Cartridge, drum unit, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

[Task] To further extend the prior art.[Solution] The present invention provides a cartridge comprising a photosensitive drum and a coupling. The coupling comprises a main body and a movable member movable relative to the main body. The movable member is provided with an engagement portion and is configured to move relative to the main body and thereby cause the engagement portion to enter between a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member. The movable member is configured to receive, from the driving force applying member, a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum and also to receive, from the braking force applying member, a braking force that applies a load resisting rotation of the coupling.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 16, 2021, with application number 202180044168.0 (international application number PCT / JP2021 / 035213) and entitled "Box, Drum Unit and Imaging Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to electrophotographic imaging apparatus employing electrophotographic methods, such as copiers or printers, and cartridges for use with the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The invention also relates to drum units for use with the electrophotographic imaging apparatus and cartridges.

[0003] Here, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as an "imaging apparatus") is a device that forms an image on a recording material using electrophotographic imaging methods. Examples of imaging apparatuses include copiers, fax machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and their multifunction printers.

[0004] The cartridge can be detached from the main component of the imaging device (device main component). Examples of cartridges include a processing cartridge in which at least one of the photosensitive element and processing means acting on the photosensitive element is integrally formed as a cartridge.

[0005] A drum unit is a unit that includes a photosensitive drum and is used in a cartridge or imaging device. Background Technology

[0006] Conventionally, in the field of imaging equipment using electrophotographic imaging processes, it is known that the electrophotographic photosensitive element (hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive drum) and the processing device acting on the photosensitive drum are integrated into a housing. This housing can be detached from the main components of the imaging equipment.

[0007] According to this box method, users can perform maintenance on imaging equipment themselves without relying on service personnel, which significantly improves maintainability. Therefore, this type of box is widely used in imaging equipment.

[0008] In a structure in which the box can be installed on and removed from the main assembly of the imaging device (device main assembly), there is a structure in which the main assembly and the box are connected by means of a coupling to input driving force from the device main assembly to the box (JP H8-328449).

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

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

[0011] [The problem to be solved]

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to further develop the aforementioned conventional technology.

[0013] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0014] An exemplary structure disclosed herein is a housing capable of being detachably mounted to a main component of an imaging device, the main component including a driving force applying member and a braking force applying member, the housing comprising: Photosensitive drum; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, The main body, and A movable component, which is movable relative to the main body of the coupling. The movable member is provided with a engaging portion configured to engage between the driving force applying member and the braking force applying member by movement of the engaging portion relative to the body of the coupling. The movable member is configured to receive a driving force from the driving force applying member and a braking force from the braking force applying member for applying a load to resist the rotation of the coupling.

[0015] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a housing capable of being detachably mounted to a main component of an imaging device, the main component including a drive force applying member and a braking force applying member movable relative to the drive force applying member and configured to apply a load resisting rotation of the drive force applying member, the housing comprising: Photosensitive drum; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling is provided with an engagement portion configured to engage with the braking force applying member to receive driving force from the driving force applying member via the braking force applying member.

[0016] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a box, which includes: Photosensitive drum; A housing having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the housing rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, main body, A movable portion, movable relative to the body of the coupling between a first position and a second position, wherein when the movable portion is in the second position, it is closer to the second end portion of the housing in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum than when the movable portion is in the first position. A protrusion configured to move relative to the body of the coupling in the circumferential direction of the coupling in response to movement of the movable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0017] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a box, which includes: Photosensitive drum; A housing having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the housing rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, main body, A movable portion, movable relative to the body of the coupling between a first position and a second position, wherein when the movable portion is in the second position, it is closer to the second end portion of the housing in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum than when the movable portion is in the first position. A protrusion configured to move relative to the body of the coupling away from the axis of the coupling in response to movement of the movable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0018] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a box, which includes: Photosensitive drum; A housing having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the housing rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, First wall, The second wall is disposed inside the first wall in the radial direction of the coupling. The groove portion, defined by the first wall and the second wall, A recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion is disposed in the second wall, and An inclined portion, adjacent to the recessed portion, wherein at least a portion of the inclined portion is further away from the axis of the coupling than the recessed portion. The recessed portion is open on one side of the circumferential side of the coupling, and at least a portion of the inclined portion is provided on the other side of the recessed portion in the circumferential direction. The inclined portion is inclined such that it travels away from the recessed portion in the circumferential direction and away from the second end portion of the housing in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0019] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a box, which includes: Photosensitive drum; A housing having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the housing rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, The base portion extends in the axial direction of the coupling. A first protrusion, having a cylindrical shape and protruding outward from the base portion in the radial direction of the coupling, and The second protrusion has a cylindrical shape and protrudes outward from the base portion in the radial direction of the coupling. In the radial direction of the coupling, the distance from the axis of the coupling to the outermost edge of the first protrusion is less than the distance from the shaft of the coupling. A movable portion, movable relative to the body of the coupling between a first position and a second position, wherein when the movable portion is in the second position, it is closer to the second end portion of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction than when the movable portion is in the first position. A protrusion configured to move relative to the body of the coupling in the circumferential direction of the coupling in response to movement of the movable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0020] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a drum unit that can be used in a cartridge, the drum unit comprising: A photosensitive drum having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, main body, A movable portion, movable relative to the body of the coupling between a first position and a second position, wherein when the movable portion is in the second position, it is closer to the second end portion of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction than when the movable portion is in the first position. A protrusion configured to move relative to the body of the coupling away from the axis of the coupling in response to movement of the movable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0021] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a drum unit that can be used in a cartridge, the drum unit comprising: A photosensitive drum having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, First wall, The second wall is disposed inside the first wall in the radial direction of the coupling. The groove portion, defined by the first wall and the second wall, A recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion is disposed in the second wall, and An inclined portion, adjacent to the recessed portion, wherein at least a portion of the inclined portion is further away from the axis of the coupling than the recessed portion. The recessed portion is open on one side of the circumferential side of the coupling, and at least a portion of the inclined portion is provided on the other side of the recessed portion in the circumferential direction. The inclined portion is inclined such that it travels away from the recessed portion in the circumferential direction and away from the second end portion of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction.

[0022] Another exemplary structure disclosed herein is a drum unit that can be used in a cartridge, the drum unit comprising: A photosensitive drum having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion; and A coupling operably connected to the photosensitive drum to enable the transmission of driving force toward the photosensitive drum. The coupling mentioned above includes, The base portion extends in the axial direction of the coupling. A first protrusion, having a cylindrical shape and protruding outward from the base portion in the radial direction of the coupling, and The second protrusion has a cylindrical shape and protrudes outward from the base portion in the radial direction of the coupling. In the radial direction of the coupling, the distance from the axis of the coupling to the outermost edge of the first protrusion is less than the distance from the axis of the coupling to the outermost edge of the second protrusion. Wherein, as viewed in the axial direction of the coupling, the direction in which the first protrusion projects from the base portion differs from the direction in which the second protrusion extends from the base portion, and In the axial direction of the coupling, the first protrusion is located at a position further away from the second end portion of the photosensitive drum compared to the second protrusion.

[0023] [Invention Effects]

[0024] Conventional technologies can be developed. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the drum coupling 143.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a detailed view of a portion of the tray.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the storage element pressing unit and the cartridge pressing unit.

[0033] Figure 9 It is a partial perspective view of the imaging device.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the processing box.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the developing and separating control unit.

[0037] Figure 13 This is an assembly perspective view of the processing box.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the processing box.

[0039] Figure 15 This is an assembly perspective view of the processing box.

[0040] Figure 16 This is an assembly perspective view of the processing box.

