holding member 151R are partially omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS4. In the biasing member 152R, the first restricting surface 152Rv of the biasing member 152R contacts the first restricting surface 128h of the developing cover member 128 by the pressing force of the tension spring 153 in the F1 direction in the figure, as described above. In addition, the second restricting surface 152Rw of the biasing member 152R contacts the second restricting surface 128q of the developing cover member 128 and is thereby positioned. This position is referred to as the accommodation position (reference position) of the biasing member 152R. In addition, the separation holding member 151R rotates about the swing axis H of the separation holding member in the B1 direction by the pressing force of the tension spring 153 in the F2 direction, and the second pressed portion 151Rd of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the biasing member 152R, and the rotation thereby stops. This position is referred to as the separation holding position (restriction position) of the separation holding member 151R. Fig.21 is such a diagram, in which, for the sake of convenience of explanation, Fig.10The periphery of the separation holding portion 151R in [the figure] is enlarged and the tension spring 153 is omitted. Here, consider the case where the processing cartridge 100 including the separation contact mechanism 150R according to the present embodiment drops in the JA direction in Fig.21 at the time of transporting the processing cartridge 100. At this time, the separation holding member 151R receives a force that rotates in the direction of arrow B2 by its own weight around the separation holding swing axis H. Therefore, when the rotation in the B2 direction starts, the rotation prevention surface 151Rn of the separation holding member 151R does not contact the locking surface 152Ru of the biasing member 152R, and the separation holding member 151R receives a force in the F3 direction in the figure so as to suppress the rotation in the B2 direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the separation holding member 151R from rotating in the B2 direction during transportation, and it is possible to prevent the separated state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109 from being impaired.

[0354] In the present embodiment, the tension spring 153 is mentioned as a pressing device for pressing the separation holding member 151R to the separation holding position and for pressing the biasing member 152R to the accommodation position, but the pressing device is not limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc. can be used as a pressing device for pressing the biasing member 152R to the accommodation position and pressing the separation holding member 151R to the separation holding position. In addition, the material of the pressing device can be a metal, a mold, etc. that has elasticity and can press the separation holding member 151R and the biasing member 152R.

[0355] As described above, the developing unit 109 provided with the separation contact mechanism 150R is integrally coupled with the drum holding unit 108 by the drive side cartridge cover member 116 as described above ( Fig.19 in the state).

[0356] Fig. 22 is a view seen in the direction of arrow J in part (a) of Fig.19 . As Fig.15 shown, the drive side cartridge cover 116 of the present embodiment has a contact surface 116c. As Fig. 22 shown, the contact surface 116c is inclined at an inclination angle θ3 with respect to the swing axis K. It is desirable that the angle θ3 is the same as the angle θ1 forming the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R, but the angle θ3 is not limited to this example. In addition, as Fig.15 and Fig.19As shown, when the drive-side cover member 116 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum holding unit 108, the contact surface 116c faces the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R placed at the separation holding position. The contact surface 116c contacts the separation holding surface 151Rc by the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134 described below. The structure is such that when the engaging surface 116Rc and the separation holding surface 151Rc contact each other, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is positioned so that the separation gap P1 between the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 104 is formed. The state where the developing roller 106 (developing member) is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation holding member 151R by the separation gap P1 is referred to as the separation position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see Fig.42 part (a)).

[0357] Here, with reference to Fig.42 , the separation state and the contact state of the processing cartridge 100 will be described in detail.

[0358] Fig.42 is a side view of the processing cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, where the processing cartridge 100 is installed inside the imaging device main assembly 170. Fig.42 Part (a) of Fig.42 shows the state where the developing unit 109 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104.

[0359] First, in a state where the separation holding member 151R is placed at the separation holding position and the developing unit 109 is located at the separation position, the pressed portion 152Re of the biasing member 152R is pushed in the ZA direction. As a result, the protruding portion 152Rh of the biasing member 152R protrudes from the processing cartridge 100. The second pressed surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the biasing member 152R through the tension spring 153 as described above. Therefore, when the second force receiving portion 152Rn is pressed in the direction of arrow W42, the biasing member 152R rotates in the direction of arrow BB about the biasing member swing axis HC, causing the separation holding member 151R to rotate in the direction of arrow B2. When the separation holding member 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B2, the separation holding surface 151Rc separates from the contact surface 116c, whereby the developing unit 109 can rotate in the direction of arrow V2 about the swing axis K from the separation position. That is, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction from the separation position, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other is referred to as the contact position (developing position) ( Fig.42the state of part (b)). The position where the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R is separated from the contact surface 116c is referred to as the separation allowable position (allowable position). When the developing unit 109 is at the contact position, the second restricting surface 151Rk of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second restricting surface 116d of the drive side cartridge cover 116, so that the separation holding member 151R is maintained at the separation release position.

[0360] In addition, the drive side bearing 126 has a first pressed surface 126c, which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. Since the drive side bearing 126 is fixed to the developing unit 109, the developing unit 109 presses the first force receiving portion 152Rk of the urging member 152R in the direction of arrow 41 in a state where the developing unit is at the contact position. Then, by the first pressing surface 152Rq contacting the first pressed surface 126c, the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 to move to the separation position ( Fig.42 the state shown in part (a)). Here, the direction in which the first force receiving surface 126c moves when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position is indicated by Fig.42 part (a) and Fig.42 the arrow W41 in part (b). In addition, the direction opposite to the arrow W41 is depicted by the arrow W42, and the directions of the arrow W41 and the arrow W42 are substantially horizontal (X1, X2 directions). As described above, the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the urging member 152R assembled to the developing unit 109 is located on the upstream side of the first force receiving surface 126c of the drive side bearing 126 in the direction of the arrow W41. In addition, the first force receiving surface 126c and the second force receiving surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R are provided at positions where they at least partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0361] The operation of the separation contact mechanism 150R in the imaging device main assembly 170 will be described in detail below.

[0362] [Mounting the processing cartridge to the imaging device main assembly]

[0363] Next, with reference to Fig.12 、 Fig.23 and Fig.24 the engagement operation between the separation contact mechanism 150R of the processing cartridge 100 and the developing separation control unit 195 of the imaging device main assembly 170 when the processing cartridge 100 is mounted to the imaging device main assembly 170 will be described. For ease of explanation, these figures are cross-sectional views in which a part of the developing cover member 128 and a part of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 are respectively omitted along the partial cross-section lines CS1 and CS2.

[0364] Fig.23 This is a view seen from the drive side of the processing cartridge 100 when the processing cartridge 100 is mounted on a cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the imaging apparatus M and the cartridge tray 171 is inserted into the first mounting position. In this figure, illustrations are omitted except for the processing cartridge 100, the cartridge pressing unit 121, and the separation control member 196R.

[0365] As described above, the imaging apparatus main assembly 170 of the present embodiment includes a separation control member 196R corresponding to each processing cartridge 100 as described above. When the processing cartridge 100 is placed at the first internal position and the second internal position, the separation control member 196R is disposed on the lower side of the imaging apparatus main assembly 170 below the separation holding member 151R. The separation control member 196R has a first biasing surface 196Ra and a second biasing surface 196Rb that project toward the processing cartridge 100 and face each other across a space 196Rd. The first biasing surface 196Ra and the second biasing surface 196Rb are interconnected by a connecting portion 196Rc in the lower side of the imaging apparatus main assembly 170. Further, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by a control metal plate 197 about a rotation center 196Re. The separation member 196R is normally pushed by a compression spring in the E1 direction. Further, the control metal plate 197 is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), such that the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

[0366] As described above, in relation to the transition of the front door 11 of the imaging apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 121 is lowered in the direction of arrow ZA, and the first biasing portion 121a contacts the pressed surface 152Rf of the biasing member 152R. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 121 is lowered to a predetermined position as the second mounting position, the protruding portion 152Rh of the biasing member 152R projects downward in the Z2 direction of the processing cartridge 100 ( Fig.24 in the state of Fig.24As shown, a gap T4 is formed between the first biasing surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the first force receiving surface 152Rp of the biasing member 152R, and a gap T3 is formed between the second biasing surface 196Rb and the second force receiving surface 152Rp. Then, it is placed at the second mounting position where the separation control member 196R does not act on the biasing member 152R. This position of the separation control member 196R is referred to as the original position. At this time, the arrangement is such that the first force receiving surface 152Rp of the biasing member 152R and the first biasing surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the arrangement is such that the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the biasing member 152R and the second biasing surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0367] [Contact operation of the developing unit]

[0368] Next, with reference to Figure 24 to Figure 26 , the contact operation between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 through the separation contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail. For ease of explanation, these figures are cross-sectional views of a part of the developing cover member 128, a part of the drive side cartridge cover member 116, and a part of the drive side bearing 126 taken along lines CS1, CS2, and CS3, respectively.

[0369] In the structure of the present embodiment, the developing input coupling 32 receives a driving force from the imaging device main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2 in Fig.24 , causing the developing roller 106 to rotate. That is, the developing unit 109 including the developing input coupling 32 receives a torque in the direction of arrow V2 around the swing axis K from the imaging device main assembly 170. As Fig.24 shown, when the developing unit 109 is in the separation position and the separation holding member 151R is in the separation holding position, the developing unit 109 receives this torque and a pressing force through the developing pressure spring 134, as will be described below. Even in this case, the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R contacts the contact surface 116c of the drive side cartridge cover member 116, and thus, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is held at the separation position.

[0370] The separation control member 196R of the present embodiment is configured to be movable in Fig.24It moves from the original position in the direction of arrow W42. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the second biasing surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the biasing member 152R come into contact with each other, causing the biasing member 152R to rotate in the BB direction about the swing axis HC of the biasing member 152R. Further, as the biasing member 152R rotates further, the separation holding member 151R rotates in the B2 direction while the second pressing surface 152Rr of the biasing member 152R contacts the second pressed surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R. Then, the separation holding member 151R is rotated by the biasing member 152R to the separation allowable position where the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c are separated from each other. Here, the position of the separation control member 196R for moving the separation holding member 151R to Fig.25 the shown separation allowable position is referred to as the first position.

[0371] In this way, the separation control member 196R moves the separation holding member 151R to the separation allowable position. Then, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction by the torque received from the imaging device main assembly 170 and the developing pressure spring 134 to be described below, and moves to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other ( Fig.25 the shown state). At this time, the separation holding member 151R pushed in the direction of arrow B1 by the tension spring 153 is maintained at the separation allowable position by the contact of the second regulated surface 151Rk with the second restricting surface 116d of the drive side cartridge cover member 116. Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction and returns to the original position. At this time, the biasing member 152R rotates in the BA direction by the tension spring 153, and the first pressing surface 152Rq of the biasing member 152R and the first pressing surface 126c of the drive side bearing 126 come into contact with each other ( Fig.26 the shown state).

[0372] As a result, the above-described gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and are placed at the position where the separation control member 196R does not act on the biasing member 152R. From Fig.25 the state to Fig.26 the state transition is performed without delay.

[0373] As described above, in the structure of the present embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R from the original position to the first position, the biasing member 152R can rotate and the separation holding member 151R moves from the separation holding position to the separation allowable position. As a result, the developing unit 109 can move from the separation position to the contact position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. Fig.26The position of the separation control member 196R separated from Fig.24 is the same as that in

[0374] [Separation operation of the developing unit]

[0375] Next, referring to Fig.26 and Fig. 27 , the operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position by the separation contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail. For better illustration, these figures are cross-sectional views taken along line CS, in which a part of the developing cover member 128, a part of the drive-side cassette cover member 116, and a part of the drive-side bearing 126 are partially omitted.

[0376] The separation control member 196R in this embodiment is configured to be movable from the original position in the Fig.26 direction of arrow W41 in Fig. 27 . When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the first biasing surface 196Rb of the biasing member 152R and the first force receiving surface 152Rm come into contact with each other, and the biasing member 152R rotates in the direction indicated by arrow BB about the biasing member swing axis HC. Then, by the first pressing surface 152Rq of the biasing member 152R coming into contact with the first pressed surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126 ( Fig. 27 the state shown), the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 from the contact position. Here, the pressed surface 152Rf of the biasing member 152R has an arc shape, and the center of the arc is placed to coincide with the swing axis K. Thus, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the force received by the pressed surface 152Rf of the biasing member 152R from the cassette pressing unit 121 is directed toward the swing axis K direction. Therefore, the developing unit 109 can be operated in a manner that does not interfere with the rotation in the direction of arrow V1. In the separation holding member 151R, the second regulated surface 151Rk of the separation holding member 151R and the second restricting surface 116d of the drive-side cassette cover member 116 are separated from each other, and the separation holding member 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B1 by the pressing force of the tension spring 153. Thus, the separation holding member 151R rotates until the second pressed surface 151Re comes into contact with the second pressing surface 152Rr of the biasing member 152R, and by the contact, the separation holding member 151R moves to the separation holding position. When the developing unit 109 is moved from the contact position to the separation position by the separation control member 196R and the separation holding member 151R is in the separation holding position, a gap T5 is formed between the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c, as Fig. 27The position shown is referred to as the second position of the separation control member 196R.

[0377] Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of arrow W42 and returns from the second position to the original position. Then, while the separation holding member 151R remains in the separation holding position, the developing unit rotates in the direction of arrow V2 by the torque received from the main assembly 170 of the image forming apparatus and the developing pressure spring 134 which will be described below, and the separation holding surface 151Rc contacts the contact surface 116c. That is, the developing unit 109 is in a state where the separation position is maintained by the separation holding member 151R, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in a state where they are separated by a gap P1 ( Fig.24 and Fig.42 the state shown in part (a)). As a result, the above-described gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196R is placed at a position where it does not act on the biasing member 152R ( Fig.24 the state in). From Fig. 27 the state to Fig.24 the state transition is performed without delay.

[0378] As described above, in the present embodiment, the separation control member 196R moves from the original position to the second position, so that the separation holding member 151R moves from the separation allowing position to the separation holding position. Then, by the separation control member 196R returning from the second position to the original position, the developing unit 109 becomes a state where the separation position is maintained by the separation holding member 151R.

[0379] [Detailed description of the separation holding member L]

[0380] Here, referring to Fig.28 , the separation holding member 151L will be described in detail.

[0381] Fig.28 Part (a) of is a front view of the process cartridge 100 itself of the separation holding member 151L as viewed in the longitudinal direction on the drive side, and Fig.28 B and Fig.28 C are perspective views of the separation holding member 151L itself. The separation holding member 151L includes an annular support receiving portion 151La, and includes a separation holding portion 151Lb that projects from the support receiving portion 151La in the radial direction of the support receiving portion 151La. The free end of the separation holding portion 151Lb has an arcuate separation holding surface 151Lc that extends around the separation holding member swing axis H.

[0382] In addition, the separation holding member 151L has a second regulated surface 151Lk adjacent to the separation holding surface 151Lc. Further, the separation holding member 151L includes a second pressed portion 151Ld protruding from the support receiving portion 151La in the Z2 direction, and includes an arcuate second pressed surface 151Le protruding from the second pressed portion 151Ld in the direction of the swing axis H of the separation holding member of the support receiving portion 151La.

[0383] In addition, the separation holding member 151L is provided with a main body portion 151Lf connected to the support receiving portion 151La, and the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a spring hook portion 151Lg protruding in the direction of the swing axis H of the separation holding member of the support receiving portion 151La. Further, the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a rotation prevention portion 151m protruding in the Z2 direction, and a rotation prevention surface 151Ln is provided in the direction facing the second pressed surface 151Le.

[0384] [Detailed description of the biasing member L]

[0385] Reference Fig.29 , the biasing member 152L will be described in detail.

[0386] Fig.29 Part (a) of is a front view of the biasing member 152L as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100, and Fig.29 Parts (b) and (c) of are perspective views of the biasing member 152L.

[0387] The biasing member 152L is provided with an elliptical support receiving portion 152La having an elliptical shape. Here, the longitudinal direction of the ellipse of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La is depicted by the arrow LH, the upward direction is depicted by the arrow LH1, and the downward direction is depicted by the arrow LH2. Further, the direction in which the elliptical support receiving portion 152La extends is depicted by HD. The biasing member 152L is provided with a protruding portion 152Lh formed on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2 of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La. The elliptical support receiving portion 152La and the protruding portion 152Lh are connected to each other by a main body portion 152Lb. On the other hand, the biasing member 152L includes a pushed portion 152Le protruding in the direction of the arrow LH1 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow LH1, and an arcuate pressed surface 152Lf is provided on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH1 and a push restriction surface 152Lg is also provided on the upstream side. Further, the biasing member 152L has a first accommodation time restriction surface 152Lv which is a part of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La and is provided on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2.

[0388] The protruding portion 152Lh includes a first force receiving portion 152Lk and a second force receiving portion 152Ln. The first force receiving portion 152Lk and the second force receiving portion 152Ln are arranged to face each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH2 at the end portion in the direction of arrow LH2. The first force receiving portion 152Lk and the second force receiving portion 152Ln respectively have a first force receiving surface 152Lm and a second force receiving surface 152Lp that extend in the HD direction and are arc-shaped. In addition, the protruding portion 152Lh is provided with a spring hook portion 152Ls and a locking portion 152Lt that protrudes in the HB direction, and the locking portion 152Lt is provided with a locking surface 152Lu that faces the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Lp.

[0389] In addition, the biasing member 152L is a part of the main body portion 152Lb, and is placed on the upstream side of the second force receiving portion 152Ln in the direction of arrow LH2, and has a first pressing surface 152Lq that faces the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Lp. In addition, the biasing member 152L is a part of the main body portion 152Lb, and is placed on the upstream side of the first force receiving portion 152Lk in the direction of arrow LH2, and has a first pressing surface 152Lr that faces the same direction as the first force receiving surface 152Lm.

[0390] In a state where the processing cartridge 100 is mounted on the imaging device main assembly 170, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. In addition, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100.

[0391] [Assembly of the Separation / Contact Mechanism L]

[0392] Next, with reference to Fig.16 and Figure 29 to Figure 35 , the assembly of the separation mechanism will be described. Fig.30 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge 100 as viewed from the driving side after the separation holding member is assembled with the processing cartridge 100. As described above, as Fig.16 shows, in the developing unit 109, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 127a of the non-driving side bearing 127 is fitted into the developing unit support hole portion 117a of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117. Thus, the developing unit 109 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the photosensitive drum 104 about the swing axis K. In addition, the non-driving side bearing 127 includes a cylindrical first support portion 127b and a second support portion 127e that protrude in the direction of the swing axis K.

[0393] The outer diameter of the first support portion 127b is fitted to the inner diameter of the support receiving portion 151La of the separation holding member 151L to rotatably support the separation holding member 151L. Here, the swing center of the separation holding member 151L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 is the separation holding member swing axis H. The non-driving side bearing 127 includes a first holding portion 127c that protrudes in the direction of the separation holding member swing axis H. As Fig.16 shown, the movement of the separation holding member 151L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 in the direction of the swing axis H is restricted by the first holding portion 127c that contacts the separation holding member 151L.

[0394] In addition, the outer diameter of the second support portion 127e is fitted to the inner wall of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La of the urging member 152L to support the urging member 152L so as to be rotatable and movable in the elliptical direction. Here, the swing center of the urging member 152L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 is the urging member swing axis HC. As Fig.16 shown, the movement of the urging member 152L assembled to the non-driving side bearing 127 in the direction of the swing axis HE is restricted by the second holding portion 127f that contacts the separation holding member 151L.

