Cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a cartridge, and also to an image forming apparatus. [Task] To further develop conventional techniques. [Solution] A cartridge is provided, comprising: a photosensitive member 4; a developing member 6 for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member 4; a connecting member 74 capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member 6; a movable portion 510 movable between a driving force transmission position and a driving force interruption position, the driving force transmission position for allowing driving force transmission from the connecting member 74 to the developing member 6, and the driving force interruption position for interrupting driving force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member 6; and a holding portion for holding the movable portion in the driving force interruption position when the movable portion is in the driving force interruption position, wherein the movable portion 510 can occupy the driving force transmission position and the driving force interruption position when the developing member 6 is in a position where toner can be deposited onto the photosensitive member 6.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Box and Image Forming Apparatus", with an international filing date of September 16, 2021, international application number PCT / JP2021 / 035216, and national application number 202180063830.7. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, such as a copier or printer, employing an electrophotographic method. This disclosure also relates to a cartridge that can be mounted to or detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as an "image forming apparatus") forms an image on a sheet-like recording material, such as paper, using electrophotographic image forming processing. Examples of image forming apparatuses include copiers, fax machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and multifunction printers. The cartridge is a unit that can be mounted to and detached from the aforementioned image forming apparatus, and is a unit including a photosensitive element and / or processing devices (e.g., a charging element, a developing element, a cleaning element, etc.) that can act on the photosensitive element. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, image forming apparatuses employ a processing box system, in which a drum and processing devices that can operate on the drum are integrated into a box, and the box can be installed into and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Using this processing box system, maintenance operations on the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user without relying on service personnel, thereby significantly improving operability. Therefore, this processing box system can be widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-337511 discloses a processing box equipped with a clutch for performing drive switching such that the developing roller is driven during image formation and the drive of the developing roller is interrupted during non-image formation periods. Furthermore, JP 2015-111221 discloses a structure for switching between transmitting drive of the developing roller and interrupting drive of the developing roller while maintaining contact between the surface of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. Summary of the Invention

[0005] [Unresolved Issues]

[0006] In JP 2001-337511, a clutch for switching the drive is located at the end of the developing roller, and a rotating shaft and crank mechanism are used. This crank mechanism includes an arm connected to the rotating shaft, which is not aligned with the axis of rotation, so as to switch the drive in conjunction with the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. However, the conventional technology described in JP 2001-337511 and JP 2015-111221 still has room for further improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to further develop the conventional technology.

[0007] [Problem-solving methods]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a box is provided, comprising:

[0009] Photosensitive components;

[0010] A developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member;

[0011] A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member;

[0012] The movable part is capable of moving between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being used to allow drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being used to interrupt drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member.

[0013] The retaining portion is used to hold the movable portion in the drive force interruption position when the movable portion is in the drive force interruption position.

[0014] When the developing component is positioned so that the toner can be deposited on the photosensitive component, the movable part can occupy the driving force transmission position and the driving force interruption position.

[0015] [The effects of the invention]

[0016] Based on this disclosure, existing technologies can be further developed. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the driver interrupt operation according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box according to Example 1.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an assembly perspective view of the processing box according to Example 1.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the engagement portion of the coupling in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of each part of the drive connection portion during drive transmission in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the control component 510 itself in Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the control component 510 during drive connection and interruption in Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the installation operation of the processing box being installed onto the main component of the device in Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the control component 510 in Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 2.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch component in Embodiment 2.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the engagement portion between the clutch component and the coupling in Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the control component 1510 in Embodiment 2.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the control component 1510 during drive connection and interruption in Embodiment 2.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating the driver interrupt operation in Embodiment 2.

[0039] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Embodiment 2.

[0040] Figure 24 This is an exploded view of the pushing member 1511 in Embodiment 2.

[0041] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection and drive interruption operation when using the push member in Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 3.

[0043] Figure 27 This is an exploded view of the locking member 550 in Embodiment 3.

[0044] Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing the control component 3510 itself in Embodiment 3.

[0045] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating the driver interrupt operation in Embodiment 3.

[0046] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Embodiment 3.

[0047] Figure 31 This is a perspective view of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 4.

[0048] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the drive connection portions during drive transmission in Embodiment 4.

[0049] Figure 33 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the drive connection portion when the drive is interrupted in Embodiment 4.

[0050] Figure 34 This is a diagram illustrating the drive interrupt operation in Embodiment 4.

[0051] Figure 35 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Embodiment 4.

[0052] Figure 36 This is a perspective view of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 5.

[0053] Figure 37 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 5 during drive connection and drive interruption.

[0054] Figure 38 This is a diagram illustrating the drive interrupt operation in Embodiment 5.

[0055] Figure 39 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Embodiment 5.

[0056] Figure 40 This is a perspective view showing the drive connection portion in Embodiment 6.

[0057] Figure 41 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 6 when the drive is connected and when the drive is interrupted.

[0058] Figure 42 This is an exploded perspective view of the processing box according to Example 6.

[0059] Figure 43 This is a diagram illustrating the driver interrupt operation of Embodiment 6.

[0060] Figure 44 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Embodiment 6.

[0061] Figure 45 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the baffle position limiting pin in Embodiment 6 during drive connection and interruption.

[0062] Figure 46 This is a diagram illustrating the drive interrupt operation in Embodiment 7.

[0063] Figure 47 This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 7 during drive connection and interruption.

[0064] Figure 48 This is a diagram illustrating the drive interrupt operation in Embodiment 7.

[0065] Figure 49 This is a diagram illustrating the drive connection operation in Example 7.

[0066] Figure 50 This is an exploded view of the processing box in Example 8.

[0067] Figure 51 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 8.

[0068] Figure 52 This is a side view of the processing box according to Embodiment 8.

[0069] Figure 53This is a side view of the processing box according to Embodiment 8.

[0070] Figure 54 This is a side view of the processing box according to Embodiment 8.

[0071] Figure 55 This is an exploded view of the control component in Example 9.

[0072] Figure 56 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Embodiment 9.

[0073] Figure 57 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Embodiment 9.

[0074] Figure 58 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 9.

[0075] Figure 59 This is an exploded view of the control component in Example 10.

[0076] Figure 60 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 10.

[0077] Figure 61 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Embodiment 10.

[0078] Figure 62 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 10.

[0079] Figure 63 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Embodiment 10.

[0080] Figure 64 This is a side view of the processing box according to Embodiment 11.

[0081] Figure 65 This is an exploded view of the processing box according to Example 11.

[0082] Figure 66 This is a diagram illustrating the installation operation of installing the processing box to the main component of the device in Embodiment 11.

[0083] Figure 67 This is an exploded view of the processing box according to Example 12.

[0084] Figure 68 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 12.

[0085] Figure 69 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 12.

[0086] Figure 70This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 12.

[0087] Figure 71 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 12.

[0088] Figure 72 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control component in Example 12. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The embodiments of the invention will be described in exemplary detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately varied depending on the structure of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the embodiments described below.

[0090] (Example 1)

[0091] Reference Figures 1 to 16 Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described below. In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting four cartridges (hereinafter referred to as processing cartridges) will be used as an example to illustrate the image forming apparatus. The number of processing cartridges mounted on the image forming apparatus is not limited to the number in the embodiments. It can be appropriately selected depending on the situation. Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, a laser beam printer will be used as an example to illustrate one aspect of the image forming apparatus.

[0092] [Schematic structure of an image forming apparatus]

[0093] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box P according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the processing box P according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, viewed from the driving side, which is one end of the photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive drum 4) in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction).

[0094] The image forming apparatus 500 is a four-color full-color laser printer that uses electrophotographic processing to form color images on recording material S. The image forming apparatus 500 is a cartridge type and forms color images on recording material S, wherein the cartridge P is detachably mounted to the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. Here, regarding the image forming apparatus 500, the side with the front door 111 is the front side, and the side opposite the front side is the back side (rear side). Furthermore, the right side of the image forming apparatus 500 is referred to as the driving side, and the left side is referred to as the non-driving side. Additionally, when viewing the image forming apparatus 500 from the front, the upper side is referred to as the upper side, and the lower side is referred to as the lower side. Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 as seen from the non-driving side, wherein the front side of the drawing is the non-driving side of the image forming apparatus 500, the right side of the drawing is the front side of the image forming apparatus 500, and the rear side of the drawing is the driving side of the image forming apparatus 500.

[0095] In the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, four processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, namely, the first processing box PY, the second processing box PM, the third processing box PC, and the fourth processing box PK. Each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) has a similar electrophotographic processing mechanism and uses a different color developer (hereinafter referred to as toner). Rotational driving force is transmitted from the drive output section (not shown) of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus to the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK). A bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) (not shown) is provided from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus to each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK).

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) in this embodiment includes a drum unit 8 that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 4, and includes a charging device and a cleaning device as processing devices that can act on the photosensitive drum 4. Figure 2 Each of the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) shown includes a developing unit 9, which includes a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected to each other. A more specific structure of the processing cartridge P will be described below.

[0097] The first processing cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The second processing cartridge PM contains magenta (M) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The third processing cartridge PC contains cyan (C) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The fourth processing cartridge PK contains black (K) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0098] The laser scanner unit 114, serving as an exposure device, is positioned above the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The laser scanner unit 114 outputs a laser beam U based on image information. The laser beam U travels through the exposure window 10 of the processing box P to scan and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0099] The intermediate transfer belt unit 112, serving as a transfer component, extends below the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The intermediate transfer belt unit 112 includes a drive roller 112e, a guide roller 112c, and a tension roller 112b, with a flexible transfer belt 112a extending around these rollers. The lower surface of the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) of the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 112a. The contact portion between them constitutes the primary transfer portion. The primary transfer roller 112d is positioned inside the transfer belt 112a, opposite the photosensitive drum 4. The secondary transfer roller 106a contacts the guide roller 112c, with the transfer belt 112a located between them. The contact portion between the transfer belt 112a and the secondary transfer roller 106a constitutes the secondary transfer portion.

[0100] The feed unit 104 is located below the intermediate transfer belt unit 112. The feed unit 104 includes a sheet feed tray 104a (in which recording materials S are stacked) and a sheet feed roller 104b. The fixing device 107 and the paper discharge device 108 are located in the upper left part of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 2 The upper surface of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus serves as the discharge tray 113. The toner image is fixed onto the recording material S by a fixing device provided in the fixing unit 107, and then the recording material S is discharged into the discharge tray 113.

[0101] Image forming operations

[0102] The operation for forming a panchromatic image is as follows. The photosensitive drum 4 (alongside) of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) Figure 3 The direction of the middle arrow A) is rotated at a predetermined speed. As the photosensitive drum rotates, the transfer belt 112a also moves in the forward direction (…). Figure 2 The photosensitive drum 4 is driven to rotate at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4 (direction of the middle arrow C). The laser scanner unit 114 is also driven. Synchronously with the driving of the laser scanner unit 114, in each processing cartridge, the charging roller 5 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a potential of a predetermined polarity. The laser scanner unit 114 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 4 with a laser beam U according to the image signal of each color. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is driven at a predetermined speed (along the direction of the middle arrow C). Figure 3 The developing rollers 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) are rotated and developed (in the direction of the middle arrow D).

[0103] Through the electrophotographic image forming process described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of a panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y) of the first processing cartridge PY. This toner image is then initially transferred onto the transfer belt 112a. Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of a panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4M) of the second processing cartridge PM. This toner image is then superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred to the transfer belt 112a through the initial transfer. Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of a panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4C) of the third processing cartridge PC. This toner image is then superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred to the transfer belt 112a through the initial transfer. Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of a panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4K) of the fourth processing cartridge PK. Then, the toner image is superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images already transferred to transfer belt 112a through a primary transfer. In this way, unfixed full-tone toner images of four colors—yellow, magenta, cyan, and black—are formed on transfer belt 112a.

[0104] On the other hand, the recording material S is separated and fed one by one at predetermined controlled timings. The recording material S is introduced into the secondary transfer section (that is, the contact section between the secondary transfer roller 106a and the transfer belt 112a) at predetermined controlled timings. Thus, while the recording material S is being fed into the secondary transfer section, the four-color overlay toner image on the transfer belt 112a is also transferred onto the surface of the recording material S.

[0105] [Overall structure of the processing box]

[0106] In this embodiment, the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have the same electrophotographic processing mechanism and contain different colors and different amounts of toner. Figure 3 The processing cartridge P shown includes a photosensitive drum 4 and a processing device capable of operating on the photosensitive drum 4. Here, the processing device includes: a charging roller 5 (which serves as a charging device for charging the photosensitive drum 4), a developing roller 6 (which serves as a developing member for developing the latent image formed by depositing toner onto the photosensitive drum 4), and a cleaning blade 7 (which serves as a cleaning device for removing residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4), etc. The processing cartridge P is divided into a drum unit 8 and a developing unit 9. The form of the cartridge that can be used with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the form shown here. For example, the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 can be independently installed to and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, or the drum unit 8 can be fixed to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and only the developing unit 9 can be installed to and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0107] [Structure of the drum unit]

[0108] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the drum unit 8 includes a photosensitive drum 4, a charging roller 5, a cleaning blade 7, a drum frame 15, a waste toner storage section 15a, a drive-side cover member 520, and a non-drive-side cover member 521. The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 located at both ends of the processing cartridge P in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, a photosensitive component connecting member 43, which inputs the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 4, is provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 4 in the longitudinal direction. The photosensitive component connecting member 43 engages with a connector (not shown) that serves as the drum drive output portion of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, so that the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 4. The charging roller 5 is supported by the drum frame 15 to contact the photosensitive drum 4, thereby being driven to rotate by the photosensitive drum 4. In addition, the cleaning blade 7 is supported by the drum frame 15 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. Untransferred residual toner removed from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 by the cleaning blade 7 is stored in the waste toner storage portion 15a within the drum frame 15.

[0109] [Structure of the developing unit]

[0110] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing unit 9 includes a developing roller 6, a developing blade 30, a developing agent container 25, etc. The developing agent container 25 includes a toner storage section 29 and a developing blade 30. The toner storage section 29 stores the toner to be supplied to the developing roller 6, and the developing blade 30 controls the thickness of the toner layer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6. The developing blade 30 is formed by welding or similarly attaching an elastic member 30b made of a metal sheet with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to a support member 30a made of a metal material having an L-shaped cross-section. The developing blade 30 is attached to the developing agent container 25 at two locations (i.e., one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end) using fixing screws 30c. The developing roller 6 includes a metal core 6c and a rubber portion 6d. The developing roller 6 is rotatably supported by drive-side bearings 526 and non-drive-side bearings 27 respectively mounted to the opposite longitudinal ends of the developing agent container 25.

[0111] like Figure 4As shown, a developing coupling member 74, which inputs the driving force for rotating the developing roller 6, is provided at one end of the developing unit 9 in the longitudinal direction. The developing coupling member 74 engages with a coupling (not shown) that serves as the developing drive output portion of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, and the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus is applied to the developing unit 9. The driving force input to the developing unit 9 is transmitted by a drive system (not shown) provided in the developing unit 9, allowing the developing roller 6 to rotate along... Figure 3 Rotate in the direction of arrow D. The developing device cover member 533, which supports and covers the developing connection member 74 and the drive system (not shown), is provided at one end of the developing unit 9 in the longitudinal direction.

[0112] [Assemble the drum unit and developing unit]

[0113] Reference Figure 4The assembly of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 will be described. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected by a drive-side cover member 520 and a non-drive-side cover member 521 located at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge P. The drive-side cover member 520 located at one end in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge P is provided with a support hole 520a for supporting the developing unit 9 in a swingable (movable) manner. The non-drive-side cover member 521 located at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge P is provided with a cylindrical support portion 521a for supporting the developing unit 9 in a swingable manner. In addition, the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 are provided with support holes 520b and 521b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 4. Here, at one end, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 533b of the developing device cover member 533 is fitted into the support hole 520a of the drive-side cover member 520. On the other end, the support portion 521a of the non-drive side cover member 521 is fitted into the hole of the non-drive side bearing 27. Furthermore, the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 4 in the longitudinal direction are fitted into the support holes 520b of the drive side cover member 520 and the support holes 521b of the non-drive side cover member 521, respectively. The drive side cover member 520 and the non-drive side cover member 521 are fixed to the drum frame 15 by screws (not shown), adhesive, etc. That is, the drive side cover member 520 and the non-drive side cover member 521 are integral with the drum frame 15 to provide the drum unit 8. Thus, the developing unit 9 is supported by the drive side cover member 520 and the non-drive side cover member 521 to be able to swing (move) relative to the drum unit 8 (photosensitive drum 4). Here, the axis connecting the support hole 520a of the drive side cover member 520 and the support portion 521a of the non-drive side cover member 521 at the rotation center of the developing unit 9 is called the swing axis K. The cylindrical portion 533b of the developing apparatus cover member 533 is coaxial with the developing coupling member 74, and the developing unit 9 receives a driving force from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus via the developing coupling member 74 at the swing axis K. When this driving force is interrupted by the structure described below, the repulsive force between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 causes the developing unit 9 to rotate about the swing axis K slightly away from the drum unit 8a. As a result, the contact pressure between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 can be reduced.

[0114] [Processor box mounting / removal structure]

[0115] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The following will provide a more detailed description of the box tray (hereinafter referred to as the tray) 110 that supports the processing box. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 with the front door 111 open, wherein the tray 110 is located inside the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 with the front door 111 open, wherein the tray 110 is located outside the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus.

[0116] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tray 110 is movable relative to the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus in the direction of arrow X1 (pushing direction) and the direction of arrow X2 (pulling direction). That is, the tray 110 is configured to be pulled out and pushed into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, and with the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus positioned on a horizontal plane, the tray 110 is configured to move in a substantially horizontal direction. Here, when the tray 110 is located outside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus ( Figure 6 In the state of the image forming apparatus, the position of tray 110 is referred to as the outer position. Additionally, when the front door is open, tray 110 is located inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, and the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) are spaced apart from the transfer belt 112a by a gap T1 (see reference). Figure 5 In the case of ), the position of tray 110 is referred to as the first inner position.

[0117] Tray 110 has a mounting portion 110a, in Figure 6 At the outer position shown, the processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) can be detachably mounted to the mounting portion 110a. Each processing box P (PY, PM, PC, PK) mounted in the mounting portion 110a of the tray 110 in the outer position is connected via... Figure 4 The drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 shown are supported on the tray 110 by contacting the mounting portion 110a. When each processing cartridge P is carried on the mounting portion 110a, each processing cartridge P moves inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus as the tray 110 moves from an outer position to a first inner position. During this movement of each processing cartridge P, the gap T1 between the transfer belt 112a and the photosensitive drum 4 is maintained, as shown... Figure 5 As shown. Therefore, the tray 110 can move the processing cartridge P inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus without the photosensitive drum 4 contacting the transfer belt 112a. When the tray 110 is in the first inner position, a gap T1 is maintained between the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a.