[0041] Figure 17 This is a view of the separate retaining member R itself.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a view of the force-applying component R itself.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled separation retaining component R.

[0044] Figure 20 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation retaining member R.

[0045] Figure 21 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation retaining member R.

[0046] Figure 22 This is a bottom view of the drive side of the processing box.

[0047] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0048] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0049] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0050] Figure 26This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0051] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0052] Figure 28 This is a view of the separate retaining member L itself.

[0053] Figure 29 This is a view of the force-applying component L itself.

[0054] Figure 30 This is an assembly perspective view after assembling the developing pressure spring and assembling the separation holding member L.

[0055] Figure 31 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled separation retaining component L.

[0056] Figure 32 It is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separating retaining member L and the force-applying member L.

[0057] Figure 33 It is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation retaining component.

[0058] Figure 34 This is a side view as seen from the drive side, where the processing box is installed inside the main component of the imaging device.

[0059] Figure 35 This is a diagram showing the processing box in the main components of an imaging device.

[0060] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0061] Figure 37 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0062] Figure 38 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0063] Figure 39 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the developing unit in the main component of an imaging device.

[0064] Figure 40 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the separation retaining member R and the force-applying member.

[0065] Figure 41 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the separation retaining member and the force-applying member.

[0066] Figure 42This is a side view as seen from the drive side, in which the processing box 100 is installed inside the main component of the imaging device.

[0067] Figure 43 This is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0068] Figure 44 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0069] Figure 45 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0070] Figure 46 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main components of the device including the drive transmission unit 203.

[0071] Figure 47 This is a front view of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143.

[0072] Figure 48 This is a diagram showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0073] Figure 49 This is a diagram showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0074] Figure 50 This is a diagram showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0075] Figure 51 This is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0076] Figure 52 This is a perspective view showing a variant example of a drum coupling.

[0077] Figure 53 This is a diagram showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0078] Figure 54 This is a diagram showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0079] Figure 55 This is a perspective view of the drum unit, showing the drum coupling.

[0080] Figure 56 This is a diagram of a drum unit, showing the drum coupling.

[0081] Figure 57 This is a perspective view of the drum unit, showing the drum coupling.

[0082] Figure 58 This is a top view of the drum coupling.

[0083] Figure 59 This is a perspective view showing the components of the drive transmission unit.

[0084] Figure 60 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0085] Figure 61 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0086] Figure 62 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0087] Figure 63 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0088] Figure 64 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0089] Figure 65 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0090] Figure 66 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0091] Figure 67 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0092] Figure 68 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0093] Figure 69 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0094] Figure 70 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0095] Figure 71 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0096] Figure 72 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit and the drum unit.

[0097] Figure 73 This is a perspective view showing a variant example of a drum coupling.

[0098] Figure 74 These are perspective and front views showing a variant example of a drum coupling.

[0099] Figure 75 This is a perspective view of the drum unit.

[0100] Figure 76 This is a diagram showing the engagement of the drum coupling.

[0101] Figure 77 These are perspective views of the drum unit and front views of the coupling.

[0102] Figure 78 This is a perspective view of the drum unit and the drive transmission unit.

[0103] Figure 79 These are the side view, perspective view, and front view of the coupling.

[0104] Figure 80 This is a side view of the coupling.

[0105] Figure 81 These are the side view and perspective view of the coupling.

[0106] Figure 82 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0107] Figure 83 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the processing box.

[0108] Figure 84 This is a schematic perspective view of the processing box.

[0109] Figure 85 This is a schematic perspective view of the processing box.

[0110] Figure 86 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the processing box taken along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0111] Figure 87 This is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission unit 811.

[0112] Figure 88 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis of the drive transmission unit 811, which is installed in the main component of the imaging device.

[0113] Figure 89 This is a schematic perspective view of another form of the drum coupling 770.

[0114] Figure 90 This is a schematic perspective view showing the box 701 being installed into the main component 800 of the imaging device.

[0115] Figure 91 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of installing the box 701 into the main component 800 of the imaging device.

[0116] Figure 92 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the drum coupling 770 to the main component drive transmission unit 811.

[0117] Figure 93 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the drum coupling 770 to the main component drive transmission unit 811.

[0118] Figure 94 This is a perspective view showing another form of the processing box.

[0119] Figure 95 This is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit.

[0120] Figure 96 This is a front view of the coupling.

[0121] exist Figure 97 In the image, part (a) is a perspective view of the coupling, and part (b) is a front view.

[0122] Figure 98 This is a front view of the coupling.

[0123] Figure 99 It is a perspective view showing the engagement state of the coupling and brake engagement components.

[0124] Figure 100 This is a front view of the coupling.

[0125] Figure 101 This is a front view of the coupling.

[0126] Figure 102 These are the front view, perspective view, and side view of the coupling.

[0127] Figure 103 It is a perspective view showing the engagement state of the coupling and brake engagement components.

[0128] Figure 104 These are perspective and side views of the drum unit.

[0129] Figure 105 These are perspective views of the drum unit and front views of the coupling.

[0130] Figure 106 This is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit.

[0131] Figure 107 This is a perspective view of the drum unit.

[0132] Figure 108 This is a cross-sectional view of the coupling.

[0133] Figure 109 This is a perspective view of the drum unit.

[0134] Figure 110 This is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit and the drive transmission unit.

[0135] Figure 111 This is a perspective view of the drum coupling 1100.

[0136] Figure 112 This is an enlarged perspective view of the drum coupling 1100.

[0137] Figure 113 This is a front view of the drum coupling 1100.

[0138] Figure 114 This is a perspective view showing a variant example of the drum coupling 1100.

[0139] Figure 115 This is an exploded perspective view of the drum coupling 1206.

[0140] Figure 116 This is a cross-sectional view of the drum coupling 1206.

[0141] Figure 117 This is a perspective view showing the operation of the drum coupling 1206.

[0142] Figure 118 These are perspective and sectional views showing the operation of the drum coupling 1206.

[0143] Figure 119 These are perspective and sectional views showing the operation of the drum coupling 1206.

[0144] Figure 120 These are perspective and sectional views showing the operation of the drum coupling 1206.

[0145] Figure 121 These are perspective views and exploded perspective views of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0146] Figure 122 These are cross-sectional and side views of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0147] Figure 123 This is an exploded perspective view of the drum coupling 1342.

[0148] Figure 124 These are the front view and perspective view of the drum coupling 1342.

[0149] Figure 125 This is a perspective view showing the engagement operation between the drum coupling and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0150] Figure 126 This is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement operation between the drum coupling 1342 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0151] Figure 127 This is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement operation between the drum coupling 1342 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0152] Figure 128 This is a perspective view showing the engagement operation between the drum coupling and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0153] Figure 129 This is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement operation between the drum coupling 1342 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0154] Figure 130 This is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement operation between the drum coupling 1342 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0155] Figure 131 This is a front view of the drum coupling 1342.

[0156] Figure 132 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the drum coupling 1206.

[0157] Figure 133 These are perspective and front views of the second braking engagement member 208.

[0158] Figure 134 This is an exploded perspective view of the drum coupling 1545.

[0159] Figure 135 These are front views and cross-sectional views of the joint member 1543 as seen from the drive side.

[0160] Figure 136 These are perspective views, front views, and sectional views showing the engagement between the joining member 1543 and the flange member 1544.

[0161] Figure 137 This is a front perspective view and engagement diagram of the drum coupling 1545 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0162] Figure 138 These are cross-sectional views of the drum coupling 1545 and the drive transmission unit before and after engagement, respectively.

[0163] Figure 139 This is a perspective view showing the drive transmission of the second brake engagement member 208 and the drum drive coupling 180.