[0395] Fig.31 is a view of the processing cartridge 100 observed in the direction of the developing unit swing axis H after being assembled with the separation holding member 151L. It is a view taken along line CS, in which a part of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 is omitted so that the fitting portion between the elliptical support receiving portion 151La of the urging member 152L and the cylindrical portion 127e of the non-driving side bearing 127 can be seen. Here, the separation contact mechanism 150L is provided with a tension spring 153 that is used to push the separation holding member 151L to rotate it in the direction of arrow B1 about the separation holding member swing axis H and is used to push the urging member 152L in the direction of arrow B3. The direction of arrow B3 is a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LH2 of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La of the urging member 152L (see Fig.29 ). The tension spring 153 is assembled between a spring hook portion 151Lg provided on the separation holding member 151L and a spring hook portion 152Ls provided on the urging member 152L. The tension spring 153 applies a force in the direction of arrow F2 in Fig.31 to the spring hook portion 151Lg of the separation holding member 151L to apply a pressing force for rotating the separation holding member in the direction of arrow B1. In addition, the tension spring 153 applies a force in the direction of arrow F1 to the spring hook portion 152Ls of the urging member 152L to apply a pressing force for moving the urging member 152L in the direction of arrow B3.

[0396] The line connecting the spring hook portion 151Lg of the separation holding member 151L and the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force holding member 152L is GS. The line connecting the spring hook portion 152Ls of the biasing member 152L and the biasing member swing axis HE is HS. The angle θ3 formed by the line GS and the line HE is selected to satisfy the following inequality (3), where the counterclockwise direction around the spring hook portion 152Ls of the biasing member 152L is positive. Accordingly, the biasing member 152L is pushed to rotate around the biasing member swing axis HE in the BA direction in the figure.

[0397] 0°≦θ3≦90°...(3)

[0398] In the present embodiment, the mounting positions of the separation holding member 151L and the biasing member 152L are as follows. As Fig.29 shown, in the direction of the swing axis K, the separation holding member 151L and the biasing member 152L are provided on the side (longitudinal outer side) where the non-driving side cover member 117 of the non-driving side bearing 127 is placed. However, the positions to be arranged are not limited to the example, and they may be provided on the developing frame 125 side (inner side in the longitudinal direction) of the non-driving side bearing 127, and the non-driving side bearing 127 may be provided between the separation holding member 151L and the biasing member 152L. In addition, the arrangement order of the separation holding member 151L and the biasing member 152L may be interchanged.

[0399] The non-driving side bearing 127 is fixed to the developing frame 125 to form the developing unit 109. As Fig.16 shown, in the fixing method in the present embodiment, fixing screws 145 and an adhesive (not shown) are used, but the fixing method is not limited to this example, and welding, for example, welding by heating or pouring and hardening a resin, may be employed.

[0400] Fig.32 Part (a) of Fig.32 and Fig.32 Part (a) of Fig.32 and Fig.31 Part (b) of

[0401] are cross-sectional views in which a part of the non-driving side cover member 117, the tension spring 153, and the separation holding member 151L are partially omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS. For ease of explanation, in Fig.32 As shown in part (b), the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force member 152L contacts the first pressure surface 127h of the non-drive side bearing 127 to be positioned in an appropriate position. This position is referred to as the accommodation position (reference position) of the force member 152L. In addition, the separation and holding member 151L rotates around the swing axis H of the separation and holding member in the direction of the arrow B1 by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 in the direction of the arrow F2, and the contact surface 151Lp of the separation and holding member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force member 152L, whereby it is positioned in an appropriate position. This position is referred to as the separation and holding position (restricted position) of the separation and holding member 151L. When the force member 152L moves to the protruding position to be described below, the second pressure surface 151Le of the separation and holding member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force member 152L to be positioned at the separation and holding position.

[0402] also, Fig.33 yes Fig.31 The periphery of the separation holding portion 151L in the embodiment is enlarged for convenience of explanation and the illustration of the tension spring 153 is omitted. Here, it will be considered that the process cartridge 100 including the separation contact mechanism 150L is in a state of being transported when the process cartridge 100 is transported. Fig.33 In the case where the separation holding member 151L falls in the direction of the arrow JA. At this time, the separation holding member 151L receives a force to rotate in the direction of the arrow B2 due to its own weight around the separation holding swing axis H. When the separation holding member 151L starts to rotate in the direction of the arrow B2, for the above reasons, the rotation preventing surface 151Ln of the separation holding member 151L contacts the locking surface 152Lu of the force applying member 152L, and the separation holding member 151L receives a force in the direction F4 that suppresses the rotation in the direction of the arrow B2. Thus, the separation holding member 151L can be prevented from rotating in the direction of the arrow B2 during transportation, and the separation state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0403] In the present embodiment, the tension spring 153 is mentioned as a pushing device for pushing the separation holding member 151L to the separation holding position and the force member 152L to the accommodation position, but the pushing device is limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc. can be used as a pushing device for pushing the force member 152L to the accommodation position and the separation holding member 151L to the separation holding position. In addition, the material of the pushing device can be a metal, a mold, etc. that has elasticity and can push the separation holding member 151L and the force member 152L.

[0404] As described above, the developing unit 109 provided with the separating contact mechanism 150L is integrally coupled to the drum holding unit 108 by the non-driving side lid member 117 as described above ( Fig.30 in the state). As Fig.16 shown, the non-driving side lid 117 of the present embodiment has a contact surface 117c. The contact surface 117c is a surface parallel to the swing axis K. Further, as Fig.16 and Fig.30 shown, when the non-driving side lid member 117 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum holding unit 108, the contact surface 117c faces the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L placed at the separation holding position.

[0405] Here, the processing cartridge 100 includes a developing pressure spring 134 as a pressing member for bringing the developing roller 106 into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. The developing pressure spring 134 is assembled between a spring hook portion 117e of the non-driving side lid member 117 and a spring hook portion 127k of the non-driving side bearing 127. The pressing force of the developing pressure spring 134 causes the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L and the contact surface 117c of the non-driving side lid member 117 to contact each other. Then, when the contact surface 117cc and the separation holding surface 151Lc contact each other, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is positioned such that a gap P1 is provided between the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 104. The state in which the developing roller 106 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation holding member 151L by the gap P1 is referred to as the separation position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see Fig.35 part (a)).

[0406] Here, with reference to Fig.35 , the separation state and the contact state of the processing cartridge 100 will be described in detail. Fig.35 is a side view of the processing cartridge 100 as viewed from the non-driving side, where the processing cartridge 100 is installed inside the imaging device main assembly 170. Fig.35 Part (a) of Fig.35 shows a state in which the developing unit is separated from the photosensitive drum 104.

[0407] First, in a state where the separation holding member 151L is placed at the separation holding position and the developing unit 109 is placed at the separation position, the pushed portion 152Le of the biasing member 152L is pushed in the direction of arrow ZA. As a result, the protruding portion 152Lh of the biasing member 152L protrudes from the processing cartridge 100 ( Fig.34The state of part (a)). This position is referred to as the protruding position of the urging member 152L. As described above, the second pressure-receiving surface 151Le of the separation holding member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the urging member 152L through the tension spring 153. Therefore, when the second force-receiving portion 152Ln is pressed in the direction of arrow W42, the urging member 152L rotates in the direction of arrow BD about the urging member swing axis HE, causing the separation holding member 151L to rotate in the direction of arrow B5. When the separation holding member 151L rotates in the direction of arrow B5, the separation holding surface 151Lc separates from the contact surface 117c, and the developing unit 109 becomes capable of rotating from the separation position in the direction of arrow V2 about the swing axis K.

[0408] That is, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction from the separation position, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other is referred to as the contact position (developing position) ( Fig.34 The state of part (b)). The position where the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L separates from the contact surface 117c is referred to as the separation allowable position (allowable position). When the developing unit 109 is placed at the contact position, the separation holding member 151L is maintained at the separation allowable position by the second restricting surface 151Lk of the separation holding member 151L contacting the second restricting surface 117d of the drive-side cartridge cover 116.

[0409] In addition, the non-drive-side bearing 127 of the present embodiment has a first pressure-receiving surface 127h, which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. Since the non-drive-side bearing is fixed to the developing unit 109, while the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the developing unit 109 presses the first force-receiving portion 152Lk of the urging member 152L in the direction of arrow 41. Then, by the first pressing surface 152Lq contacting the first pressure-receiving surface 127h, the developing unit rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 and moves to the separation position ( Fig.34 The state shown in part (a)). Here, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the direction in which the first pressure-receiving surface 127h moves is determined by Fig.34 Part (a) and Fig.34The arrow W41 in part (b) indicates. In addition, the direction opposite to the arrow W41 is indicated by the arrow W42, and the directions of the arrow W41 and the arrow W42 are substantially horizontal directions (X1, X2 directions). As described above, the second force receiving surface 152Lp of the biasing member 152L assembled to the developing unit 109 is placed on the upstream side in the direction of the arrow W41 of the first pressure receiving surface 127h of the non-driving side bearing 127. Further, the first pressure receiving surface 127h and the second force receiving surface 151Le of the separation holding member 151L are arranged at positions where at least a part of them overlaps in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0410] The operation of the separation contact mechanism 150L in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described below.

[0411] [Mounting the processing cartridge on the image forming apparatus main assembly]

[0412] Next, reference will be made to Fig.35 and Fig.36 to describe the engagement between the separation contact mechanism 150R of the processing cartridge 100 and the developing separation control unit of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 when the processing cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. For ease of explanation, these figures are cross-sectional views in which a part of the developing cover member 128 and a part of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 are partially omitted by partial cut lines CS, respectively. Fig.35 is a view seen from the driving side of the processing cartridge 100 when the processing cartridge is mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus M and the cartridge tray 171 is inserted into the first mounting position. In this figure, components other than the processing cartridge 100, the cartridge pressing unit 121, and the separation control member 196L are omitted.

[0413] As described above, the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a separation control member 196L corresponding to the corresponding process cartridge 100 as described above. When the process cartridge 100 is placed at the first internal position and the second internal position, the separation control member 196L is disposed on the lower surface side of the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus relative to the separation holding member 151L. The separation control member 196L has a first biasing surface 196La and a second biasing surface 196Lb that project toward the process cartridge and face each other across the space 196Rd. The first biasing surface 196Ra and the second biasing surface 196Rb are interconnected by a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus. In addition, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by a control metal plate 197 about a rotation center 196Re as the center. The separation member 196R is normally pushed by a push spring in the E1 direction. In addition, the control metal plate 197 is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), so that the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

[0414] As described above, in relation to the transition of the front door 11 of the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus from the open state to the closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 121 descends in the direction of arrow ZA, and the first biasing portion 121a comes into contact with the pressure receiving surface 152Lf of the biasing member 152L. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 121 descends to a predetermined position as the second mounting position, the portion 152Lh of the biasing member 152L moves to the protruding position where the process cartridge 100 protrudes downward in the Z2 direction ( Fig.36 the state in). When this operation is completed, as Fig.36 shown, a gap T4 is formed between the first biasing surface 196La of the separation control member 196L and the first force receiving surface 152Lp of the biasing member 152L, and a gap T3 is formed between the second force receiving surface 152Lp and the second biasing surface 196Lb. Then, it is placed at the second mounting position where the separation control member 196L does not act on the biasing member 152L. This position of the separation control member 196L is referred to as the original position. At this time, the first force receiving surface 152Lp of the biasing member 152L and the first biasing surface 196La of the separation control member 196L are arranged to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the second force receiving surface 152Lp of the biasing member 152L and the second biasing surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L are arranged to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0415] [Contact operation of developing unit]

[0416] Next, referring to Figure 36 to Figure 38, the operation of bringing the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller into contact with each other through the separating contact mechanism 150L will be described in detail. For ease of explanation, in the partial cross-sectional line CS, a part of the developing cover member 128, a part of the non-driving side cassette cover member 117, and a part of the non-driving side bearing 127 are respectively partially omitted. It is a cross-sectional view.

[0417] As described above, the developing input coupling 32 receives a driving force from the imaging device main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2 in Fig.24 such that the developing roller 106 rotates. That is, the developing unit 109 including the developing input coupling 32 receives a torque from the imaging device main assembly 170 about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V2. In addition, due to the pressing force of the above-mentioned developing pressure spring 134, the developing unit 109 also receives a pressing force in the direction of arrow V2.

[0418] As Fig.36 shown, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the separation holding member 151L is in the separation holding position, the developing unit receives this torque and pressing force through the developing pressure spring 134. Even in this case, the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L contacts the contact surface 117c of the non-driving side cassette cover member 117, and the attitude of the developing unit 109 is maintained at the separated position ( Fig.36 state).

[0419] The separation control member 196L of the present embodiment is configured to be movable from the original position in the direction of arrow W41 in Fig.36 . When the separation control member 196L moves in the W41 direction, the second force-applying surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L and the second force-receiving surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L come into contact with each other, and the force-applying member 152L rotates about the force-applying member swing axis HD in the BD direction. In addition, as the force-applying member 152L rotates, the separation holding member 151L rotates in the B5 direction while the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force-applying member 152L contacts the second pressed surface 151Le of the separation holding member 151L. Then, the separation holding member 151L rotates through the force-applying member 152L to the separation-permitted position where the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c are separated from each other. Here, the position of the separation control member 196L for moving the separation holding member 151L to the Fig.37 shown separation-permitted position is referred to as the first position.

[0420] In this manner, the separation control member 196L moves the separation holding member 151L to the separation permitted position. Then, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction by the torque received from the imaging device main assembly 170 and the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134, and moves to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other ( Fig.37 the state shown). At this time, the separation holding member 151 pushed in the direction of arrow B4 by the tension spring 153 is maintained at the separation permitted position by the second regulated surface 151Lk contacting the second restricting surface 117d of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117. Thereafter, the separation control member 196L moves in the W42 direction and returns to the original position. At this time, the biasing member 152L rotates in the BC direction by the tension spring 153, and the state changes toward the state where the first pressing surface 152Lq of the biasing member 152L and the first pressed surface 127h of the non-driving side bearing 127 are in contact with each other ( Fig.38 the state shown). Thereby, the above-described gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196L is placed at a position where the biasing member 152L does not act. From Fig.37 the state to Fig.38 the state transition is performed without delay. Fig.38 The position of the separation control member 196L in Fig.36 is the same as that in

[0421] As described above, with the structure of the present embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196L from the original position to the first position, the biasing member 152L rotates to move the separation holding member 151L from the separation holding position to the separation permitted position. Thereby, the developing unit 109 can move from the separation position to the contact position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other.

[0422] [Separation operation of the developing unit]

[0423] Next, the operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position will be described in detail with reference to Fig.38 and Fig.39 . Note that Fig.39 is a cross-section in which a part of the developing cover member 128, a part of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117, and a part of the non-driving side bearing are respectively omitted by the partial cross-section line CS.

[0424] The separation control member 196L in the present embodiment is configured to be in Fig.38It can move from the original position in the direction of arrow W42. When the separation control member 196L moves in the W42 direction, the first pressing surface 196Lb of the biasing member 152L and the first force receiving surface 152Lm come into contact with each other, and the biasing member 152L rotates along arrow BC centered on the biasing member swing axis HD. Since the first pressing surface 152Lq of the biasing member 152L contacts the first pressed surface 127h of the non-driven side bearing 127, the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 from the contact position ( Fig.39 in the state). Here, the pressed surface 152Lf of the biasing member 152L has an arc shape, and the center of the arc is placed to align with the swing axis K. Thus, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the force received by the pressed surface 152Lf of the biasing member 152L from the cartridge pressing unit 121 faces the direction of the swing axis K. Therefore, the developing unit 109 can be operated so as not to interfere with the rotation in the direction of arrow V1. In the separation holding member 151L, the second regulated surface 151Lk of the separation holding member 151L and the second restricting surface 117d of the non-driven side cartridge cover member 117 are separated, and the separation holding member 151L rotates in the direction of arrow B4 by the pressing force of the tension spring 153. Thus, the separation holding member 151L rotates until the second pressed surface 151Le contacts the second pressing surface 152LR of the biasing member 152L, and by the contact with the second pressing surface 152LR, the position moves to the separation holding position. When the developing unit moves from the contact position to the separation position by the separation control member 196L and the separation holding member 151L is placed at the separation holding position, a gap T5 is formed between the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c, as Fig.39 shown. Here, the position where the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position toward the separation position and the separation holding member 151 can move to the separation holding position is called the second position of the separation control member 196L.

[0425] Thereafter, the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of arrow W41 and returns from the second position to the original position. Then, while the separation holding member 151L is maintained at the separation holding position, the developing unit rotates in the direction of arrow V2 by the torque received from the main assembly 170 of the imaging device and the pressing force of the developing pressure spring 134, and the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c come into contact with each other. That is, the developing unit 109 is in a state where the separation position is maintained by the separation holding member 151L, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in a state where they are separated by a gap P1 ( Fig.36 and Fig.34the state in part (a)). As a result, the above-described gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196L is placed at a position where the biasing member 152L does not act ( Fig.36 in the state). From Fig.39 the state to Fig.36 the state transition is performed without delay.

[0426] As described above, in the structure of the present embodiment, by the movement of the separation control member 196L from the original position to the second position, the separation holding member 151L moves from the separation allowable position to the separation holding position. And, by the return of the separation control member 196L from the second position to the original position, the developing unit 109 becomes a state in which the separation position is maintained by the separation holding member 151L.

[0427] So far, the operations of the separation mechanism placed on the driving side of the processing cartridge 100 and the separation mechanism placed on the non-driving side have been separately described, but in the present embodiment, they operate in an interrelated manner. That is, when the developing unit 109 is positioned at the separation position by the separation holding member R, the developing unit 109 is basically simultaneously positioned at the separation position by the separation holding member L, and the same applies to the contact position. Specifically, in Figure 23 to Figure 27 and Figure 35 to Figure 39 the movements of the separation control member 121R and the separation control member 121L described are integrally performed by a connecting mechanism (not shown). As a result, the timing at which the separation holding member 151R provided on the driving side is placed at the separation holding position and the timing at which the separation holding member 151L provided on the non-driving side is placed at the separation holding position are basically the same, and the timing at which the separation holding member 151R is placed at the separation allowable position and the timing at which the separation holding member 151L is placed at the separation allowable position are basically the same. These timings may be different between the driving side and the non-driving side, but in order to shorten the time from when the user starts a printing job until the printed matter is discharged, it is desirable that at least the timings for positioning at least the separation allowable position are the same. In the present embodiment, the separation holding member swing axis H of the separation holding member 151R and the separation holding member 151L is common, but it is sufficient that the timings of the separation holding member 151R and the separation holding member 151L are basically the same as described above, and thus the above example is not restrictive. Similarly, the biasing member swing axis HC of the biasing member 152R and the biasing member swing axis HE of the biasing member 152L are non-matching axes, but it is sufficient if the timings for placing at the separation allowable position are basically the same as described above, and thus, the above example is not restrictive.

[0428] As described above, the same separation contact mechanisms are provided on the driving side and the non-driving side, respectively, and they operate substantially simultaneously. Thus, even when the processing cartridge 100 is distorted or deformed in the longitudinal direction, the separation amount between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 9 can be controlled at respective end portions in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the change in the separation amount in the longitudinal direction can be suppressed.

[0429] In addition, according to the present embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R(L) in one direction (the directions of arrows W41 and W42) between the original position, the first position, and the second position, the contact state and the separation state between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member can be controlled. Therefore, the developing roller 106 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 104 only when an image is formed, and the developing roller 4 can be maintained in a state separated from the photosensitive drum 104 when no image is formed. Therefore, even when imaging is not performed for a long time, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 will not be deformed, and a stable image can be formed.

[0430] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the biasing member 152R(L) that acts to rotate and move the separation holding member 151R(L) can be positioned at the accommodation position by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 or the like. Therefore, when the processing cartridge 100 is outside the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus, it does not protrude from the outermost shape of the processing cartridge 100, and the size of the processing cartridge 100 itself can be reduced.