[0118] Here, perpendicular to Figure 5 The direction of the middle arrow X (X1, X2) and perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 4 is called the Z direction ( Figure 5 Arrows Z1 and Z2 in the diagram). Tray 110 can move along... Figure 5 The direction of the middle arrow Z2 moves from the first inner position to the second inner position. Figure 2 In the state shown), at the second inner position, the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are in contact with each other and can form an image. In this embodiment, the structure is such that, from the state of opening the front door 111 along... Figure 5 The operation of closing the front door 111 in the direction of the middle arrow R is linked to the tray 110 located in the first inner position along... Figure 5 The direction of the middle arrow Z2 moves to the second inner position.

[0119] As described above, the tray 110 can place multiple processing boxes P together in a position inside the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus where image forming operations can be performed.

[0120] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0121] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The structure of the drive connection section will be explained here. The drive connection section is from... Figure 7 The developing drive output component 62 of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus shown is a mechanism that receives the drive, transmits the drive to the developing roller 6, and stops the drive transmission. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge P from the drive side, showing the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the developing apparatus cover member 533 with the latter removed. As described above, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 is provided with openings 520a and 520b. The developing coupling member 74 is exposed through opening 520a. The developing coupling member 74 and... Figure 7 The developing drive output members 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus shown in part (b) are engaged to transmit driving force from a motor (not shown).

[0122] The developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 capable of transmitting driving force through the developing coupling member 74 are rotatably disposed. Figure 8 At the end of the developing unit 9 shown. As will be described in detail below, the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 are coaxial and can engage with each other in the longitudinal direction, and when they are engaged, drive can be transmitted from the developing coupling member 74 to the rotatable member 75. The rotatable member 75 engages with a gear 801, which in turn engages with a developing roller gear 802. Gear teeth are formed on the gear 801 and the developing roller gear 802, and the gear teeth mesh with each other. Thus, the drive transmitted to the rotatable member 75 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the developing roller gear 802.

[0123] Between the drive-side bearing 526 and the drive-side cover member 520, starting from the drive-side bearing 526, a gear 801, a spring 70, a rotatable member 75, a sliding member 80, a developing coupling member 74, and a developing device cover member 533 are arranged sequentially. The sliding member 80 is part of the drive switching mechanism and is a coupling release member. These members are coaxially arranged with the developing coupling member 74. Here, the drive-side bearing 526 includes a cylindrical support portion 526c protruding in a longitudinal direction parallel to the swing axis K, and the developing device cover member 533 is provided with mounting holes 533c for fitting around the support portion 526c. A control member 510 (which is part of the drive switching mechanism and is a movable member capable of moving between a first position and a second position, as described below) is mounted on the support portion 526c, thereby enabling it to swing around it. Details will be described below. Although in this embodiment the control component 510 is mounted to the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526, it can be mounted to other components, such as the developing device cover component 533 or the drive-side box cover component 520. In this embodiment, the drive connection portion includes a gear 801, a developing roller gear 802, a spring 70, a rotatable component 75, a sliding component 80, a developing coupling component 74, and a developing device cover component 533.

[0124] Reference Figure 9 The structure of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 will be described. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing the engagement portion between the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75. The developing coupling member 74 includes a claw portion 74a as an engagement (coupling), and the rotatable member 75 includes a claw portion 75a as an engagement (coupling). The developing coupling member 74 has a surface 74b that contacts the sliding member 80 (described below), and the rotatable member 75 has a surface 75d that contacts the sliding member 80 (also described below). Here, the claw portions 74 and 75 are a plurality of radially extending claws and are arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around their respective rotation centers. The claw portions 74a and 75a are configured to engage with each other. That is, the developing coupling member 74 is configured to connect with the rotatable member 75. Thus, the developing coupling member 74, which engages with and receives the driving force from the developing drive output member 62 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, rotates, thereby rotating the engaged rotatable member 75. In this embodiment, each of the claw portions 74a and 75a has nine claws, but the number is not limited to such an example.

[0125] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown, the rotatable member 75 has a hole 75m at its center. The hole 75m mates with and passes through the small-diameter cylindrical portion 74m of the developing coupling member 74. Thus, the developing coupling member 74 is supported so that it can rotate about its axis relative to the rotatable member 75 and slide relative to the rotatable member 75.

[0126] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structure of the developing coupling member 74, the rotatable member 75, the spring 70, the gear 801, and the sliding member 80 will be described. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection section. Figure 11 Part (a) is a view from the drive side of the gear 801 and the rotatable member 75 during drive transmission. Figure 11 Part (b) is along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA shown in part (a). To better illustrate, in Figure 11 The developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 are not shown in part (a).

[0127] The gear 801 includes a columnar portion 801a that mates with the rotatable member 75 and the sliding member 80, and a support portion 801b that supports the spring 70. The columnar portion 801a extends radially from the rotation center of the gear 801 and extends in the F2 direction. Here, in this embodiment, four struts 801a are provided as an example, but the number is not limited to such an example. The columnar portion 801a passes through the mating hole 75n, which is the drive transmission portion of the rotatable member 75, and the surface 801c of the columnar portion 801a and the cylindrical inner surface 80c of the sliding member 80 are mated with each other in the longitudinal direction outside the mating hole 75. One end of the spring 70 is attached to the support portion 801b of the gear 801, and the other end is attached to the support portion 75b of the rotatable member 75, such that the rotatable member 75 is longitudinally pushed outward along the swing axis K in the F1 direction. Here, the support portion 801b is coaxially provided with the rotation center of the gear 801, extends in the F2 direction, and is assembled to one end of the spring 70, thereby supporting the spring 70 so that the spring 70 does not fall off. The outer peripheral surface 75c of the rotatable member 75 is located inside the inner peripheral surface 801e of the gear 801, and the rotatable member 75 can slide inside the gear 801 along the direction of the swing axis K. The cylindrical inner surface 80c of the sliding member 80 is supported by the surface 801c of the columnar portion 801a so as to be able to rotate around the swing axis K and slide in the direction of the swing axis K, and its end surface 80d contacts the surface 75d of the rotatable member 75. Thus, the sliding member 80 receives the pushing force from the spring 70 and is constantly pushed in the F1 direction. The sliding member 80 has a cam surface 80a and a surface 80b facing the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74, and in Figure 11 the drive transmission state shown in part (b) of, the relationship between the distance H from the end surface 80d to the opposing surface 80b and the distance L from the surface 74b to the surface 75d is H < L. Therefore, the claw portions 75a and 74a can be engaged with each other by the rotatable member 75 pushed by the spring 70 and move in the F1 direction.

[0128] Referring to Figure 11 Part (a) of, the drive transmission state when the claw portion 74a and the claw portion 75a are engaged with each other and the developing coupling member rotates with the drive input from the developing drive output member 62 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 will be described. When the rotatable member 75 rotates in the V2 direction, the drive transmission surface 75e located at the upstream end of the assembly hole 75n in the rotation direction contacts the drive transmission surface 801d of the columnar portion 801a of the gear 801. The gear 801 receives the rotational force in the V2 direction on the drive transmission surface 801d, rotates in the V2 direction, and transmits the rotation to the engaged developing roller gear 802, thereby driving the developing roller 6.

[0129] [Driver connection termination structure]

[0130] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The structure used to disconnect the drive will be described. For better illustration, Figure 12 The control member 510 is shown, which controls the longitudinal position of the sliding member 80 to disengage the drive connection, and Figure 12 Part (a) and Figure 12 Part (b) is a perspective view viewed from the opposite side. Figure 13 Part (a) and Figure 13 Part (b) shows the positional relationship between the control component 510 and the aforementioned drive connection part in the drive connection state and the drive connection deactivation state, respectively.

[0131] The control member 510 has a supported hole 510a, a control lever portion 510b, a foot portion 510c, and a foot portion 510d. The control lever portion 510b has a cam surface 510g and an inclined surface 510h, and the foot portions 510c and 510d have respective surfaces 510e and 510f that receive forces from the drive control member 540, as will be described below. The supported hole 510a of the control member 510 mates with the support portion 526c of the aforementioned drive-side bearing 526, allowing it to swing about the axis of the support portion 526c.

[0132] Figure 13 Part (a) shows the positional relationship between the control lever portion 510b and the drive connection portion in the drive transmission state. This position of the control member 510 is referred to as the first position of the control member 510. This position is the drive force transmission position, which allows the drive force to be transmitted from the developing connection member 74 to the developing roller 6.

[0133] exist Figure 13 In the state of drive transmission interruption shown in part (b), the control member 510 surrounds the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Figure 8The control member 510 swings, and the control lever portion 510b of the control member 510 is located between the inclined surface 74c of the developing coupling member 74 and the cam surface 80a of the sliding member 80. This position of the control member 510 is referred to as the second position of the control member 510. This position is the drive force interruption position, used to interrupt the transmission of drive force from the developing coupling member 74 to the developing roller 6. At this time, the cam surface 510g of the control lever portion 510b contacts the cam surface 80a of the sliding member 80, and the component JK of the force J applied to the sliding member 80 from the control lever portion 510b in the swing axis K direction causes the sliding member 80 to move in the F2 direction. By moving the sliding member 80 in the F2 direction, the rotatable member 75 also moves in the F2 direction, causing the rotatable member 75 and the claw portions 75a and 74a of the developing coupling member 74 to disengage from each other, thereby releasing the drive connection. At this time, the control lever portion 510b receives the reaction force JS of the spring 70, which is a pushing device, from the surface 80b of the sliding member 80 in the F1 direction. The control lever portion 510b abuts against the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and tends to move in the F1 direction, but the surface 74d of the developing coupling member 74 abuts against the surface 533d of the developing apparatus cover member 533 and thus stops. Therefore, the control lever portion 510b is clamped between the sliding member 80 and the developing coupling member 74, receiving the reaction force of the spring 70 at the engagement portion, and is held to receive resistance, thus limiting its position without external force. In other words, the control lever portion 510b, as the moving part, is clamped between the sliding member 80 and the developing coupling member 74 and held in the position where the driving force is interrupted.

[0134] [Install to main component]

[0135] Reference Figure 14 The operation of the processing box P when it is installed into the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 14 Part (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the processing box P is located in the first inner position and the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are separated from each other when viewed from the drive side. Figure 14 Part (b) is a view taken from the drive side of the processing box P being positioned in the second inner position with the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a in contact with each other. For better illustration, in Figure 14 Part (a) and Figure 14 The drive-side cover component 520 is omitted in part (b).

[0136] The main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus includes drive control members 540 corresponding to each processing box P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The drive control members 540 are arranged below the control members 510 of the processing boxes P located at a first inner position and a second inner position. Figure 14(in the Z2 direction). The drive control member 540 includes a control portion 540a protruding toward the processing box P as a main component force application portion, and the control portion 540a includes a first force application surface 540b as a first main component force application portion and a second force application surface 540c as a second main component force application portion. The control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 is disposed below the lower surface of the space Q1 sandwiched between surfaces 510e and 510f, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. Furthermore, the drive control member 540 is arranged such that when the processing box P is in the first inner position ( Figure 14 Part (a) provides a gap T5 between itself and the control member 510. That is, as described above, the control member 510 of the processing cartridge P, which is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus by moving from the outer position to the first inner position via the tray 110, is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the apparatus without contacting the drive control member 540. When the processing cartridge P moves from the first inner position to the second inner position by closing the front door 111 as described above, the control part 540a enters the space Q1, as... Figure 14 Part (b) is shown.

[0137] Figure 15 It shows along Figure 14 Part (b) shows a view of the processing box P installed in the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, viewed in the direction of arrow VW. For better illustration, Figure 15 The drive control component 540, except for the control section 540a, is omitted. Furthermore, some parts of the processing box P are omitted. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the foot portion 510c, which serves as the retraction force receiving portion of the control member 510, and the foot portion 510d, which serves as the insertion force receiving portion, partially overlap in the direction along the swing axis K of the developing unit 9, thereby forming space Q1. Furthermore, when the processing cartridge P is positioned in the second inner position (image forming position) and the control portion 540a enters space Q1, the control portion 540a is configured to overlap with the foot portion 510c and the foot portion 510d in the direction along the swing axis K. Here, as... Figure 14 As shown in part (b), when the processing box P is positioned in the second inner position of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the control member 510 is in the first position, there is a gap T3 between the surface 510e of the foot portion 510c and the second force application surface 540c, and a gap T4 between the surface 510f of the foot portion 510d and the first force application surface 540b, wherein this position is referred to as the original position of the drive control member 540.

[0138] [Driver connection termination operation]

[0139] Reference Figure 1The operation of moving the control member 510 from a first position to a second position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, that is, the operation of releasing the aforementioned drive connection. Figure 1 This is a view of the processing box P, located at a second inner position inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side cover member 520 is omitted here.

[0140] Figure 1 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position (first main component position). Here, as described above, in Figure 1 In the initial position of the drive control member 540, a gap T4 exists between the first force application surface and the foot portion 510d, which is a retraction force receiving portion for the processing box P located in the second inner position. Furthermore, a gap T3 exists between the second force application surface 540c and the foot portion 510c, which serves as an insertion force receiving portion. The drive control member 540 of this embodiment is configured to be able to move from its initial position along... Figure 1 The arrow W51 in part (a) moves toward the position of the second main component. When the drive control component 540 moves from... Figure 1 When part (b) moves in the direction of arrow B1 in the W51 direction, the surface 540b of the first force application and the surface 510f of the foot part 510d abut against each other, and the control member 510 moves around the support part 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Figure 1 The swing direction is indicated by arrow B1 in part (b). The support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 is coaxially fitted into the mounting hole 533c of the developing device cover member 533, and its axis is parallel to the swing axis K. When the control member 510 is in Figure 1 When rotated in the direction of arrow B1 in part (b), the control member 510 moves from the first position toward the second position. At this time, as Figure 13 As shown, the control rod portion 510b of the control member 510 is inserted between the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, thereby causing the sliding member 80 to move in the F2 direction, disengaging the claw portion 75a and the claw portion 74a from each other, thus releasing the drive connection. Furthermore, as... Figure 1As shown in part (c), even if the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a maintains a gap T6 between itself and the surface 510e of the foot part 510c of the control member 510, and they do not come into contact with each other. That is, the control member 510 does not receive any external force from the drive control member 540. Furthermore, since the control lever part 510b is clamped between the sliding member 80 and the developing coupling member 74 as described above, the control member 510 is held in the second position. As a result, the sliding member 80 cannot slide in the F1 direction, thereby maintaining the drive-released state.

[0141] [Driver connection operation]

[0142] Reference Figure 16 The operation of moving the control member 510 from the second position to the first position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, namely, the connection drive operation. Figure 16 This is a view of the processing box P located at the second inner position within the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 520 is omitted here.

[0143] Figure 16 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. The drive control member 540 is configured to move from the original position along... Figure 16 In part (a), the arrow W52 moves toward the position of the third main component. When the drive control member 540 of this embodiment moves from... Figure 16 The control member 510 moves in the state shown in part (a) until the surface 540c to which the second force is applied and the surface 510e of the foot part 510c abut against each other. Figure 16 In part (a), the direction of arrow W52 is from the original position along the direction of arrow B2 ( Figure 16 The control member 510 rotates toward the third main component position. As described above, the support portion 526c is fitted into the mounting hole 533c of the developing apparatus cover member 533, and the rotation axis of the control member 510 is parallel to the swing axis K. By swinging the control member 510 in the direction of arrow B2, the control member 510 moves from the second position toward the first position. At this time, refer to... Figure 13 The control lever portion 510b of the control member 510 described herein is moved away from between the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, thereby referring to Figure 11 The described rotatable member 75, which receives the pushing force, moves in the direction of arrow F1, thereby disengaging the drive connection. Furthermore, as... Figure 16As shown in part (c), even when the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a remains spaced apart from the surface 510f of the foot portion 510d of the control member 510 by a gap T9, so they do not come into contact with each other. Furthermore, at this time, the control part 540a is spaced apart from the surface 510e of the foot portion 510c of the control member 510 by a gap T8, so the control part 540a and the control member 510 remain in a non-contact state. Therefore, when the control member 510 is held in the first position, the drive connection state is maintained.

[0144] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive connection state can be switched between the second and first positions of the control member 510 by moving the drive control member 540 from its original position. Thus, the drive can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0145] In this embodiment, the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 are illustrated as examples of coaxial first and second rotatable members capable of engaging with each other to perform the transmission and non-transmission of driving force in the driving force transmission path from the developing coupling member 74 to the developing roller 6. The first and second rotatable members can be two separate members located at other points in the transmission path and capable of occupying engaged and unengaged positions. In the engaged position, they can engage with each other about the axis of rotation to transmit driving force; in the unengaged position, they are separated from each other in the direction of the axis of rotation and do not transmit driving force. That is, the invention is not limited to the structure of this embodiment.

[0146] (Example 2)

[0147] Reference Figures 17 to 25 The following describes a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the control component and its surrounding structure. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0148] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0149] Figure 17This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge P from the drive side, showing the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the developing unit cover member 533 with the latter removed. A gear 1801, a clutch 180, a developing coupling member 174, and the developing unit cover member 533 are disposed between the drive-side bearing 526 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 520. The clutch 180 is a drive transmission switching device including a transmission release mechanism. Additionally, similar to Embodiment 1, the control member 1510 is slidably mounted to the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. In this embodiment, the drive coupling portion includes the gear 1801, the clutch 180, the developing coupling member 174, and the developing unit cover member 533. In this embodiment, the drive transmission switching device 180 will be described as a spring clutch by way of example and will be referred to as the spring clutch 180.

[0150] Reference Figure 18 The spring clutch 180 will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the spring clutch 180 includes a control ring 180a, an output member 180b, an input inner ring 180c, a transmission inner ring 180d, and a transmission spring 180e. The input inner ring 180c, serving as the input member, engages with the developing coupling member 174 and rotates by receiving a driving force from the upstream side of the transmission path. The input inner ring 180c and the transmission spring 180e, which is wound around its outer periphery, are in a state where relative rotation is limited by the clamping force (friction) of the transmission spring 180e, which serves as the transmission member, and the driving force is transmitted to the transmission spring 180e. The relative rotation between the input inner ring 180c and the transmission spring 180e is also limited by the clamping force (friction) of the transmission spring 180e. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the transmission spring 180e is transmitted to the transmission inner ring 180d by the clamping force of the transmission spring 180e. The inner ring 180d engages with the output member 180b, and the output member 180b transmits driving force at the engagement portion with the gear 1801 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, as will be described below. The control ring 180a, serving as a control member, engages with one end of the transmission spring 180e, and the spring's tension (degree of contact with each inner ring) can be relaxed by rotating the control ring 180a in the direction opposite to the spring's tightening direction. As described above, during drive transmission, all parts constituting the spring clutch 180 rotate together. To interrupt drive transmission, the transmission spring 180e is relaxed from the input inner ring 180c by stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a (reducing the friction between the transmission spring 180e and each inner ring), and the drive from the input inner ring 180c to the transmission inner ring 180d via the transmission spring 180e is no longer transmitted to the transmission inner ring 180d, thus interrupting the transmission.