[0164] Figure 140 These are side and sectional views of the second braking engagement member 208 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0165] Figure 141 This is a diagram showing the deformation state of the second braking engagement member 208.

[0166] Figure 142 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the drum coupling 1545 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0167] Figure 143 This is a cross-sectional view of the drum coupling 1545 and the drive transmission unit 203.

[0168] Figure 144 This is a perspective view of another form of the drum coupling 1546.

[0169] Figure 145 This is a front view of the drum coupling.

[0170] Figure 146 This is a front view of the drum coupling.

[0171] Figure 147 Part (a) and Figure 147 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drum coupling. Figure 147 Part (c) is a diagram showing the engagement state of the drive transmission unit and the engagement member.

[0172] Figure 148 This is a perspective view of the drum coupling.

[0173] Figure 149 Part (a) is a side view of the drum coupling. Figure 149 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drum coupling.

[0174] Figure 150 Part (a) is a front view of the drum coupling. Figure 150 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drum coupling. Detailed Implementation

[0175] [Description of the Example]

[0176] <<Example 1>>

[0177] In the following, methods for carrying out the invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. However, unless otherwise stated, the function, material, shape, relative arrangement, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the invention thereto.

[0178] In the following description, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0179] In the following embodiments, an imaging device is shown that has four processing boxes that can be mounted on and detached from it.

[0180] The number of processing boxes installed on the imaging device is not limited to this example. It is selected appropriately according to the needs.

[0181] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, a laser beam printer is exemplified as one aspect of an imaging device.

[0182] [Overall Structure of Imaging Equipment]

[0183] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device M. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box 100.

[0184] Imaging device M is a four-color full-color laser printer using electrophotographic technology, and forms a color image on recording material S. Imaging device M is a cartridge type, and the cartridge is detachably mounted to the imaging device main assembly (equipment main assembly, electrophotographic imaging device main assembly) 170 to form a color image on recording material S.

[0185] Here, regarding the imaging device M, the side where the front door 11 is located is the front surface (front surface), and the surface opposite to the front surface is the rear surface (back surface). Furthermore, the right side of the imaging device M as viewed from the front is called the driving side, and the left side is called the non-driving side.

[0186] Furthermore, when viewing the imaging device M from the front, the upper side is the upper surface and the lower side is the lower surface. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M as seen from the non-driving side; the front side of the paper in the figure is the non-driving side of the imaging device M; the right side of the paper in the figure is the front side; and the rear side of the paper in the figure is the driving side of the imaging device.

[0187] The drive side of the processing cartridge 100 is the side on which the drum coupling (photosensitive component coupling), described below, is disposed in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, the drive side of the processing cartridge 100 is also the side on which the developing coupling, described below, is disposed in the axial direction of the developing roller (developing component).

[0188] The axial direction of the photosensitive drum is parallel to its axis of rotation, as will be described below. Similarly, the axial direction of the developing roller is parallel to its axis of rotation, as will be described below. In this embodiment, the axes of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are substantially parallel, and therefore, the axial directions of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are considered to be substantially the same.

[0189] The main component 170 of the imaging device has four processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) arranged almost horizontally, namely the first processing box 100Y, the second processing box 100M, the third processing box 100C and the fourth processing box 100K.

[0190] Each of the first through fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) has the same electrophotographic processing mechanism, and the developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is of a different color. Rotational drive force is transmitted from the drive output section of the imaging device main assembly 170 (details will be described below) to the first through fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K).

[0191] In addition, bias voltages (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) are supplied from the imaging device main component 170 to each of the first to fourth processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) (not shown).

[0192] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) in this embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 104 and a drum holding unit 108. The drum holding unit 108 is provided with a charging device acting on the photosensitive drum 104 as a processing apparatus. Furthermore, each of the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) includes a developing unit 109, which is provided with a developing apparatus for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0193] The drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected to each other. A more specific structure of the processing cartridge 100 will be described below.

[0194] The first processing cartridge 100Y contains a yellow (Y) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0195] The second processing cartridge 100M contains a magenta (M) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0196] The third processing cartridge 100C contains a cyan (C) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0197] The fourth processing cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. A laser scanner unit 14, serving as an exposure device, is disposed above the first to fourth processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The laser scanner unit 14 outputs a laser beam U corresponding to the image information. The laser beam U passes through the exposure window 110 of the processing cartridge 100 and scans, exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to the laser beam U.

[0198] Below the first to fourth processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), an intermediate transfer unit 12 is provided as a transfer component. The intermediate transfer unit 12 includes a drive roller 12e, a guide roller 12c, and a tension roller 12b, and a flexible transfer belt 12a extends around these rollers.

[0199] The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 104 in each of the first to fourth processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion is the primary transfer portion. A primary transfer roller 12d is disposed inside the transfer belt 12a so as to be opposite to the photosensitive drum 104.

[0200] The secondary transfer roller 6 contacts the guide roller 12c via the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is the secondary transfer portion.

[0201] The feeding unit 4 is located below the intermediate transfer unit 12. The feeding unit 4 includes a sheet feed roller 4b and a sheet feed tray 4a on which the recording material S is loaded and contained.

[0202] The fixing unit 7 and the paper output unit 8 are set in Figure 2 The imaging device main assembly 170 is located on the upper left side. The upper surface of the imaging device main assembly 170 serves as the paper tray 13.

[0203] The toner image is fixed onto the recording material S by a fixing device provided in the fixing unit 7, and the recording material is discharged into the paper tray 13.

[0204] [Imaging Operation]

[0205] The operations used to create a panchromatic image are as follows.

[0206] The photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) operates at a predetermined speed (in... Figure 3 (In the direction of arrow A) it is driven by rotation.

[0207] Transfer belt 12a is still in the forward direction ( Figure 2 The direction of arrow C in the diagram is the same as the rotation of the photosensitive drum, and it is driven to rotate at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0208] The laser scanner unit 14 is also driven. Synchronized with the driving of the laser scanner unit 14, the charging roller 105 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined polarity and potential in each processing cartridge. The laser scanner unit 14 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 104 with a laser beam U according to the image signal of each color.

[0209] Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 104. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing roller 106 that is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed. More specifically, the developing roller 106 contacts the photosensitive drum 104, and toner moves from the developing roller 106 to the latent image on the photosensitive drum 104, such that the latent image is developed into a toner image. In this embodiment, a contact development method is used, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. However, a non-contact development method can be used, in which toner jumps from the developing roller 106 to the photosensitive drum 104 through a small gap between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104.

[0210] Through the electrophotographic imaging processing operation described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of a panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the first processing cartridge 100Y. The toner image is then transferred once onto the transfer belt 12a. A portion of the photosensitive drum 104 is exposed outside the cartridge and in contact with the transfer belt 12a. At this contact portion, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0211] Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the second processing cartridge 100M. Then, the toner image is superimposed onto the yellow toner image that has already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0212] Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the third processing cartridge 100C. Then, the toner image is superimposed and transferred once onto the yellow and magenta toner images that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0213] Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the fourth processing cartridge 100K. Then, the toner image is superimposed and transferred once onto the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0214] In this way, a four-color unfixed toner image of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on transfer belt 12a.

[0215] On the other hand, the recording material S is separated and fed one after another at predetermined control times. Then, at predetermined control times, the recording material S is introduced into the secondary transfer section, which serves as the contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 12a.

[0216] Thus, during the process of feeding the recording material S into the secondary transfer unit, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12a is sequentially and jointly transferred onto the surface of the recording material S.

[0217] The structure of the main components of the imaging device will be described in more detail below.