[0431] Similarly, the biasing member 152R(L) can be positioned at the accommodation position by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 or the like. Therefore, when the processing cartridge 100 is to be installed in the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus, the installation of the processing cartridge 100 can be completed by moving it only in one direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the processing cartridge 100 (tray 171) in the vertical direction. Therefore, the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus does not require extra space, and the size of the main assembly can be reduced.

[0432] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the separation control member 196R(L) is placed at the original position, the separation control member 196R(L) does not protrude from the processing cartridge 100. Therefore, the stiffness required for operating the separation control member 196R(L) and the mechanism for the separation control member 196R(L) can be reduced, and the size can be reduced. In addition, since the load on the sliding portion of the mechanism for operating the separation control member 196R(L) is also reduced, the wear of the sliding portion and the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0433] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the developing unit 109 can be maintained at the separated position only by the separating and holding members 151R(L) included in the process cartridge 100. Therefore, by reducing the number of components that cause variations in the amount of the gap between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104, component tolerances can be reduced and the amount of the gap can be minimized. Since the amount of the gap can be reduced, when the process cartridge 100 is disposed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the area occupied by the developing unit 109 when moving to the contact position and the separated position can be smaller, so that the image forming apparatus can be downsized. In addition, the space of the developer accommodating portion 29 of the developing unit 109 for moving to the contact position and the separated position can be increased, and thus, a process cartridge 100 with a reduced size and a large capacity can be placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

[0434] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 100 is installed, the biasing members 152R(L) can also be positioned at the accommodating positions, and the developing unit 109 can be maintained at the separated position only by the separating and holding members 151R(L) of the process cartridge 100. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 100 can be installed by moving only in one direction. For this purpose, it is not necessary to move the process cartridge 100 (tray 171) in the vertical direction. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 does not require space, and the main assembly can be downsized. In addition, since the amount of separation can be reduced, when the process cartridge 100 is placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the area occupied by the developing unit 109 when moving to the contact position and the separated position can be made smaller, and thus the image forming apparatus can be downsized. In addition, since the space of the developer accommodating portion 29 of the developing unit 109 for moving to the contact position and the separated position can be increased, a process cartridge 100 with a reduced size and a large capacity can be placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

[0435] [Details of the Arrangement of the Separation-Contact Mechanism]

[0436] Subsequently, with reference to Fig.40 and Fig.41 , the arrangements of the separation-contact mechanisms R and L in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0437] Fig.40 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separating and holding member 151R when the process cartridge 100 is viewed from the drive side along the swing axis K (in the direction of the photosensitive drum axis) of the developing unit 109. In addition, for ease of explanation, it is a sectional view in which a part of the developing cover member and a part of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are partially omitted by the partial section line CS. Fig.41This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation and holding member 151R when the processing cartridge 100 is viewed from the non-driving side along the swing axis K (the axis along the photosensitive drum axis) of the developing unit 109. In addition, for ease of explanation, this is a sectional view in which a part of the developing cover member 128 and a part of the driving-side cartridge cover member 116 are partially omitted by the partial section line CS. Regarding the arrangement of the separation and holding member and the biasing member described below, there is no difference between the driving side and the non-driving side except for the parts that will be described in detail below, and they are common, and therefore, only the driving side will be described, which also applies to the non-driving side.

[0438] As Fig.40 shown, the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 104 is point M1, the rotation center of the developing roller 106 is point M2, and the line passing through points M1 and M2 is line N. In addition, the contact area between the separation and holding surface 151Rc of the separation and holding member 151R and the contact surface 116c of the driving-side cartridge cover member 116 is M3, and the contact area between the second pressure-receiving surface 151Re of the separation and holding member 151R and the second pressing surface 152Rr of the second biasing member 152R is M4. Furthermore, the distance between the swing axis K and point M2 of the developing unit 109 is distance e1, the distance between the swing axis K and area M3 is e2, and the distance between the swing axis K and point M4 is e3.

[0439] In the structure of the present embodiment, the following positions are the relationships when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the biasing member 152R (L) is in the protruding position. When viewed along Fig.40 the axial direction of the swing axis K (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum) as shown, at least a part of the contact area M3 between the separation and holding member 151R and the driving-side cartridge cover member is placed on the side opposite to the side where the center of the developing coupling 32 (swing axis K) exists with respect to the line N passing through the center of the photosensitive drum 104 and the center of the developing roller. That is, the separation and holding surface 151Rc of the separation and holding member 151R is arranged such that the distance e2 is longer than the distance e1.

[0440] By arranging the separation and holding member 151R and the separation and holding surface 151Rc in this way, when the position of the separation and holding surface 151Rc changes due to component tolerances or the like, the change in the attitude of the interval position of the developing unit 109 can be suppressed. That is, the influence of the change in the separation and holding surface 151Rc on the separation amount (gap) P1 between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 (see Fig.42 part (a)) can be minimized, and the developing roller 106 can be accurately spaced apart from the photosensitive member 104. In addition, when the developing unit 109 is separated, there is no need to provide additional space to allow retraction, which results in a reduction in the size of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device.

[0441] In addition, a first force receiving portion 152Rk (Lk) and a second force receiving portion 152Rn (Ln), which are force receiving portions of the force applying member 152R (L), are provided on a side opposite to the rotation center of the developing coupling 32 with respect to the extension line of the line N.

[0442] As described above, the force receiving portions 152Rk (Lk) and 152Rn (Ln) are provided at end portions in the longitudinal direction. In addition, as Fig.15 ( Fig.16 ) shown, a cylindrical portion 128b (127a), which is a support portion of the developing unit 109, is provided at an end portion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by disposing the force receiving portions 152Rk (Lk) and 152Rn (Ln) at positions opposite to the cylindrical portion 128b (127a) (i.e., the swing axis K) of the developing unit 109 with respect to the line N, functional elements can be effectively arranged. That is, it results in a reduction in the size of the processing cartridge 100 and the imaging apparatus M.

[0443] In addition, the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are placed at the end portions on the longitudinal driving side. In addition, as Fig.15 shown, a developing drive input gear 132, which receives drive from the main assembly 170 of the imaging apparatus and drives the developing roller 106, is provided at an end portion on the driving side in the longitudinal direction. As Fig.40 shown, the force applying members 152Rk and 152Rn are placed on a side opposite to the rotation center K of the developing drive input gear 132 (developing coupling portion 132a) with respect to the extension line of the line N, as shown by the dashed line. With this arrangement, functional elements can be effectively arranged. That is, it results in a reduction in the size of the processing cartridge 100 and the imaging apparatus M.

[0444] In addition, the contact portion between the separation holding member 151R and the force applying member 152R is arranged such that the distance e3 is longer than the distance e1. As a result, the separation holding member 151R and the drive side cartridge cover member 116 can contact each other with a lighter force. That is, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be stably separated from each other.

[0445] [Detailed description of the drive transmission mechanism for the photosensitive drum]

[0446] A structure for transmitting the driving force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus to the drum unit 103 of the cartridge 100 (see Figure 1 part (a)) to drive (rotate) the drum unit will be described.

[0447] Figure 1 、 Fig.13 and Figure 55 to Figure 58The drum unit 103 shown includes a photosensitive drum, a drum coupling (cartridge-side coupling, coupling member) 143, and a drum flange 142 (see Fig.13 ). The drum unit 103 can be mounted on and detached from the main assembly of the imaging device as a part of the cartridge 100. By mounting the drum unit 103 on the main assembly of the device, it can be connected to the drive transmission unit 203 of the main assembly of the device (see Fig.43 and Fig.44 , details will be described below). During imaging, the drum unit rotates in the direction of arrow A (see Figure 1 , Figure 55 to Figure 57 ). In the present embodiment, when observing the drive side of the drum unit 103 (the side where the drum coupling 143 is located), that is, when observing the drum unit 103 in the direction of arrow M1B, the rotation direction of the drum unit 103 corresponds to the clockwise direction (see Figure 1 ). In other words, when observing the front surface of the drum coupling 143, the rotation direction A of the drum coupling 143 corresponds to the clockwise direction.

[0448] The rotation direction A of the drum unit (drum coupling 143 and photosensitive drum 104) will be described below using the movement of the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). In Figure 2 and Figure 3 , different from Figure 1 , the cartridge is observed from the non-drive side, and thus the rotation direction A of the drum unit 103 is the counterclockwise direction.

[0449] As Figure 3 shown, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is charged inside the cartridge at a position close to the charging roller 105 (around the position where it contacts the charging roller). Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 moves to the position where it receives the laser beam U, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 moves to a position close to the developing roller 106 (the position where it contacts the developing roller in the present embodiment), and the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is developed into a toner image. After that, the surface of the photosensitive drum moves to a position exposed below the cartridge and outside the outer shell of the cartridge. Then, as Figure 2 shown, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 exposed from the outer shell of the cartridge contacts the intermediate transfer belt 12a provided in the main assembly of the imaging device. Thereby, the toner image is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to the transfer belt 12a. Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 returns to a position close to the charging roller 105 inside the cartridge.

[0450] In summary, when the photosensitive drum 104 rotates due to the driving force of the coupling 143, a part of the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 moves from a position close to the charging roller 105 to a position close to the developing roller 106. Thereafter, a part of the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is exposed to the outside of the housing of the cartridge, and then returns to the inside of the housing of the cartridge and approaches the charging roller 105 again.

[0451] As described above, the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment does not have a cleaning device for contacting the photosensitive drum 104 and removing toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 (see Figure 3 ). Therefore, the torque required to rotate the drum unit 103 (photosensitive drum 104) in the cartridge 100 is relatively small. In such a structure, the drum unit 103 is easily affected by the surrounding environment when being driven, and thus, the drum unit 103 may be affected by external factors, resulting in an unstable rotation speed. For example, in the present embodiment, the developing roller 106, the charging roller 105, and the transfer belt 12a are in contact with the photosensitive drum 104. If the magnitude of the frictional force generated between these devices and the photosensitive drum 104 fluctuates, the speed of the drum unit 103 may fluctuate.

[0452] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the structure is such that when the drum driving coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 (see Fig.43 ) provided in the main assembly of the device rotates the drum unit (photosensitive drum 104) of the cartridge, a torque of a predetermined level or higher is required. Thus, the rotation of the drum unit 103 is relatively less affected by external factors, and its rotation speed is stable.

[0453] First, referring to Figure 1 part (a), the drum coupling 143 of the processing cartridge 100 will be described. Figure 1 Part (a) of

[0454] is a perspective view of the drum coupling. The drum coupling 143 of the present embodiment is manufactured by injection molding a polyacetal resin. As the material, a resin material such as polycarbonate resin or polybutylene terephthalate resin can be used, or a resin material provided by mixing these with glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like. Alternatively, a processing method such as die casting or cutting can be used together with a metal material such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel.

[0455] Next, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 55 to Figure 58 , the shape of the drum coupling 143 will be described.

[0456] In the following description of the drum coupling 143, the direction along the axial direction from the photosensitive drum 104 toward the drive transmission unit 230 (drum drive coupling 180) (the direction of arrow M1A) is referred to as the outward direction in the axial direction (outward). Further, the direction opposite to the outward direction (the direction of arrow M1B) is referred to as the inward direction in the axial direction.

[0457] In other words, in the drum coupling, the outward direction in the axial direction (M1A direction) is the direction from the non-drive-side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum toward the drive-side end portion 104a ( Fig.80 left in Fig.14 ). Alternatively, the outward direction in the axial direction (M1A direction) is the direction from the non-drive-side cartridge lid 117 of the cartridge 100 toward the drive-side cartridge lid 116 in

[0458] The inward direction in the axial direction (M1B direction) is the direction from the drive-side end portion 104a of the photosensitive drum 104 toward the non-drive-side end portion 104b ( Fig.80 right in

[0459] ). Alternatively, the inward direction in the axial direction (M1B direction) is the direction from the drive-side cartridge lid 116 of the cartridge 100 toward the non-drive-side cartridge lid 117 in the figure. Figure 1 As shown in part (b) of Figure 1 , the drum coupling 143 is attached to one longitudinal end (drive side end) of the photosensitive drum 104. As described above, Fig.15 ), the shaft portion 143j shown in

[0460] The drum coupling 143 receives the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 104 from the main assembly drive transmission unit 203 of the main assembly of the apparatus, and also receives the braking force for applying a load that resists the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0461] The drum coupling 143 is provided with a protrusion that protrudes outward in the axial direction from the surface of the end portion of the shaft portion 143j (see Figure 1 、 Figure 52 to Figure 57 ). The protrusion has a driving force receiving portion 143b as a first side surface (first side portion) for receiving the driving force from the drive transmission unit 203. Further, the protrusion of the drum coupling 143 includes a braking force receiving portion 143c as a second side surface (second side portion) for receiving the braking force from the drive transmission unit 203.

[0462] The driving force receiving portion 143b is the side surface (side portion) facing the upstream side in the rotational direction A of the drum unit. Further, the braking force receiving portion 143c is the side surface (side portion) facing the downstream side in the rotational direction A.

[0463] In other words, one of the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c faces one side in the circumferential direction of the drum unit, and the other faces the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c are side surfaces (side portions) opposite to each other in the rotational direction and the circumferential direction.

[0464] Further, the protruding portion of the drum coupling 143 has a spiral inclined surface (inclined portion, bevel surface) 143d as the top surface (upper surface, upper portion, upper part). The inclined surface (top surface) 143d is the portion facing outward in the axial direction (arrow MA1 direction). That is, the inclined surface 143d is the portion facing the side opposite to the non-driven side end portion of the drum unit (i.e., the end portion on the side where the drum flange 142 ( Fig.13 ) is arranged). In other words, the spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d of the coupling 143 is the portion facing the side opposite to the side where the photosensitive drum 104 is located.

[0465] The spiral inclined surface 143d is inclined to face outward in the axial direction (arrow MA1 direction) toward the upstream side in the rotational direction (upstream side in the arrow A direction). That is, the inclined surface 143d moves away from the non-driven side of the drum unit 103 as it proceeds toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. In other words, the inclined surface 143d is inclined to move away from the photosensitive drum as it proceeds toward the upstream side in the rotational direction.

[0466] In other words, the spiral inclined surface 143d extends from the upstream to the downstream in the rotational direction toward the non-driven ends of the drum unit and the cartridge. That is, when measuring the distance of the spiral inclined surface 143d from the non-driven end of the cartridge in the axial direction, the distance becomes shorter toward the downstream in the rotational direction.

[0467] The spiral inclined surface 143d includes a downstream portion (downstream top surface, downstream inclined bevel surface, downstream inclined portion, downstream guide portion) 143dl sandwiched between the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c in the rotational direction of the drum unit. Further, the inclined surface 143d has an upstream portion (upstream side top surface, upstream side bevel surface, upstream side inclined portion, upstream guide portion) 143d2. The upstream portion 143d2 of the spiral inclined surface 143d is arranged upstream of the driving force receiving portion 143b and the downstream portion 143d1 of the spiral inclined surface 143d in the rotational direction (see Figure 55 to Figure 58 ).

[0468] In addition, since the length of the inclined surface 143d is measured along the rotation direction of the drum unit, the length of the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is greater than the length of the downstream inclined surface 143d1.

[0469] The upstream side portion (upstream inclined surface) 143d2 of the inclined surface 143d is disposed on the inner side (the side closer to the axis L) of the driving force receiving portion 143b in the radial direction. That is, the upstream side portion (upstream top surface, upstream inclined surface) 143d2 of the inclined surface 143d is disposed closer to the axis L than the driving force receiving portion 143b ( Figure 1 portion (a)). The axis L ( Figure 1 portion (a)) is the axis (rotation axis) that serves as the rotation center of the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104.

[0470] In addition, a circular hole portion 143a serving as an opening is provided in the protruding portion of the drum coupling 143. The circular hole portion is used to engage with the positioning boss (positioning portion) 180i of the drum driving coupling 180 and position the axes of each other. The circular hole portion 143a has a circular opening whose cross section is perpendicular to the axis L of the drum coupling 143 and extends along the axis L.

[0471] The protruding portion of the drum coupling 143 includes a shaft portion 143p formed along the axis L (see Figure 1 portion (a)), and the circular hole portion 143a is formed inside the shaft portion 143p. The shaft portion 143p is the portion for forming the circular hole portion 143a. Figure 1 ) and the circular hole portion 143a is formed inside the shaft portion 143p. The shaft portion 143p is the portion for forming the circular hole portion 143a.

[0472] The shaft portion 143p and the circular hole portion 143a extend in alignment with the axis L. By forming the circular hole portion 143a, the space from the rotation axis L of the drum unit (see Figure 1 portion (a)) to the inner surface of the drum coupling 143 is an open space. The diameter of the shaft portion 143p is smaller than the above-mentioned shaft portion 143j.

[0473] The above-mentioned drum coupling 143 has an axisymmetric shape (axisymmetric shape) with respect to the axis L (see Figure 1 portion (a)). The driving force receiving portion 143b, the braking force receiving portion 143c, and the spiral inclined surface 143d are arranged at two positions so as to be separated by 180° in the circumferential direction, thereby providing a first coupling portion 143r and a second coupling portion 143s (see Fig.58 ).

[0474] Each coupling portion includes a driving force receiving portion 143b, a braking force receiving portion 143c, and a spiral inclined surface 143d, and the first coupling portion 143r and the second coupling portion 143s are placed at positions symmetric with respect to the axis.

[0475] The driving force receiving portion 143b, the braking force receiving portion 143c, and the spiral inclined surface 143d are arranged around the circular hole portion 143a and the shaft portion 143p. The driving force receiving portion 143b, the braking force receiving portion 143c, and the spiral inclined surface 143d are positioned farther from the axis L of the drum unit than the circular hole portion 143a and the shaft portion 143p.

[0476] Next, with reference to Fig.43 , Fig.44 and Fig.59 , the structure of the main component side drive transmission unit 203 provided on the main component side of the device will be described. The drive transmission unit 203 is a unit for rotationally driving the drum coupling 143 by connecting (engaging) with the drum coupling 143.

[0477] Fig.43 is an exploded perspective view of the main component side drive transmission unit 203. Fig.59 is Fig.43 an enlarged perspective view of the portion shown in Fig.44 is a cross-sectional view of the main component side drive transmission unit 203.

[0478] The drive gear 201 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 202 fixed to a frame (not shown) of the device main component 170, and driving force is transmitted from a motor (not shown) to rotationally drive the drive gear 201. The drum drive coupling 180 includes a cylindrical portion 180c and a flange portion 180a provided at its end, and the flange is assembled and supported by an assembly portion 201a of the drive gear 201. Further, the drum drive coupling 180 is provided with a rotation stop portion 180b protruding from the flange portion 180a, and the rotation stop portion 180b receives driving force when rotating in contact with the rotation stop portion 201b of the drive gear 201. The drive transmission unit 203 includes a plurality of components inside the cylindrical portion 180c of the drum drive coupling 180.

[0479] The components arranged inside the cylindrical portion 180c are as follows. There are a brake member 206 supported and stopped by the support shaft 202, a brake transmission member 207 connected to the brake member 206 to transmit braking force, and a first brake engagement member 204 and a second brake engagement member 208 that engage with the braking force receiving surface 143c of the drum coupling 143, and a brake engagement spring 211 and a drum drive coupling spring 210 that are arranged along the axis M1 and generate a pushing force in the direction of the axis M1 (axial direction). The axis M1 is the rotation axis of the main component side drive transmission unit 203.