[0151] Furthermore, the structure of the spring clutch 180 is not limited to this example, and the number of inner rings may be one. In this case, the end of the transmission spring 180e opposite to the end of the engagement control ring 180a can directly engage with the output member 180b to transmit rotation. Moreover, the drive transmission switching device can be in forms other than a spring clutch, and can be constructed such that by partially stopping rotation, the rotation transmission portion expands radially or moves circumferentially to disengage the drive. That is, various conventionally known structures can be used, as long as they can form a transmission state that transmits drive force by limiting the relative rotation between the members transmitting drive force and a non-transmission state that does not transmit drive force by allowing relative rotation.

[0152] Reference Figure 19 The assembly of gear 1801, spring clutch 180 and display coupling member 174 will be described. Figure 19 Part (a) shows the assembly of the spring clutch 180 and the developing coupling member 174. Figure 19 Part (b) shows the assembly of the spring clutch 180 and the gear 1801. The spring clutch 180 has an input inner ring 180c with an input groove 180f, and the developing coupling member 174 has a claw portion 174a. By engaging the claw portion 174a with the input groove 180f, the input inner ring 180c rotates and can transmit drive when the developing coupling member 174 rotates. The spring clutch 180 has an output claw 180g with an output claw 180g, and the gear 1801 has a transmission groove 1801a. By engaging the output claw 180g with the transmission groove 1801a, the gear 1801 rotates and can transmit drive when the output member 180b rotates. Thus, the driving force input to the developing coupling member 174 is transmitted to the gear 1801 to rotate the developing roller gear 802, thereby driving the developing roller 6. In this embodiment, three claw portions 174a, three input slots 180f, three output claws 180g, and three transfer slots 1801a are provided, but the number is not limited to these examples.

[0153] [Driver Disconnection Structure]

[0154] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 This will describe the drive disconnect structure. Figure 20 The diagram shows a control member 1510 for stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 in order to disengage the drive. Figure 21 This is a view from the drive side and shows the positional relationship between the control component 1510 and the spring clutch 180 in the drive transmission state and the drive interruption state.

[0155] Reference Figure 20The structure of the control member 1510 will be described below. The control member 1510 has a supported hole 1510a, a control lever portion 1510b, a foot portion 1510c, and a foot portion 1510d. The control lever portion 1510b has a control surface 1510g for stopping the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 and a contact surface 1510h for contacting the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180. In addition, similar to Embodiment 1, the foot portions 1510c and 1510d have surfaces 1510e and 1510f, respectively, which are surfaces for receiving forces from the drive control member 540. Furthermore, as in Embodiment 1, the supported hole 1510a mates with the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526, allowing it to swing about the axis of the support portion 526c.

[0156] Reference Figure 21 Part (a) will describe the positional relationship between the control member 1510 and the spring clutch 180 in the drive transmission state. The control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 is provided with a control portion 180, which has an engaged portion that engages with the control member 1510. The control portion 180h is a claw-shaped portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the control ring 180a. Here, reference numeral Rb indicates the movement trajectory of the radially free end of the control portion 180h when the spring clutch 180 receives driving force and rotates in the V2 direction. When the control member 1510 is observed to be outside the trajectory Rb from the center (oscillation axis K) of the spring clutch 180, the control ring 180a is able to rotate in the V2 direction, thereby transmitting drive. This position of the control member 1510 is referred to as the first position of the control member 1510 as the non-engaged position.

[0157] Reference Figure 21 Section (b) will describe the positional relationship between the control member 1510 and the spring clutch 180 in the drive-disengaged state. The control member 1510 surrounds the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Figure 17The control part 180h, which swings in the B1 direction as a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the control ring 180a, impacts the control surface 1510 when the control surface 1510g enters the trajectory Rb, by receiving driving force. Here, the force received by the control surface 1510g from the control part 180h at the contact surface between the control part 180h and the control surface 1510g is a rotational force JB. Ideally, the lengths of the control rod part 1510b and the control part 180h are adjusted such that the rotational force JB in the V2 rotation direction is generated in region Q2, which is perpendicular to the imaginary line connecting the axial center N of the supported hole 1510a and the swing axis K (i.e., the rotation center of the spring clutch 180). With this adjustment, the control part 180h impacting the control surface 1510g pulls the control rod part 1510b in the V2 rotation direction and rotates the control member 1510 in the B1 direction. Therefore, the contact surface 1510h on the control lever portion 1510b of the control member 1510, which has already rotated in the B1 direction, can impact the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180, thereby controlling the position in the B1 direction. At this time, the control member 1510 impacts the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180, which serves as the second engaged portion, at the contact surface 1510h, and impacts the control portion 180h, which serves as the first engaged portion, at the control surface 1510g. In region Q2 (i.e., the region sandwiched between the first imaginary line passing through the swing axis K of the spring clutch 180 and the second imaginary line passing through the axial center N of the control member 1510), the movement trajectory of the control portion 180h and the movement trajectory of the control member 1510, which is the moving portion, intersect each other. Therefore, the position of the control member 1510 is fixed when receiving the rotational force JB, unless it receives another external force. By stopping the rotation of the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 by the control member 1510, that is, by stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a, the driving force input from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus can be disconnected. This position of the control member 1510 is referred to as the second position of the control member 1510 as the engaged position.

[0158] [Driver connection termination operation]

[0159] Reference Figure 22 This will explain the operation of moving the control member 1510 from the first position to the second position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus, namely the aforementioned operation of disconnecting the drive. Figure 22 This is a view of the processing box P, located at the second inner position inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side cover member 520 is omitted.

[0160] like Figure 22As shown in part (a), when the control member 1510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position, the control ring 180a can rotate along the V2 direction and transmit drive. When the drive control member 540 is in the original position... Figure 22 When part (a) moves along the W51 direction and the surface 1510f of the first force application surface 540b and the foot portion 1510d of the control member 1510 comes into contact with each other, the control member 1510 moves along... Figure 22 In part (b), the arrow B1 swings. That is, the control member 1510 moves from the first position to the second position. In the second position, as shown... Figure 21 As shown in part (b), by inserting the control lever portion 1510b of the control member 1510 into the trajectory Rb of the free end of the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180, the control surface 1510g stops the rotation of the control portion 180h. As a result, the rotation of the control ring 180a stops, and the spring 180e of the spring clutch 180 relaxes, thereby disengaging the drive. Furthermore, as... Figure 22 As shown in part (c), even when the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a maintains a gap T6 between itself and the surface 1510e on the foot part 1510c of the control member 1510, and they do not contact each other. Therefore, as Figure 21 As shown, the control part 180h pulls the control lever part 1510b along the V2 direction, so that the control member 1510 is held in the second position and the drive is kept off.

[0161] [Driver connection operation]

[0162] Reference Figure 23 The operation of moving the control member 1510 from the second position to the first position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, namely, the operation of connecting the drive device. Figure 23 This is a view of the processing box P located at the second inner position within the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as seen from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 520 is omitted.

[0163] Figure 23 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 1510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. When the drive control member 540 rotates in the direction of arrow B2 to... Figure 23 When part (b) moves along the W52 direction and the surfaces 1510e of the second force-applying member 540c and the foot portion 1510c of the control member come into contact with each other, the control portion 1510 moves along... Figure 23 The direction of arrow B2 in part (b) rotates. That is, the control member 1510 moves from the second position toward the first position. At this time, as... Figure 21 As shown, the control lever portion 1510b rotates in the B2 direction from its state of being pulled along the V2 direction from its controlled portion 180h. Therefore, a rotational force JB is applied as a load to the drive control member. Here, the rotational force JB acting as a load is the force that resists (tends to push back) the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180. Therefore, it is a force in the same direction as the spring force of the spring 180e, tending to return the control ring 180a to its original position. Therefore, when it is desired to reduce the rotational force JB, it is preferable to change the spring constant, but ideally it should be determined to be balanced with the necessary transmission performance of the clutch itself. Figure 23 In part (b) of the state, the control lever part 1510b moves away from the trajectory Rb and transmits the drive. Furthermore, as... Figure 23 As shown in part (c), even when the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a maintains a gap T9 between itself and the surface 1510f on the foot part 1510d of the control member 1510, and they do not contact each other. Therefore, when the control member 1510 is held in the first position, the drive transmission state is maintained.

[0164] [Other Structures]

[0165] Reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 Other structures of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the position of the drive control member 540 when there is a gap between the drive control member 540 and the control member 1510 is referred to as the original position, but the structure is not necessarily limited to a structure including the gap. As an example of a structure in which the control member 1510 and the drive control member 540 are in contact with each other in the original position, there is a structure in which a pushing member 1511 is mounted to the control member 1510. Refer to Figure 24 and 25 The structure of the pusher component 1511 being installed onto the control component 1510 will be described.

[0166] Reference Figure 24 Part (a) and Figure 24 Part (b) will describe the general features of the pressing member 1511. The pressing member 1511 includes a free end 1511a and a spring 1511b that is a compression coil spring. Figure 24The diagram shows the state in which the spring 1511b of the pushing member 1511 is removed from the free end 1511a and the support portion 1510i provided on the surface 1510e of the control member 1510. The spring 1511b of the pushing member 1511 has an end-wrap portion at each opposite end portion and is fixed by press-fitting the support portion 1510i of the control member 1510 to the inner diameter of the end-wrap portion at one end. The end-wrap portion at the other end is fixed to the free end 1511a of the pushing member 1511. Additionally, a protruding portion 1510j (whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the support portion 1510i of the control member 1510) passes through the interior of the elastic portion of the spring 1511b of the pushing member 1511 to limit the contraction direction of the spring 1511b to either the direction of arrow S1 or arrow S2.

[0167] Reference Figure 25 This describes the switching operation of the drive transmission state inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. In this structure, the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 and the free end 1511a of the push member 1511 are in contact with each other in their original positions. Figure 25 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 1510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. Figure 25 In part (a) of the state, the spring 1511b of the pushing member 1511 is slightly compressed, and the control rod portion 1510k of the control member 1510 contacts the outer peripheral surface 533f of the developing device cover member 533. Therefore, the control member 1510 is fixed at the position where the control rod portion 1510k contacts the outer peripheral surface 533f of the developing device cover member 533, thereby reliably maintaining the drive transmission state.

[0168] Here, when the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction, the control member 1510 moves from the first position toward the second position, as follows: Figure 25 As shown in part (b), the control surface 1510g of the control member 1510 and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 abut against each other. Therefore, the rotation of the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 stops, and the drive is disengaged. Figure 25 In the state shown in part (b), the second force-applying surface 540c of the drive control member 540 and the free end 1511a of the pushing member 1511 are spaced apart from each other. The free end 1511a of the pushing member 1511 may make slight contact with the second force-applying surface 540c of the drive control member 540, as long as it does not affect the control of the drive control member 540 over the control member 1510. That is, this structure allows the contact between the pushing member 1511 and the drive control member 540 to be maintained even in the second position.

[0169] Subsequently, as shown in part (c) of Figure 25 , when the drive control member 540 moves in the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 abuts against the free end 1511a of the pressing member 1511, and the spring 1511b is compressed. Therefore, the control member 1510 receives the torque MB about the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 in the B1 direction generated by the force JB applied by the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180, and the torque MS about the support portion 526c in the B2 direction generated by the force JB applied by the spring 1511b of the pressing member 1511. In Figure 25 the state of part (c) of

[0170] , MB > MS, so the control member 1510 does not move from the second position. That is, the drive-disconnected state is maintained. Figure 25 In addition, when the drive control member 540 moves in the W52 direction, the torque relationship becomes MB < MS, and as shown in part (d) of

[0171] , the control member 1510 moves from the second position to the first position, thereby transmitting the drive.

[0172] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive transmission state can be switched between the first position and the second position of the control member 1510 by moving the drive control member 540 from the original position. Thus, the drive can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0173] (Embodiment 3) Figures 26 to 30 , the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 2, except for the structure of the locking member 550 and its peripheral structure, which will be described below. Therefore, members having the same functions and structures are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0174] [Structure of the drive connection portion]

[0175] Figure 26This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge P from the drive side, showing the drive-side cartridge cover member 520, the developing unit cover member 3533, and the locking member 550 with the drive-side cover member 520 removed. A gear 1801, a spring clutch 180 (which serves as a drive transmission switching device including a transmission release mechanism), a developing coupling member 174, and the developing unit cover member 533 are disposed between the drive-side bearing 526 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 520. Additionally, a control member 3510 (an example of a movable member) is pivotally mounted to the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. In this embodiment, the drive coupling portion includes the gear 1801, the spring clutch 180, the developing coupling member 174, the developing unit cover member 3533, the control member 3510, and the locking member 550.

[0176] Reference Figure 27 The following will describe the overview of the locking member 550 as a second biasing device. The locking member 550 includes a free end 550a and a spring 550b, which is a compression helical spring. Figure 27 The diagram shows the locking member 550 with its spring 550b removed from the free end 550a and the support portion 3533d of the developing apparatus cover member 3533. The spring 550b of the locking member 550 has an end-wrap portion at its opposite end and is secured by press-fitting the support portion 3533d of the developing apparatus cover member 3533 to the inner diameter of the end-wrap portion at one end. The end-wrap portion at the other end is secured to the free end 550a of the locking member 550. A protruding portion 3533e (whose diameter is smaller than that of the support portion 3533d of the developing apparatus cover member 3533) passes through the interior of the elastic portion of the spring 550b of the locking member 550 and restricts the contraction direction of the spring 550b to either arrow S1 or arrow S2.

[0177] [Driver disconnection operation]

[0178] Reference Figure 28 Part (a) and Figure 28 Part (b) will describe the structure of the control member 3510 for stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 to disengage the drive. The control member 3510 includes a support hole 3510a, a control rod portion 3510b, a foot portion 3510c, and a foot portion 3510d. The rod portion 3510b includes a surface 3510g for stopping the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180. Furthermore, the foot portions 3510c and 3510d have surfaces 3510e and 3510f, respectively, which receive forces from the drive control member 540. Additionally, the supported hole 3510a engages with the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526, allowing it to swing about the axis of the support portion 526c. Figure 26 ).

[0179] Reference Figure 29 This describes the drive connection interruption operation inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. Here, when the spring clutch 180 receives driving force and rotates in the V2 direction, the movement trajectory of the radial free end of the control section 180h is referred to as rb. Figure 29 As shown in part (a), when the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510, viewed from the center (swing axis K) of the spring clutch 180, is positioned outside the track rb, the control ring 180a rotates in the V2 direction and transmits drive. Furthermore, when the control member 3510 swings in the B1 direction about the axis of the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526, the control member 3510 is positioned such that the control lever portion 3510b abuts against the free end 550a. This position of the control member 3510 is referred to as the first position of the control member 3510.

[0180] Figure 29 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 3510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. When the drive control member 540 is in the first position... Figure 29 When part (a) moves along the W51 direction, such that when the first force application surface 540b and the surface 3510f of the foot of the control member 3510 abut against each other, the control member 3510 swings from the first position around the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 along the B1 direction, and the control surface 3510g abuts against the free end 550a of the locking member 550. At this time, as Figure 29 As shown in part (b), the spring 550b of the locking member 550 is compressed by the component of the force Jc acting in the B1 direction from the control member 3510 in the S1 direction, and the free end 550a moves in the S1 direction. This allows the control member 3510 to swing further in the B1 direction, and as... Figure 29As shown in part (c), the control surface 3510g abuts against the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180. Furthermore, the free end 550a of the locking member 550 moves in the S2 direction while in contact with the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510 due to the restoring force of the spring 550b. At this time, on the contact surface between the free end 550a of the locking member 550 and the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510, the control surface 3510g receives a force JB as a pushing force from the free end 550a. Here, the direction of the force JB received by the control surface 3510g from the free end 550a is the direction of the torque acting in the B1 direction centered on the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Therefore, the position of the control member 3510 is fixed by the control surface 3510g abutting against the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180. In this way, the control member 3510 stops the control section 180h, that is, stops the rotation of the control ring 180a, thereby interrupting the driving force input from the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus to the developing coupling member 174. This position of the control member 3510 is referred to as the second position of the control member 3510.

[0181] In addition, such as Figure 29 As shown in part (d), even if the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a remains spaced apart from the surfaces 3510e and 3510f of the control member 3510, so they do not come into contact with each other. As Figure 29 As shown in part (c), the control member 3510 receives a force JB from the free end 550a of the locking member 550. Therefore, the control surface 3510g abuts against the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180 and is fixed in place, preventing it from swinging in the B2 direction. In other words, the control member 3510 remains in the second position, stopping the control ring 180a and maintaining the drive disengaged state.

[0182] [Driver connection operation]

[0183] Reference Figure 30 The operation of moving the control member 3510 from a second position to a first position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, i.e., the operation of establishing a drive connection. Figure 30 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 3510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. When the drive control member 540 is in the second position... Figure 30 When part (a) moves along the W52 direction, the surface 540c on which the second force is applied and the surface 3510e of the foot portion 3510c of the control member 3510 come into contact with each other. At this time, as Figure 30As shown in part (b), the spring 550b of the locking member 550 is compressed by the component of the force Jc from the control member 3510 acting in the B2 direction in the S1 direction, causing the free end 550a to move in the S1 direction. Thus, as Figure 30 As shown in part (c), the control member 3510 is allowed to swing further along the B2 direction and move to the first position, the control member 3510 moves outward away from the trajectory rb, and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 and the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510 separate from each other. That is, the control ring 180a becomes rotatable and transmits drive. Furthermore, as... Figure 30 As shown in part (d), even if the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a is spaced apart from the surfaces 3510e and 3510f of the control member 3510 by a certain gap, so they do not abut against each other. Therefore, the control member 3510, which does not generate rotational force, cannot move in the S1 direction through the free end 550a pushed in the S2 direction by the spring of the locking member 550, and therefore it cannot swing in the B1 direction. In other words, the control member 3510 remains in the first position and maintains the drive transmission state.