[0218] [Overview of the mounting / removal structure of the processing box]

[0219] refer to Figure 42 and Figures 4 to 7 The tray 171 supporting the processing box will be described in more detail. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M, in which the tray 171 is located inside the main component 170 of the imaging device when the front door 11 is open. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M with the tray 171 located outside the main imaging device assembly 170, wherein the front door 11 is open and the processing box 100 is housed in the tray. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M with the tray 171 located outside the main component 170 of the imaging device, where the front door 11 is open and the processing box 100 has been removed from the tray. Figure 7 Part (a) is in Figure 4 A detailed partial view of tray 171 as seen from the drive side in the indicated state. Figure 7 Part (b) is in Figure 4 A partial detailed view of tray 171 viewed from the non-drive side in its current state.

[0220] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, tray 171 can move relative to the imaging device main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow X1 (pushing direction) and the direction of arrow X2 (pulling direction). That is, tray 171 is configured to be retractable from and insertable into the imaging device main assembly 170, and tray 171 is configured to move substantially horizontally when the imaging device main assembly 170 is mounted on a horizontal floor. Here, the state where tray 171 is located outside the imaging device main assembly 170 ( Figure 5 The state shown is referred to as the external position. Furthermore, the state in which the tray is placed inside the main assembly 170 of the imaging device with the front door 11 open and the photosensitive drum 104 and transfer belt 12a separated from each other is also referred to as the external position. Figure 4 The state within (the state) is called the internal position.

[0221] In addition, tray 171 has a mounting portion 171a, in an external position, allowing the handling box 100 to be mounted as follows: Figure 6 The tray is detachably mounted in the mounting portion 171a. Each processing box 100, then mounted on the mounting portion 171a in an external location on the tray 171, is supported by the tray 171 via a drive-side cover member 116 and a non-movable side cover member 117, as shown. Figure 7As shown. Then, the processing cartridge, placed in the mounting portion 171a, moves within the imaging device main assembly 170 as the tray 171 moves. During this movement, a gap is maintained between the transfer belt 12a and the photosensitive drum 104. Without the photosensitive drum 104 contacting the transfer belt 12a, the tray 171 can transport the processing cartridge 100 into the imaging device main assembly 170 (details will be described below).

[0222] As described above, by using the tray 171, multiple processing boxes 100 can be moved together to the position inside the imaging device main component 170 where an image can be formed, and can also be moved together to the outside of the imaging device main component 170.

[0223] [Positioning of the processing box relative to the main components of the electrophotographic imaging device]

[0224] refer to Figure 7 The positioning of the processing box 100 relative to the main component 170 of the imaging device will be described in more detail.

[0225] like Figure 7 As shown, tray 171 is provided with positioning portions 171VR and 171VL for holding the cartridge 100. Positioning portions 171VR have straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2 respectively. The center of the photosensitive drum passes through... Figure 7 The curved portions 116VR1 and 116VR2 of the shown lid member 116 are defined by contact with the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2.

[0226] also, Figure 7 The tray 171 shown is provided with a rotation-determining protrusion 171KR. By connecting the processing box 100 with... Figure 7 The rotation of the cover member 116 shown determines the engagement of the recess 116KR, which determines the orientation of the processing box 100 relative to the main equipment assembly.

[0227] The positioning portion 171VL and the rotation determining protrusion 171KL are positioned opposite each other across the intermediate transfer belt 12a in the longitudinal direction of the positioning portion 171VR and the processing box 100 (non-drive side). That is, also on the non-drive side, the position of the processing box is determined by the engagement of the arcuate portions 117VL1 and 117VL2 of the box cover member 117 with the positioning portion 171VL and the engagement of the rotation determining recess 117KL with the rotation determining protrusion 171KL.

[0228] By doing so, the position of the processing box 100 relative to the tray 171 is correctly determined.

[0229] Then, as Figure 5 As shown, the processing box 100 integrated with the tray 171 moves in the direction of arrow X1 and inserts into... Figure 5 The location shown.

[0230] Then, by closing the front door 11 in the direction of arrow R, the processing cartridge 100 is pressed by a cartridge pressing mechanism (not shown), which will be described below, and secured to the imaging device main assembly 170 together with the tray 171. Furthermore, the transfer belt 12a contacts the photosensitive element 104 in connection with the operation of the cartridge pressing mechanism. In this state, imaging is possible ( Figure 2 ).

[0231] In this embodiment, positioning portions 171VR and 171V also serve as reinforcements to maintain rigidity during the pull-out operation of the tray 171, and therefore, metal plates are used, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0232] [Box pressing mechanism]

[0233] Next, refer to Figure 8 The details of the box pressing mechanism will be described.

[0234] Figure 8 Part (a) only shows Figure 4 The processing box 100, tray 171, box pressing mechanisms 190 and 191, and intermediate transfer unit 12 are in the state. Figure 8 Part (b) only shows Figure 2 The processing box 100, tray 171, box pressing mechanisms 190 and 191, and intermediate transfer unit 12 are in the state.

[0235] The processing box 100 receives a driving force during the imaging process and further receives a force from the primary transfer roller 12d in the direction of arrow Zl. Figure 2 The reaction force of the processing box. Therefore, in order to maintain a stable posture during imaging operations without any gap between the processing box and the positioning parts 171VR and 171VL, the processing box must be pressed in the Z2 direction.

[0236] To achieve these goals, in this embodiment, the main component 170 of the imaging device is provided with a box pressing mechanism (190, 191).

[0237] For the cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191), the storage element pressing unit 190 operates on the non-drive side, while the cartridge pressing unit 191 operates on the drive side. This will be described in more detail below.

[0238] By closing Figure 4 The front door 11 shown is shown. Figure 8 The storage element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit 191 shown descend in the direction of arrow Z2.

[0239] The storage element pressing unit 190 is provided with a main component-side electrical contact (not shown) that primarily contacts the electrical contacts of the storage element (not shown) disposed in the processing box 100. By interlocking with the front door 11 via a linkage mechanism (not shown), the storage element 140 and the electrical contacts on the main component side can be brought into contact with each other and de-contacted.

[0240] That is, the contacts are brought into contact with each other by closing the front door 11, and the contacts are separated by opening the front door 11.

[0241] With this structure, when the processing cartridge 100 moves together with the tray 171 inside the main component of the imaging device, the electrical contacts are not rubbed and retract from the insertion / removal trajectory of the processing cartridge 100, thus not hindering the insertion and removal operations of the tray 171.

[0242] The storage element pressing unit 190 also serves to press the processing box against the aforementioned positioning portion 171VR.

[0243] In addition, similar to the storage element pressing unit 190, the cartridge pressing unit 121 also descends in the direction of arrow Z2 in relation to the operation of closing the front door 11, and serves to press the processing cartridge 100 against the aforementioned positioning portion 171VL.

[0244] In addition, although details will be described below, the box pressing mechanism (190, 191) also serves as the force-applying members 152L and 152R for pressing the box 100 downward, as will be described below.

[0245] [Drive transmission mechanism]

[0246] Next, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 (For better illustration, tray 171 is omitted), and the drive transmission mechanism of the main component in this embodiment will be described.

[0247] Figure 9 Part (a) is one of them Figure 4 or Figure 5 The perspective view of the processing box 100 and tray 171 is omitted in the current state. Figure 9 B is a perspective view in which the processing box 100, front door 11, and tray 171 are omitted.

[0248] Figure 10 This is a side view of the processing box 100 as seen from the drive side.

[0249] like Figure 10 As shown, the processing box in this embodiment includes a developing coupling portion 32a and a drum coupling (photosensitive component coupling) 143.