[0480] The shape of each component arranged inside the main component drive transmission unit 203 will be described. The first brake engagement member 204 includes a cylindrical portion 204d, a flange portion 204a, and a coupling engagement portion 204b that protrudes like a claw and engages with the drum coupling 143. A part of the cylindrical portion includes a rotation stop recess 204c that engages with the rotation stop projection 208c of the second brake engagement member 208, which will be described below.

[0481] The second brake engagement member 208 includes a flange portion 208a, a coupling engagement portion 208b that protrudes in the form of a claw and engages with the drum coupling 143, and a rotation stop projection 208c that engages with the rotation stop recess 204c of the first brake engagement member 204. Since the second brake engagement member 208 is prevented from rotating relative to the first brake engagement member 204, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 rotate integrally with each other. In addition, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 are connected so as to also move integrally in the axial direction.

[0482] Therefore, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 can be simply collectively referred to as the brake engagement members (204, 208).

[0483] The first brake engagement member 204 is an external brake engagement member provided on the outer side in the radial direction, and the second brake engagement member 208 is an internal brake engagement member provided on the inner side in the radial direction.

[0484] The brake transmission member 207 includes a flange portion 207a and a shaft portion 207b. The flange portion 207a is provided with a projection 207e that engages with the projection 204e provided on the flange portion 204a of the first brake engagement member 204. The flange portion 207a of the brake transmission member 207 is provided between the flange portion 204a of the first brake engagement member 204 and the flange portion 208a of the second brake engagement member 208, having a clearance (gap) G ( Fig.44 ) therebetween in the axial direction. In the axial direction M1A, when the brake transmission member 207 is relative to the first brake engagement member 204 with the projection 207e of the brake transmission member 207 (see Fig.43 and Fig.59)When at the position where it engages with the protrusion 204e of the first braking engagement member 204, the first braking engagement member 204 and the second braking engagement member 208 rotate integrally. On the other hand, when the braking transmission member 207 is at a position in the axial direction relative to the first braking engagement member 204 where the protrusion 207e does not engage with the protrusion 204e, the braking transmission member 207 does not restrict the rotation of the first engagement member 204 and the second engagement member 208. That is, the first braking engagement member 204 and the second braking engagement member 208 can rotate relative to the braking transmission member 207. The shaft portion 207b has a non-circular cross-section and engages with the engagement hole 206c of the braking member 206, which will be described below, so that the braking transmission member 207 and the braking member 206 rotate integrally.

[0485] The braking member 206 is divided into two parts, namely a fixed side 206a and a rotating side 206b, but they are integrated in the axial direction by a retainer (not shown). The fixed side 206a is supported by the support shaft 202, and the rotation around the shaft is also fixed. On the other hand, the rotating side 206b can rotate around the support shaft 202, but rotates while receiving a braking force (load) in the rotation direction from the fixed side 206a. The method of generating the braking force can be appropriately selected from those using friction and viscosity.

[0486] The braking engagement members (204, 208) are connected to the braking member 206 through the braking transmission member 207 as described above. Therefore, the rotational torque of the braking engagement members (204, 208) increases due to the influence of the load (braking force) generated by the braking member 206. The braking engagement spring 211 is a compression coil spring and is arranged to be sandwiched and compressed between the end face 206d of the braking member 206 and the flange portion 204a of the first braking engagement member 204. Therefore, the spring 211 applies a repulsive force (pushing force, elastic force) to each of the end face 206d of the braking member 206 and the flange portion 204a of the first braking engagement member 204.

[0487] The drum drive coupling spring 210 is a compression coil spring and is arranged to be sandwiched and compressed between the end face 206d of the braking member 206 and the flange portion 207a of the braking transmission member 207. Therefore, the spring 210 applies a repulsive force (pushing force, elastic force) to each of the end face 206d of the braking member 206 and the flange portion 207a of the braking transmission member 207.

[0488] The brake transmission member 207 directly receives the repulsive force of the drum drive coupling spring 210 while receiving the repulsive force of the brake engagement spring 211 through the flange portion 204a of the first brake engagement member 204. The protrusion 207f at the end of the brake transmission member 207 in the axial direction M1A abuts against the contact surface 180f of the drum drive coupling 180 (see Fig.44 ).

[0489] Thus, the drum drive coupling 180 also receives the forces of the drum drive coupling spring 210 and the brake engagement spring 211 through the brake transmission member 207. Due to the forces of the springs 210 and 211, the drum drive coupling 180 tends to move. Therefore, the movement of the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of arrow M1B is regulated (restricted) by the axial direction restricting portion 212 (see Fig.44 ), so that the drum drive coupling 180 does not fall off from the main assembly side drive transmission unit 203. Specifically, when the drum drive coupling 180 moves a certain distance in the direction of arrow M1B, the flange portion 180a of the drum drive coupling 180 (see Fig.43 ) contacts the restricting portion 212 (see Fig.44 ). Thus, the movement and detachment of the drum drive coupling 180 can be suppressed.

[0490] When the drum drive coupling 180 receives a force from the outside in the direction of arrow M1A in this state, the drum drive coupling 180 can move in the direction of arrow M1A while compressing the springs 210 and 211.

[0491] In addition, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) are engaged with the coupling 143, the coupling engagement portions 204b, 208b can interfere with the coupling 143 (see Fig.60 , details will be described below). In this case, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can enter (retract) deep into the drive transmission unit 203 while compressing the springs 210 and 211 in the direction of arrow M1A (see Fig.61 ).

[0492] As described above, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are provided with a gap G from the brake transmission member 207 (see Fig.44 ). Within the range of the width of the gap G, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can move and retract in the M1A direction relative to the brake transmission member 207. Similarly, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can move in the direction of arrow M1A relative to the drum drive coupling 180 within the range of the width of the gap G. When the brake engagement members (204, 208) move in the direction of arrow M1A relative to the brake transmission member 207 and the drum drive coupling 180, the brake engagement spring 211 is compressed.

[0493] The brake transfer member 207, which tends to move beyond the width of the clearance G in the direction of arrow M1A, is contacted by the brake engagement members (204, 208), and the brake transfer member 207 also moves in the direction of arrow M1A together with the brake engagement members (204, 208).

[0494] Together with the brake engagement members (204, 208), the drum drive coupling 180 also moves in the direction of arrow M1A. As Fig.62 shown, the drum drive coupling 180 and the first brake engagement member 204 are respectively provided with a protruding engagement portion 180u and an engagement portion 204u. Therefore, when the brake engagement member 204 moves a predetermined distance or more in the direction of arrow M1A relative to the drum drive coupling 180, the engagement portion 204u pushes the engagement portion 180u to retract the drive coupling 180 in the direction of M1A. At this time, not only the spring 211 is compressed, but also the spring 210 is compressed.

[0495] When the brake engagement members (204, 208) move in the direction of arrow M1A relative to the brake transfer member 207, the protrusion 207e of the brake transfer member 207 disengages from the protrusion 204e of the first brake engagement member. That is, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are disconnected from the brake transfer member 207, and the braking force is not transmitted from the brake transfer member 207. The brake members (204, 208) can rotate relative to the brake transfer member 207 without receiving the rotational load generated by the brake member 206.

[0496] That is, by retracting the brake engagement members (204, 208) in the direction of arrow M1A, the brake engagement members can move from the position where they receive the rotational load (braking force) during rotation from the brake member 206 to the position where they do not receive the rotational load during rotation. The brake engagement members (204, 208) are configured to reduce the torque required for themselves by moving in the direction of M1A relative to the brake transfer member 207 and the drum drive coupling 180.

[0497] Fig.45 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208). Fig.45 Part (a) of is a perspective view of only the drum drive coupling 180, and Fig.45 Part (b) of shows a perspective view including both the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208). Fig.45 Parts (c) and (d) of are illustrations in which, for better explanation, the reinforcing cylindrical portion 180e of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown (invisible). The phase of the brake engagement members (204, 208) is in Fig.45Parts (c) and (d) are different.

[0498] As Fig.45 As shown in part (a), the drum drive coupling (driving force applying member) 180 includes drive transmission surfaces 180d provided at each of two positions separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, as surfaces (driving force applying portions) that engage with the coupling 143 to transmit the driving force. The drum drive coupling has an axisymmetric shape.

[0499] Through holes 180f that communicate in the direction of the axis Ml are provided in portions other than the drive transmission surface 180d. Through the through holes 180f, the coupling engaging portions 204b and 208b of the first brake engaging member 204 and the second brake engaging member 208 are exposed in the direction facing the coupling 143 (see Fig.60 ).

[0500] Fig.45 Part (b) shows a state in which the coupling engaging portions 204b and 208b of the first brake engaging member 204 and the second brake engaging member 208 are exposed. The drum drive coupling 180 is provided with a reinforcing cylindrical portion 180e to increase the rigidity of the drive transmission surface 180d. Fig.45 Part (c) is a diagram showing the drive transmission surface 180d without the reinforcing cylindrical portion 180e shown for better illustration. Fig.45 Part (c) shows a state in which the coupling engaging portions 204b and 208b and the drive transmission surface 180d are in a close phase relationship in the rotational direction A. The size of the through hole 180f is selected to be wider than the widths of the coupling engaging portions 204b and 208b in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the coupling engaging portions 204b and 208b can move within a predetermined range in the rotational direction in the drum drive coupling 180.

[0501] Fig.45 Part (d) shows a state in which the coupling engaging portions 204b and 208b and the drive transmission surface 180d are in a distant phase relationship in the rotational direction A.

[0502] Next, referring to Figure 1 and Figures 43 to 51 , a method of connecting the main assembly side drive transmission unit 203 of the drive transmission mechanism and the photosensitive member coupling 143 on the processing cartridge 100 side will be described.

[0503] [Coupling Engagement Operation]

[0504] Next, the coupling process between the main assembly side drum drive coupling 180 of the imaging device main assembly 170 and the drum coupling 143 of the processing cartridge 100 will be described.

[0505] Fig.46 A cross-sectional view of the main assembly 170 of the imaging device around the drum drive coupling 180 on the main assembly side is shown. Refer to Fig.46 , and an overview of the movement of the drum drive coupling 180 on the main assembly side will be described.

[0506] When the user opens the front door 111 ( Figure 4 ) of the main assembly of the imaging device to replace the processing cartridge 100, the drive transmission unit 203 moves in the direction of arrow M1A along the axis M1 through a link mechanism (not shown) connected to the front door 111. That is, the drive transmission unit 203 is in a state of moving away from the processing cartridge 100 and the drum coupling 143 (see Fig.60 ).

[0507] When the user installs the processing cartridge 100 and closes the front door 111, the function of the above link disappears. Therefore, the drum drive coupling 180, the brake engagement members 204, 208, and the brake transmission member 207 tend to move again in the direction of arrow M1B through the pushing force of the drum drive coupling spring and the brake engagement spring 211. At this time, the drum coupling 143 of the processing cartridge 100 is prepared to interfere with the approaching drive transmission unit 203 in the direction of arrow M1B ( Fig.61 , Fig.65 and Fig.69 The states shown). The drum coupling 143 and the drive transmission unit 203 press against each other.

[0508] In these states, the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 are not normally engaged.

[0509] In order to bring the drum coupling 143 and the drum drive coupling 180 on the main assembly side into a normal engagement state, the drive transmission unit 203 needs to rotate further from the above pressing state. That is, the driving process of the drive transmission unit 203 must be advanced until the drum drive coupling 180 on the main assembly side engages with the drum coupling 143.

[0510] In addition, the process until the engagement is completed can be performed in different modes, and therefore, it will be described in multiple cases depending on the phases of the drum coupling 143 and the drum drive coupling 180 on the main assembly side.

[0511] Fig.47 Part (a) of Fig.47 shows the drum coupling 143, and Fig.47 Part (b) of shows the drive transmission unit, both observed in the axial direction. Refer to Fig.47 Part (a) of, the shape of the coupling 143 will be further described. Regarding the contour of the coupling, the shape varies in the radial direction depending on the function to be performed. The following structure is provided within the range of the radius indicated by R1 in the figure.

[0512] That is, a positioning hole (opening) 143a that engages with a positioning boss (positioning portion) 180i of the drive coupling 180, a shutter (shutter portion) 143g (see Fig.47 and Figure 1 part (a)), and a part of the spiral inclined surface 143d are provided. The shutter serves as a protruding portion for preventing the drive transmission unit 203 from entering in the axial direction. A part of the spiral inclined surface 143d and a part of the braking force receiving surface 143c are provided within the range between R1 and R2. The braking force receiving surface 143c is Fig.47 invisible in the line-of-sight direction of part (a) of Figure 1 and is shown in

[0513] On the other hand, since the shape of the drive transmission unit 203 is also arranged to include shapes with different functions in the radial direction, the same ranges as those of the coupling 143 are shown by the same symbols R1 to R3 in Fig.47 part (b).

[0514] In Fig.47 the range of the radius indicated by Rl in part (b), the positioning boss 180i that engages with the positioning hole 143a of the drum coupling 143 and the second brake that contacts the shutter portion 143g depend on the phase of the drum coupling 143. An inward protrusion 208e that is part of the coupling engagement portion 208b of the engagement member 208 is arranged. In the range indicated by R1 to R2, the coupling engagement portion 208b of the second brake engagement member 208 is arranged. The drive transmission surface 180d and the first brake engagement member 204 are arranged in the range indicated by R2 to R3.

[0515] Fig.48 is an exploded view of these parts developed around the rotation axis Ml. Fig.48 The process until the drum coupling 143 and the drive transmission unit 203 are engaged with each other will be described.

[0516] Fig.48 The drive transmission unit 203 on the lower side is shown, and the process of approaching the drum coupling 143 while moving in the direction of arrow M1B until engagement is established is shown. In this figure, the structure provided within Fig.47 the radius R1 shown is represented by a dashed line, the structure provided within the range between the radius R1 and the radius R2 is represented by a solid line, and in addition, the structure provided within the range between the radius R2 and the radius R3 is represented by a solid line and a shaded line.

[0517] The drum coupling 143 includes two coupling parts 143s and 143r arranged 180° apart from each other. However, for simplicity, only the coupling part 143s will be described below. The description of the coupling part 143s also applies to the coupling part 143r.

[0518] Fig.48 Part (a) of shows the state where the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are close to each other. As Fig.48 As shown in part (a) of, the phases of the inclination start part 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second brake engagement member 208 have the following relationship. That is, the inclination start part 143f of the drum coupling 143 is located upstream of the protrusion 208e in the rotational direction (arrow A).

[0519] Fig.48 Part (b) of shows the state where the drive transmission unit 203 further moves in the direction of arrow M1B from Fig.48 the position shown in part (a) of. The spiral inclined surface 143d faces and contacts the inward protrusion 208e of the approaching first brake engagement member 204.

[0520] Fig.48 Part (c) of shows the state where the drive transmission unit 203 further moves in the direction of arrow M1B. The spiral inclined surface 143d stops the approaching second brake engagement member 208. Thereby, the movement of the second brake engagement member 208 in the M1B direction is suppressed. On the other hand, parts other than the second brake engagement member 208 (i.e., the drum drive coupling 180 etc. of the drive transmission unit 203) move in the direction of arrow M1B. In the drive transmission unit 203, the second brake engagement member 208 is in a state of being relatively pushed in the direction of arrow M1A.

[0521] In this state, as referred to in Fig.44 Since the second brake engagement member 208 is disconnected from the brake member 206, the second brake engagement member 208 can rotate without receiving a rotational load. At this time, the brake member 206 receives an elastic force F1 in the direction of the rotation axis M1 through the drum drive coupling spring 210 and the brake engagement spring 211 provided inside the drive transmission unit 203. The spiral inclined surface 143d moves the second brake engagement member 208 without a rotational load in the direction of arrow C by the component force of the elastic force F1. That is, the second brake engagement member 208 moves along the spiral inclined surface 143d to the downstream side in the rotational direction A.

[0522] Fig.48Part (d) shows the state immediately after the second brake engagement member 208 has moved to the downstream side in the rotational direction (the direction of arrow A). The second brake engagement member 208 moves along the spiral inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143 and further moves the entire drive transmission unit 203 in the axial direction M1B by the amount of movement in the M1B direction, such that the movement locus is as shown by arrow D. Thus, the second brake engagement member 208 moves away from the drive coupling 180 toward the downstream side in the rotational direction A to a position where it can engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c (second side surface, second side portion) of the drum coupling 143. That is, the spiral inclined surface 143d is a guiding portion for guiding the brake engagement member toward the braking force receiving portion 143c. In the present embodiment, the spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d serving as the guiding portion has a downstream portion 143d1 and an upstream portion 143d2. The downstream portion (downstream inclined surface, downstream top surface, downstream inclined portion) 143d1 is placed between the braking force receiving portion 143c and the driving force receiving portion 143b. The upstream side portion (upstream inclined surface, upstream top surface, upstream inclined portion) 143d2 is on the upstream side in the rotational direction (A direction) with respect to the driving force receiving portion 143b. Thus, the second brake engagement member 208 can be smoothly guided from the upstream portion 143d2 of the inclined surface 143d to the braking force receiving portion 143c by the downstream portion 143d1.

[0523] Fig.48 Part (e) shows the state in which the drum coupling 143 moves (rotates) in the direction of arrow A through the rotational drive transmission surface 180d, and thus, the braking force receiving portion 143c contacts the second brake engagement member 208.

[0524] When the drive transmission unit 203 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the drive transmission surface 180d contacts the driving force receiving portion 143b to transmit the driving force. The drive transmission surface 180d is a driving force application portion that applies the driving force to the drum coupling 143.

[0525] The drum coupling 143 that rotates by receiving the driving force from the drive transmission surface 180d also receives the braking force by contacting (engaging) the second brake engagement member 208 through the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0526] Fig.48 Parts (a) to (e) only show the second brake engagement member 208 among the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 that are brake engagement members. However, the first brake engagement member 204 (see Fig.43 ) is connected to the second brake member 208 so as to move integrally with the second brake member 208. Thus, in Fig.48 parts (a) to Fig.48 In the process shown in part (e), the first brake engagement member 204 also moves along the same line as the second brake member 208. In Fig.48 the state shown in part (e), the first brake engagement member 204 also engages with the brake force receiving portion 143c together with the second brake engagement member 208.

[0527] In Fig.48 parts (a) to (e), for simplicity of description, only the engagement processes of the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling 180 with the coupling portion 143s are shown. Similar to the coupling portion 143s, the coupling 143r also engages with the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling 180. The engagement states of the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling with respect to the coupling 143r are shown in Fig.76 part (a).

[0528] Here, to assist in identifying the processes described so far, a perspective view of Figure 60 to Figure 64 will be used again for description. In Figure 60 to Figure 64 , for better illustration, a part of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown, and the internal shape is not covered.

[0529] Fig.60 is a perspective view showing the same state as part (a) of the above Fig.48 . That is, the inclined start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is on the upstream side of the protrusion 208e in the rotational direction (arrow A), and the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are close to each other. Fig.61 shows the state where the drive transmission unit 203 has moved from this state in the direction of arrow M1B.

[0530] Fig.61 shows the state corresponding to Fig.48 part (b), and the spiral inclined surface 143d is opposite to and in contact with the inward protrusion 208e of the approaching second brake engagement member 208. The drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 approach each other until they contact each other, but the state inside the drive transmission unit 203 does not change. Fig.62 shows the state where the drive transmission unit 203 further moves from this state in the direction of arrow M1B.

[0531] Fig.62 shows the state corresponding to Fig.48the state of part (c), where the spiral inclined surface 143d stops the approaching second brake engagement member 208. As a result, in the drive transmission unit 203, the second brake engagement member 208 is pushed in the direction of arrow M1A relative to the drum drive coupling 180.