[0184] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive force transmission state can be switched by moving the drive control member 540 from its original position to switch between a first position and a second position of the control member 3510. Thus, the drive can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0185] (Example 4)

[0186] Reference Figures 31 to 35 This section will describe a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. In this structure, an elbow structure is used to switch the transmission and interruption of the drive transmission section. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as the processing box of Embodiment 2, differing only in the structure of the control component and its surrounding structure. Therefore, components with the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0187] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0188] Figure 31This is an exploded perspective view of the processing cartridge P as seen from the drive side. A gear 1801, a spring clutch 180, a developing coupling member 174, and a developing device cover member 4533 are disposed between the drive-side bearing 526 and the drive-side cover member 520. Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 2, the control member 4510 is pivotally mounted to the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. One end 4601c of the toggle spring 4601, which is a tension spring, engages with the boss 4533d of the developing device cover member 4533, and the other end 4601d of the toggle spring 4601 engages with the boss 4510d of the control member 4510. The toggle mechanism of this embodiment will be described below. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive coupling portion includes the gear 1801, the spring clutch 180, the developing coupling member 174, the developing device cover member 4533, and the toggle spring 4601. In this embodiment, the structure of the spring clutch 180 is the same as in Embodiment 2, and therefore its description will be omitted. Furthermore, the assembly of gear 1801, spring clutch 180, and developing coupling member 174 is the same as in Example 2, so its description is omitted.

[0189] [The toggle mechanism in this embodiment]

[0190] Reference Figure 32 and Figure 33 The toggle mechanism of this embodiment will now be described. Figure 32 Part (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the control member 4510 is not in contact with the spring clutch 180. Figure 32 Part (b) is Figure 32 A partial enlarged view of part (a). At this time, the line M2 connecting the center of the boss 4533d of the developing apparatus cover member 4533 and the center of the boss 4510d of the control member 4510 is positioned to the left of the line M1 connecting the center of the boss 4533d of the developing apparatus cover member and the center of the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Therefore, the control member 4510 rotates about the support portion 526c in the L1 direction. Consequently, the control member 4510 moves away from the spring clutch 180, and thus, as described in Embodiment 2, the drive transmission is interrupted. Furthermore, the control member 4510 is held in its position by its surface 4510m abutting against the boss 4533m of the developing apparatus cover member 4533.

[0191] Reference Figure 33The state in which the control member 4510 is in contact with the spring clutch 180 will be described. At this time, the line M2 connecting the center of the boss 4533d of the developing device cover member 4533 and the center of the boss 4510d of the control member 4510 is located to the right of the line M1 connecting the center of the boss 4533d of the developing device cover member and the center of the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 in the figure. Therefore, the control member 4510 rotates about the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 in the L2 direction. This is because the control member 4510 moves toward the spring clutch 180, and the surface 4510n of the control member 4510 abuts against the surface 4533n of the developing device cover member 4533, thereby maintaining the posture of the control member 4510. Thereafter, the surface 4510g of the control member 4510 and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 come into contact with each other. The operation of the spring clutch 180 at this time is the same as in Embodiment 2, so its description is omitted here. The clutch is thus engaged and can transmit drive from the main assembly side. It should be noted that the operation of disengaging the drive of the spring clutch 180 is the same as in Embodiment 2, so the description is omitted here.

[0192] [Connection operations in the driver connection section]

[0193] Reference Figure 34 The operation describes the process of the processing box P being disconnected from the drive of the main component of the image forming apparatus P by the drive control member 540 within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus, and then being connected to the drive. Figure 34 Part (a) shows the state where the drive of the drive control member 540, which was in its original position, is disconnected. Figure 34 Part (b) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 34 The state of part (a) moves to the first position along the W51 direction. Figure 34 Part (c) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 34 The state of part (b) moves along the W52 direction to its original position and drives the connected state. Details and reference numerals identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0194] like Figure 34 As shown in part (a), when the drive of the drive control member 540 is disengaged and the drive control member 540 is in its original position, the drive control member 540 is not in contact with the control member 4510, but is separated from the control member 4510 with gaps T43 and T44 between them. When the drive control member 540 moves from this state along the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the surface 4510f of the foot portion 4510d of the control member 4510 come into contact with each other, and the control member 4510 moves along... Figure 34Part (b) shows the rotation in the L2 direction. Due to this rotation, the surface 4510g of the control member 4510 and the control part 180h of the spring clutch 180 come into contact with each other. This establishes the clutch engagement, allowing drive to be transmitted from the main assembly side. (See above reference...) Figure 33 As described, in this state, the toggle spring 4601, which acts as a third biasing device, brings the surface 4510n of the control member 4510 into contact with the surface 4533n of the developing apparatus cover member 4533, thereby maintaining its orientation. Thereafter, as... Figure 34 As shown in part (c), the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and then returns to its original position. In this state, the drive control member 540 does not exert any force on the control member 4510 because there is a gap T46 between itself and the control member 4510. Therefore, the control member 4510 remains... Figure 33 The posture shown is maintained, and the drive is stably connected.

[0195] [Interrupt operation of the driver connection section]

[0196] Reference Figure 35 The operation of the drive control member 540 within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus relative to the main component, from a connected state to a disconnected state, will be described. Figure 35 Part (a) shows the state where the drive control component 540 is in its original position and the drive connection is established. Figure 35 Part (b) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 35 Part (a) shows the state moving to the second position along the W52 direction, and Figure 35 Part (c) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 35 Part (b) moves along the W51 direction to its original position and the drive is disconnected. Details and reference numerals identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0197] When the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c and the surface 4510e of the foot portion 4510c of the control member 4510 come into contact with each other, and the control member 4510 moves along the W52 direction. Figure 33 Part (b) shows the L1 direction rotation. This rotation separates the surface 4510g of the control member 4510 from the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180. This disengages the clutch, preventing the transmission of drive from the main assembly side. (See above reference...) Figure 32 As described above, in this state, the surface 4510m of the control member 4510 abuts against the boss 4533m of the developing apparatus cover member 4533 by the action of the toggle spring 4601, thereby maintaining its posture. Thereafter, as... Figure 35 As shown in part (c), the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction and then returns to its original position. In this state, the drive control member 540 does not exert any force on the control member 4510 because a gap T47 is provided between itself and the control member 4510. Therefore, the control member 4510 remains in the position... Figure 32 The posture shown is maintained, and the drive is stably disconnected.

[0198] As described above, by using this embodiment, the toggle mechanism associated with the operation of the drive control member 540 stably performs the switching between contact and separation of the control member 4510, so that the drive can be switched stably regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0199] (Example 5)

[0200] Reference Figures 36 to 39 The present disclosure will describe a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5. This structure is one in which the engaging parts utilize gear meshing. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the control member and its surrounding structure. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0201] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0202] Figure 36 This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge P from the drive side, showing the drive-side cartridge cover member 6520 and the developing unit cover member 6533 with the latter removed. The developing coupling gear 6801 and the developing unit cover member 6533 are disposed between the drive-side bearing 526 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 6520. A connecting portion 6801a is disposed at the end of the developing coupling gear 6801 and exposed through the drive-side cartridge cover member 6520 to receive driving force from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. Additionally, an idler wheel 6803 is disposed at a position where it meshes with the developing coupling gear 6801 and the distance between their axes remains constant. The idler wheel 6803 is connected to an idler wheel 6804 that transmits drive to the developing roller gear 802 via a control member 6510, which serves as a support member. The control member 6510 is provided with rotation shafts 6510a and 6510b for the idler wheels 6803 and 6804, respectively. In other words, idler wheel 6803 is rotatably supported by rotating shaft 6510a, and idler wheel 6504 is rotatably supported by rotating shaft 6510b. It is sandwiched between plate member 6511 and control member 6510 as a retainer.

[0203] In the control member 6510, the rotation axis 6510a of the idler wheel 6803 is rotatably supported by the retaining portion 6520a of the drive-side cover member 6520. In other words, the control member 6510 is configured to swing relative to the drive-side cover member 6520 about the rotation axis 6510a of the idler wheel 6803 as a center of rotation. In other words, the idler wheel 6804 is configured to swing about the idler wheel 6803 relative to the drive-side cover member 6520. The control member 6510 may be supported by another member, such as the drum unit 8. In this case, the idler wheel 6804 may swing about the axis of the idler wheel 6803 relative to the drum unit 8.

[0204] [Driver disconnection operation]

[0205] Reference Figure 37 This will describe the switching operation from the driver pass state to the driver interrupt state. Figure 37 Part (a) only shows the state of the gears and control components when the drive is transmitted to the developing roller gear 802 and Figure 37 Part (b) shows only the state of the gears and control components when the drive is disconnected.

[0206] The connecting portion 6801a of the developing coupling gear 6801 receives a driving force from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus to rotate in the V2 direction. This driving force is transmitted to the developing roller gear 802 via idler wheels 6803 and 6804. At this time, the control member 6510 generates a torque about the rotation axis 6510a in the direction of arrow V3 by engaging with idler wheels 6803 and 6804. Furthermore, since idler wheel 6804 receives a force in the pressure angle direction F6 by engaging with the developing roller gear 802, idler wheel 6804 is pulled in the direction of arrow V3. This is because the pivot point of idler wheel 6804 (rotation axis 6510a) is located on the W52 side of the line connecting the developing coupling gear 6801 and the developing roller gear 802, so that the control member 6510 is not subjected to force in the disengagement direction (direction of arrow V4). Therefore, the torque in the direction of arrow V3 always acts on the control component 6510, and the drive transmission is maintained while the idler wheel 6804 and the developing roller gear 802 continue to mesh with each other. Figure 37 Part (a)). At this time, the position of the control component 6510 is referred to as the first position ( Figure 37 Part (b)).

[0207] To interrupt the drive transmission, the control member 6510 moves along the W52 direction to move the idler wheel 6804 in the direction of arrow V4, thereby disconnecting the drive between the idler wheel 6804 and the developing roller gear 802. The position of the control member 6510 at this time is referred to as the second position.

[0208] [Driver connection and disconnection operations]

[0209] Reference Figure 38 The operation of moving the control member 6510 from a first position to a second position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, namely the drive disconnection operation described above. Figure 38 This is a view of the processing box P located at the second inner position within the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as seen from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 6520 is omitted. Figure 38 Part (a) shows the state where the control component 6510 is in the first position and the drive control component 540 is in the original position. Figure 38 Part (b) shows the state in which the control component 6510 has moved from the first position to the second position. Figure 38 Part (c) shows the state where the control member 6510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. Details and reference numerals identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0210] When the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c comes into contact with the surface 6510e on the foot portion 6510c of the control member 6510, and the control member 6510 surrounds... Figure 38 In part (b), the axis of the rotating shaft 6510a rotates in the direction of arrow V4. That is, the control member 6510 moves the developing roller gear 802, which acts as the first gear (one gear), and the idler gear 6804, which acts as the second gear (another gear), from a first position where they engage with each other to a second position where they do not engage. In the second position, the idler gear 6804 also rotates in the V4 direction along with the control member 6510, and as described above, the drive of the developing roller gear 802 is disconnected. Figure 37 Part (b) and Figure 63 Part (b)).

[0211] In addition, the drive control component 540 along Figure 38 In part (b), the movement is directed in the direction of arrow W51 to return to the original position. At this time, as described above, the control member 6510 receives a torque in the V3 direction from the idler gear 6803, which is the third gear, and tends to return to the first position, but it is pushed by the tension spring 6530 in the V4 direction. The spring pressure of the tension spring 6530, which is the fourth pushing device, is selected to hold the control member 6510 in the second position and prevent the control member 6510 from moving to the second position when it is in the first position.

[0212] Here, the torque generated by the meshing force between idler gears 6803 and 6804 is torque M1, the torque generated by the meshing force between idler gear 6804 and developing roller gear 802 is torque M2, and the torque generated by tension spring 6530 is torque M3. In the second position, the torque about rotation axis 6510a satisfies M3 > M1.

[0213] That is, the driving connection state is maintained by "M3 < M1 + M2". For example, assuming that the torque generated by the force applied from drive control member 540 is torque M4 (the torque required to switch control member 6510), the driving connection is disconnected by the torque becoming "M3 + M4 > M1 + M2". Therefore, by the disconnection of the driving connection, torque M2 = 0, and "M3 + M4 > M1". By drive control member 540 returning to the original position, torque M4 = 0 and "M3 > M1".

[0214] That is, the torque generated by the spring pressure of tension spring 6530 in the V4 direction is greater than the torque generated by the meshing force between idler gears 6803 and 6804 in the V3 direction. Therefore, control member 6510 is pushed in the V4 direction and held in the second position.

[0215] Therefore, the second force application surface 540c of control section 540a and the surface 6510e of the leg portion 6510c of control member 6510 are spaced apart by a gap T60 and do not contact each other ( Figure 38 part (c)). In addition, the first force application surface 540b and the surface 6510f of the leg portion 6510d of control member 6510 are spaced apart by a gap T61. Therefore, control member 6510 is located in the second position without contacting drive control member 540, and maintains the drive disconnected state ( Figure 37 part (b)).

[0216] [Driving connection operation]

[0217] Refer to Figure 38 and Figure 39 , and the operation of moving control member 6510 from the second position to the first position within image forming apparatus main unit 502, that is, the operation of connecting the drive, will be described. Figure 39 is a view of process cartridge P at the second inner position within image forming apparatus main unit 502 as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration, drive side cartridge cover member 6520 is omitted. Figure 39 shows the state where control member 6510 has moved from the second position to the first position.

[0218] When the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the surface 6510f of the foot portion 1510d of the control member 6510 come into contact with each other, and the control member 6510 moves along the W51 direction. Figure 39 The central arrow V3 rotates. That is, the control member 6510 moves from the second position toward the first position. Then, as described above, the idler wheel 6804 engages with the developing roller gear 802 to connect the drive ( Figure 37 Part (a)).

[0219] Even if the drive control component 540 moves in the direction of arrow W52 and returns to its original position ( Figure 38 In part (a), the control part 540a remains spaced apart from the surface 6510f of the foot part 6510d of the control member 6510 by a gap T62, and they do not contact each other. Furthermore, the second force application surface 540c is spaced apart from the surface 6510e of the foot part 6510c of the control member 6510 by a gap T63. Therefore, the control member 6510 is positioned in the first position without contacting the drive control member 540, and the drive connection state is maintained. Figure 37 Part (a)). In the first position, the torque about the rotation axis 6510a satisfies M1+M2>M3. That is, in the first position, the torque in the V3 direction generated by the meshing force between idler wheels 6803 and 6804 and the meshing force between idler wheel 6804 and developing roller gear 802 is greater than the torque in the V4 direction generated by the spring pressure of tension spring 6530. Therefore, the control member 6510 is pushed in the V3 direction to maintain the first position.

[0220] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive control member 540 moves the control member 6510 to a first position and a second position, thereby switching the drive transmission state of the idler wheel 6804 and the developing roller gear 802. Thus, the drive can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0221] (Example 6)

[0222] Reference Figures 40 to 45 This document describes a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure. In the structure of this embodiment, a moving member and a connecting portion are disposed in a laser baffle unit (or baffle unit). The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as the processing box of Embodiment 1, except that the structure of the control member serving as the moving member and its surrounding structure are different. Therefore, members having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0223] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by providing a laser baffle unit in the processing cartridge, the laser beam emitted from the image signal applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to the photosensitive drum can be switched between an accessible state (the laser baffle unit does not block the laser beam) and an inaccessible state (the laser baffle unit blocks the laser beam) to perform the aforementioned electrophotographic image forming processing operation. Thus, regardless of the structure of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, or the interruption operation of the drive connection portion, etc., the image forming operation can be switched between enabled and disabled, as described in other embodiments. In another embodiment, if the contact / separation state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, or the connection state of the drive connection portion, cannot be stably controlled, problems will occur in the image forming operation. For example, image problems may occur (such as poor image density due to contact pressure and banding due to the drive connection portion). However, in this embodiment, the switching between the accessible and inaccessible states of the laser beam from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus outside the processing cartridge reduces the likelihood of damage to parts related to the image forming apparatus inside the processing cartridge (photosensitive drum, developing roller, gears, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to smoothly switch between enabling and disabling the image forming operation, which is an electrophotographic image forming process.

[0224] [Overall structure of the processing box with laser baffle unit]

[0225] Reference Figure 40 and Figure 41 This will describe the overall structure of the processing box P. Figure 40 This is a perspective view of the processing box P as seen from the drive side. (Example) Figure 40 As shown, the processing box P has a structure in which the drum unit 8, the developing unit 9 and the laser baffle unit 77 are sandwiched between the drive-side box cover member 7520 and the non-drive-side box cover member 7521 and are thus fixedly supported. Figure 41 This is a view of the processing box P as seen from the drive side. For better illustration of the structure, it is not shown. Figure 40 The drive-side cover component 7520 is shown. Figure 41The photosensitive drum 4, charging roller 5, cleaning blade 7, and drum frame 7015 are shown, but a portion of the drum unit 8 is not shown. The developing unit 9 is shown as having a laser baffle unit 77 mounted thereon as a shielding member. The laser baffle unit 77 includes a baffle moving member 7510 (or moving member) and a laser baffle 7511 as a shielding portion. The baffle-side rotational support portion 7510a of the baffle moving member 7510 is rotatably supported by the cover-side rotational support portion 7533a of the developing apparatus cover member 7533 provided in the developing unit 9. The rotation center of the baffle-side rotational support portion 7510a and the rotation center of the cover-side rotational support portion 7533a are the same as the swing axis K, which is the rotation center of the developing unit 9 and the developing coupling gear 7801. That is, the laser baffle unit 77 is rotatably supported about the swing axis K in the baffle opening direction K71 and the baffle closing direction K72.

[0226] Figure 40 Part (a) and Figure 41 Part (a) shows the state in which the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed at the position where the laser beam U is blocked. Figure 40 Part (b) and Figure 41 Part (b) shows the state in which the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed in a position where the laser beam U is not blocked. The detailed structure for fixing the laser baffle unit 77 in various positions will be described below. The baffle moving member 7510 is provided with two phase fixing holes for fixing the position of the laser baffle unit 77, namely a closed phase hole 7510c and an open phase hole 7510d. The laser baffle unit 77 can be fixed in any phase by inserting and removing the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 provided in the developing unit 9 from these two phase fixing holes. Here, the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d are arranged on the same circumference Kr centered on the swing axis K. Thus, when the laser baffle unit 77 rotates about the swing axis K to any phase, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 can be inserted into and removed from the corresponding hole.

[0227] Figure 41 Part (a) shows the state in which the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed at the position for blocking the laser beam U, that is, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the closed phase hole 7510c, and the position of the baffle moving member 7510 is in the closed position. The position of the moving member at this time is referred to as the first position.

[0228] Figure 41Part (b) shows the state in which the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed in the open position without blocking the laser beam U, that is, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the open phase hole 7510d, and the position of the baffle moving member 7510 is fixed. The position of the moving member at this time is referred to as the second position.