[0250] The structure is as follows: by closing the front door 11 ( Figure 9 (in part (b) state), drive the processing box 100 and transmit the driving force to the main component side drum drive coupling and the main component side developing drive coupling 185 of the processing box 100, which protrude in the direction of arrow Y1 via a linkage mechanism (not shown).

[0251] In addition, by opening the front door 11 ( Figure 9 (in part (a) state), the drum drive coupling 180 and the developing drive coupling 185 retract in the direction of arrow Y2.

[0252] Insertion / removal of tray 171 is unimpeded by retracting each coupling from the insertion / removal trajectory (X1 direction, X2 direction) of the processing box.

[0253] By closing the front door 11 and starting to drive the main assembly of the imaging device, the drum drive coupling 180 engages with the drum coupling (coupling member, cassette-side coupling) 143. Simultaneously, the developing drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side engages with the developing coupling portion 32a. Therefore, drive is transmitted to the processing cassette 100. The drive transmission to the processing cassette 100 is not limited to the above structure, and a mechanism can be configured to input drive only to the drum coupling and transmit drive to the developing roller.

[0254] [Intermediate Transfer Unit Structure]

[0255] Next, refer to Figure 9 The intermediate transfer unit 12 of the main component of the imaging device in this embodiment will be described.

[0256] In this embodiment, the structure is as follows: by closing the front door 11, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is raised in the direction of arrow R2 via a linkage mechanism (not shown) and moved to a position for imaging operation (the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a are in contact with each other).

[0257] Furthermore, by opening the front door 11, the intermediate transfer unit 12 descends in the direction of arrow R1, and the photosensitive drum 2 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a separate from each other.

[0258] That is, with the processing box 100 set in the tray 171, the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a come into contact with each other and disengage from each other according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 11.

[0259] The structure is as follows: During the contact / separation operation, the intermediate transfer unit surrounds... Figure 4 The center point PVl shown is used to draw a rotational trajectory while rising and falling.

[0260] The intermediate transfer belt 12a is driven by receiving force from a gear (not shown) coaxially arranged with PV1. Therefore, by setting the aforementioned position PV1 as the rotation center, the intermediate transfer unit 12 can be raised and lowered without moving the center of the gear. By doing so, it is not necessary to move the center of the gear, and the position of the gear can be maintained with high precision.

[0261] With the above structure, when the processing cartridge 100 is placed in the tray 171, the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediate transfer belt 12a will not rub against each other when the tray 11 is inserted or removed, and thus, damage to the photosensitive drum 104 and image degradation caused by the charge memory are prevented.

[0262] [Developer Separation Control Unit]

[0263] Next, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The separation mechanism of the main component of the imaging device in this embodiment will be described.

[0264] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device M taken along the drive side of the processing box 100. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the developing and separating control unit viewed from above at an angle.

[0265] In this embodiment, the developer separation control unit 195 controls the separation contact operation of the developer unit 109 relative to the photosensitive drum 104 by engaging a portion of the developer unit 109. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the development separation control unit 195 is located in the lower part of the main component 170 of the imaging device.

[0266] Specifically, the developer separation control unit 195 is positioned vertically (downward in the direction of arrow Z2) below the developer input coupling section 32a and the drum coupling 143.

[0267] Furthermore, the developer separation control unit 195 is positioned in the longitudinal direction (Y1, Y2 direction) of the photosensitive drum 104 of the intermediate transfer belt 12. That is, the developer separation control unit 195 includes a developer separation control unit 195R on the driving side and a developer separation control unit 195L on the non-driving side.

[0268] By placing the imaging separation control unit 195 in the dead space of the imaging device main component 170 as described above, the size of the main component can be reduced.

[0269] The developer separation control unit 195R has four separation control members 196R corresponding to the processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), respectively. The four separation control members have substantially the same shape. The developer separation control unit 195R is always fixed to the main assembly of the imaging device. However, the separation control members 196R are configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions via a control mechanism (not shown). Detailed structure will be described below.

[0270] The developer separation control unit 195L has four separation control members 196L corresponding to the processing cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The four separation control members have substantially the same shape. The developer separation control unit 195L is always fixed to the main assembly of the imaging device. However, the separation control members 196L are configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions via a control mechanism (not shown). Detailed structure will be described below.

[0271] Furthermore, in order for the developing separation control unit 195 to engage with a portion of the developing unit 109 and control the separation contact operation of the developing unit 109, a portion of the developing control unit 196 and a portion of the developing unit need to overlap in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 direction).

[0272] Therefore, for the overlap in the vertical direction (Z1 and Z2 directions) as described above after the developing unit 109 of the processing cartridge 100 is inserted in the X1 direction, a portion of the developing unit (in this embodiment, the force-applying member 152) needs to protrude. Details will be described below.

[0273] When the developing separation control unit 195 itself is raised in the same manner as the intermediate transfer unit 12 used for joining, there are problems such as increased operating force of the interlocked front door 11 and complexity of the transmission system.

[0274] In this embodiment, a method is employed in which the developing separation control unit 195 is fixed to the imaging device main assembly 170, and a portion of the developing unit 109 (force application member 152) protrudes downward (Z2) within the imaging device main assembly 170. One reason for this arrangement is to address this problem. Furthermore, the mechanism for protruding the force application member 152 utilizes the mechanisms of the aforementioned storage element pressing unit 190 and cartridge pressing unit, and therefore, the aforementioned problem is not present, and the increase in cost of the main assembly can be mitigated.

[0275] The entire developing separation control unit 195 is fixed to the main imaging device assembly 170. However, as will be described below, a portion of the developing unit is movable to engage with the force-applying member 152 to induce operation, such that the developing unit 109 is in a separated state and a contact state relative to the photosensitive drum 104. Details will be described below.

[0276] [Overall structure of the processing box]

[0277] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The structure of the processing box will be described.

[0278] Figure 13 This is an assembled perspective view of the processing box 100 as seen from the drive side, which is one side of the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the processing box 100 as seen from the drive side.

[0279] In this embodiment, the first to fourth processing boxes 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) have the same electrophotographic processing mechanism, but the colors of the toners contained therein and the amount of toners filled are different from each other.

[0280] The processing cartridge 100 includes a photosensitive drum 104 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a processing device acting on the photosensitive drum 104. The cartridge 100 includes a charging roller 105, which serves as the processing device and is a charging member for charging the photosensitive drum 104. Furthermore, the cartridge 100 includes a developing roller 106, which serves as another processing device for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0281] Additionally, as an example of a processing device, a cleaning device (e.g., a cleaning scraper, etc.) for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 can be considered. However, the imaging device of this embodiment adopts a structure in which a cleaning device that does not contact the photosensitive drum 104 is provided.

[0282] The processing unit 100 is divided into drum holding units 108 (108Y, 108M, 108C, 108K) and developing units 109 (109Y, 109M, 109C, 109K).

[0283] [Drum Holding Unit Structure]

[0284] like Figure 3 and Figure 13As shown, the drum holding unit 108 includes a photosensitive drum 104, a charging roller 105, and a drum frame 115 as a first frame, etc. The photosensitive drum 104 is joined with a coupling 143 and a drum flange 142 to provide the drum unit 103 (see...). Figure 1 Part (a), details of which will be described below.

[0285] The drum unit 103 is rotatably supported by a drive-side cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cover member 117 disposed at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the processing box 100. The drive-side cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cover member 117 will be described below.

[0286] In addition, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the drum coupling 143 for transmitting driving force to the photosensitive drum 104 is disposed near one end of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the coupling 143 is connected to the main component-side drum drive coupling 180 (see [link to coupling]) of the drum drive output unit, which is part of the main component 170 of the imaging device. Figure 9 The driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the main component 170 of the imaging device is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104 to rotate it in the direction of arrow A. In addition, a drum flange 142 is provided near the other end (second end portion) of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction.