[0532] In this state, as described in reference Fig.44 , since the second brake engagement member 208 is disconnected from the brake member 206, the second brake engagement member 208 can rotate without receiving a rotational load. At this time, the brake member 206 receives an elastic force F1 in the direction of the rotation axis M1 through the drum drive coupling spring 210 and the brake engagement spring 211 disposed inside the drive transmission unit 203. The spiral inclined surface 143d moves the second brake engagement member 208 without a rotational load in the direction of arrow C through the component force of the elastic force F1. That is, the second brake engagement member 208 rotates and moves to the downstream side in the rotational direction A along the spiral inclined surface 143d.

[0533] Fig.63 shows the state immediately after the second brake engagement member 208 moves to the downstream side in the rotational direction (the direction of arrow A), and corresponds to Fig.48 part (c). The second brake engagement member 208 moves along the spiral inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143 and further moves in the direction of M1B by the amount by which the entire drive transmission unit 203 moves in the axial direction M1B. The movement locus is as shown by arrow D. Therefore, the brake engagement members (204, 208) move away from the drive coupling 180 toward the downstream side in the rotational direction A to a position where they can engage with the second side surface (braking force receiving portion 143c) of the drum coupling 143. When reaching this position, the brake engagement members (204, 208) return to a state where a braking force can be generated.

[0534] Fig.64 shows the state where the drum coupling 143 moves (rotates) in the direction of arrow A through the rotation drive transmission surface 180d, and thus, the braking force receiving portion 143c contacts the second brake engagement member 208. Fig.64 Corresponds to Fig.48 part (d).

[0535] When the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 rotates in the direction of arrow A from the Fig.64 state, the drive transmission surface 180d contacts the driving force receiving portion 143b to transmit the driving force. The drum coupling 143 rotated by receiving the driving force from the drive transmission surface 180d also receives a braking force by contacting (engaging) the second brake engagement member 208 through the braking force receiving portion 143c (see Fig.48 part (e)).

[0536] In summary, through Fig.48 parts (a) to (e) of Figure 60 to Figure 64 and the process shown in

[0537] the braking engagement members (204, 208) move relative to the drum drive coupling 180 and the drum coupling 143 as follows. Fig.48 of part (a) of Fig.60 ) moves to a position where the drum coupling 143 is sandwiched between the drive transmission surface 180d and the braking engagement members (204, 208) ( Fig.48 of part (d) of Fig.64 ).

[0538] When the drive transmission surface 180d rotates from Fig.48 the state shown in part (d) of Fig.64 and Fig.48 the drum coupling 143 also rotates with the drive transmission surface 180d to reach the state shown in part (e) of

[0539] . Then, the drum coupling 143 rotates in the direction of arrow A by the driving force received from the drum drive side coupling 180 while receiving an appropriate load (braking force) from the braking engagement members (204, 208). Therefore, the torque required for the drum drive coupling 180 to rotate the drum unit is not too small and is appropriate, making the rotational drive of the drum unit stable. Fig.49 Next, referring to parts (a) to (e) of

[0540] Another mode of the engagement process between the drum drive coupling 180 and the braking engagement members (204, 208) with the drum coupling 143 will be described. The drum coupling 143 has two coupling parts 143s and 143r, but for simplicity, only the coupling part 143s will be described. Fig.49 As shown in part (a) of

[0541] Fig.49 a case where the phase of the inclination start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second braking engagement member satisfies the following relationship will be described. That is, the inclination start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is on the downstream side in the rotational direction (arrow A) with respect to the inward protrusion 208e.

[0542] The shielding portion 143g of the drum coupling 143 contacts the inward protrusion 208e of the second braking engagement member 208 approaching in the M1B direction.

[0543] Next, Fig.49 Part (b) of Fig.49 shows a state where the shutter portion 143g stops (prevents) the advancement of the approaching second brake engagement member 208. Here, the drum drive coupling 180, which is a component of the drive transmission unit 203, does not contact the shutter portion 143g, and thus, the advancement in the M1B direction cannot be stopped. That is, the shutter portion 143g does not interfere with the shape of the drum drive coupling 180 because its position is different in the radial direction. On the other hand, the second brake engagement member 208 has an inward protrusion 208e at its free end in the M1B direction. Since the inward protrusion 208e protrudes inward in the radial direction, it contacts the shutter portion 143g of the drum coupling 143.

[0544] By only the movement of the drum drive coupling 180 in the M1B direction, the second brake engagement member 208 moves relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the M1A direction. As described above, by this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state where it can rotate without receiving a rotational load.

[0545] Then, Fig.49 Part (c) of Fig.49 shows a state where the drive transmission unit 203 has started to rotate in the rotational direction A. First, when the drum drive coupling 180 starts to rotate in the A direction, it is pushed by the drum drive coupling 180, and the second brake engagement member 208 also starts to rotate in the A direction.

[0546] The spiral inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143 moves the second brake engagement member in the direction of arrow C from the point where the inward protrusion 208e of the second brake engagement member 208 passes through the inclined start portion 143f. That is, the second brake engagement member 208 moves toward the downstream side in the rotational direction A and in the M1B direction.

[0547] Fig.49 Part (d) of Fig.49 shows the state after the second brake engagement member 208 moves along the spiral inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143 and passes through the inclined surface 143d as shown in Fig.48 Part (d) of Fig.48 . At this time, the entire drive transmission unit 203 further moves in the axial direction M1B. Therefore, the second brake engagement member also moves in the M1B direction. The first brake engagement member 204 moves along the line of arrow D.

[0548] The subsequent engagement operation is the same as the description in Fig.48 Part (d) of Fig.48 , and the subsequent engagement completion state is as shown in Fig.48as shown in part (e). In this embodiment, the shutter portion 143g is continuous with the upstream side (upstream inclined surface, upstream top surface) 143d2 of the spiral inclined surface 143d. The inclination start portion 143f is a boundary portion between the shutter portion 143g and the spiral inclined surface 143d. Therefore, the second braking engagement member 208 whose movement is blocked by the shutter portion 143g can smoothly transition to a state of contacting the spiral inclined surface 143d as the drive transmission unit 203 rotates. However, the structure is not necessarily limited to this example structure, and a space may be provided between the shutter portion 143g and the inclined surface 143d.

[0549] Similarly, in Fig.49 parts (a) to Fig.49 part (d), only the second braking engagement member 208 of the braking engagement members (204, 208) is shown. However, as described above, also in Fig.49 parts (a) to Fig.49 part (d), the first braking engagement member 204 (see Fig.43 ) moves integrally with the second braking engagement member 208.

[0550] Here, to assist in identifying the process described with reference to Fig.49 parts (a) to Fig.49 part (d), the perspective view of Figure 65 to Figure 68 will be referred to again for description. In Figure 65 to Figure 68 , for better illustration, a part of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown, and the internal shape is not covered.

[0551] Fig.65 The drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second braking engagement member 208 are shown in a state of approaching each other. At this time, the shutter 143g of the drum coupling 143 contacts the second braking engagement member 208 approaching in the M1B direction. Fig.65 Corresponds to Fig.49 part (a).

[0552] Next, Fig.66 The state where the drum drive coupling 180 has moved axially to the right (M1B direction) relative to the second braking engagement member 208 is shown. In Fig.66 , the shutter portion 143g is in a state of stopping (blocking) the advancement of the approaching second braking engagement member 208.

[0553] Fig.66 Corresponds to Fig.49Part (b). The second brake engagement member 208 moves axially leftward (in the M1A direction) relative to the drum drive coupling 180. As described above, due to this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state where it can rotate without receiving rotational loads.

[0554] Subsequently, Fig.67 shows a state where the drive transmission unit 203 has started to rotate in the rotational direction A. Fig.67 Corresponding to Fig.49 Part (c). The helical inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143 moves the second brake engagement member 208 in the direction of arrow C from the point where the second brake engagement member 208 passes through the inclined start portion 143f. Fig.68 Corresponding to Fig.49 Part (d). In Fig.68 the state shown, the first brake engagement member 204 moves along the helical inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143, as in Fig.48 Part (d) and Fig.63 the state shown. In addition, the first brake engagement member 204 also moves the entire drive transmission unit 203 by the amount of movement in the axial direction M1B in the M1B direction. Therefore, the first brake engagement member 204 moves along the locus of arrow D.

[0555] Then, as described above, the entire drive transmission unit 203 continues to rotate to complete the connection, resulting in the same state as Fig.48 Part (e).

[0556] Next, referring to Fig.50 Part (a) to Fig.50 Part (d), another mode of the engagement process of the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208) with the drum coupling 143 will be described. The drum coupling 143 includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r, but for simplicity, only the coupling portion 143s will be described.

[0557] As Fig.50 shown in Part (a), the case where the phase relationship between the inclined start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second brake engagement member satisfies the following will be described. That is, the case where the inclined start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is located on the downstream side in the rotational direction (arrow A) will be described.

[0558] Fig.50 Part (a) shows a state where the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are separated from each other.

[0559] Next, Fig.50Part (b) shows a state where the shutter part 143g stops the advancement of the approaching second brake engagement member 208. Here, the drum drive coupling 180, which is a component of the drive transmission unit 203, does not contact the shutter part 143g, and thus, the advancement cannot be stopped. As a result, the second brake engagement member 208 moves relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the M1A direction. As described above, through this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state where it can rotate without receiving a rotational load. Here, the shutter part 143g does not interfere with the shape of the drum drive coupling 180 because their positions are different in the radial direction.

[0560] Then, Fig.50 Part (c) shows a state where the drive transmission unit 203 rotates in the rotational direction A and contacts the second brake engagement member. This is a state where the second brake engagement member 208 itself does not start rotating and thus stops at this position while the drum drive coupling 180 rotates and contacts the second brake engagement member 208. Thereafter, through further rotation, the second brake engagement member 208 and the drum drive coupling 180 rotate integrally.

[0561] Fig.50 Part (d) shows a state where the second brake engagement member 208 rotates further and has passed the inclined start part 143f of the drum coupling 143. When this state is reached, the second brake engagement member 208 moves in the direction of arrow C, as described in reference Fig.48 Part (c). The subsequent operations are the same as those described above, and thus the description is omitted.

[0562] Similarly, in Fig.50 Parts (a) to Fig.50 Part (d), only the second brake engagement member 208 of the brake engagement members (204, 208) is shown. However, as described above, during the process from Fig.50 Part (a) to Fig.50 Part (d), the first brake engagement member 204 (see Fig.43 ) also moves integrally with the second brake engagement member 208.

[0563] Here, to assist in identifying the process described in reference Fig.50 Parts (a) to Fig.50 Part (d), the perspective view will be described again with reference to Figure 69 to Figure 72 . In Figure 69 to Figure 72 , for better illustration, a part of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown, and the internal shape is not covered.

[0564] Fig.69 Corresponding to Fig.50Part (a), and shows a state where the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are separated by a gap G1.

[0565] Next, Fig.70 Corresponding to Fig.50 Part (b), and shows a state where the entire drive transmission unit 203 has moved in the M1B direction. This is a state where the shutter portion 143g stops the advancement of the approaching second brake engagement member 208, and the drum drive coupling 180 has moved to the right in the axial direction (M1B direction) beyond the second brake engagement member 208. At this time, the second brake engagement member 208 moves to the left (M1A direction) relative to the drum drive coupling 180. As described above, through this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state where it can rotate without receiving a rotational load.

[0566] Then, Fig.71 Corresponding to Fig.50 Part (c), and shows a state where the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 contacts the second brake engagement member 208 by rotating in the rotational direction A.

[0567] Since the second brake engagement member 208 cannot rotate without receiving a rotational force from the drum drive coupling 180, the second brake engagement member 208 does not immediately rotate after the start of driving of the drive transmission unit 203 and remains in the initial position. That is, only the drum drive coupling 180 starts to rotate in the A direction in advance. Therefore, the state shown in Fig.71 is reached, where the drum drive coupling 180 contacts the second brake engagement member 208.

[0568] Fig.72 Corresponding to Fig.50 Part (d), and shows a state where not only the drum drive coupling 180 but also the second brake engagement member 208 starts to rotate in the direction A through the engagement between the drum drive coupling 180 and the second brake engagement member 208. More specifically, this is a state where the second brake engagement member 208 is pushed by the drum drive coupling 180 to rotate in the A direction, and the second brake engagement member 208 starts from the inclined start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143. When this state is reached, the second brake engagement member 208 is guided by the inclined surface 143d and moves in the direction along the inclined surface 143d (direction of arrow C), as in Fig.48 Part (c) and Fig.62 described.

[0569] Subsequent operations are the same as those described above with reference to Fig.48 Part (c) to Fig.48 Part (e) and Figure 62 to Figure 64 Those described are the same, and thus, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0570] As described above, when the cartridge 100 is mounted on the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, the phase (arrangement) of the drive transmission unit 203 relative to the drum coupling 143 is not predetermined ( Fig.48 section (a)), Fig.49 (a), Fig.50 section (a) of, Fig.60 , Fig.65 , Fig.69 ). However, in any case, the drum coupling 143 can be connected to the drive transmission unit 203. The drive transmission unit 203 includes not only the drum drive coupling 180 but also the brake engagement members (204, 208), and the drum coupling 143 can engage with both of them.

[0571] Next, referring to Fig.51 , a structure for aligning the axes of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 during the connection process will be described. Fig.51 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143, and Fig.51 section (a) of shows the shape in the connected state in this embodiment. The circular hole portion 143a of the drum coupling engages with the positioning boss 180i of the drum drive coupling 180 to align the axes with each other. In addition, a tapered guide surface 143h is provided at one end of the circular hole portion 143a. That is, the guide surface 143h has a conical shape as a part of the inner surface of the coupling 143. The guide surface 143h is provided such that when the drive transmission unit 203 is still separated in the axial direction M1B, the deviation between them is eliminated when starting to engage to align the axes with each other.

[0572] In addition to this embodiment, the circular hole portion 143a of the drum coupling 143 can engage with the positioning boss 180i without providing a guide surface, as shown in Fig.51 section (b). In addition, as shown in Figure 6 section (c), the guide surface 143h can be enlarged to reduce the fit between the circular hole portion 143a and the positioning boss 180i. In addition, as shown in Fig.51 section (d), the diameter of the circular hole portion 143a can be increased. These arrangements can be selected according to how the relative position and accuracy between the drive transmission unit 203 and the processing cartridge 100 are determined.

[0573] It is desirable that the circular hole portion 143a has a sufficient length to accommodate the positioning boss 180i. That is, as shown in Fig.95As shown, the positioning boss 180i enters at least the range of the area Pb on the axis L of the drum unit. The round hole portion 143a is formed to include the entire area Pb. That is, the periphery of the axis L is open in the area Pb.

[0574] In Fig.95 this, in the present embodiment, on the axis L, the range occupied by the braking force receiving portion 143c, the spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d, the shielding portion 143g, and the driving force receiving portion 143b (not shown) is Pa included within the area Pb.

[0575] The structure is such that when the braking force receiving portion 143c, the inclined surface 143d, the shielding portion 143g, and the driving force receiving portion 143b are projected onto the axis L, the projected area Pa at least partially overlaps with the projected area Pb of the round hole portion 143a.

[0576] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the coupling 143 of the cartridge receives the driving force from the drive transmission unit 203 of the imaging device main assembly. In addition, the coupling 143 operates the braking mechanism (brake member 206) inside the drive transmission unit 203 according to the driving force received from the drive transmission unit 203. The drum coupling 143 can receive the braking force through the brake engagement members (204, 208).

[0577] With this braking mechanism, the load required to drive the cartridge can be set within an appropriate range. Therefore, the cartridge 100 can be stably driven.

[0578] The drum coupling 104 and the drive transmission unit 203 of the present embodiment can also be used to rotate members other than the photosensitive drum 104, such as the developing roller and the toner supply roller. However, for the following reasons, the drum coupling 104 and the drive transmission unit 203 of the present embodiment are particularly suitable for the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0579] Although the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment includes the photosensitive drum 104, it does not provide a cleaning device that contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the torque of the photosensitive drum 104 is relatively small, and when the photosensitive drum 104 is affected by the surrounding environment during its rotational drive, its speed tends to fluctuate. Therefore, the drive transmission unit 203 rotates the photosensitive drum 104 under a constant load applied to the drum 104. That is, the coupling 143 not only receives the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum but also receives the braking force from the drive transmission unit 203 for suppressing the rotation of the photosensitive drum. By simultaneously receiving the two forces acting on the coupling in different rotational directions, the speed fluctuation of the photosensitive drum 104 (drum unit 103) is suppressed, and the rotation is stable.

[0580] The driving force can be input from the drive transmission unit 203 of the present embodiment to the cartridge provided with the cleaning device through the coupling 143. When the cartridge 100 is provided with a cleaning device (e.g., a cleaning blade) that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum to remove toner from the photosensitive drum, a frictional force is generated between the photosensitive drum and the cleaning device. This frictional force increases the torque required to rotate the photosensitive drum 104. However, even so, the torque required to rotate the photosensitive drum 104 may not be large enough. At this time, as in the present embodiment, if the coupling 143 can receive both the driving force and the braking force from the drive transmission unit 203, the torque required to rotate the photosensitive drum 104 increases, and thus, the rotation of the photosensitive drum is stabilized. The cartridge provided with the cleaning device will be described in Embodiment 2 below.

[0581] In the present embodiment, the braking mechanism for applying an appropriate rotational load to the photosensitive drum is not arranged on the cartridge side but on the main assembly side of the imaging device, more specifically, in the drive transmission unit 203. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a braking mechanism on the processing cartridge which is an object to be replaced after use (a detachable and installable unit). It can contribute to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the processing cartridge.

[0582] In addition, the coupling 143 has such a shape that it can be smoothly engaged with both the driving force applying member (drum drive coupling 180) and the braking force applying member (braking engagement members (204, 208)) provided in the drive transmission unit 203. For example, the coupling 143 is provided with a spiral inclined surface 143d (inclined portion, guiding portion, upper surface, upper portion) and a shielding portion 143f so that it can be easily and smoothly connected to the drive transmission unit 203.

[0583] Hereinafter, reference will be made again to Fig.79 describe in detail the shape of the coupling 143 of the present embodiment.

[0584] The coupling 143 includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r, and each coupling portion includes an engaging portion 143i and a guiding portion forming portion 143j. The engaging portion 143i is a formed portion for engaging with the driving force applying member (drum drive coupling 180) or the braking force applying member (braking engagement members (204, 208)). The engaging portion 143i forms a driving force receiving portion 143b, a braking force receiving portion 143c, and a downstream inclined surface 143d1.

[0585] The driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c are respectively engaged with the drum driving coupling 180 and the braking members (204, 208). The driving force receiving portion (first side surface, first side portion) 143b and the braking force receiving portion (second side surface, second side portion) 143c are formed in a planar shape, but they are not limited to such a structure. They may be portions having a curved surface shape or portions having a small area, as long as they can receive the driving force and the braking force respectively. For example, the edge (ridge line) formed by the engaging portion 143i may form the driving force receiving portion (first side surface, first side portion) 143b or the braking force receiving portion (second side surface, second side portion) 143c.

[0586] Alternatively, the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c may be portions formed by a plurality of separated regions. That is, the engaging portion 143i may be a group of a plurality of formed portions.

[0587] The driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c are respectively the upstream side portion and the downstream side portion of the engaging portion 143i. That is, the driving force receiving portion 143b is the side portion toward the upstream in the rotational direction, and the braking force receiving portion 143c is the side portion toward the downstream in the rotational direction.