[0229] The details of the structure and operation of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 will be described below. Furthermore, the baffle moving member 7510 has an opening direction pressing surface 7510f and a closing direction pressing surface 7510e as external force receiving surfaces for rotation about the swing axis K. The laser baffle unit 77 can rotate along the baffle opening direction K71 by receiving rotational force at the opening direction pressing surface 7510f, and can rotate along the baffle closing direction K72 by receiving rotational force at the closing direction pressing surface 7510e. Thus, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are always in contact with each other, the laser beam U can switch between reaching the photosensitive drum and not reaching the photosensitive drum, and through this switching, the image forming operation, which is an electrophotographic image forming processing operation, can be switched between enabled and disabled.

[0230] The first position is not limited to a position where the laser baffle unit 77 covers the photosensitive drum 4 to substantially completely prevent the photosensitive drum 4 from being exposed to the outside of the housing. For example, it can be positioned to partially cover the photosensitive drum 4 from the outside of the housing (the exposed portion can be retained to a certain extent) to a degree that sufficiently blocks the exposure of the laser beam U. As for the second position, the degree of exposure can be arbitrarily selected, as long as the laser baffle unit 77 exposes the photosensitive drum 4 more than in the first position so that the photosensitive drum 4 can be exposed by the laser beam U.

[0231] [Detailed structure of the processing box with laser baffle unit]

[0232] Reference Figure 42 This will describe the detailed structure of the processing box P. Figure 42 This is an exploded perspective view of the processing cartridge P as seen from the drive side. The drive-side cartridge cover component 7520, the non-drive-side cartridge cover component 7521, the drum unit 8, the developing unit 9, and the laser baffle unit 77 have been removed from this view.

[0233] The drum frame 7015 in drum unit 8 is configured such that it does not impede the movement of laser baffle unit 77 when laser baffle unit 77 rotates, nor does it interfere with laser baffle 7511. The shape of laser baffle 7511 and drum frame 7015 can be changed by considering the incident angle of laser beam U and the width of incident light. Similar to drum frame 7015, developer container 7025 in developing unit 9 is configured such that it does not impede the movement of laser baffle unit 77 when laser baffle unit 77 rotates, nor does it interfere with laser baffle 7511. Developing coupling gear 7801 is rotatably held by drive-side bearing 7526 mounted to developer container 7025 and developing device cover member 7533, and baffle position limiting pin 7512 and baffle position control spring 7513 are also held. Details of the holding structure of baffle position limiting pin 7512 and baffle position control spring 7513 will be described below. The laser baffle unit 77 includes a baffle moving member 7510 and a laser baffle 7511. The laser baffle unit 77 is integrated via a screw hole 7510b and a screw hole 7511a in the baffle moving member and a screw B71. As described above, on the driving side of the laser baffle unit 77, the baffle-side rotation support portion 7510a is rotatably supported by the cover-side rotation support portion 7533a of the developing apparatus cover member 7533 provided in the developing unit 9. On the other hand, on the non-driving side of the laser baffle unit 77, the bearing-side rotation support portion 7527a of the non-driving side bearing 7527 provided on the non-driving side of the developing unit 9 is fitted into and supported by the laser baffle rotation support portion 7511b and the non-driving side cover member rotation support hole 7521a of the non-driving side cover member 7521. Thus, the laser baffle rotation support portion 7511b is rotatably supported.

[0234] [Switch between enabling and blocking the laser beam]

[0235] Reference Figures 43 to 45 The operation of switching between turning the laser beam on and off by operating the laser baffle unit 77 will be described. Figure 43 The operation of the laser baffle unit 77 from the laser beam blocking state to the laser beam opening state is shown. Figure 44 The operation of the laser baffle unit 77 from the laser beam open state to the laser beam blocking state is shown. Figure 45 The operation of the baffle moving member 7510 and the baffle position limiting pin 7512 from the laser beam blocking state to the laser beam opening state is shown. Figure 43 and Figure 44 This is a diagram of the processing box P as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration of the structure, it is not shown. Figure 40 The drive-side cover component 7520 is shown, and the drive control component 540 is also shown.

[0236] like Figure 43 As shown in part (a), the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 is in a first position to block the laser beam U in a state where the photosensitive drum cannot be irradiated by the laser beam (i.e., the laser beam blocking state). At this time, the drive control member 540 is placed in its original position, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, a gap T71 is provided between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressing surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T72 is provided between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressing surface 7510f.

[0237] Figure 45 Part (a) is along Figure 43 A cross-sectional view taken along line DA-DA passing through the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d in part (a). As described above, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 and the baffle position control spring 7513 (which is a compression helical spring acting as a pushing device) are held at their opposite ends by the developing device cover member 7533 and the drive-side bearing 7526. The baffle position limiting pin 7512 is fitted in and supported by the cover-side control pin support hole 7533b and control pin support hole 7526c. The baffle position control spring 7513 is a compression helical spring, and its opposite ends are held by the pin-side control spring support portion 7512a and the bearing-side control spring support portion 7526b. The baffle position limiting pin 7512 is movable in the S71 and S72 directions (parallel to the swing axis K). The baffle position control spring 7513 contacts the bearing-side control spring force receiving surface 7526a and the pin-side control spring force receiving surface 7512b, and pushes the baffle position limiting pin 7512 in the S71 direction. The control pin abutment surface 7512c of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 abuts against the developing apparatus cover member 7533, and its movement in the S71 direction is restricted. Here, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c of the baffle moving member 7510, and the rotational movement of the baffle moving member 7510 can be restricted and fixed. Thus, the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed in the first position blocking the laser beam U.

[0238] Figure 43Part (b) shows the state in which the laser baffle unit 77 rotates along the baffle opening direction K71 and moves from a first position where the laser beam U is blocked to a second position where the laser beam U is not blocked. At this time, the drive control member 540 is moving from its original position along the W52 direction, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 along the W52 direction. That is, a gap T73 exists between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f.

[0239] Figure 45 Part (b) is along the passage Figure 43 A cross-sectional view taken along line DB-DB of part (b) of the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d. At this time, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the middle of its movement from the closed phase hole 7510c to the open phase hole 7510d, and is moving away from the direction of F72. Figure 45 The position shown in part (a). When the baffle moving member 7510 moves along the W52 direction, as the baffle moving member 7510 rotates, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives an external force along the F71 direction, as shown in part (a). Figure 43 As shown in part (a), the shape of the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 causes component forces to be generated in directions F72 and F73. Thus, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives a force along the F71 direction to move in the S72 direction, thereby changing the state from... Figure 45 The state shown in part (a) changes to Figure 45 The state shown in part (b) indicates that the baffle position control spring 7513 is in a compressed state at this time.

[0240] like Figure 43 As shown in part (c), the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 is in a second position that does not block the laser beam U, and is in a state where the laser beam can irradiate the photosensitive drum, i.e., the laser beam is open. At this time, the drive control member 540 is more than in the W52 direction. Figure 43 The position shown in part (b) moves further, and the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 stops in a manner that keeps in contact with the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T74 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f.

[0241] Figure 45Part (c) is along the passage Figure 43 A cross-sectional view of the DC-DC line taken from part (c) with the phase aperture 7510c closed and the phase aperture 7510d open. (See diagram below.) Figure 45 As shown in part (c), the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is located in the open phase hole 7510d of the baffle moving member 7510, so that the rotational movement of the baffle moving member 7510 can be limited and fixed. Thus, the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed in a second position that does not block the laser beam U.

[0242] Figure 44 Part (a) shows the location of the processing box P during the image forming operation. Figure 44 As shown in part (a), the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 is in the position as shown in part (a). Figure 45 The second position is shown in part (c). At this time, the drive control member 540 has moved from... Figure 43 The position shown in part (c) is moved to the original position. At this time, the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T75 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T76 between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f. In addition, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the position of Figure 45 The state shown in part (c).

[0243] Figure 44 Part (b) shows the state after the image forming operation is completed, where the laser baffle unit 77 rotates along the baffle closing direction K72 and moves from a second position that does not block the laser beam U to a first position that blocks the laser beam U. Figure 44 As shown in part (b), the baffle moving member 7510 and the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 are in the position as shown in part (b). Figure 43 The second position is shown in part (b). At this time, the drive control member 540 moves away from the original position in the W51 direction, and the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 in the W51 direction. That is, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is a gap T77 between the second force application surface 540c and the open direction pressed surface 7510f. In addition, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the above-mentioned position. Figure 45 The state shown in part (b).

[0244] Figure 44Part (c) shows the state where the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 moves back to the first position to block the laser beam U after the image forming operation is completed. Figure 44 As shown in part (c), the baffle moving member 7510 and the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 are in the position as shown in part (c). Figure 43 Part (a) shows the first position to block the laser beam U.

[0245] At this point, the drive control component 540 has moved further along the W51 direction by more than [a certain amount]. Figure 44 The position shown in part (b) is such that the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 stops in contact with the baffle moving member 7510. That is, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T78 exists between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the position shown in part (b). Figure 45 The state shown in part (a).

[0246] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the laser baffle unit 77 can be fixed in any phase of the first and second positions. Thus, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are always in contact with each other, the laser beam U can switch between an accessible and inaccessible state relative to the photosensitive drum, and can switch between enabling and disabling the image forming operation, which is an electrophotographic image forming process. In this embodiment, the laser baffle unit 77 is configured to switch between the accessible and inaccessible states of the laser beam U by rotating about the swing axis K. The opening and closing action of the baffle is not limited to rotational movement, but can be, for example, sliding movement or a foldable structure. Furthermore, in this structure, the components constituting the baffle, etc., are supported on the developing unit side, but they can also be supported on the drum unit side.

[0247] Although described again, in this embodiment, the closing phase hole 7510c is recessed as a first recess in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the baffle moving member 7510, and the opening phase hole 7510d is also recessed as a second recess in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the baffle moving member 7510. The baffle position limiting pin 7512 is configured to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the baffle moving member 7510, either as a first protrusion or a second protrusion. Depending on the position of the baffle moving member 7510, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is fitted into the closing phase hole 7510c or the opening phase hole 7510d, thereby serving as an engaging portion that holds the baffle moving member 7510 in a predetermined position. The outer peripheral edge of the free end surface of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is a tapered inclined surface, and both the closing phase hole 7510c and the opening phase hole 7510d have a mortar-shaped recess shape that expands toward the opening. In other words, the contact surfaces between the baffle position limiting pin 7512 and the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d are inclined relative to the moving direction of the baffle moving member 7510 and the forward / retracting direction of the baffle position limiting pin 7512, respectively. This structure serves as a force applying portion (first force applying portion, second force applying portion) to apply a force to the baffle position limiting pin 7512 for moving the baffle position limiting pin 7512 in the retraction direction when the baffle moving member 7510 moves.

[0248] Here, the structure of the baffle position limiting pin 7512, the closed phase hole 7510c, and the open phase hole 7510d is not limited to the structure described in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, one protrusion and two recesses are combined, but various combinations are conceivable. For example, a combination structure is conceivable in which two protrusions are provided, and when the moving member (blocking member) is in the first position, one protrusion becomes the first protrusion fitted into the first recess, and when the moving member is in the second position, the other protrusion becomes the second protrusion fitted into the second recess. Optionally, one recess is provided for both protrusions, and when the moving member is in the first position, one protrusion is fitted into a common recess, and when the moving member is in the second position, the other protrusion is fitted into the common recess. In this embodiment, the baffle position limiting pin 7512, which is the protrusion, is provided on the box frame side, and the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d, which are the recesses, are provided on the moving member side, but the invention is not limited to this structure. That is, the protrusion can be provided on the moving member side, and the recess can be provided on the box frame side. Furthermore, the structure can be configured such that the box frame side has: a first protrusion that assembles when the moving member is in a first position, and a corresponding first recess that assembles when the moving member is in a second position; a second protrusion that assembles when the moving member is in a second position is provided on the moving member side, and a second recess that assembles on the box frame side. Alternatively, the opposite combination can be used.

[0249] (Example 7)

[0250] Reference Figures 46 to 49 The processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure will be described. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 6, except for the structure of the electrical contact baffle unit 87 and its surrounding structure, which will be described below. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0251] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by providing an electrical contact baffle unit 87 in the processing cartridge, it is possible to switch between a state where the bias voltage applied from the electrical contacts 503 (described below) of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus can be supplied to the processing cartridge P (the contact baffle unit does not block the bias voltage) and a state where the bias voltage cannot be supplied (the contact baffle unit blocks the bias voltage). Thus, regardless of the structure of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6, and regardless of how the connection / disconnection operation of the drive connection portion shown in other embodiments is performed, it is possible to switch between enabling and disabling the image forming operation. Although this embodiment employs a laser baffle unit 77 as in Embodiment 6, it is not necessary to switch between a state where the laser beam can reach the photosensitive drum 4 and a state where the laser beam cannot reach the photosensitive drum 4.

[0252] [Overall structure of the processing box with contact baffle unit]

[0253] Reference Figure 46 This will describe the overall structure of the processing box P. Figure 46 This is a perspective view of the processing box P and electrical contact 503 as seen from the non-driving side. Figure 46 As shown, the contact baffle unit 87 is clamped between the non-drive side cover member 8521 and the non-drive side bearing 7527 and is fixedly held. The contact 503, which is the main electrode portion, is a compression coil spring and can retract in the S81 or S82 direction, which is the longitudinal direction. The contact 503 is always compressed when its end in the S82 direction is fixed, and it pushes the processing cartridge P in the S81 direction. When the contact 503 and the electrode portions 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527 contact each other, the bias voltage applied from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus is supplied to the processing cartridge P. Here, Figure 46 Part (a) shows the state in which the contact baffle unit 87 blocks the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. Figure 46 In the state shown in part (a), contact 503 is in contact with contact baffle 8511, as will be described below, so that no bias voltage is supplied to the processing box P and imaging is not possible. Figure 46Part (b) shows the position where the contact baffle unit 87 is open without blocking the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. Figure 46 In part (b) of the state, the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527 are in contact with each other, so that a bias voltage is supplied to the processing box P and imaging can be performed.

[0254] Reference Figure 47 This section will describe the overview of the contact baffle unit. Figure 47 This is a perspective view of the processing box P as seen from the driving side. For better illustration of the structure, only a portion of the electrical contact baffle unit 87, the non-driving side cover member 8521, the contact 503, and the laser baffle 7511 are shown. Additionally, it shows the contact retaining pin 8512 (described below) of the contact baffle unit 87 in a state where it has been removed from the support hole 8521c of the non-driving side cover member 8521. The contact baffle unit 87 includes a spring 8510 as a torsion coil spring, a contact baffle 8511 (an example of a moving member), and a contact retaining pin 8512. The spring 8510 is fixed to the support portion 8521a of the non-driving side cover member 8521. Furthermore, the clockwise position of the end 8510a of the spring 8510 as seen from the driving side is limited by the limiting surface 8521b of the non-driving side cover member 8521. The contact baffle 8511 is provided with a fixing hole 8511a for fixing the position of the contact baffle unit 87. The contact fixing pin 8512 is inserted through the fixing hole 8511a of the contact baffle 8511, and the free end of the contact fixing pin 8512 is inserted into the support hole 8521c of the non-drive side cover member 8521 and fixed by the support hole 8521c. Thus, the contact baffle 8511 is rotatably supported about the swing axis L along the baffle opening direction K81 and the baffle closing direction K82, and the swing axis L is the axis of the contact fixing pin 8512.

[0255] exist Figure 47 In part (a) of the state, the contact baffle unit 87 is fixed at a position to block the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. That is, the contact baffle 8511 is fixed between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. The position of the contact baffle 8511 at this time is referred to as the first position.

[0256] exist Figure 47 In part (b), the contact baffle unit 87 is fixed in an open position that does not obstruct the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. That is, the contact baffle 8511 is fixed so that it is not positioned between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. The position of the contact baffle 8511 at this time is referred to as the second position.

[0257] The contact baffle 8511 includes an arm portion 8511b that serves as an external force receiving surface for rotation about the swing axis L in the K81 direction. Furthermore, the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 contacts the end portion 8510b of the spring 8510. The laser baffle 7511, as a movable member, rotates in the K81 direction, and the arm portion 8511b receives rotational force from the force application surface 7511c, thereby rotating the contact baffle 8511 to a second position along the baffle opening direction K81. Additionally, the position of the laser baffle 7511, as a movable member, at this time is a second holding position. Here, when the contact baffle 8511 is in the second position, the spring 8510 receives a force along the coil winding direction. Therefore, when the laser baffle 7511 rotates in the K82 direction and the external force applied from the laser baffle 7511 to the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 disappears, the arm portion 8511b receives rotational force in the direction of increasing the torsion angle of the arm portion 8511b by the pushing force of the spring 8510, causing the contact baffle 8511 to rotate to the first position in the baffle closing direction K82. Furthermore, the position of the laser baffle 7511, which is a movable member, at this time is the first holding position. Holding the contact baffle 8511 in the first and second positions by engaging the laser baffle 751 is achieved by the engagement mechanism of the baffle moving member 7510 described in Embodiment 6, and therefore its description is omitted. Therefore, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are always in contact with each other, the bias voltage applied to the processing cartridge P can be switched between the enabled and disabled states, so that the image forming operation, which is an electrophotographic image forming processing operation, can be switched between the enabled and disabled states.

[0258] [Used for switching the laser beam on and off]

[0259] Reference Figure 48 and Figure 49 The operation of switching between supplying bias voltage and not supplying bias voltage via the operation of the contact baffle unit 87 will be described. Figure 48 The operation of the contact baffle unit 87 from a bias voltage non-supply state to a bias voltage supply state is shown. Figure 49 The operation of the contact baffle unit 87 from the bias voltage supply state to the bias voltage non-supply state is shown. Figure 48 and Figure 49 This is a diagram of the processing box P as viewed from the non-driving side. For better illustration of the structure, details such as... Figure 46 The non-drive side cover member 8521 is shown, but the drive control member 540 of the main assembly is shown.

[0260] Figure 48Part (a) shows the contact baffle 8511 of the contact baffle unit 87 in a first position fixed between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527, and the bias voltage cannot be supplied from the contact 503 to the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. At this time, the drive control member 540 is positioned in its original position, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T71 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T72 between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c of the baffle moving member 7510, thereby limiting the rotation of the baffle moving member 7510 to fix it therein.