[0287] Shaft portion 143j of coupling 143 (see) Figure 1 The drum unit 103 is supported by the drive-side cover 116, and the drum flange 142 is supported by a shaft fixed to the non-drive-side cover 117. Thus, the drum unit 103 is rotatably supported in the housing. That is, the end of the photosensitive drum 104 is rotatably supported by the end of the housing (i.e., the covers 116 and 117) via the coupling 143 and the drum flange 142.

[0288] The charging roller 105 is supported by the drum frame 115 in contact with the photosensitive drum 104, so that it can be driven by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0289] In the longitudinal direction (axial direction), on opposite sides of the drum unit 103, the side on which the coupling 143 is mounted is the driving side, and the side on which the drum flange 142 is mounted is the non-driving side. That is, in the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction, the coupling 143 is fixed near the end on the driving side, and the drum flange 142 is fixed near the end on the side opposite to the driving side. One of the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104 can be referred to as the first end, and the other as the second end. Figure 80 The end portion 104a on the drum drive side and the end portion 104b on the non-drive side of the photosensitive drum are shown.

[0290] Similar to drum unit 103, on opposite sides of housing 100, the side on which coupling 143 is placed is called the driving side, and the side opposite to the driving side is called the non-driving side. For example, Figure 10 and Figure 19 This is an illustration showing the drive side of the box. Furthermore, Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the non-driving side of the box.

[0291] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the drive-side cover 116 is a component located at the drive-side end of the housing of the housing 100, and the non-drive-side cover is a component located at the non-drive-side end of the housing. The drum coupling 143, supported by the drive-side cover 116, can be considered to be located near the non-drive-side end of the housing of the housing 100. Of the opposite ends of the housing 100, one can be referred to as the first end, and the other as the second end.

[0292] [Developing Unit Structure]

[0293] like Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, the developing unit 109 includes a developing roller 106, a toner feed roller (toner supply roller) 107, a developing scraper 130, a developing unit frame 125, etc. The developing unit frame 125 includes a lower frame 125a and a cover member 125b. The lower frame 125a and the cover member 125b are connected by ultrasonic welding or a similar method.

[0294] The developing frame 125, serving as a second frame (second housing), includes a toner receiving portion 129 for holding toner to be supplied to the developing roller 106. Furthermore, the developing frame 125 rotatably supports the developing roller 106 and the toner feed roller 107, as will be described below, via a drive-side bearing 126 and a non-drive-side bearing 127, and holds the developing blade 130, which controls the thickness of the toner layer on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 106.

[0295] The developing blade 130 is formed by mounting an elastic member 130b to a support member 130a by welding or similar means. The elastic member 130b is a plate-shaped metal with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm, and the support member 130a is a metal material with an L-shaped cross-section. The developing blade 130 is mounted to the developing frame 125 at two locations using fixing screws 130c, one near one end in the longitudinal direction and the other near the other end. The developing roller 106 includes a core metal 106c and a rubber portion 106d.

[0296] The developing roller 106 is rotatably supported by drive-side bearings 126 and non-drive-side bearings 127, which are respectively mounted to opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 125. The developing frame 125, drive-side bearings 126, and non-drive-side bearings 127 are part of the frame (outer shell) of the cartridge. In a broader sense, bearings 126 and 127 can be considered as part of the developing frame 125, and bearings 126 and 127, together with the developing frame 125, can be collectively referred to as the developing frame.

[0297] The toner feed roller 107 delivers and supplies toner contained in the toner container 129 to the developing roller 106 for developing the latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. The toner feed roller 107 is in contact with the developing roller 106.

[0298] In addition, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the developing input coupling portion (developing coupling) 32a for transmitting driving force to the developing unit 109 is provided on one side of the developing unit 109 in the longitudinal direction. The developing input coupling portion 32a and the developing drive coupling 185 on the main component side of the developing drive output portion, which is the main component of the imaging device 170 (see...) Figure 9 The imaging device main component 170 is engaged, and the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) is input to the developing unit 109.

[0299] The driving force input to the developing unit 109 is transmitted by a transmission system (not shown) provided in the developing unit 109, so that the developing roller 106 can... Figure 3 Rotate in the direction of arrow D. Similarly, the driving force received by the developing input coupling section 32a also causes the toner feed roller 107 to rotate to supply toner to the developing roller 106.

[0300] On one side of the developing unit 109 in the longitudinal direction, a developing cover member 128 is provided to support and cover the developing input coupling portion 32a and the transmission system (not shown). The outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected to be smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104 is selected in the range of Φ18 to Φ22 (mm), and the outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected in the range of Φ8 to Φ14. By selecting such outer diameters, an efficient arrangement can be achieved.

[0301] [Assembly of the drum holding unit and developing unit]

[0302] refer to Figure 13 The assembly of the drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 will be described. The drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected by a drive-side cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cover member 117 disposed at corresponding ends in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100.

[0303] The drive-side cover member 116, located on one side (drive side) of the processing cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction, is provided with a developing unit support hole 116a for supporting the developing unit in a swingable (movable) manner. Similarly, the non-drive-side cover member 117, located on the other side (non-drive side) of the processing cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction, is provided with a developing unit support hole 117a for swingably supporting the developing unit 109.

[0304] Furthermore, the drive-side cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cover member 117 are provided with drum support holes 116b and 117b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 104. Here, on the drive side, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 is fitted into the developing unit support hole 116a of the drive-side cover member 116. On the non-drive side, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the non-drive-side bearing 127 is fitted into the developing unit support hole 117a of the non-drive-side cover member 117.

[0305] Furthermore, the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction are respectively fitted into the drum support hole 116b of the drive-side cover member 116 and the drum support hole 117b of the non-drive-side cover member 117. Then, the drive-side cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cover member are fixed to the drum frame 115 of the drum holding unit 108 with screws or adhesive (not shown). Thus, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cover member 117. The developing unit 109 can move (rotate) relative to the drum holding unit 108, and the developing roller 106 can move relative to the photosensitive drum through this movement. During imaging, the developing roller 106 can be positioned at the location acting on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0306] The drum frame 115 and cover members 116 and 117 are part of the housing frame (outer shell). More specifically, they are the frame of the drum holding unit 108. Furthermore, since cover members 116 and 117 are fixed to one end and the other end of the drum frame 115, respectively, cover members 116 and 117 can be considered as part of the drum frame 115. Alternatively, cover members 116 and 117 and the drum frame 115 can be collectively referred to as the drum frame.

[0307] Furthermore, one of the frames (115, 116, 117) of the drum holding unit 108 and the frames (125, 126, 127) of the developing unit can be referred to as the first frame (first outer shell), and the other can be referred to as the second frame (second outer shell), etc. Additionally, the frames (115, 116, 117) of the drum holding unit 108 and the frames (125, 126, 127) of the developing unit can be collectively referred to as the cassette frame (cassette outer shell), and there is no particular distinction between them.

[0308] Figure 14 This shows the state in which the drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled through the above steps to provide the overall processing cartridge 100.

[0309] The axis connecting the center of the developing unit support hole 116a of the drive-side cover member 116 and the center of the developing unit support hole 117a of the non-moving-side cover member 117 is referred to as the swing axis K. Here, the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 on the drive side is coaxial with the developing input coupling 74. That is, the developing unit 109 has a structure that transmits driving force from the imaging device main assembly 170 along the swing axis K. Furthermore, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported about the swing axis K.