[0588] In addition, the guide portion forming portion 143n is a protrusion (extension portion) extending toward the engaging portion 143i in the rotational direction. The top surface (upper portion) of the guide portion forming portion 143n is the upstream side inclined surface (upstream side top surface, upstream side inclined portion) 143d2. The upstream inclined surface 143d2 is a guide portion (upstream side guide portion, upstream guide portion) and an inclined portion for guiding the braking force applying member (braking engaging members (204, 208)) toward the engaging portion 143i.

[0589] That is, the guide portion forming portion 143n is a protrusion for forming the upstream side inclined surface 143d2 as a guide portion (upstream side guide portion).

[0590] The guide portion forming portion 143n is adjacent to the engaging portion 143i and extends from the upstream to the downstream in the rotational direction toward the engaging portion 143i. In addition, the upstream inclined surface 143d2 of the guide portion forming portion 143n is inclined to approach the non-driven end of the photosensitive drum from the upstream to the downstream in the rotational direction (see Fig.80 ).

[0591] In Fig.80In this case, the drum coupling 143 is placed near the first end portion (drive-side end portion) 104a of the photosensitive drum 104. That is, the first end portion 104a of the photosensitive drum 104 is the end portion on the side for receiving the driving force from the drum coupling 143.

[0592] The end portion on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 104 with respect to the first end portion 104a is the non-drive-side end portion (second end portion) 104b. The distances from the non-drive-side end portion 104b to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 are represented by D1 and D2. The distance D1 is the distance measured in the axial direction parallel to the axis L from the non-drive-side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the downstream end of the inclined surface 143d2. The distance D2 is the distance measured in the axial direction from the non-drive-side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the upstream end portion of the upstream inclined surface 143d2.

[0593] Here, the distance D1 is shorter than the distance D2. That is, when measuring the distance from the non-drive end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 in the axial direction, the distance becomes shorter toward the downstream in the rotation direction.

[0594] That is, the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is inclined to approach the non-drive-side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum toward the downstream side in the rotation direction A. Not only the upstream inclined surface 143d2 but also the downstream inclined surface 143d1 are inclined in the same direction.

[0595] The distances D1 and D2 can also be regarded as the distances measured in the axial direction from the non-drive-side end of the cartridge housing (i.e., the non-drive-side cartridge cover 117: see Fig.14 ) to the upstream inclined surface 143d2.

[0596] One of the guide portion forming part 143n and the engaging part 143i can be called the first shaped part, and the other can be called the second shaped part, etc.

[0597] In this embodiment, the first shaped part and the second shaped part (i.e., the guide portion forming part 143n and the engaging part 143i) are adjacent to each other and connected to each other. More specifically, the guide portion forming part 143n is connected to the engaging part 143i on the downstream side in the rotation direction. However, although the engaging part 143i and the guide portion forming part 143n are adjacent to each other, they may not be connected and there may be a gap between them.

[0598] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top surface (downstream inclined surface) 143d1 of the engaging part 143i is smoothly connected to the top surface (upstream inclined surface) 143d2 of the guide portion forming part 143n to provide one inclined surface (top surface) 143d.

[0599] That is, the top surface (downstream inclined surface) 143d2 of the joint portion 143i is part of the guiding portion, similar to the upstream inclined surface 143d1, which has the function of guiding the brake engagement members (204, 208) to a position where the brake engagement members can engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0600] The downstream inclined surface (downstream top surface) 143d2 does not have to be continuous with the upstream inclined surface (upstream top surface) 143d1. Examples of the non - continuous form of the upstream inclined surface 143d2 and the downstream inclined surface 143d1 are shown in Fig.81 part (a) of Fig.81 and Fig.81 part (a) of Fig.81 part (b). In part (a) of

[0601] and part (b) of Fig.48 modification examples are shown, where the upstream inclined surface 143d2 and the downstream inclined surface 143d1 are provided with steps and are separated in the axial direction, and the downstream inclined surface 143d1 becomes a plane. As described above, part of the spiral inclined surface 143d as the guiding portion can be flat or can have steps.

[0601] As shown in Fig.48 part (c) of Fig.49 part (c) of Fig.50 part (d) of Fig.62 , Fig.67 and Fig.72 the brake engagement members (204, 208) contact the inclined surface 143d and are guided in the direction of the arrow C along the inclined direction of the inclined surface 143. That is, the brake engagement members (204, 208) move in the direction downstream in the rotational direction towards the non - drive side (M1B direction) of the photosensitive drum.

[0602] After being guided by the inclined surface 143d, the brake engagement members (204, 208) further advance in the axial direction (M1B) towards the space downstream of the braking force receiving portion (second side surface) 143c of the drum coupling 143 (see Fig.48 part (d) of Fig.49 part (d) of Fig.63 , Fig.68 ). Therefore, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0603] The braking engagement members (204, 208) are guided by the inclined surface 143d, and the braking engagement members (204, 208) move to the downstream side in the rotational direction A so as to be away from the drum drive coupling 180. Accordingly, a gap is generated between the drum drive coupling 180 and the braking engagement members (204, 208). The engaging portion 143i of the drum coupling 143 enters the gap, so that the driving force receiving portion (side surface) 143b can engage with the drum drive coupling 180 (see Fig.48 part (d) of Fig.48 part (e) of Fig.49 part (d) of Fig.63 , Fig.64 , Fig.68 ).

[0604] The spiral inclined surface 143d also has a function of keeping the braking engagement members (204, 208) away from the drum drive coupling 180 so that the drum drive coupling 180 and the driving force receiving portion 143b can engage with each other.

[0605] The spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d has not only a portion (downstream guide portion, downstream guide, downstream side top surface, downstream side inclined portion) 143dl disposed between the braking force receiving portion 143c and the driving force receiving portion 143b, but also a portion (upstream guide portion, upstream top surface, upstream inclined portion) 143d2 on the upstream side of the driving force receiving portion 143b (see Fig.48 part (a) of Fig.47 , Fig.56 etc.). By expanding the area where the inclined surface 143d is provided, the top surface 143d can reliably guide the braking engagement members (204, 208).

[0606] That is, even when the braking engagement members (204, 208) are placed on the upstream side of the driving force receiving portion 143b (see Fig.49 part (a) of Fig.49 ), the braking engagement members (204, 208) can move to the space on the downstream side of the braking force receiving portion 143c by passing through the upstream inclined surface 143d2 (see

[0607] part (c) and 49(d) of

[0608] However, it is also possible to incline only a part of the inclined surface 143d that serves as the top surface. For example, a structure can also be conceived in which the upstream side of the top surface is inclined to be the upstream inclined surface 143d2 as described above, while the downstream side of the top surface (downstream top surface 143d2) is not inclined and is a surface perpendicular to the axis of the drum unit (see Fig.81 part (a) of Fig.81 and Fig.81 part (a) of Fig.81 In the modified example of the drum coupling shown in part (b)). In

[0609] Furthermore, as a guiding portion for guiding the brake engagement members (204, 208), it is conceivable to use only the upstream top surface (upstream inclined surface 143d2) and not use the downstream top surface (downstream inclined surface 143dl). That is, it is conceivable that there is almost no portion corresponding to the downstream top surface, or that portion is very short compared to the upstream top surface. This structure will be described below with reference to Fig.74

[0610] It is also conceivable to provide a locally rising portion in the downhill spiral inclined surface 143d. Even in this case, if the brake engagement members (204, 208) can be sufficiently guided by the inclined surface 143d downstream in the rotational direction, the inclined surface 143d can be considered a downhill inclined surface. That is, even if the inclined surface locally rises, the spiral inclined surface 143d can be regarded as a descending inclined surface as a whole. In other words, the distance from the non-driven end of the cartridge to the spiral inclined surface 143d can be considered to decrease as the spiral inclined surface 143d moves downstream in the rotational direction.

[0611] As such an example, a structure can be conceived in which the rising portion partially provided in the spiral inclined surface 143d is sufficiently shorter than other descending portions, or the rising inclined surface is not very steep, and thus the rising portion has less influence on the descending portion.

[0612] ​In addition, there are cases where the spiral inclined surface 143d has a curved surface shape or is divided into multiple parts. In addition, there are cases where the width of at least a part of the inclined surface 143d is so small that the spiral inclined surface 143d can be regarded as a ridge line (edge) rather than a surface. When the drum coupling 143 is viewed from the front side, the spiral inclined surface 143d has a fan shape (spiral shape). However, the shape of the guiding portion (top surface, inclined portion) to be provided on the drum coupling 143 is not limited to this shape. For example, instead of using a fan-shaped (spiral) inclined surface 143d, a linearly extending rectangular inclined surface can be used. That is, as the inclined portion (guiding portion, top surface) corresponding to the spiral inclined surface 143d, a structure with a changed shape, size, extension direction, etc. can be used. Some examples of such cases will be described below with reference to Fig.54 and so on.

[0613] The upstream inclined surface (upstream top surface) 143d2 is configured to have a narrower area than the downstream inclined surface (downstream top surface) 143d1 (see Fig.47 and Fig.56 ). On the contrary, the downstream inclined surface 143d1 has a wider area than the upstream inclined surface 143d2.

[0614] Here, the width of each inclined surface is the length measured in the radial direction. In addition, as Fig.79 shown, at least a part of the engaging portion 143i is placed farther from the axis L of the drum unit in the radial direction of the drum unit than the guiding portion forming portion 143n. In other words, at least a part of the engaging portion 143i is placed radially outside the guiding portion forming portion 143n.

[0615] The reason for this dimensional relationship and this arrangement relationship is that the driving force receiving portion 143b of the engaging portion 143i is provided near the boundary between the guiding portion forming portion 143n and the engaging portion 143i. That is, a part of the engaging portion 143i protrudes outward from the guiding portion forming portion 143n in the radial direction, so that the driving force receiving portion 143b is formed. As a result, the width of the downstream portion 143d1 of the inclined surface (top surface) 143d is greater than the width of the upstream portion 143d2.

[0616] The driving force receiving portion 143b has a region that is placed radially outside (a position far from the axis L) with respect to the upstream inclined surface 143d2. In addition, in the axial direction of the drum unit, the driving force receiving portion 143b is provided closer to the non-driven side end portion of the photosensitive drum than the upstream side inclined surface 143d2. In Fig.80In [the figure], a state is shown where the distance D3 measured in the axial direction from the non-driven side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the driving force receiving portion 143b is shorter than the distance D1 measured in the same direction from the non-driven side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the upstream top surface 143d2.

[0617] Conversely, at least a part of the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is placed farther from the driving force receiving portion 143b than the non-driven side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction. The upstream inclined surface 143d2 is a free end portion that is placed closer to the free end of the drum coupling 143 than the driving force receiving portion 143b.

[0618] The distances D1 and D3 can be regarded as the distances measured in the axial direction from the non-driven side end of the cartridge (i.e., the non-driven side cartridge cover 117: see Fig.14 ) to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 and the driving force receiving portion 143b.

[0619] The shutter portion 143d is a blocking portion (stopper) that inhibits (prevents) the movement of the brake engagement members (204, 208) in the axial direction. That is, the shutter portion 143d prevents the brake engagement members (204, 208) from approaching the drum coupling 143 and entering the area where they cannot engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c. Fig.66 、 Fig.49 Part (b) of Fig.69 、 Fig.50 Part (a) of

[0620] In the present embodiment, the shutter portion (blocking portion) 143d is located more upstream in the rotational direction than the upstream inclined surface 143d2, and the shutter portion 143d is continuous with the top surface (upstream inclined surface 143d2) of the guide portion forming portion 143n (see Fig.56 Part (d) of

[0621] When the brake engagement members (204, 208) enter the space upstream of the driving force receiving portion 143b or the space downstream of the braking force receiving portion 143c together with the drum drive coupling 180, the brake engagement members (204, 208) cannot engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c. The shutter portion 143g prevents the movement of the brake engagement members (204, 208) in order to prevent such a state from occurring.

[0622] In the present embodiment, when the drum unit is observed from the drive side in the axial direction (see Fig.47 Part (a) of

[0623] In addition, the shutter portion 143d has a width sufficient to cover at least a part of the downstream side portion (downstream inclined surface 143dl) of the spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d. Thus, the shutter portion 143d restricts the brake engagement members (204, 208) from preferably entering the space on the upstream side of the driving force receiving portion 143b and the space downstream of the braking force receiving portion 143c together with the drum drive coupling 180.

[0624] On the other hand, the shutter portion 143g is provided to allow the brake engagement members (204, 208) to enter the space on the downstream side of the braking force receiving portion independently of the drum drive coupling 180 (see Fig.50 part (d) of Fig.49 part (c) of Fig.48 part (c)).

[0625] That is, the brake engagement members (204, 208) contact the upstream inclined surface 143d2 after passing through the shutter portion 143g and are guided along the inclined surface 143d toward the space on the downstream side of the braking force receiving portion 143c (see Fig.49 part (c) of Fig.50 part (d)).

[0626] That is, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) can contact the upstream side portion (upstream side top surface) 143d2 of the inclined surface (top surface) 143d, the shutter portion 143g releases the brake engagement members (204, 208) from the blocking state.

[0627] The shutter portion 143g is adjacent to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 and upstream of the upstream inclined surface 143d2. In the present embodiment, the top surface of the shutter portion 143g and the upstream inclined surface 143d2 are continuous, but there may be a case where the shutter portion 143g and the upstream inclined surface 143d2 are adjacent to each other but a gap is formed therebetween.

[0628] In addition, the top surface of the shutter portion 143g has a plane perpendicular to the axis L of the drum unit, but the shape is not limited to this example. For example, it is conceivable that the top surface of the shutter portion 143g is inclined in the same direction as the upstream inclined surface 143d2. In this case, it is conceivable that the shutter portion 143g forms a part of the upstream inclined surface 143d2. Alternatively, it can be considered that a part of the guide portion forming portion 143n forms the shutter portion 143g.

[0629] In addition, in the present embodiment, the coupling 143 includes two of the spiral inclined surfaces 143d, two of the shielding plate portions 143g, two of the driving force receiving portions 143b, and two of the braking force receiving portions 143c. That is, the coupling 143 has a shape symmetric about its axis and includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r (see Fig.58 ). Both the coupling portion 143s and the coupling portion 143r have a spiral inclined surface (inclined portion) 143d or the like as a top surface. Then, the braking engagement members (204, 208) and the drum driving member 180 are engaged with the coupling portion 143s and the coupling portion 143r, as shown in Fig.76 part (a).

[0630] An example of another shape (modified example) of the coupling 143 will be described below.

[0631] The drive transmission unit 203 includes a first braking engagement member 204 and a second braking engagement member 208 as braking force applying members (braking engagement members) that apply a braking force for rotating the photosensitive drum to the coupling 143. There is a gap between the first braking engagement member and the second braking engagement member 208, and the second braking engagement member disposed radially inward is slightly flexible to move outward to approach the first braking engagement member 204. When the coupling and the drive transmission unit 203 are disengaged from each other, the second braking engagement member 208 can be smoothly disengaged from the coupling 143 by the flexure of the second braking engagement member 208. For example, the second braking engagement member 208 can move above the shielding plate portion 143g by flexure and can be separated from the coupling 143.

[0632] [Various modifications of the coupling and the cartridge shown in Embodiment 1]

[0633] A modified example (modified shape) of the drum coupling 143 that partially modifies the above-described Embodiment 1 will be described. Even when the above-described shielding plate portion 143g is not provided on the drum coupling 143, it can operate appropriately according to conditions.

[0634] Fig.52 A perspective view of the drum coupling 143 in which the shielding plate portion 143g is not provided is shown, and Fig.53 an exploded view for explaining the engagement process is shown.

[0635] will be described with reference to Fig.52 the shape. Fig.52 is a view showing one end of the drum unit and shows a state in which a coupling member (drum coupling) 143 is mounted to an end portion of the photosensitive drum 104. The drum coupling 143 includes a spiral inclined surface 143d and a push-back surface 143k, which will be described below, but does not have a shielding plate shape.

[0636] Subsequently, the process of engaging with the drive transmission unit 203 will be described with reference to Fig.53 the description.

[0637] Fig.53 The representation of the developed view of Fig.48 is the same as the developed view of. The drum coupling 143 includes two coupling parts 143s and 143r, but for simplicity of illustration, only the coupling part 143s will be described. The description of the coupling part 143s also applies to the coupling part 143r.

[0638] The case where the phase of the tilt start part 143f of the drum coupling 143 shown in part (a) of Fig.53 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second brake engagement member satisfies the following relationship will be described. That is, the case where the tilt start part 146f of the drum coupling 143 is on the downstream side in the rotation direction (arrow A) will be described.

[0639] Fig.53 Part (a) of shows a state where the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are close to each other.

[0640] Next, in part (b) of Fig.53 Since there is no such shield part as described in Embodiment 1, in the drum coupling 143, the drum drive coupling and the second brake engagement member 208 advance into the space between the push-back surface 143k and the spiral inclined surface 143d3.

[0641] Fig.53 Part (c) of shows a state where the drive transmission unit 203 has started to rotate in the rotation direction A. When the drum drive coupling 180 and the second brake engagement member 208 rotate, the second brake engagement member 208 moves in the direction of arrow E along the inclined surface by the action of the inclination angle θ1 of the push-back surface 143k or the action of the inclination angle θ2 of the second brake engagement member 208. As described with reference to Fig.48 the second brake engagement member 208 can rotate without receiving a rotational load.

[0642] As described above, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) enter the region where they cannot engage with the braking force receiving part, the push-back surface (push-back part) 143k applies a force to the second brake engagement member 208. Thus, the push-back surface 143k pushes the brake engagement members (204, 208) back toward the inside of the drive transmission unit 203 and moves them in the direction of arrow E.

[0643] However, the second brake engagement member 208 is Fig.43The spring 211 shown in [the figure] is pressed in the M1B direction in the figure, and if the component force of the inclination angle θ2 of the second brake engagement member 208 is less than the spring force F1, the second brake engagement member 208 cannot move in the direction of arrow E. The component force varies according to the load torque of the drum holding unit 108 and the angle (θ1 or θ2) of each inclined surface. Considering the component force and the frictional force, it is preferable to set the magnitude relationship of the forces within the range that performs the above functions.

[0644] Fig.53 Part (d) of [the figure] shows the movement of the second brake engagement member 208 that is no longer subject to the rotational load. The drive transmission unit 203 has rotated further, and the second brake engagement member 208 is in a state of passing through the start portion 146f of the inclination of the drum coupling 146. When this state is reached, the second brake engagement member 208 moves in the direction of arrow C, as described in Fig.48 Part (c) of [the figure]. The subsequent operations are the same as those described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0645] Although not shown in Fig.50 Parts (a) to Fig.50 Part (d) of [the figure], the first brake engagement member 204 also moves together with the second brake engagement member 208 during these processes.

[0646] In the drum coupling 143 shown in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1 Part (a) of [the figure]), the brake engagement members (204, 208) are prevented by the shield portion 143g from entering the area where they cannot engage with the braking force receiving portion. On the other hand, in the drum coupling 143 of this modification example, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) enter the area where the braking force receiving portion 143c cannot engage with the drum drive coupling 180, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are pushed back by the push-back surface (push-back portion) 143k. The push-back surface 143k is an inclined portion that is inclined in a direction different from the direction of the spiral inclined surface 143. More specifically, the spiral inclined surface 143 is a portion that is inclined toward the non-driven side of the drum unit as the spiral inclined surface travels downward in the rotational direction, while the push-back surface 143k is a part of the drum unit that is inclined toward the outside (i.e., away from the non-driven side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum (see Fig.80 )) as the push-back surface travels downward in the rotational direction A. If the spiral inclined surface 143 is regarded as a descending inclined surface, the push-back surface 143k is an ascending inclined surface. The push-back surface 143k is placed on the upstream side in the rotational direction with respect to the spiral inclined surface 143d and is adjacent to the spiral inclined surface 43k.