[0261] Figure 48 Part (b) shows the state in which the contact baffle 8511 moves from a first position that blocks the bias voltage to a second position that does not block the bias voltage. Figure 48 As shown in part (b), the drive control member 540 moves from its original position along the W52 direction, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 along the W52 direction. That is, a gap T73 exists between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. When the baffle moving member 7510 is pushed in the W52 direction and the laser baffle unit 77 rotates in the K81 direction, the force application surface 7511c of the laser baffle 7511 and the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 come into contact with each other. When the laser baffle unit 77 rotates further in the direction K81 from this state, the contact baffle 8511 receives a rotational force from the laser baffle 7511 to rotate in the baffle opening direction K81. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, when the baffle moving member 7510 rotates, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives along the F71 direction ( Figure 45 The external force. At this time, the baffle position control spring 7513 is in a compressed state.

[0262] Figure 48Part (c) shows the second position, in which the contact baffle 8511 of the contact baffle unit 87 is fixed and not positioned between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. By moving the contact baffle 8511 from the first position to the second position, the contact 503, acting as a compression coil spring, moves from... Figure 48 Part (b) shows the state along direction S81 ( Figure 46 The contact 503 extends to bring the non-drive-side bearing 7527 into contact with each other. Thus, a bias voltage can be supplied from the contact 503 to the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive-side bearing 7527, enabling an image forming operation as an electrophotographic image forming process. At this time, the drive control member 540 moves further in the W52 direction beyond... Figure 48 The position shown in part (b) is such that the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 is stationary when it contacts the baffle moving member 7510. That is, there is a gap T74 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, as described in embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the open phase hole 7510d of the baffle moving member 7510, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the baffle moving member 7510 to fix it therein.

[0263] Figure 49 Part (a) shows the location of the processing box P during the image formation operation. Figure 49 As shown in part (a), the drive control component 540 has been... Figure 48 The position shown in part (c) is moved to the original position, and the control part 540a is in a position where it does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T75 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the pressing surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510 in the closing direction, and a gap T76 between the second force application surface 540c and the pressing surface 7510f in the opening direction. Even Figure 49 In part (a) of the state, as described in Embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is also in the open phase hole 7510d of the baffle moving member 7510, and therefore, the laser baffle 7511 is fixed as follows: Figure 48 The same position as shown in part (c). That is, the contact baffle 8511 is in the same position as shown in part (c). Figure 48 The second position is shown in part (c).

[0264] Figure 49Part (b) shows the state after the image forming operation is completed, where the contact baffle 8511 moves from its second position, where it does not block the bias voltage, to its first position, where it blocks the bias voltage. Figure 49 As shown in part (b), the drive control member 540 moves from its original position along the W51 direction, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 along the W51 direction. That is, in this state, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is a gap T77 between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. When the baffle moving member 7510 is pushed in the W51 direction and the laser baffle unit 77 rotates in the K82 direction, the force application surface 7511c of the laser baffle 7511 and the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 separate from each other. At this time, the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 receives rotational force in the direction of increasing torsion angle through the pushing force of the spring 8510, and the contact baffle 8511 rotates in the baffle closing direction K82. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, when the baffle moving member 7510 rotates, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives force in the opposite direction F71 (…). Figure 45 The external force. At this time, the baffle position control spring 7513 is in a compressed state.

[0265] Figure 49 Part (c) shows that after the image forming operation is completed, the contact baffle 8511 of the contact baffle unit 87 is positioned in a first position between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. By moving the contact baffle 8511 from the second position to the first position, the contact 503, acting as a compression coil spring, moves from... Figure 48 The state shown in part (b) is along the S82 direction ( Figure 46 The contact 503 contracts and overlaps with the baffle 8511. That is, the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive-side bearing 7527 are spaced apart. Therefore, bias voltage cannot be supplied from the contact 503 to the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive-side bearing 7527, i.e., the image forming operation, as part of the electrophotographic image forming process, becomes infeasible. At this time, the drive control member 540 moves further in the W51 direction beyond... Figure 49At the position shown in part (b), the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 stops in axial contact with the moving member 7510. That is, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T78 is formed between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c of the baffle moving member 7510, thereby limiting the rotation of the baffle moving member 7510 and fixing it therein.

[0266] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the contact baffle 8511 can be switched between a first position and a second position at any phase by moving the drive control member 540 from its original position. Thus, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are always in contact with each other, the image forming operation, which is an electrophotographic image forming process, can be switched between being enabled and disabled by switching between enabling and disabling the bias voltage supply.

[0267] In this embodiment, the contact baffle 8511, as an electrode cover member, is configured to cover the electrode portion 7527b, but the structure is not limited to this example. For example, the contact baffle 8511 can move (retract) the electrode portion 7527b in the normal direction of the electrode surface. That is, the retraction mechanism (retraction mechanism) can move between a predetermined position where the electrode portion 7527b is electrically connected to the contact 503 of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus and a retracted position where the electrode portion 7527b is retracted away from and spaced apart from the contact 503. The contact baffle 8511, as a moving member, is configured to move between a second position where the electrode portion 7527b is positioned at the predetermined position and a first position where the electrode portion 7527b is positioned at the retracted position. The structure for holding the contact baffle 8511 in the first and second positions can be the same as in the embodiment described above. Optionally, the contact 503, as the main electrode portion, and the electrode portion 7527b, as the cartridge-side electrode portion, can be configured to move back and forth.

[0268] Furthermore, the structure for disconnecting the electrical connection path is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment. It is not limited to the contact between the contact of the main component of the image forming apparatus and the contact of the cartridge, and a path interruption structure similar to that of this embodiment can be provided in the middle of the electrical path within the cartridge. In addition, the retraction structure of the electrode portion described above is not limited to a structure in which the electrode portion on the cartridge side can move back and forth, and the electrode portion of the image forming apparatus can be configured to move back and forth, or both can move back and forth.

[0269] (Example 8)

[0270] Reference Figures 50 to 54 The present disclosure will describe a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 8. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the control component and its surrounding structure. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0271] [Structure of Control Components]

[0272] Figure 50 This is a perspective view of the processing box P as seen from the drive side. Figure 51 Part (a) is a side view of the processing box when the front door 111 is open. Figure 51 Part (b) shows the state where the control component 9510 is in the first position and the drive control component 540 is in the original position. Figure 51 Part (c) shows the state where the control member 9510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. For better illustration, the drive-side cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted. Furthermore, the drive connection and disconnection operations of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75, as well as the operation of the drive control member 540, are the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0273] like Figure 50 As shown, the control member 9510 has a supported hole 9510a that is fitted into the support portion 9526a of the drive-side bearing 9526, and is capable of swinging around the support portion 9526a. Additionally, a tension spring 9511 is fitted into the support portion 9526a of the drive-side bearing 9526 and the support portion 9510b of the control member 9510. Figure 51 As shown, tension spring 9511 in Figure 51 In part (a), the control member 9510 is pushed along the Z1 direction. The control member 9510 is provided with foot portions 9510e and 9510g that can protrude from the developing unit 9 in the Z2 direction. The foot portion 9510e is provided with a first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 9510f that receives force from the drive control member 540, and the foot portion 9510g is provided with a second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 9510h that receives force from the drive control member 540.

[0274] By closing the front door 111, the box pressing member (not shown) in the main assembly of the device moves along... Figure 51The Z2 direction of part (b) descends to press the pressed part 9510c, thereby causing the control member 9510 to move along the Z2 direction. Then, the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 enters the space Q9 between the first force receiving part 9510f and the second force receiving part 9510h. At this time, there is a gap T93 between the first force receiving part 9510f and the second force applying surface 540c of the foot part 9510e, and a gap T92 between the second force receiving part 9510f and the first force applying surface 540b of the foot part 9510g. In addition, the control rod part 9510d is positioned where the developing connection member 74 and the sliding member 80 do not contact each other. This position of the control member 9510 is referred to as the first position. At this time, the drive connection state is maintained while the control member 9510 is held in the first position.

[0275] When the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c contacts the first force receiving portion 9510f of the control member 9510, and the control member 9510 moves along... Figure 51 In part (b), the direction of arrow V91 is rotated. Then, the control rod portion 9510d of the control member 9510 is positioned between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the sliding member 80. This position of the control member 9510 is referred to as the second position. Therefore, the drive connection remains in the interrupted state.

[0276] When the drive control member 540 moves along the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b abuts against the second force receiving portion 9510h of the control member 9510, and the control member 9510 moves along... Figure 51 The direction of arrow V92 in part (b) is rotated. Then, the control lever part 9510d separates from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, and a drive connection is established.

[0277] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive connection state can be switched between the second position and the first position of the control member 9510 by moving the drive control member 540. Thus, the drive connection state can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0278] [Layout Details - Part 1]

[0279] refer to Figure 52 The layout of control component 9510 will be described in detail. Figure 52 This is a view of the processing cartridge P taken from the drive side along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4. The control member 9510 is positioned in the first position. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted.

[0280] like Figure 52 As shown, the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 4 is M1, the rotation axis (rotation center) of the developing roller 6 is M2, and the straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis (rotation center) K of the developing coupling member 74 is line N1. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the photosensitive coupling member 43 is coaxial with the rotation axis M1. When the area is divided by line N1, the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6, the first force receiving portion 9510f, and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged in the same area divided by line N1. Furthermore, the distance between the rotation axis K of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is e1, the distance between the rotation axis K of the developing coupling member 74 and the first force receiving portion 9510f is e2, and the distance between the rotation axis K and the second force receiving portion 9510h is e3. In this case, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged such that distances e2 and e3 are greater than distance e1. By arranging the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in this manner, the force required to move the control member 9510 to the first position and the second position can be reduced.

[0281] [Layout Details - Part 2]

[0282] refer to Figure 53 The layout of control component 9510 will be described in detail. Figure 53 This is a view of the processing cartridge P taken from the drive side along the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 or the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller. The control member 9510 is positioned in the first position. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted.

[0283] like Figure 53 As shown, the imaginary straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is the imaginary line N2. When the region is divided by the imaginary line N2 (the upper region is region AU1, and the lower region is region AD1), at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are disposed in region AD1, which is opposite to the region where the rotation axis K of the developing coupling member 74 is disposed. As described in Embodiment 1, the driving member for driving the member disposed in the developing unit 9 is arranged in region AU1. Therefore, arranging at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in region AD1 instead of region AU1 achieves an effective layout that avoids interference between the members. This leads to the miniaturization of the processing cartridge P and the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus.

[0284] Furthermore, the line perpendicular to the imaginary line N2 and passing through the contact point between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 (the gap between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 in a structure where the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 do not contact each other) is the imaginary line N3. When the region is divided by the imaginary line N3, the region where at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged is opposite to the region where the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 is set. In the above description, when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis M2, when the boundary is divided by the imaginary line N2, region AU1 and region AD1 are the region where the rotation axis K or the developing connecting member 74 is set and the region where the rotation axis K or the developing connecting member 74 is not set, respectively. However, when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis M2, when the region is divided by the imaginary line N2, as another definition, region AU1 and region AD1 can be defined as the region where the charging roller 5 or the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 5 is set and the region where the charging roller 5 or the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 5 is not set, respectively.

[0285] As a further definition, when viewed along the rotation axis M2, when the region is divided by the imaginary line N2, region AU1 and region AD1 can be defined as having the developing blade 30 and the proximity point 30d respectively (refer to...). Figure 54 ) or the rotation axis M7 of the stirring component 31 (refer to Figure 54 Areas without a developing scraper 30 and proximity point 30d (refer to) Figure 54 ) or the rotation axis M7 of the stirring component 31 (refer to Figure 54 The region AD1 is the area where the developing blade 30 is closest to the surface of the developing roller 6. In ordinary electrophotographic cassettes, especially in processing cassettes used with image forming apparatuses in an inline layout, it is impossible for other components of the processing cassette to be located in region AD1. In addition, when the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged in region AD1, the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus also has the following advantages. That is, the drive control member 540 of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus is located at the lower part of the processing cassette P and moves substantially horizontally (in this embodiment, in the directions of W51 and W52, i.e., the direction in which the photosensitive drum 4 or the processing cassette P is arranged) to press the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h. With this structure, the drive control member 540 and its drive mechanism can be arranged to be relatively simple or compact. This is particularly significant in image forming apparatuses with an inline layout. Therefore, it is expected that the arrangement of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in region AD1 will contribute to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus.

[0286] As mentioned above, it has been referred to Figure 53The arrangement of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h is described, and the relationship is clearly the same as shown in the other figures. When the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line N2 is the VD1 direction, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged at positions protruding from the developing unit 9 at least along the VD1 direction. Therefore, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h can be arranged such that the first force applying surface 540b of the drive control member 540 can contact the second force receiving portion 9510h, and the second force applying surface 540c can contact the first force receiving portion 9510f.

[0287] Furthermore, the diameter of the developing roller 6 in this structure is smaller than the diameter of the photosensitive drum 4. By arranging the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in this way, the drive transmission portion (not shown), including the gear train and the like for transmitting the driving force from the developing coupling member 74 to the developing roller, can be arranged in a space-saving manner to avoid interference with the photosensitive drum 4. As a result, the processing cartridge P can be miniaturized.

[0288] [Layout Details - Part 3]

[0289] Reference Figure 54 The concept described herein is similar to the concept described above of setting at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in region AD1. Figure 54 This is a view of the processing cartridge P taken from the drive side along the rotation axis M1, rotation axis K, or rotation axis M2 of the developing unit 9. The arrangement of the control member 9510 described below is substantially the same for both the first and second positions; therefore, only the first position will be described, and the description of the second position will be omitted. The rotation axis of the toner supply roller (developer supply member) 32 is the rotation axis (rotation center) M6. Furthermore, the processing cartridge P includes a stirring member 31 that rotates and stirs the developer contained in the developing unit 9, and the rotation axis of the stirring member 31 is the rotation axis (rotation center) M7.

[0290] An imaginary line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 5 (which serves as a charging member) is called imaginary line N10. Among the intersections between imaginary line N10 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, the intersection further away from the rotation axis M5 is intersection point MX1. An imaginary tangent passing through the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 at intersection point MX1 is tangent line (predetermined tangent line) N11. Regions are divided by tangent line N11, where the resulting region AU2 includes the rotation axis M1, charging roller 5, rotation axis M5, developing coupling member 74, rotation axis K, developing blade 30, approach point 30d, toner supply roller 32, rotation axis M6, and stirring member 31, rotation axis M7, or the pressed portion 9510c, while the resulting region AD2 (predetermined region) does not include these. Furthermore, regions AU2 and AD2 can be defined in another way as follows. In other words, direction VD10 is parallel to and points in the same orientation as the direction from rotation axis M5 to rotation axis M1, and the downstream portion of photosensitive drum 4 relative to direction VD10 is intersection point MX1. Then, relative to direction VD10, the area upstream of the downstream portion MX1 is region AU2, and the area downstream of it is region (predetermined region) AD2. Regions AU2 and AD2, defined in either way, are identical.

[0291] At least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged in region AD2. This arrangement of at least a portion of each of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in region AD2 contributes to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the processing cartridge P and the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. This is for the same reason that at least a portion of each of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h is arranged in region AD1. Furthermore, the control member 9510, the first force receiving portion 9510f, and the second force receiving portion 9510h are displaced at least in the VD10 direction by movement in the Z1 and Z2 directions. This displacement along the VD10 direction prevents interference between the control member 9510, the first force receiving portion 9510f, the second force receiving portion 9510h, and the drive control member 540 when inserting or removing the processing cartridge P from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus.

[0292] With the direction perpendicular to the tangent N11 being the VD10 direction, when the control member 9510 is in the first position, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are positioned to protrude from the developing unit 9 at least along the VD10 direction. Therefore, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h can be arranged such that the first force applying surface 540b of the drive control member 540 can contact the second force receiving portion 9510h, and the second force applying surface 540c can contact the first force receiving portion 9510f. The positional relationship of the various force receiving portions described above is the same in all embodiments described below.

[0293] (Example 9)

[0294] Reference Figures 55 to 58 The following describes a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 9 of the present disclosure. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the control component and its surrounding structure. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0295] [Structure of Control Components]

[0296] Figure 55 This is a diagram used to illustrate the disassembly and assembly of the control component 10510. Figure 56 Part (a) is a perspective view of only the control component 10510 and the drive-side bearing 10526. Figure 56 Part (b) is a side view of only the control component 10510 and the drive-side bearing 10526. Figure 56 Part (c) is a side view of the state in which only the control component 10510 and the drive-side bearing 10526 are pressed by the box pressing component.

[0297] In Example 9, the control component 10510 from Example 8 is divided into two parts and connected to each other. Specifically, as shown... Figure 55 As shown, the control member 10510 is divided into an upper control member 10510U and a lower control member 10510D. A shaft 10510Da is disposed on the lower control member 10510D. Furthermore, as... Figure 56As shown in part (a), the lower control member 10510D is provided with foot portions 10510De and 10510g, which can protrude from the developing unit along the Z2 direction. A first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 10510Df is provided on the foot portion 10510De, and a second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 10510Dh is provided on the foot portion 10510Dg, and they receive forces from the drive control member 540. The upper control member 10510U has an opening 10510Uj on its surface facing the lower control member 10510D.

[0298] A pair of elliptical holes 10510Uk are provided across the opening 10510Uj. A spring retaining portion 10510Dj is provided on the lower control member 10510D. One end of a compression spring 10512 is fitted into the spring retaining portion 0510Dj, and the other end is inserted through the opening 10510Uj and supported by a retaining portion (not shown) behind it. Then, each shaft is fitted into the respective elliptical hole 10510Uk. In this case, the control member 10510 is preferably made of plastic material because this allows assembly to be performed while the opening 10510 is being expanded. When a rigid material is used, the shaft 10510Da can be a separate component. For example, a parallel pin can be used as the shaft 10510Da and assembled by press fit.

[0299] The upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D are connected via an elliptical hole 10510Uk and a pair of shafts 10510Da, and the upper control member 10510U is pushed away from the lower control member 10510D by a compression spring 10512. Furthermore, the lower control member 10510D is rotatable relative to the upper control member 10510U about the shaft 10510Da. It is also configured to move relative to the upper control member 10510U in a direction along the elliptical hole 10510Uk. The connection portion linking the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D, constructed as described above, can take on a first state allowing elastic deformation and a second state restricting elastic deformation. Details will be described below.

[0300] [Description of the operation of the control component]

[0301] Reference Figure 56 Part (a) to Figure 56 Part (c) describes the operation of the control member 10510. As described in Embodiment 8, after the processing box P is fully inserted into the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus, the control member 10510 is pressed by the box pressing member (not shown) in connection with the operation of closing the front door 111. Figure 56 Part (a) and Figure 56Part (b) shows the control member 10510 in a state where it is not pushed by the box pressing member (free state), and Figure 56 Part (c) shows the state (locked state) in which the control member 10510 is pushed by the box pressing member.