[0310] [Structure of the separation / contact mechanism]

[0311] The structure in this embodiment, in which the photosensitive drum 104 of the processing cartridge 100 and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 are separated from and in contact with each other, will be described in detail. The processing cartridge includes a separation contact mechanism 150R on the drive side and a separation contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive side. Figure 15 An assembly perspective view of the developing unit 109, including the separation contact mechanism 150R, is shown. Figure 16 An assembled perspective view of the developing unit, including the separation contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive side, is shown. Regarding the separation contact mechanism, details of the separation contact mechanism 150R on the drive side will be described first, followed by a description of the separation contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive side.

[0312] Since the separation contact mechanism on the driving side and the non-driving side has almost the same function, the same reference numerals are used on both sides, except that an R is added at the end for the driving side and an L is added for the non-driving side.

[0313] The separation contact mechanism 150R includes a separation holding member 151R as a limiting member, a force applying member 152R as a pressing member, and a tension spring 153.

[0314] The separation contact mechanism 150L includes a separation holding member 151L as a limiting member, a force applying member 152L as a pressing member, and a tension spring 153.

[0315] [Detailed Description of Separation Holding Component R]

[0316] refer to Figure 17 The separation retaining member 151R will be described in detail.

[0317] Figure 17 Part (a) is a front view of the separation holding member 151R of the processing box 100 itself, viewed from the longitudinal direction of the drive side. Figure 17Parts (b) and (c) are perspective views of the separate retaining member 151R itself. Figure 17 Part (d) is in Figure 17 The view of the separation holding member 151R as seen in the direction of arrow Z2 (vertically upward in the imaging state) in part (a). The separation holding member 151R includes an annular support receiving portion 151Ra and a separation holding portion 151Rb protruding from the support receiving portion 151Ra in a radial direction. The free end of the separation holding portion 151Rb has an arcuate separation holding surface 151Rc, which has a center on the swing axis H of the separation holding member and is inclined at an angle θ1 relative to a line HA parallel to the swing axis H of the separation holding member. The angle θ1 is chosen to satisfy equation (1).

[0318] 0°≦θ1≦45°...(1)

[0319] Furthermore, the separation retaining member 151R has a second controlled surface 151Rk adjacent to the separation retaining surface 151Rc. Additionally, the separation retaining member 151R is provided with a second pressure-bearing portion 151Rd that protrudes beyond the support receiving portion 151Ra on Z2, and an arcuate second pressure-bearing surface 151Re that protrudes from the second pressure-bearing portion 151Rd in the direction of the separation retaining member swing axis H of the support receiving portion 151Ra.

[0320] Furthermore, the separation retaining member 151R includes a main body portion 151Rf connected to the support receiving portion 151Ra, and the main body portion 151Rf is provided with a spring hook portion 151Rg protruding in the direction of the separation retaining member swing axis H of the support receiving portion 151Ra. Additionally, the main body portion 151Rf is provided with a rotation (on its own axis) prevention portion 151Rm protruding in the Z2 direction, and the rotation prevention surface 151Rn is provided in the direction facing the second pressure surface 151Re.

[0321] [Detailed description of the force-applying component R]

[0322] refer to Figure 18 The force-applying component 152R will be described in detail.

[0323] Figure 18 Part (a) is a front view of the force-applying member 152R itself, viewed from the longitudinal direction of the processing box 100, and Figure 18 B and Figure 18 C is a perspective view of the force-applying member 152R itself.

[0324] The force-applying member 152R is provided with an elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra. Here, the longitudinal direction of the ellipse of the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra is indicated by arrow LH, the upward direction by arrow LH1, and the downward direction by arrow LH2. Furthermore, the direction in which the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra is formed is indicated by HB. The force-applying member 152R has a protrusion 152Rh formed on the downstream side of the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra in the direction of arrow LH2. The elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra and the protrusion 152Rh are connected by a main body portion 152Rb. On the other hand, the force-applying member 152R includes a pressure-bearing portion 152Re that protrudes in the direction of arrow LH1 and is substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1, and has an arcuate pressure-bearing surface 152Rf on the downstream side in the direction of arrow LH1, and a push-limiting surface 152Rg on the upstream side. In addition, the force-applying member 152R has a first receiving time limiting surface 152Rv extending from the main body portion 152Rb on the upstream side in the direction of arrow LH2, and a second receiving time limiting surface 152Rw adjacent to the first receiving time limiting surface 152Rv and substantially parallel to the first pressing surface 152Rq.

[0325] The protruding portion 152Rh includes a first force-receiving portion 152Rk and a second force-receiving portion 152Rn, which are arranged such that their end portions in the direction of arrow LH2 are facing each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH2. The first force-receiving portion 152Rk and the second force-receiving portion 152Rn each have a first force-receiving surface 152Rm and a second force-receiving surface 152Rp extending in the HB direction and having an arcuate shape. Furthermore, the protruding portion 152Rh has a locking portion 152Rt and a spring hook portion 152Rs protruding in the HL direction, and the locking portion 152Rt has a locking surface 152Ru facing the same direction as the first force-receiving surface 152Rp.

[0326] Furthermore, the force-applying member 152R is part of the main body 152Rb and is arranged on the upstream side of the second force-receiving portion 152Rn in the direction of arrow LH2, and has a first pressing surface 152Rq facing the same direction as the second force-receiving surface 152Rp. Additionally, the force-applying member 152R has a second pressing surface 152Rr, which is perpendicular to the first receiving and limiting surface 152Rv and opposite to the first pressing surface 152Rq.

[0327] When the processing cartridge 100 is mounted on the main assembly 170 of the imaging device, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. In addition, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100.

[0328] [Assembly of the separation / contact mechanism R]

[0329] Next, refer to Figure 10 and Figures 15 to 19 The assembly of the separation contact mechanism will be described. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the processing box 100 as seen from the drive side after the processing box 100 and the separation holding member 151R are assembled.

[0330] As mentioned above Figure 15 As shown, in the developing unit 109, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 is fitted into the developing unit support hole portion 116a of the drive-side cover member 116. Thus, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported relative to the photosensitive drum 104 about the swing axis K. Furthermore, the developing cover member 128 includes a cylindrical first support portion 128c and a second support portion 128k protruding in the direction of the swing axis K.

[0331] The outer diameter of the first support portion 128c mates with the inner diameter of the support receiving portion 151Ra of the separation holding member 151R to rotatably support the separation holding member 151R. Here, the center of oscillation of the separation holding member 151R assembled to the developer cap member 128 is the oscillation axis H of the separation holding member. The developer cap member includes a first holding portion 128d protruding in the direction of the oscillation axis H of the separation holding member. Figure 15 As shown, the movement of the separation retaining member 151R assembled to the developing cap member 128 in the direction of the swing axis H is restricted by the contact between the first retaining portion 128d and the separation retaining member 151R.

[0332] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the second support portion 128k mates with the inner wall of the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra of the force-applying member 152R to support the force-applying member 152R so that it can rotate and move in an elliptical direction. Here, the swing center of the force-applying member 152R assembled to the developing cover member 128 is the swing axis HC of the force-applying member. Figure 15 As shown, the movement of the force-applying member 152R assembled to the developing cap member 128 in the direction of the swing axis HC is restricted by the contact between the second holding portion 128m and the separation holding member 151R.

[0333] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view taken along line CS, in which a portion of the drive-side cover member 116 and a portion of the developing cover member 128 are omitted, allowing the mating portion between the elliptical support receiving portion 151Ra of the force-applying member 152R and the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 to be seen. The separation contact mechanism 150R is provided with a tension spring 153 as a pushing device, which is used to push the separation holding member 151R to rotate about the swing axis H of the separation holding member in the direction of arrow B1 in the figure and to push the force-applying member 152R in the direction of arrow B3.