[0647] The push-back surface 143k is also a guiding portion (second guiding portion) for guiding the brake engagement members (204, 208) toward the spiral inclined surface 143d. Further, the push-back surface 134k is a spiral inclined surface (second spiral inclined surface, second inclined portion) having an inclined direction opposite to the inclined direction of the spiral inclined surface 143d.

[0648] Further, another modified shape of the drum coupling 143 will be described. As an example, the inclined portion and the top surface (spiral inclined surface 143d) of the guiding portion described in Embodiment 1 are formed as smooth inclined surfaces, and the brake engagement members (204, 208) are guided along such inclined surfaces (see Fig.56 etc.). However, even if the inclined portion has other shapes, the drum coupling 143 can function. An example thereof is shown in a perspective view in Fig.54 .

[0649] First, Fig.54 The shape shown in part (a) of

[0650] is a reproduction of the shape described in Embodiment 1. A gentle spiral inclined surface 143d is formed from the inclined start portion 143f toward the braking force receiving portion 143c. Fig.54 On the other hand, Fig.73 The shapes of part (b) of

[0651] and part (a) of Fig.73 show modified examples. The height gradually changes between the inclined start portion 147f and the braking force receiving portion 147c. That is, the top surface (inclined portion) has a stepped portion 147d, and the inclined portion is formed by a plurality of steps. Therefore, the inclined portion (top surface) may not be a spiral inclined surface, but may be a spiral step shape that provides a decreasing inclination in the advancing direction of the second brake engagement member 208. Fig.54 The stepped stepped portion 147d moves the second brake engagement member 208 by moving the stepped stepped portion 147d in the direction of arrow C in part (a) of

[0652] to perform the same function as the spiral inclined surface 143d in part (a) of

[0653] At this time, preferably, when the step portion 147d serving as the top surface and the second brake engagement member 208 come into contact with each other, the second brake engagement member 208 is configured to be smoothly guided without being caught by the step portion 147d. For example, it is conceivable to sufficiently narrow the width of each surface of the step portion 147d. In addition, in Fig.73 In part (a), the top surface (inclined portion, guiding portion) is formed in a stepped shape by combining a plurality of surfaces, but the top surface (inclined portion, guiding portion) can be formed by combining a plurality of curved surfaces, and a similar function can be performed with this structure. Similar to the inclined surface 143d, the step portion 147d is a guiding portion (inclined portion) for guiding the brake engagement members (204, 208) toward the braking force receiving portion by its own inclination.

[0654] In addition, as Fig.54 shown in part (c) and Fig.73 part (b), the top surface is divided into an inclined surface (upstream side top surface, downstream side top surface) 148d1 and an inclined surface (downstream side top surface, downstream side guiding portion, downstream side) 148d2, and there is a gap 148g between the inclined surface 148d1 and the inclined surface 148d2. Also in this case, if the second brake engagement member 208 has a shape that does not cause jamming when it comes into contact with the top surface (148d1, 148d2), the top surface (148d1, 148d2) can be used as a guiding portion. When there are limitations in the structure of the mold for molding the coupling, this type of coupling can be used.

[0655] In addition, Fig.54 shown in part (d) and Fig.73 part (c) shows a modified example in which the shape of each part of the coupling 143 is formed by ribs. The top surface (inclined surface 149d) includes the surfaces of a plurality of ribs 149p, and the top surface is divided into a plurality of ribs, and in this case, the same function can also be provided. That is, as Fig.73 shown in part (c), the guiding portion forming part 149n that forms the upstream side top surface (upstream side guiding portion, upstream side inclined portion) 149d2 is a protruding portion (rib) protruding in the radial direction. Depending on the characteristics of the material used, it can be used when it is necessary to produce ribs without generating thick portions.

[0656] That is, for Fig.54 parts (a) to Fig.54For each structure in part (d), each top surface (143d, 147f, 148d1, 148d2, 149d), regardless of its shape, guides the braking force of the braking engagement members (204, 208) toward the braking force receiving portion 143c. In other words, each top surface is a guiding portion (inclined portion) that, regardless of its shape, is used to guide the braking engagement members (204, 208) toward the braking force receiving portion 143c. At least a part of such a top surface (guiding portion) is formed by the guiding portion forming part 143n.

[0657] Similar to the top surface, Fig.52 the push-back surface (push-back portion) 143k shown in can have various shapes. For example, this modified push-back portion (push-back surface) 143k is a smooth and continuous spiral inclined surface, but the push-back portion can be inclined by a plurality of surfaces or steps. For example, the push-back portion 143k can be composed of two surfaces with different inclinations, as Fig.48 in part (b) of Fig.56 and the push-back portion 143k of the first embodiment shown in part (d) of

[0658] The drum coupling 143 can have a shielding portion 143g or a push-back surface (push-back portion) 143k, or can have both of them. As described above, Fig.48 in part (b) of Fig.55 in part (b) of Fig.56 and the drum coupling 143 of the first embodiment shown in part (d) of

[0659] The drum coupling 143 has a protrusion shape (push-back portion forming part, second guiding portion forming part) 143m that constitutes the push-back surface 143k (see Fig.79 in part (b) of Fig.79 and part (c) of

[0660] The engaging portion 143i, the guiding portion forming part 143n, the protrusion shape 143m, and the shielding portion 143g (see Fig.79 ) can be correspondingly referred to as the first shape part, the second shape part, the third shape part, and the fourth shape part in no particular order.

[0661] Refer to Fig.54 Part (e) of Fig.73 Part (d) will show a modified example of the braking force receiving portion (second side surface).

[0662] Fig.54 Part (a) of Figure 1 Part (a) of Figure 55 to Figure 57 the braking force receiving portion 143c described in the embodiment 1 shown, and Fig.52 and Fig.54 Parts (b) to Fig.54 Parts (d) of the other modified examples shown have a shape protruding downstream in the rotational direction. This is because when the braking force receiving portion 143c has a shape protruding toward the downstream side in the rotational direction, the stability of the engagement increases when it engages with the braking engagement members (204, 208).

[0663] That is, due to this shape, when the braking force receiving portion 143c engages with the braking engagement members (204, 208), a force is generated to attract each other. The braking force receiving portion 143c protrudes toward the downstream side in the rotational direction. Therefore, when the braking force engagement members (204, 208) contact the braking force receiving portion 143c, a force is generated such that the braking force engagement members (204, 208) are attracted inward in the axial direction toward the drum coupling 143 or the photosensitive drum 104. Thereby, the engagement state between the braking force receiving portion 143c and the braking force engagement members (204, 208) is stable, and the engagement is not easily broken.

[0664] As described above, the braking engagement members (204, 208) are configured to be axially movable relative to the drum drive coupling 180 (see Fig.67 and Fig.68 ). However, if the braking engagement members (204, 208) move axially while the drive transmission unit 203 is driving the drum coupling 143, the engagement state with the braking force receiving portion 143c may be broken or become unstable. Therefore, preferably, the braking force receiving portion 143c has a shape for stabilizing the engagement state with the braking engagement members (204, 208) to suppress the axial movement of the braking engagement members (204, 208) when the drum coupling 143 is driven.

[0665] However, when the braking force to be applied to the braking force receiving portion is small, or when the friction coefficient of the braking force receiving portion is high, the engagement between the braking force receiving portion and the braking engagement members (204, 208) tends to be stable. Therefore, the protruding portion of the braking force receiving portion may be eliminated. Such a braking force receiving portion 144t is shown in Fig.54 Part (e) of Figure 73 Part (d). InFigure 54 section (e) and Figure 73 in the modified drum coupling shown in (d), the braking force receiving portion 144c does not protrude toward the downstream side in the rotational direction (arrow A).

[0666] On the other hand, even for a braking force receiving portion 144c having such a shape, a device designed to stabilize the engagement state with the braking engagement members (204, 208) can be conceived.

[0667] In order to stabilize the engagement between the braking force receiving portion 144c and the braking engagement members, it is also conceivable to attach an elastic member (elastic portion) 144t (such as rubber) to the braking force receiving portion 144c or integrally form the elastic portion with the braking force receiving portion 144c. By increasing the friction coefficient of the braking force receiving portion 144t or causing the braking engagement members (204, 208) to bite into the elastic portion of the braking force receiving portion 144t, the engagement with the braking engagement members (204, 208) is less likely to be broken, making the engagement stable.

[0668] As a method of increasing the frictional force of the braking force receiving portion 144c, it is conceivable to use an adhesive member (sticky member) instead of using the elastic member 144t. For example, if a double-sided tape (adhesive member) is attached to the surface of the braking force receiving portion 144c, the frictional force between the braking force receiving portion 144c and the braking engagement members (204, 208) increases due to the viscosity of the double-sided tape (adhesive member). In addition, it is conceivable to increase the friction coefficient of the braking force receiving portion 144c by surface-treating the braking force receiving portion 144c without using the elastic member 144t.

[0669] Desirably, the spiral inclined surface 143d (see Figure 67 ) for guiding the braking engagement members (204, 208) has a small friction coefficient to achieve smooth guidance. Therefore, even when a material with a high friction coefficient is selected or surface treatment is applied to the braking force receiving portion 144c, it is desirable that this method is not used for the entire coupling, but the use of such a material or such surface treatment is not applied to the spiral inclined surface 143d. That is, it is desirable that the friction coefficient of the braking force receiving portion 144c is higher than the friction coefficient of the spiral inclined surface 143d.

[0670] As Figure 54 shown in section (a) to Figure 54 section (d), the elastic portion 144t can be provided on the braking force receiving portion 143c of the drum coupling 143.

[0671] Next, with reference to Figure 101 , the preferred arrangement relationship and dimensional relationship of the drum coupling 143 will be described. Figure 101is a front view of the drum coupling 143 of Example 1, where θ (theta) 11 is a value indicating the dimension of the engagement portion 143i from the driving force receiving portion 143b to the braking force receiving portion 143c at an angle with the axis of the drum coupling. In other words, it is the angle of the region of the downstream inclined portion 143d1.

[0672] Regarding the upper limit of θ11, it is desirable that θ11 be 90° or less, more preferably 80° or less. The angle θ11 corresponds to the gap generated between the drum drive coupling 180 and the braking engagement members (204, 208) when the drum coupling engages the drive transmission unit 203 (see Figure 64 ). In order to firmly clamp the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c between the braking engagement members (204, 208) of the main equipment assembly and the drum drive coupling 180, it is desirable that θ11 be 90° or less, more preferably 80° or less.

[0673] On the other hand, regarding the lower limit of θ11, for the material of the engagement portion 143i constituting the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c, if the strength of the engagement portion 143i is increased by using a metal, then θ11 can be reduced. Although details will be described below, in Figure 74 the modified example of the drum coupling shown, by forming the drum coupling 143 with a metal, the thickness of the engagement portion 145i corresponding to the engagement portion 143i is made smaller than that in this embodiment. Considering this structure, the preferred condition for the lower limit of θ11 ( Figure 101 ) is that θ11 be 1°, more preferably 2° or still more preferably 8° or more. In this embodiment, θ11 is set to 30° or more, and θ11 is set to approximately 35°.

[0674] In order to increase the strength of the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c so that the force can be received stably, the angle θ11 corresponding to the thickness of the engagement portion 143i is ideally within a certain range.

[0675] When θ11 is converted to a length, it becomes the thickness of the engagement portion 143i, that is, the distance measured along the rotation direction from the driving force receiving portion 143b to the braking force receiving portion 143c. The desired range of this distance is 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more.

[0676] In addition, in Figure 101In this case, θ12 indicates, in terms of an angle, the region occupied by the upstream inclined surface (upstream guide portion, upstream inclined surface) 143d2. Regarding the lower limit of θ12, it is desirable that the value of θ12 be at least half of the value of θ11, and more preferably, the value of θ12 is not less than the value of θ11. This is because the upstream inclined surface 143d2 needs to have a length sufficient to guide the brake engagement members (204, 208) to the braking force receiving portion 143c in the rotational direction.

[0677] When θ11 is smaller and the inclination angle of the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is larger, the lower limit of θ12 can be made smaller.

[0678] As described above, the lower limit of θ12 depends on the value of θ11 and the angle of the upstream inclined surface 143d2. However, when expressed numerically, θ12 is 1° or more, more preferably 2° or still more preferably 8° or more, and even more preferably 30° or more. In this embodiment, θ12 is set to 60° or more.

[0679] The upper limit of θ12 can be relatively large and can exceed 360°. However, preferably, θ12 is 360° or less, more preferably 270° or less, and in this example, 180° or less. Specifically, θ12 is set to approximately 67°.

[0680] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 102 and Figure 103 to describe a structure in which θ12 is greater than θ12 in this embodiment.

[0681] The angle θ13 is the sum of θ11 and θ12 and corresponds to the angle occupied by the entire spiral inclined surface 143d. When θ13 is expressed numerically, it is desirable that θ13 be 2° or more, and more preferably 8° or more. In addition, θ13 is preferably 360° or less, and more preferably 270° or less. In this embodiment, θ13 is set to 180° or less. Specifically, θ13 is set to approximately 102°.

[0682] Reference Figure 74 will be made to describe another modified shape of the coupling 143.

[0683] Figure 74 are a perspective view and a front view observed in two line-of-sight directions of the coupling in the modified example.

[0684] This modified coupling 143 includes an engagement portion 145i having a driving force receiving portion 143b and a braking force receiving portion 145b, and a guide portion forming portion 145n having a spiral inclined surface 145d. The engagement portion 145i and the guide portion forming portion 145n correspond to the engagement portion 143i and the guide portion forming portion 143n of the coupling 143 shown in Embodiment 1 (seeFigure 79 ), but their shapes are partially different.

[0685] The modified coupling 143 includes a shutter portion 143g that contacts a second braking engagement member 208 (not shown), and the spiral inclined surface 145d is formed by a curved surface. The curved surface has a substantially circular arc shape and is shaped to connect the braking force receiving portion 145c from the inclined starting point 143f. In this modified example, since the braking force receiving portion 145c does not have a shape that protrudes toward the downstream side in the rotational direction, an elastic member (elastic portion) 145t can be attached to the braking force receiving portion 145c as in the case of part (e) of Figure 54 .

[0686] This modification ( Figure 74 ) the spiral inclined surface 145d is the top surface corresponding to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 of Embodiment 1 ( Figure 57 ).

[0687] On the other hand, in this modification ( Figure 74 ), the top surface (upper portion) 145e of the engaging portion 145i ( Figure 74 part (b) of Figure 57 ) corresponds to the downstream inclined surface 143d1 of Embodiment 1 (

[0688] ), but it is not inclined like the downstream side inclined surface 143d1.

[0689] That is, the top surface 145e provided downstream is connected to the top surface (spiral inclined surface 145d) provided upstream, but the inclination angle of its surface is different at the boundary. The top surface 145e and the spiral inclined surface 145d are not smoothly connected. Figure 57 In addition, since the distance between the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 145c is short, the length of the top surface 145e measured in the rotational direction is smaller (shorter than)

[0690] the length of the downstream inclined surface 143dl in

[0691] The plane 145h is adjacent upstream to the spiral inclined surface 145d, and the spiral inclined surface 145d and the plane 145h are connected to each other. The plane 145h may be inclined in the same direction as the spiral inclined surface 145d to form a part of the spiral inclined surface 145d. In addition, the modified drum coupling may have a shutter portion 143g of the push-back surface 143k described in Embodiment 1 or another modification of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1 , Figure 52 etc.).

[0692] In addition, regarding the shape of the drum coupling, the shape of the shaft portion 143j shown in Figure 1 may also be selected for design reasons. For example, Figure 75 shows the shape of a modified example of the drum coupling. In the example of Figure 75 , the diameter of the shaft portion 146j is the same as the diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. The shaft portion 146j is rotatably supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 (see Figure 15 ). For example, the shaft end face 146s can be used to perform position limitation in the direction of arrow MB1. In this way, the shape of the shaft portion 146j can be appropriately selected according to the relationship with the peripheral portion and the manufacturing method.

[0693] Another modification of the drum coupling 143 is shown in part (b) of Figure 76 , part (c) of Figure 76 , part (a) of Figure 78 , part (b) of Figure 78 , part (c) of Figure 78 and part (d) of Figure 78 . These figures show a drum coupling in which two coupling portions 143s and 143r have different shapes. Figure 76 Parts (b) and (c) are developed views of the coupling 143, and in part (c) of Figure 76 , the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement member 208 provided on the main assembly side of the apparatus are also shown in a developed view. Figure 78 Part (a) of Figure 78 and part (b) of Figure 78 are perspective views of the drum coupling 143. In addition, Figure 78 part (c) of

[0694] In the coupling 143 shown in these figures, the engaging portion 143i of one coupling portion 143s is not provided with a braking force receiving portion 143c, and only includes a driving force receiving portion 143b. That is, the side surface 143y provided on the engaging portion 143i of the coupling portion 143s does not engage with the braking engagement members (204, 208). On the other hand, the engaging portion 143i of the other coupling portion 143r is only provided with a braking force receiving portion 143c and is not provided with a driving force receiving portion 143b. The side surface 143x of the engaging portion 143i of the coupling portion 143r does not engage with the drum driving coupling 180.

[0695] Another example of the asymmetric coupling 143 is shown in Figure 76 part (d). This coupling portion 143s is an example in which the coupling portion 143s does not have any side surface corresponding to the driving force receiving portion 143c.

[0696] In Figure 76 part (b), Figure 76 part (c), Figure 78 part (a), Figure 78 part (b), Figure 78 part (c) and Figure 7 the modified examples of the coupling 143 shown in receive the driving force only at one place and receive the braking force only at one place. Therefore, in order for the drum coupling to stably receive the driving force and the braking force, it is preferable to improve the fitting accuracy between the round hole portion 143a and the positioning boss 180i of the drum driving coupling 180 (see Figure 51 ). That is, it is preferable to reduce the gap generated between them, thereby improving the position accuracy of the drum coupling 143 relative to the drive transmission unit 203 to stably and reliably engage the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143.

[0697] In addition, Figure 77 shows another modification of the drum coupling including one driving force receiving portion and one braking force receiving portion. Figure 77 The drum coupling 143 shown has only one upstream side inclined surface 143d2, only one downstream side inclined surface 143d1, only one shielding portion 143g, only one driving force receiving portion 143b, only one braking force receiving portion 143c, and only one extruded surface 143k. Figure 77 Part (a) of Figure 77 is a perspective view of the drum coupling, and

[0698] In as Figure 77In the modification example of the drum coupling 143 shown, any part of the inclined surface 143d, the shutter part 143g, the driving force receiving part 143b, the braking force receiving part 143c, and the extrusion surface 143k can be placed at one or more 180° positions (axisymmetric).

[0699] For example, as Figure 96 shown, Figure 77 shown, the shutter part 143g of the drum coupling 143 can be moved to the 180° symmetric region S143g, or the extrusion surface 143k can be moved to the symmetric region S143k.

[0700] This is because both the drum drive coupling 180 and the braking engagement members (204, 208) have a 180° symmetric shape.

[0701] Therefore, regardless of which of the two 180° symmetric positions is the position where one helical inclined surface 143d is set, the inclined surface 143d can act on the entire braking engagement members (204, 208). Similarly, the extrusion surface 143k can be placed at either of the two positions that are symmetric to each other at 180°. This applies not only to the shutter part 143g and the extrusion surface 143k, but also to the braking force receiving part 143c.

[0702] In addition, the drum drive coupling 180 can be engaged with the driving force receiving part 143b regardless of whether the driving force receiving part 143b is placed at either of the two 180° symmetric positions.