[0302] like Figure 56 As shown in part (a), the lower control member 10510D is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove 10526b centered on a support portion 10526a disposed in the drive-side bearing 10526, and the shaft 10510Da is assembled in this arc-shaped guide groove. As described above, the lower control member 10510D is capable of swinging relative to the upper control member 10510U around the support portion 10526a. Furthermore, the upper control member 10510U is capable of swinging around the support portion 10526a of the drive-side bearing 10526 and can move in the Z1 and Z2 directions.

[0303] like Figure 56 As shown in part (b), in the above structure, when the control member 10510 is not pushed by the box pressing member (free state), the lower control member 10510D can rotate about the axis 10510Da. Therefore, even if the lower control member 10510D receives force from the drive control member 540 and rotates, the force will not be transmitted to the upper control member 10510U.

[0304] Reference Figure 56 Part (c) will describe the operation of the control member 10510 in the state where it is pushed by the box pressing member (locked state). The upper control member 10510U moves in the Z2 direction by being pushed downward by the box pressing member, overcoming the pushing force of the spring 10512. Figure 56 As shown in part (a), the joining portion (square shaft portion) 10510Dk is assembled into the joined portion (square hole portion) 10510Um, making the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D integral. That is, the swinging motion of the lower control member 10510D relative to the upper control member 10510U about the shaft 10510Da is restricted. In this state, the integral control member 10510 can swing about the support portion 10526a, which serves as the center of rotation, while the shaft 10510Da... Figure 56 The control member 10510 moves within the arc-shaped guide groove 10526b shown in part (a). Therefore, when the box-pressing member is pressed along the Z2 direction, the control member 10510 can move in the same manner as the control member 9510 in embodiment 8.

[0305] [Install the processing box to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus]

[0306] Reference Figure 57 Part (a) and Figure 57Part (b) will describe the operation of the control component 10510 when the processing box is inserted in Embodiment 9. Figure 57 Part (a) shows the state of the processing box P during the process of being inserted into the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 57 (b) shows the state in which the processing cartridge P is being removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing apparatus cover member 9533 are omitted. As described above, when the upper control member 10510U is not pressed by the cartridge pressing member (free state), the lower control member 10510D is able to rotate about the axis 10510Da. In this embodiment, the lower control member 10510D is in the first position relative to the control member 9510 in Embodiment 8 (refer to...). Figure 51 The same position as part (b)). Therefore, as in embodiment 8, when the processing cartridge P mounted on tray 110 (not shown) is inserted into the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus in the direction of arrow X1, the drive control member 540 interferes with the lower control member 10510D. However, due to the above structure, as Figure 57 As shown in part (a), the situation where the lower control member 10510D rotates around the axis 10510Da and the driving control member 540 and the lower control member 10510D interfere with each other and the box cannot be inserted into the main component of the image forming apparatus can be avoided.

[0307] Next, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the front door 111 is closed, as described above, the upper control member 10510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cartridge pressing member. Then, Figure 56 The joining portion (square shaft portion) 10510Dk shown in part (a) is assembled into the joined portion (square hole portion) 10510Um. That is, the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D are integrated and perform substantially the same function as the control member 9510 of embodiment 8.

[0308] [Disassemble the processing box from the main component of the image forming apparatus]

[0309] Conversely, such as Figure 57As shown in part (b), when the processing cartridge P is removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (X2 direction), the drive control member 540 interferes with the lower control member 10510D. However, since the lower control member 10510D is in a free state as described above, it is not integrated with the upper control member 10510U and thus does not rotate about the axis 10510Da. Therefore, interference between the drive control member 540 and the lower control member 10510D can be prevented, and they cannot be removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, a processing cartridge for use in a color image forming apparatus is described. Therefore, four processing cartridges and four drive control members are provided. Therefore, according to the workstation, Figure 57 The operation shown can be repeated a maximum of four times.

[0310] The structure allows the lower control component 10510D to... Figure 57 Part (b) shows the location to return to Figure 56 The neutral position shown in part (b) (the position where the angle formed between the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D is θt = 0°).

[0311] [Operations of control components used to drive connection / disconnection]

[0312] Reference Figure 58 This will describe the operation of the control component 10510 when the drive is connected and disconnected. Figure 58 Part (a) shows the state where the control component 10510 is in the first position and the drive control component 540 is in the original position. Figure 58 Part (b) shows the state where the control member 10510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. For better illustration, the drive-side cassette cover 9520 and the developing apparatus cover member 9533 are omitted. Furthermore, the drive connection and drive disconnection operations of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75, as well as the operation of the drive control member 540, are the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore their description is omitted. As described above, when the processing cassette P is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the front door 111 is closed, the upper control member 10510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cassette pressing member. Then, the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D become one unit.

[0313] At this time, there is a gap T103 between the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force applying surface 540c of the foot portion 10510DDe, and a gap T102 between the second force receiving portion 10510Dh and the first force applying surface 540b of the foot portion 10510Dg. Additionally, the control lever portion 10510Ud, which is a moving part, is positioned where the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 do not contact each other. This position of the control member 10510 is referred to as the first position. At this time, the control member 10510 is held in the first position while maintaining the drive connection state.

[0314] Furthermore, when the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c abuts against the first force receiving portion 10510Df of the lower control member 10510D, and the control member 10510 surrounds... Figure 58 In part (a), the support portion 10526a rotates in the direction of arrow V101. Then, the control rod portion 10510Ud of the upper control member 10510U becomes located between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the sliding member 80. Therefore, the drive disconnect is maintained. The position of the control member 10510 is referred to as the second position. At this time, with respect to the lower control member 10510D, there is a gap T104 between the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force applying surface 540c, and a gap T105 between the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the foot portion 10510Dg and the first force applying surface 540b. When the drive control member 540 moves in the W51 direction, the first force applying surface 540b contacts the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the lower control member 10510D, and the control member 10510 surrounds the support portion 10526a. Figure 58 Rotate in the direction of arrow V102 in part (b). Then, the control rod part 10510Ud separates from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, and a drive connection is established.

[0315] Based on the structure of the above embodiment, the same effect as in Embodiment 8 can be obtained. In this embodiment, the lower control member 10510D, including the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force receiving portion 10510Dh, is movable relative to the upper control member 10510U and other parts of the processing box P. In this embodiment, this movement causes the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force receiving portion 10510Dh to shift in the Z2 direction, thereby at least in the direction VD1 ( Figure 53 etc.) and direction VD10 ( Figure 54The lower control member 10510D can move upwards depending on the position of the upper control member 10510U. It can switch between a state where it can move independently (free state) and a state where it is fixed to the upper control member 10510U (locked state). Therefore, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, interference from the lower control member 10510D with the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, especially the drive control member 540, can be avoided, thus preventing the processing cartridge from being installed or removed.

[0316] (Example 10)

[0317] Reference Figures 59 to 63 Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, structures and operations that differ from those in the above embodiments will be mainly described, and descriptions of identical structures and operations will be omitted. Furthermore, for structures corresponding to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals or designations are used, or the reference numerals or designations in the first half are changed, while the reference numerals and designations in the second half are the same.

[0318] [Structure of Control Components]

[0319] Figure 59 Part (a) shows the state of the upper control component 11510U and the lower control component 11510D before assembly. Figure 59 Part (b) shows the assembled state of the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D. In Embodiment 10, as... Figure 59 As shown, during the insertion of the processing box P, the control component corresponding to the control component 9510 in Embodiment 8 is in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 60 The control member 11510 avoids the drive control member 540 in the Y1 and Y2 directions of part (d). The Y1 and Y2 directions are parallel to the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 of Embodiment 1. The insertion and removal of the control member 11510 when avoiding the drive control member 540 will be described below.

[0320] like Figure 59 As shown, the control component 11510 has a specific structure consisting of two parts: an upper control component 11510U and a lower control component 11510D. The upper control component 11510U is positioned along the direction relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus for inserting and removing the processing box (X1 and X2 directions, see...). Figure 57 A pair of elliptical holes facing each other along the X1 and X2 directions are provided at the portion overlapping with the lower control member 11510D. Shaft 11510Da is provided on the lower control member 11510D. Furthermore, as... Figure 59As shown in part (a), the lower control member 11510D has foot portions 11510De and 11510Dg that can extend from the developing unit 9 in the Z2 direction. A first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 11510Df is provided on the foot portion 11510De, and a second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 11510Dh is provided on the foot portion 11510Dg, and they receive forces from the drive control member 540. A compression spring 11512 is provided between the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D. One end of the compression spring 11512 is supported by the retaining portion (not shown) of the upper control member 11510U, and the other end is fitted into the retaining portion 11510Dj of the lower control member 11510D, such that the shaft 11510Da is fitted into the elliptical hole 11510Uk. Figure 59 Part (b)).

[0321] The control member 11510 assembled in this manner is preferably made of plastic material because the free end 11510Uj of the upper control member 11510U widens when the shaft 11510Da is fitted into the elliptical hole 11510Uk. When using a control member 11510 made of a rigid material, the shaft 11510Da and the lower control member 11510D can be separate components. For example, the shaft 11510Da can ultimately be press-fitted into the lower control member 11510D.

[0322] [Description of the operation of the control component]

[0323] Reference Figure 60 Part (a) to Figure 60 Part (e) describes the operation of control component 11510. Figure 60 Part (a) shows the state in which the upper control member 11510U is not pushed by the box pressing member in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus (free state). Figure 60 Part (b) only shows from Figure 60 Control component 11510 observed from the drum unit side in part (a). Figure 60 Part (c) shows Figure 60 Enlarged view of the lower control component 11510D in part (b). Figure 60 Part (d) shows the state (locked state) in which the upper control member 11510U is pushed by the box pressing member in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Figure 60 Part (e) only shows from Figure 60 Control component 11510 observed from the drum unit side in part (d).

[0324] Reference Figure 59 Parts and Figure 59Part (d) will describe the state of the control member 11510 when it is not pressed by the box pressing member (free state). By fitting the elliptical hole 11510Ua to the support portion 11526Ua of the drive-side bearing 11526, the upper control member 11510U can move along the longitudinal direction of the elliptical hole 11510Ua and along the Z1 and Z2 directions, and can swing about the support portion 11510Ua. When not pressed by the box pressing member, the lower control member 11510D is supported by the shaft 11510Da and can swing about the shaft 11510Da relative to the upper control member 11510U in the directions of arrows Y3 and Y4 (free state). In this free state, for example by the force of the aforementioned compression spring 11512, the lower control member 11510D supports the shaft 11510Da and remains able to swing relative to the upper control member 11510U. In its free state, the lower control member 11510D needs to avoid interference with the drive control member 540 when the cartridge is inserted into or removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, as will be described below. For example, as Figure 60 As shown in part (c), the spring seat surface 11510Dn of the lower control member 11510D receives the pushing force of the compression spring 11512, thereby maintaining a state of oscillation relative to the upper control member 11510U in the Y4 direction. Therefore, when the lower control member 11510D is oscillating in the Y4 direction, the seat surface 11510Dn of the lower control member 11510D faces the seat surface 11510Uq of the upper control member 11510U. Thus, the elastic force of the compression spring 11512 provided between the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D causes the lower control member 11510D to maintain its oscillating state using a torque about the axis 11510Da in the Y4 direction.

[0325] Reference Figure 59 Part (b) Figure 60 Part (d) and Figure 60 Part (e) will describe the operation of the upper control member 11510 in the state where it is pushed by the box pressing member (locked state). The upper control member 11510U moves in the Z2 direction by overcoming the pushing force of the spring 11512 by being pushed downward by the box pressing member. In the state where the upper control member 11510U is pushed by the box pressing member, Figure 59The free end 11510Up of the upper control member 11510U shown in part (b) is fitted into the square hole portion 11510Dm of the lower control member 11510D. Then, the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D become integrated, and the swing of the lower control member 10510D relative to the upper control member 10510U about the axis 10510Da is restricted (locked state). In this state, the integrated control member 11510 can swing about the support portion 11526a, which serves as the rotation center, in the V111 and V112 directions. Therefore, when pushed by the box pressing member along the Z2 direction, the control member 11510 can move in the same manner as the control member 9510 in Embodiment 8.

[0326] [Install the processing box to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus]

[0327] Reference Figure 61 Parts (a), (b), and (c) will describe the operation of the control component 11510 when the processing box is inserted in Embodiment 10. Figure 61 Part (a) shows the state of the processing box P during the process of being inserted into the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 61 Part (b) shows the view from the developing unit side. Figure 61 The state of part (a). Figure 61 Part (c) shows from Figure 61 Part (a) shows the state of further insertion of the processing cartridge. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted.

[0328] As described above, when the upper control member 11510U is not pushed by the box pressing member (free state), the lower control member 11510D can rotate around the axis 11510Da, as... Figure 60 As shown in part (b), when the processing cartridge P mounted on the cartridge tray (not shown) is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus in the direction of arrow X1 or removed in the direction of arrow X2, the lower control member 11510D is inserted and simultaneously retracts further relative to the drive control member 540 in the longitudinal direction (Y2 direction). This is because the lower control member 11510D is held in place by the action of the aforementioned compression spring 11512. Figure 60 The state is shown in part (b). Furthermore, the inclined surface 11510Dp is provided on the lower control member 11510D, and when it collides with the drive control member 540, the lower control member 11510D retracts in the Y2 direction. Therefore, interference between the drive control member 540 and the lower control member 11510D, preventing them from being inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, can be prevented.

[0329] Next, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the front door 111 is closed, as described above, the upper control member 11510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cartridge pressing member. Then, Figure 59 The free end 11510Up of the upper control member 11510U shown in part (b) is fitted into the square hole portion 11510Dm of the lower control member 11510D. In other words, the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D are integrated and perform substantially the same function as the control member 9510 of embodiment 8.

[0330] [Disassemble the processing box from the main component of the image forming apparatus]

[0331] Reference Figure 62 Part (a) Figure 62 Part (b) and Figure 62 Part (c) describes the operation of control component 11510 when the processing box is removed. Figure 62 Part (a) shows the state in which the processing box P is being removed from the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 62 Part (b) shows the view from the drum unit side. Figure 62 The state of part (a). Figure 62 Part (c) shows from Figure 62 Part (a) and Figure 62 Part (b) shows the state of further removal of the processing cartridge. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover component 9533 are omitted.

[0332] like Figure 62 As shown in part (b), when the processing cartridge P is removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (X2 direction), the lower control member 10510D is removed along the longitudinal direction (Y2 direction). Furthermore, the lower control member 11510D is provided with an inclined surface 11510Dq, and when it collides with the drive control member 540, the lower control member 11510D further retracts along the Y2 direction. Therefore, interference between the drive control member 540 and the lower control member 11510D can be prevented, thus preventing its removal from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, a processing cartridge that can be used in a color image forming apparatus is described. Therefore, four processing cartridges and four drive control members are provided. Therefore, according to the workstation, Figure 61 and Figure 62 The operation shown can be repeated a maximum of four times. As described above, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the lower control member 11510D is in a free state.

[0333] [Operation of control components for driving connection / disconnection]

[0334] Reference Figure 63 This will describe the operation of the control component 11510 when the drive is connected and disconnected. Figure 63 Part (a) shows the state where the control component 11510 is in the first position and the drive control component 540 is in the original position. Figure 63 Part (b) shows the state where the control member 11510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. For better illustration, the drive side cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted. Furthermore, the drive connection and drive disconnection operations of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75, as well as the operation of the drive control member 540, are the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0335] As described above, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the front door 111 is closed, the upper control member 11510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cartridge pressing member. Then, the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D become one unit. Figure 63 Part (a)). At this time, there is a gap T113 between the first force receiving portion 11510Df and the second force applying surface 540c of the foot portion 11510Dg, and a gap T112 between the second force receiving portion 11510Dh and the first force applying surface 540b of the foot portion 11510Dg. In addition, the control rod portion 11510Ud is in a position where the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 are not in contact with each other. This position of the control member 11510 is referred to as the first position. At this time, the drive connection state is maintained, and the control member 11510 is held in the first position.

[0336] Furthermore, when the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c abuts against the first force receiving portion 11510Df of the lower control member 11510D, causing the control member 11510 to move around the center of the support portion 11526a along... Figure 62In part (a), the control member 10510 rotates in the direction of arrow V111. Then, the control rod portion 11510Ud of the upper control member 11510U is positioned between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the sliding member 80. Therefore, the drive disconnect is maintained. The position of the control member 10510 is referred to as the second position. At this time, with respect to the lower control member 11510D, there is a gap T115 between the first force receiving portion 11510Df and the second force applying surface 540c, and a gap T114 between the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the foot portion 11510Dg and the first force applying surface 540b. When the drive control member 540 moves in the W51 direction, the first force applying surface 540b abuts against the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the lower control member 11510D, and the control member 11510 moves around the center of the support portion 11526a along the... Figure 63 Rotate in the direction indicated by arrow V112 in part (b). When the control lever part 11510Ud is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, a drive connection is established.

[0337] Based on the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as in Embodiment 8 can be provided.

[0338] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower control member 11510D, including the first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 11510Df and the second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 11510Dh, is movable relative to the upper control member 11510U and other components of the processing box P. In this embodiment, this movement causes the first force receiving portion 11510f and the second force receiving portion 11510h to be displaced at least in the Y2 direction (parallel to the rotation axis M1 in embodiment 8). Then, using the position of the upper control member 11510U, it is possible to switch between a state in which the lower control member 11510D can move independently (free state) and a state in which the lower control member 11510D is fixed to the upper control member 11510U (locked state). Therefore, when the processing box P is inserted into or removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, by adopting a free state, interference between the lower control member 11510D and the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (especially the drive control member 540) can be avoided, thus preventing the processing box from being inserted or removed.

[0339] (Example 11)

[0340] Reference Figures 64 to 66The following describes a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of this disclosure. The processing box of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the box cover member and its surrounding structure, which will be described below. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0341] In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 1, the drive can be switched without relying on the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6. The component structure and operation of the drive control member 540 disposed in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and the control member 510 disposed in the processing cartridge are the same as in Embodiment 1. According to the structure of this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be provided. In addition to the operation described in Embodiment 1, a structure is provided in which the processing cartridge or developing unit is further moved in the vertical direction until the image forming operation. With this operation, when the processing cartridge is inserted into or removed from the main assembly of the apparatus, a greater vertical distance from the drive control member can be provided compared to Embodiment 1, thereby further reducing the possibility of interference with the drive control member and resulting in the inability to insert or remove the processing cartridge.

[0342] [Structure of the processing cassette, including the moving components of the developing unit]

[0343] Reference Figure 64 and Figure 65 The structure described herein is such that the developing unit, which serves as the processing cartridge, moves along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum of the drum unit. As described in Example 1, the vertical direction Z in this embodiment refers to... Figure 5 The directions perpendicular to the arrow X (X1, X2) and perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 4 (arrows Z1 and Z2). That is, the processing cartridge according to this embodiment is configured such that the drum unit as the first unit and the developing unit as the second unit can move relative to each other in the vertical direction. The directions of this relative movement (Z1, Z2) are perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 4. Figure 53 The direction in which the imaginary lines N2 intersect.

[0344] like Figure 64 As shown, the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are held together by the cover assembly to form a processing cassette. Figure 64 This is a side view of the processing box as seen from the drive side.

[0345] Here, as Figure 64 As shown in part (a), compared to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the developing unit 9 is held in a position raised along the direction of arrow Z1. That is, the positional relationship is such that the drive control member 540 described in Embodiment 1 does not operate the control member 510. Figure 64As shown in part (b), in this embodiment, the vertical position of the developing unit 9 is the same as in Embodiment 1. That is, the positional relationship allows the drive control member 540 described in Embodiment 1 to operate the control member 510. The detailed structure (structure of the developing unit moving member) will be described below, wherein the developing unit 9 is vertically movable by the developing unit moving member, which is a vertically moving member disposed in the processing cartridge.

[0346] The structure in which the developing unit 9 is movably held in the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2 (vertical direction) will be described in detail. Figure 65 This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge from the non-drive side, and an exploded view of the moving components of the developing unit. For better illustration, the drum unit is not shown. Figure 64 and Figure 65 As shown, the developing unit moving component, which is a vertical moving component, is an integrated unit component, including a driving-side developing unit moving bearing 1250, driving-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B, and a driving-side cover component 1252.

[0347] The drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 has a drive-side developing unit cylindrical receiving portion 1250b for axially supporting the cylindrical portion 533b of the developing apparatus cover member, thereby achieving assembly support. Furthermore, the drive-side outer cylindrical portion 1250a of the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 is supported by the drive-side cover member sliding portion 1252a of the drive-side cover member for assembly. The drive-side cover member sliding portion 1252a has an elliptical hole shape parallel to the vertical direction (the direction of arrows Z1 and Z2), allowing the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit to move in the vertical direction.

[0348] In this embodiment, such as Figure 64 As shown in part (a), the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit 9 are held in contact with the upper side (Z1 direction) of the elliptical hole of the drive-side cover member sliding part 1252a. Figure 65As shown, the drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B are respectively mounted to the drive-side moving spring fixing boss portions 1250c and 1250e of the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250. The drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B are push springs, and the moving spring contact surfaces (moving bearing side) 1251c and 1251e abut against the drive-side moving spring fixing boss portions 1250c and 1250e, while the moving spring contact surfaces (cover side) 1251d and 1251f are mounted to abut against the drive-side cover member moving spring receiving portions 1252d and 1252f. Thus, the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit 9 are pushed relative to the drive-side cover member 1252 in the Z1 direction by the spring pressure of the drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B.

[0349] like Figure 64 As shown in part (b), the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit 9 are held in contact with the lower side (Z2 direction) of the elliptical hole in the sliding portion 1252a of the drive-side cover member. Figure 64 In part (b), the vertical position of the drum unit 8, including the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing unit 9, is the same as in embodiment 1. That is, the developing coupling member 74 of the developing unit 9 is located on the axis of the swing shaft K. In this state, the drive control member 540 and the control member 510 are in an interoperable position and image forming operations can be performed. In order to move the developing unit 9 from Figure 64 The position shown in part (a) is moved to Figure 64 The vertical position shown in part (b) applies the developing unit moving pressure HF (also known as vertical pushing pressure) in the Z2 direction, which is the pushing pressure from the main component of the image forming apparatus.

[0350] For example, in connection with the operation of closing the front door described in Embodiment 1, the main component-side vertical moving member (not shown) contacts and presses the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250, thereby generating a pushing force in the vertical direction (Z2 direction). At this time, by designing the pushing force of the main component-side vertical moving member to be greater than the pressure spring pushing force of the drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B, it can move in the Z2 direction, and it moves to... Figure 64 The developing unit position is shown in part (b). On the other hand, by removing the contact pressure between the main component-side vertical moving member and the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250, in connection with the operation of opening the front door, the position of the developing unit 9 can be returned to the position by the pressure springs of the aforementioned drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B. Figure 64 The state shown in part (a).

[0351] [Structure of a processing box with a box-moving component]

[0352] Figure 66 The process is shown in which the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are integrally held by the cover member to form a processing cassette and the process of mounting the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 in the tray and main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Figure 66 This is a view taken from the drive side.

[0353] Figure 66 Part (a) shows the state of the tray and the drive-side tray member 1211 disposed on the tray before they are pulled out of the image forming apparatus and the processing box is installed. Figure 66 As shown in part (a), the processing cartridge (in which the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are integrally held by the side cover member) can be mounted to and removed from the drive-side tray member 1211 provided on the tray, and it can be mounted in the Z1 direction and removed by lifting it in the Z1 direction. Here, drive-side cartridge movement springs 1270A and 1270B are mounted to the drive-side cartridge cover member 1262 and fixed to the cartridge movement spring contact surfaces 1262d and 1262e (on the cartridge side). Here, drive-side cartridge movement springs 1270A and 1270B are push springs. Drive-side cartridge movement springs 1270A and 1270B are fixed to the boss provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 1262 by any method such as press fit and adhesive.

[0354] Figure 66 Part (b) shows the state where the processing box is mounted to the drive-side tray member 1211 disposed on the tray, the tray is inserted into the image forming apparatus, and the front door of the image forming apparatus is open. Figure 66 As shown in part (b), in the processing box mounted along the Z2 direction, drive-side box moving springs 1270A and 1270B provided on the drive-side box cover member 1262 contact (on the tray side) drive-side box moving spring contact surfaces 1211d and 1211e. Figure 66 In part (b) of the configuration, the drive control member 540 disposed in the image forming apparatus and the control member 510 disposed on the processing cartridge are in a position perpendicularly separated from each other. Therefore, even if the drive-side tray member 1211 moves in the X1 and X2 directions, which are the tray insertion / removal directions, its insertion / removal can be performed without interference (the drive control member 540 is displaced rearward in the longitudinal direction relative to the drive-side tray member 1211, and has a positional relationship that does not interfere with insertion and removal). Figure 66 As shown in part (b), it needs to be designed such that the spring forces of the drive-side box moving springs 1270A and 1270B are sufficient to separate the drive control member 540 and the control member 510 from each other, thereby preventing them from interacting.

[0355] Figure 66 Part (c) shows the state where the front door of the image forming apparatus is closed and the processing box is vertically moved to the image forming position. Here, as in the method described above, when the front door is closed, the processing box is pushed in the Z2 direction by the vertically moving member (not shown) on the main component side. Figure 66 As shown in part (c), movement in the Z2 direction is restricted and the position in the Z2 direction is fixed through contact between the drive-side box positioning portions (box side) 1262a and 1262b of the drive-side box cover member 1262 provided on the processing box and the drive-side box positioning portions (tray side) 1211a and 1211b provided on the drive-side tray member 1211. Furthermore, the drive-side box rotation stop (box side) 1262c of the drive-side box cover member 1262 has a recessed shape formed by cutting, and the drive-side box rotation stop (tray side) 1211c provided in the drive-side tray member 1211 has a protruding shape, wherein rotational movement in the X1 and X2 directions is restricted by the protruding shape portion entering the recessed shape portion.

[0356] In addition, such as Figure 66 As shown in part (c), the positioning positions of the drive-side box positioning portions 1211a and 1211b provided on the drive-side tray member 1211 are designed such that the drive control member 540 and the control member 510 can interact in the vertical direction, thereby enabling stable operation of the image forming operation described in Embodiment 1. At this time, the drive-side box moving springs 1270A and 1270B are in a more stable position than... Figure 66 The state shown in part (b) is further compressed, and by designing the vertical moving member on the main component side to have a greater pushing force than the pressure springs of the drive-side box moving springs 1270A and 1270B, it is possible to perform the following: Figure 66 The movement is shown in part (c).

[0357] In this embodiment, the vertical moving member is disposed on the drive side, but by disposing of a similar structure on the non-drive side, the developing apparatus can move horizontally vertically. Furthermore, from a cost-reduction perspective, a structure can be adopted in which the developing unit moving member is disposed only on the drive side. In this case, only the drive side of the developing unit or processing cartridge is raised in the Z1 direction, and it is in an inclined state. Even in a structure disposed only on the drive side, the drive control member 540 disposed on the drive side of the image forming apparatus can be separated from the control member 510 in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is easy to avoid the possibility that the drive control member interferes with insertion or removal when the apparatus is removed, thus preventing the processing cartridge from being inserted or removed. Besides the image forming operation in Embodiment 1, structures for further movement of the processing cartridge or developing unit have been described, but structures from other embodiments and the vertical moving member structure of this embodiment can be combined.

[0358] (Example 12)

[0359] Reference Figures 67 to 72 This section describes a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 12 of this disclosure. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the control member 13510 and its surrounding structure. Therefore, members with the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the operation of the drive connection operation, drive disconnect operation, and drive control member 540 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, as... Figure 71 As shown in part (a), during the insertion and removal of the processing cartridge P from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the control member 13510 disengages from the drive control member 540 in the longitudinal direction (arrow Y2 direction). When installation is complete, the control member 13510 is in the same longitudinal position as the drive control member 540, and the drive disconnection operation is feasible as in Embodiment 1.

[0360] [Driver-side processing box structure]

[0361] Figure 67 A perspective view of the processing box P as seen from the drive side is shown. In this embodiment, the control member 13510 is provided with a first elliptical hole 13510x and a second elliptical hole 13510y (see...). Figure 68 The outer diameter of the second support portion 13533k of the developing device cover member 13533 mates with the inner walls of the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y, thereby supporting it to be able to swing about two swing axes, as will be described below. Additionally, the tension spring 13511 causes the control member 13510 and the developing device cover member 13533 to attract each other. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 13533b of the developing device cover member 13533 mates with the support hole 520a of the drive-side cover member 520.

[0362] [Description of the structure and operation of the control components]

[0363] Reference Figures 68 to 70 The structure of the drive-side control component 13510 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 68 Part (a) is along the longitudinal direction of the processing box P. Figure 67 The front view of the control component 13510 itself, observed from the direction of the middle arrow Y1, and... Figure 68 Part (b) and Figure 68Part (c) is a perspective view of the control member 13510 itself. The control member 13510 includes a pressable part 13510c, a control lever part 13510d, a foot part 13510e, a foot part 13510g, a first elliptical hole 13510x, and a second elliptical hole 13510y. The foot parts 13510e and 13510g have surfaces 13510f and 13510h, which receive forces from the drive control member 540. The longitudinal directions LH of the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y are the same, and the upward direction (approximately the Z1 direction) is indicated by arrow LH1, and the downward direction (approximately the Z2 direction) is indicated by arrow LH2. The axis perpendicular to the LH direction and perpendicular to the depth direction (Y1 direction) of the elliptical hole forming the first elliptical hole 13510x is called the axis HX. The control component 13510 has a cylindrical surface 13510z centered on the axis HX. The Y1 direction is parallel to the rotation axes of the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y are arranged such that their apexes in the direction of arrow LH1 are common. Furthermore, the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y communicate with each other, and the diameter of the first elliptical hole 13510x is larger than the diameter of the second elliptical hole 13510y. Additionally, the length of the first elliptical hole 13510x is set to be greater than the length of the second elliptical hole 13510y.

[0364] Figure 69 Part (a) is a perspective view showing only the cover member 13533 of the developing apparatus. Figure 69Part (b) is a perspective view showing the developing apparatus cover member 13533 and the control member 13510. The second support portion 13533k of the developing apparatus cover member 13533 is formed by a first cylindrical portion 13533kb, a second swing portion 13533ka having a spherical surface, and a second cylindrical portion 13533kc with a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 13533kb. Here, the axis passing through the center of the first cylindrical portion 13533kb and the second cylindrical portion 13533kc is called HY. The axis perpendicular to this axis HY and passing through the center of the spherical surface of the second swing portion 13533ka is the same as the aforementioned axis HX. In this embodiment, the second swing portion 13533ka has a spherical surface, but the invention is not limited to this, as long as it is a surface within a range that does not impede movement. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the first elongated oval hole 13510x and the second elongated oval hole 13510y of the control member 13510 are similarly arranged so as not to obstruct the swing relative to the first cylindrical portion 13533kb and the second cylindrical portion 13533kc in the directions of arrows YA and YB and arrows BA and BB, and the diameter and positional relationship in the LH direction are not limited to this example.

[0365] Figure 70 The diagram shows the state in which the control component 13510 and the tension spring 13511 are installed to the developing apparatus cover component 13533. Figure 70 Part (a) is along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 67 The view of the processing box P (observed in the direction of arrow Y2). The longitudinal direction of the processing box P is parallel to the swing axis K described in Embodiment 1. The control member 13510 is supported by the second support portion 13533k of the developing device cover member 13533 so that it can swing about the axis HY in the directions of arrows BA and BB. Figure 70 Part (b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA parallel to the LH direction and passing through the center (HY) of the second support portion 13533k. When the inner walls of the second swing portion 13533ka and the first elliptical hole 13510x come into contact with each other, the control member 13510 receives a force from the tension spring 13511 in the F1 direction. Here, the spring hook portion 13510s of the control member 13510 is positioned downstream of the contact portion between the second swing portion 13533ka and the first elliptical hole 13510x in the Y2 direction, thus generating a torque about the axis HX by the spring force, and it swings about the axis HX. The control member 13510, swinging in the direction of arrow YA, determines its posture by contacting the moving member control portion 13533s of the developing device cover member 13533, and the foot portions 13510e and 13510g protrude in the Y2 direction. This position is the standby position of the control member 13510.

[0366] Next, when from Figure 70 When part (b) is pushed into surface 13510f along the direction of arrow ZA at the position shown, a torque is generated about axis HX in the direction of arrow YB because it is located downstream of the contact portion between the second swing portion 13533ka and the first elliptical hole 13510x along the Y2 direction. As a result, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 move along the Y1 direction to... Figure 70 The posture shown in part (c). This position is the operating position of the control member 13510. The amount of pressure along the ZA direction is controlled by the pressing member 130 of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (not shown). Figure 71 The amount of movement along the ZA direction is determined. To limit the rotation of the control component 13510 about the axis HZ, which is perpendicular to the axes HY and HX, the cylindrical surface 13510z is arranged to contact the drive-side bearing 526 (see...). Figure 67 Furthermore, the contact portion between the second cylindrical portion 13533kc and the second elliptical hole 13510y also has a similar rotation-limiting effect. Using the above structure, the control member 13510 is supported so that it can swing in two directions around the axes HY and HX.

[0367] [Install the processing box to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus]

[0368] Next reference Figure 71 The operation of the control member 13510 of the processing box P when the processing box P is installed in the main assembly 502 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus will be described. Figure 71 Part (a) is a view taken from the front door side of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus with the processing box P mounted on the tray 110 (not shown) and before the front door 111 is closed. To better illustrate the structure, Figure 71 Part (a) omits components other than the processing box P, the pressing member 130, and the drive control member 540. Figure 71 In the state of part (a), when the tray 110 is installed, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are in a standby position that swings along the YA direction as described above. In addition, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are located away from the drive control member 540 in the direction of arrow Y2.

[0369] Figure 71 Part (b) shows from Figure 71The state of part (a) is the closed state of the front door 111. As in embodiment 9, when the front door 111 is closed, the pressing member 130 in the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus lowers in the ZA direction, and the force applying part 130a contacts the pressed part 13510c of the control member 13510. As a result, the foot parts 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 swing in the YB direction and reach the operating position via the swing mechanism described above. When this operation is completed, the first force applying surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the surface 13510h of the control member 13510 (see Figure 72 ) are opposite each other, and a second force is applied to surfaces 540c and 13510f (see Figure 72 They are positioned opposite each other. That is, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 are arranged to overlap each other in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2. When the processing cartridge P is to be removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the operation is the reverse of the installation operation described above, and the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are moved from the operating position to the standby position by opening the front door 111.

[0370] [Switching between driver connection and driver disconnection]

[0371] Reference Figure 72 This will describe the switching operation between driver connection and driver disconnection. Figure 72 Part (a) is viewed from the drive side. Figure 71 The view of part (b) is in a state where, for better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 520 and the developing device cover member 13533 are not shown. Figure 72 In the state of part (a), there is a gap T131 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the surface 13510h of the control member 13510, and a gap T132 between the second force application surface 540c and the surface 13510f. Additionally, the control lever part 13510d is in a position where the developing coupling member 74 (not shown) and the sliding member 80 are not in contact with each other. This position of the control member 13510 is referred to as the first position. At this time, the drive connection state is maintained, and the control member 13510 is held in the first position.

[0372] Furthermore, when the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c abuts against the surface 13510f of the control member 13510, causing the control member 13510 to swing about the axis HY along the BA direction. Then, the control rod portion 13510d of the control member 13510 is positioned between the inclined surface 74c (not shown) of the developing coupling member 74 and the cam surface 80a of the sliding member 80. Figure 72 Part (b)). The position of the control member 13510 is referred to as the second position. Therefore, the drive disconnect state is maintained. When the drive control member 540 is from Figure 72 When part (b) moves along the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b contacts the surface 13510h of the control member 13510, causing the control member 13510 to rotate about the axis HY, which is the center of rotation, along the BB direction. Then, the control rod part 13510d separates from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, and a drive connection state is established.

[0373] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive connection state can be switched between the first and second positions of the control member 13510 by moving the drive control member 540. Thus, the drive connection state can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0374] In this embodiment, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are configured to be movable along the YA direction. By doing so, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g are prevented from interfering with the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (particularly the drive control member 540), thereby preventing the insertion or removal of the cartridge. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 move from the standby position to the operating position, the amount of movement of the foot portions 13510e and 13510g in the pressing direction (ZA direction) of the pressing member 130 is small. Therefore, the small amount of movement of the pressing member 130 required to move the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 from the standby position to the operating position can be selected, thereby achieving miniaturization of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus.

[0375] Provided there are no technical conflicts, the structures of the above embodiments can be combined with each other as much as possible.

[0376] [Industrial Applicability]

[0377] A cartridge for transmitting driving force from a connecting member to a developing member is provided, as well as an image forming apparatus including said cartridge.

[0378] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are provided to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0379] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-156776, filed on September 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A box, comprising: Photosensitive components; A developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member; The movable portion is movable between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being used to allow drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being used to interrupt drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member. The retaining portion, when the movable portion is in the drive force interruption position, is used to hold the movable portion in the drive force interruption position. When the developing member is in a position where the toner can be deposited on the photosensitive member, the movable part can occupy the driving force transmission position and the driving force interruption position.

Images