[0703] The drum drive coupling 180 has two drive transmission surfaces 180d, but the two drive transmission surfaces 180d move integrally ( Figure 45 part (a)). In addition, each of the braking engagement members (204, 208) has two coupling engagement parts 204b and 208b, and all of these coupling engagement parts move integrally (see Figure 45 part (b)).

[0704] As another modification in which the shape of the drum coupling 143 is formed asymmetrically as described above, there is also the following structure. That is, one coupling part 143s has a coupling part 143i but does not have a guide part forming part 143n, and the other coupling part 143r has a guide part forming part 143n but does not have a coupling part 143i. Such a structure is conceivable. An example of such a structure is shown in Figure 97 parts (a) and (b). Figure 97 Part (a) of Figure 97 is a perspective view of a modification example of the drum coupling,

[0705] In the modification example of the drum coupling shown in these figures, the guide portion forming part 343n and the engaging part 343i have one. The guide portion forming part 343n forms a spiral inclined surface (guide portion, top surface, inclined portion) 343d2. The engaging part 343i forms a driving force receiving portion 343b and a spiral inclined surface (guide portion, top surface, inclined portion) 343d1. The guide portion forming part 343n and the engaging part 343i are located on opposite sides of the axis L. Additionally, in this modification, the braking force receiving portion 343b is not arranged at the engaging part 343i, but at the end portion downstream in the rotational direction of the guide portion forming part 343n. That is, the engaging part 343i engages with the driving force applying member (drum drive coupling) 180, but does not engage with the braking force applying members (brake engaging members 204, 208).

[0706] Figure 99 Parts (a), (b), and (c) show the engagement process of the drum coupling and the brake engaging members (204, 208) of this modification example in this order. For ease of explanation, the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 is not shown.

[0707] As Figure 99 shown in part (a) of, when the second brake engaging member 208 contacts the inclined surface 343d2 of the guide portion forming part 343n, the second brake engaging member 208 starts to move in a manner that is downstream in the rotational direction and approaches the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction.

[0708] As Figure 99 shown in part (b) of, when the second brake engaging member 208 reaches near the end of the upstream inclined surface 343d2, the first brake engaging member 204 contacts the inclined surface 343dl, which is the top surface of the engaging part 343i. Thereafter, the brake engaging members (204, 208) continue to rotate, and the free end of the first brake engaging member 204 enters the space downstream of the engaging part 343i, as Figure 99 shown in part (c) of. The first brake engaging member 204 reaches a position where it can engage with the braking force receiving portion 343c (see Figure 97 part (b) of).

[0709] As described above, also in the drum coupling of this modification shown in Figure 97 and Figure 99 any part thereof can be moved to the 180° symmetric position. For example, as Figure 98 shown in part (a) of, the engaging part 343i and the driving force receiving portion 343b can be moved to positions S343i and S343b, respectively, which are 180° symmetric positions. The coupling in which the engaging part 343i is moved to S343i is similar toFigure 77 A modified example of a drum coupling shown in . In contrast, when Figure 77 When a portion of the drum coupling portion shown in FIG. is moved to a 180° symmetrical position, the shape is similar to Figure 97 The shape of the modified drum coupling is shown in .

[0710] like Figure 98 As shown in part (a), in this modification, when the engaging portion 343i is imaginarily placed at the 180° symmetrical position S343i, the inclined surface 343d2 is adjacent to the imaginary engaging portion S343i. The upstream side portion 343d2a of the inclined surface 343d2 extends from upstream to downstream in the rotation direction toward the imaginary engaging portion S343i and the imaginary driving force receiving portion S343b.

[0711] Figure 98 Part (b) shows angles θ41, θ42, θ51, and θ52 regarding the size of each portion in this modification.

[0712] Angle θ41 is an angle of the area where the engaging portion 343i is arranged. θ42 is an angle of the area occupied by the spiral slope 343d2 of the guide forming portion 343n. θ51 is an angle indicating the area from S343b where the driving force receiving portion 343b is imaginarily arranged at a 180° symmetrical position to the braking force receiving portion 343c. θ52 is an angle of the area occupied by the portion 343d2a on the spiral slope 343d2 located on the upstream side in the rotation direction from the position S343b of the imaginary arranged driving force receiving portion.

[0713] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the driving force receiving portion 343 b , the angle θ41 is preferably not less than 1°, further preferably not less than 2°, and even more preferably not less than 8°.

[0714] The angle θ51 corresponds to the angle of the gap between the brake engagement member (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling 180. Therefore, it is desirable not to exceed 80° as described above.

[0715] Furthermore, since θ51 is larger than θ41, θ51 is preferably 1° or more, further preferably 2° or more, and even more preferably 8° or more. Furthermore, it is desirable that θ41 is 80° or less.

[0716] Angle θ52 corresponds to Figure 101 The preferred range of θ52 is the same as that of θ12. In addition, since θ42 corresponds to Figure 101 The angle of θ13 in θ42 is the same as that of θ13.

[0717] In addition, in Figure 100 part (a) of Figure 100 and in part (b) of Figure 58 etc., another modification of the drum coupling with an asymmetrical shape is shown. The structure is such that the upstream inclined surface 143d2 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 58 etc.) is separated and arranged at two positions. That is, the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is divided into an upstream part 143d2a and a downstream part 143d2b. The engaging part 143i is adjacent to the downstream part 143d2b of the upstream-side inclined surface 143d2.

[0718] In Figure 100 the dimensional relationships in this modification example are shown in part (b). The angle θ21 is the angle of the engaging part 143i and corresponds to the angle θ11 in Figure 101 etc. The preferred angle of θ21 is the same as the angle θ11. The angle θ22b is the angle of the range occupied by the downstream part 143d2b of the upstream-side inclined surface 143d2, and θ22b is the angle occupied by the upstream part 143d2a of the upstream-side inclined surface 143d2.

[0719] The region where the downstream part 143d2b of the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is hypothetically moved to a position symmetric about 180° is the region S143d2b. At this time, the angle of the region occupied by the virtual region S143d2b and the upstream part 143d2a is θ32. Since θ32 corresponds to the angle θ12 in Figure 101 etc., the preferred angle range of θ32 is equivalent to the preferred angle range of θ12.

[0720] The suitable angle ranges of θ22a and θ22b are also based on θ12.

[0721] In addition, a further modification of the drum coupling will be described. The spiral inclined surfaces 143d and 143d2, which are the guiding part and the upstream guiding part, can be changed to be longer than those of the drum coupling of Embodiment 1 ( Figure 1 etc.). Such an example is shown in Figure 102 and Figure 103 etc. In the drum couplings shown in these figures, the spiral inclined surface 443d2 corresponding to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 extends beyond 360°. That is, the spiral inclined surface 443d2 extends more than one full turn.

[0722] The engaging part 443i corresponding to the engaging part 143i of Embodiment 1 is provided separately from the inclined surface 443d2. The engaging part 443i includes a braking force receiving part 443c1 and a driving force receiving part 443b. A braking force receiving part 443c2 is also provided near the end of the spiral inclined surface 443d2. The braking force receiving part 443c1 and the braking force receiving part 443c2 are arranged at positions symmetric about 180°.

[0723] InFigure 103 Part (a) of Figure 103 Part (b) of Figure 103 Part (c) of, the engagement process of the drum coupling and the brake engagement member in this modification example is shown in chronological order. For ease of explanation, the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown.

[0724] As Figure 103 shown, the brake engagement members (204, 208) rotate one or more turns by being guided by the helical inclined surface 443d2. In this way, the length of the helical inclined surface 443d2 as the guiding portion and the inclined portion can be increased to exceed 360°. However, if the helical inclined surface 443d2 is long, it may be the case depending on the situation that the time required for the brake engagement members (204, 208) to pass through the helical inclined surface 443d2 is long, or the speed of the brake engagement members (204, 208) on the helical inclined surface 443d2 is slow. To solve this problem, when the drive transmission unit 203 and the coupling 143 are engaged with each other, it may be necessary to take measures to ensure that the brake engagement members (204, 208) have sufficient time to pass through the helical inclined surface 443d2, for example, by reducing the rotational speed of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0725] In order to smoothly engage the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 with each other while rotating the drive transmission unit 203 at high speed, it is desirable to shorten the time required for the brake engagement members (204, 208) to pass through the helical inclined surface 443d2. From this viewpoint, it is further preferable that the length of the helical inclined surface (inclined portion, guiding portion) 443d2 is 360° or less, and it is further preferable that the length is 270° or less.

[0726] As described above, a modification example in which the drum coupling of Embodiment 1 is changed to an asymmetric shape can also be used.

[0727] However, as in Figure 1 and Figure 58 the drum coupling 143 of Embodiment 1 shown, it is further preferable that the coupling 143 includes a driving force receiving portion 143b and a braking force receiving portion 183c at two positions separated by 180°, because then the engagement state between the drive transmission unit 203 and the coupling 143 and the transmission state of the driving force are stable. The coupling 143 receives the driving force at two symmetrically arranged points, and also receives the braking force at two symmetrically arranged points. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the balance of the forces applied to the coupling 143.

[0728] In addition, in the drum coupling 143 of Embodiment 1 described above (see Figure 1) In [description], each formed part of the coupling (engaging part, guide part forming part, shutter part, etc.) has a specific layout relationship. However, it is also conceivable to change these layout relationships by making any part of the coupling 143 movable.

[0729] As an example of such a structure, Figures 104 to 106 a structure is shown in which the engaging part 243i is movable relative to other parts of the drum coupling 143, and specifically, a structure in which the engaging part 243i can advance and retract in the radial direction. As Figure 105 shown, the drum coupling 143 is provided with two openings 243p, and the engaging part 243i partially protrudes from the inside of the drum coupling through these openings 243p.

[0730] As Figure 105 shown in part (a) of [], the two engaging parts 243i are supported by the guide part 199a of the support member 199 provided inside the drum coupling. In addition, the engaging part 243i is configured to be movable in the radial direction along the guide part 199a, but is pushed inward in the radial direction by the tension spring 200.

[0731] Therefore, when the cartridge is not in use, as Figure 104 shown in part (a) of [] and Figure 104 part (c) of [], the two engaging parts 243i retract into the inside of the drum coupling. On the other hand, when the cartridge is mounted on the main assembly of the imaging device, the positioning boss 180i enters the inside of the drum coupling and contacts the engaging part 243i, as Figure 106 shown in part (a) of []. In addition, when the positioning boss 180i enters the inside of the drum coupling 143, the engaging part 243i is pushed outward in the radial direction by the positioning boss 180i. Thus, as Figure 104 shown in part (b) of [] and Figure 104 part (d) of [], a part of the engaging part 243i advances toward the outside of the drum coupling 143.

[0732] In this state, both side parts of the engaging part 243i, that is, the driving force receiving part 243b and the braking force receiving part 243c are exposed, and the driving force and the braking force can be received from the main assembly of the imaging device respectively.

[0733] As described above, the layout relationship and shape of the coupling 143 are not constant and can be changed or altered. For example, it is conceivable that when the cartridge is not in use, the part of the drum coupling that is vulnerable to external impact retracts to be protected.

[0734] When a part of the coupling 143 is movable, the state of the coupling in actual use, that is, the state of the coupling 143 when the cartridge and the drum unit are mounted on the main assembly of the imaging device and the coupling 143 is engaged with the drive transmission unit 203, can be regarded as the reference state. In this reference state, the shape of the coupling 143 and the arrangement relationship of each part can be constructed to meet the desired conditions as described above.

[0735] In addition, Figure 107 and Figure 108 FIG. shows another modified example of the drum coupling 143, which is configured such that a part of the drum coupling 143 is deformed and movable. In the above modified example (see Figure 105 ), the engaging portion 243i is configured to move in the radial direction, but in this modified example, the engaging portion 643i is configured to move in the axial direction. Figure 107 Part (a) of FIG. shows the state where the engaging portion 643i is retracted into the drum coupling, and Figure 107 Part (b) of FIG. shows the engaging portion 643i moving toward the outside of the drum coupling and away from the photosensitive drum. Figure 107 Part (c) of FIG. is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit in this modified example.

[0736] Figure 108 Parts (a) and 108(b) of FIG. show cross-sectional views of the drum unit. Figure 108 Part (a) of FIG. shows the state before the drum unit is mounted on the main assembly of the device, and Figure 108 Part (b) of FIG. shows the state after the drum unit is mounted thereon.

[0737] When the drum unit is mounted on the main assembly of the device, the positioning boss 180i provided on the drive transmission unit contacts the working member of the drum coupling. Then, as shown in Figure 108 Part (b) of FIG., the operating member 698 moves inward in the axial direction (to the right in the figure). As the operating member 698 moves, the interlocking member 698 is pushed outward in the radial direction inside the drum coupling. As the interlocking member 698 moves outward in the radial direction, the engaging portion 643i is pressed outward in the radial direction by the interlocking member 698. Therefore, the state changes from the state of being retracted into the drum unit ( Figure 107 Part (a) of FIG. and Figure 108 Part (a) of FIG.) to the state where the engaging portion 643i is partially exposed to the outside ( Figure 107 Part (b) of FIG. and 108(b)).

[0738] When a part of the drum coupling is movably provided in this way, the moving direction can be the radial direction or the axial direction. A part of the drum coupling can move in both the radial direction and the axial direction, or can move in the rotational direction.

[0739] Next, another modification of the drum coupling will be described with reference to Figure 109 and Figure 110 Similar to the above two modifications, the modified drum coupling 1043 is also constructed such that a part of it deforms and moves.

[0740] Figure 109 Part (a) of is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit of this modification example. Figure 109 Part (b) of shows the state in which the engaging portion 1043i of the drum coupling has advanced toward the outside of the drum unit, and part (c) shows the state in which the engaging portion 1043i has partially retracted inward.

[0741] In this modification, before the drum unit is installed on the main component of the device, the engaging portion 1043i is in the protruding (advanced) state as shown in Figure 109 part (b) of. On the other hand, after the drum unit is installed on the main component of the device, the engaging portion 1043i changes to the retracted state as shown in Figure 109 part (c) of.

[0742] Figure 110 Parts (a) of and Figure 110 part (b) of show cross-sectional views of the drum unit. Figure 110 (a) shows the state before the drum unit is completely installed on the main component of the device, and part (b) shows the state after the installation is completed.

[0743] As shown in Figure 109 part (a) of, the engaging member 1043 is disposed inside the drum coupling so as to be movable in the axial direction. The engaging member 1043 is pushed (pressed) outward in the axial direction by a compression coil spring 1020 disposed inside the drum coupling 143, and an engaging portion 1043i that is part of the engaging member 1043 is exposed to the outside of the drum coupling 143.

[0744] Then, the engaging member 1043 has an acting portion 1043p on its rotation axis. When the drum unit is installed on the main component of the device as shown in Figure 110 part (b) of, the engaging member 1043 and the engaging portion 1043i are retracted inward in the axial direction by the acting portion 1043p being pushed by the positioning boss 180i.

[0745] In the above three modification examples, an acting portion that can receive an action from the outside of the cartridge is disposed inside the coupling 143, and the shape of the coupling 143 is changed by operating the acting portion with the positioning boss 180i. However, it is also conceivable to dispose an acting portion for changing the shape of the coupling 143 at a location other than inside the coupling 143.

[0746] As described above, the shape and form of the coupling can be selected based on the design factors for the arrangement, manufacturing factors considering the molds used for coupling production, and the purpose of protecting the coupling.

[0747] In addition, in each of the three modified examples of the above-described drum coupling, the engaging portion provided with the driving force receiving portion and the braking force receiving portion moves relative to the other portions. However, portions such as the spiral inclined surface or the shutter portion can be movable relative to the other portions.

[0748] In addition, the above-described cartridge 100 includes a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, but the structure of the cartridge 100 is not limited to this structure. For example, the cartridge 100 may include a photosensitive drum but not include a developing roller. As an example of such a structure, a structure in which the cartridge 100 includes only the drum holding unit 108 (see Figure 19 ) can be considered.

[0749] In addition, in Example 1 and its various modified examples, the drum coupling 143 is placed near one end (the end on the driving side) of the photosensitive drum 104, and it is press-fitted into the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the driving force can be transmitted from the drum coupling 143 to the end of the photosensitive drum 104. However, the method of connecting the drum coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 is not limited to press-fitting. In addition, in the above example, the drum coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 are integrated to form the drum unit 103, but the drum coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be separated from each other without forming a drum unit.

[0750] That is, if the drum coupling 143 is operably connected to the photosensitive drum 104, that is, if it is connected in a driving force transmissible manner, another connection method can be adopted, and the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 may not form the same unit.

[0751] For example, one or more relay members can be interposed between the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104. In this case, it can be considered that the drum coupling is indirectly connected to the driving side end of the photosensitive drum 104 through the relay member. The drum coupling 143 operates the photosensitive drum 104 by rotating itself with the aid of the relay member.

[0752] For example, it is conceivable to mount a gear on the end of the photosensitive drum 104 and also form a gear portion on the outer peripheral surface of the drum coupling 143. In this way, the gears of the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be directly meshed with each other, or an additional idler gear can be interposed between the two gears to transmit the driving force from the drum coupling 143 to the photosensitive drum 104.

[0753] In addition to using a gear as the relay member, a method of connecting a drive transmission belt to the drum coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 and using it as the relay member can also be conceived.

[0754] It is also conceivable to connect the end of the photosensitive drum 104 on the drive side and the drum coupling 143 by using an Oldham coupling as an intermediate member. In this case, the drum unit 103 can be regarded as a unit including the photosensitive drum 104, the Oldham coupling (intermediate member), and the drum coupling 143.

[0755] As described above, the connection method between the photosensitive drum 104 and the drum coupling 143 can be a direct connection or an indirect connection. In addition, the photosensitive drum 104 and the drum coupling 143 can be combined to form the drum unit 103, or the photosensitive drum 104 and the drum coupling 143 can be provided separately from each other in the cartridge and may not constitute a unit.

[0756] However, if the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 form a drum unit 103 that can rotate integrally, or if the coupling 143 is directly connected to the end of the photosensitive drum 104, the drive (rotation) of the coupling 143 can be transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104 more accurately, and therefore, it is more preferable to do so.

[0757] In the present embodiment, the axis of the drum coupling 143 and the axis of the photosensitive drum 104 are aligned. That is, the drum coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 are aligned along the same rotation axis L (see Figure 1 ). However, when the drum coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104 are indirectly connected, the positions of the axes can be different from each other.

[0758] In any case, by engaging the coupling 143 with the drive transmission unit 203 provided in the main assembly of the apparatus, the cartridge can be stably driven.

[0759] Examples in which the structure of the cartridge and the like is changed will be further described below with reference to Embodiment 2.

[0760] <<Embodiment 2>>

[0761] <Overall Structure of Imaging Apparatus 800>

[0762] Reference Figure 82 will describe the overall structure of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus 800 (hereinafter, imaging apparatus 800) according to the present embodiment. Figure 82 is a schematic diagram of the imaging apparatus 800 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing cartridge 701 and the toner cartridge 713 can be mounted on and detached from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus 800.

[0763] In this embodiment, except for the different colors of the formed images, the structures and operations of the first to fourth imaging portions are substantially the same. Therefore, hereinafter, if not particularly distinguished, for general description, the subscripts Y to K will be omitted.

[0764] The first to fourth processing cartridges 701 are arranged side by side in the ...

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member, the cartridge comprising: a housing; a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the housing; a coupling connected to the photosensitive drum so as to enable drive transmission, wherein the coupling includes, a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the coupling by engaging with the driving force applying member, and a braking force receiving portion configured to receive a braking force for applying a load that resists rotation of the coupling by engaging with the braking force applying member, and a guiding portion configured to move the braking force applying member relative to the driving force applying member.

Images