[0334] Arrow B3 points in the same direction as the elliptical support receiving portion 152Ra of the force-applying member 152R (see [link]). Figure 18 The tension spring 153 is assembled between a spring hook portion 151Rg disposed on the separation retaining member 151R and a spring hook portion 152Rs disposed on the force-applying member 152R. The tension spring 153 is in a substantially parallel direction. Figure 10 A force is applied in the direction of arrow F2 to the spring hook portion 151Rg of the separation retaining member 151R to apply a pushing force for rotating the separation retaining member 151R in the direction of arrow B1. Furthermore, the tension spring 153 applies a force in the direction of arrow F1 to the spring hook portion 152Rs of the force-applying member 152R to apply a pushing force for moving the force-applying member 152R in the direction of arrow B3.

[0335] The line connecting the spring hook portion 151Rg of the separation retaining member 151R and the spring hook portion 152Rs of the force retaining member 152R is GS. The line connecting the spring hook portion 152Rs of the force applying member 152R and the swing axis HC of the force applying member is HS. Here, the angle θ2 formed by the lines GS and HS is chosen to satisfy the following equation (2), where the clockwise direction about the spring hook portion 152Rs of the force applying member 152R is positive. Thus, the force applying member 152R is pushed to rotate about the swing axis HC of the force applying member in the direction of arrow BA.

[0336] 0°≦θ2≦90°...(2)

[0337] like Figure 15 As shown, in the developing drive input gear 132, the inner diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 mates with the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing drive input gear 132. Additionally, the support portion 126a of the drive-side bearing 126 mates with the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the developing drive input gear. Thus, driving force can be transmitted to the developing roller gear 131, the toner feed roller gear 133, and other gears.

[0338] In this embodiment, the installation positions of the separation retaining member 151R and the force-applying member 152R are as follows. Figure 15 As shown, in the direction of the swing axis K, the separation holding member 151R is disposed on the side (outer side in the longitudinal direction) where the drive-side cover member 116 is provided, with the developer cover member 128 disposed therebetween. The force-applying member 152R is disposed on the side (inner side in the longitudinal direction) where the developer drive input gear 13 is arranged. However, their positions are not limited to this, and the positions of the separation holding member 151R and the force-applying member 152R can be interchanged, and the separation holding member 151R and the force-applying member 152R can be disposed on one side in the direction of the swing axis K relative to the developer cover member 128. Furthermore, the arrangement order of the separation holding member 151R and the force-applying member 152R can be interchanged.

[0339] The developing cover component 128 is fixed to the developing frame 125 via a drive-side bearing 126 to form the developing unit 109. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the fixing method in this embodiment uses fixing screws 145 and adhesive (not shown), but the fixing method is not limited to this example, and welding can be used, for example, by heating or pouring and hardening the resin material.

[0340] here, Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view, in which, for ease of explanation, Figure 10 The periphery of the separation holding portion 151R is enlarged, and a portion of the tension spring 153 and the separation holding member 151R is partially omitted via the local section line CS4. In the force-applying member 152R, the first limiting surface 152Rv of the force-applying member 152R contacts the first limiting surface 128h of the developing cap member 128 by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 in the F1 direction in the figure, as described above. Furthermore, the second limiting surface 152Rw of the force-applying member 152R contacts and is positioned with the second limiting surface 128q of the developing cap member 128. This position is referred to as the receiving position (reference position) of the force-applying member 152R. In addition, the separation holding member 151R rotates in the B1 direction about the swing axis H of the separation holding member by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 in the F2 direction, and the second pressed portion 151Rd of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the force-applying member 152R, thereby stopping the rotation. This position is referred to as the separation holding position (limited position) of the separation holding member 151R.

[0341] also, Figure 21 The diagram is as follows, where, for ease of explanation, Figure 10The periphery of the separation holding portion 151R is enlarged and the tension spring 153 is omitted. Here, consider the processing box 100 including the separation contact mechanism 150R according to this embodiment when the processing box 100 is transported. Figure 21 In the event of a fall in the JA direction, the separation holding member 151R receives a force that causes it to rotate about the separation holding swing axis H in the direction of arrow B2 by its own weight. Therefore, when rotation in the B2 direction begins, the rotation prevention surface 151Rn of the separation holding member 151R contacts the locking surface 152Ru of the force-applying member 152R, and the separation holding member 151R receives a force in the F3 direction in the figure to suppress rotation in the B2 direction. Thus, rotation of the separation holding member 151R in the B2 direction can be prevented during transport, and the separation state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0342] In this embodiment, the tension spring 153 is mentioned as a pressing device for pressing the separation retaining member 151R to the separation retaining position and for pressing the force applying member 152R to the receiving position, but the pressing device is not limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc., can be used as a pressing device for pressing the force applying member 152R to the receiving position and the separation retaining member 151R to the separation retaining position. Furthermore, the material of the pressing device can be a metal, a mold, etc., that is elastic and capable of pressing the separation retaining member 151R and the force applying member 152R.

[0343] As described above, the developing unit 109, which is equipped with the separation contact mechanism 150R, is integrally connected to the drum holding unit 108 via the drive-side cover member 116 as described above. Figure 19 (The state in the middle).

[0344] Figure 22 Is Figure 19 The view seen in the direction of arrow J in part (a). Figure 15 As shown, the drive-side cover 116 of this embodiment has a contact surface 116c. As... Figure 22 As shown, the contact surface 116c is inclined at an angle θ3 relative to the swing axis K. It is desirable that this angle θ3 is the same as the angle θ1 of the separation retaining surface 151Rc forming the separation retaining member 151R, but the angle θ3 is not limited to this example. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 and Figure 19As shown, when the drive-side cover member 116 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum holding unit 108, the contact surface 116c faces the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R positioned in the separation holding position. The contact surface 116c contacts the separation holding surface 151Rc by the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134 described below. The structure is such that when the contact surface 116Rc and the separation holding surface 151Rc are in contact with each other, the orientation of the developing unit 109 is positioned such that the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 of the developing unit 109 are separated by a gap P1. The state in which the developing roller 106 (developing member) is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation holding member 151R through the separation gap P1 is called the separation position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see Figure 42 Part (a)).

[0345] Here, for reference Figure 42 The separation and contact states of the processing box 100 will be described in detail.

[0346] Figure 42 This is a side view of the processing box 100 as seen from the drive side, wherein the processing box 100 is installed inside the main component 170 of the imaging device. Figure 42 Part (a) shows the state where the developing unit 109 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104. Figure 42 Part (b) shows the state in which the developing unit 109 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104.

[0347] First, with the separation holding member 151R placed in the separation holding position and the developing unit 109 in the separation position, the pressure-receiving portion 152Re of the force-applying member 152R is pushed in the ZA direction. As a result, the protruding portion 152Rh of the force-applying member 152R protrudes from the processing cartridge 100. The second pressure-receiving surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the force-applying member 152R via the tension spring 153 as described above. Therefore, when the second force-receiving portion 152Rn is pressed in the direction of arrow W42, the force-applying member 152R rotates about the force-applying member swing axis HC in the direction of arrow BB, causing the separation holding member 151R to rotate in the direction of arrow B2. When the separation holding member 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B2, the separation holding surface 151Rc separates from the contact surface 116c, thereby allowing the developing unit 109 to rotate from the separation position about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V2. That is, the developing unit 109 rotates from the separation position in the V2 direction, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other is called the contact position (developing position). Figure 42(The state of part (b)). The position where the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R separates from the contact surface 116c is called the separation allowable position (allowable position). When the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the second limiting surface 151Rk of the separation holding member 151R contacts the second limiting surface 116d of the drive side cover 116, so that the separation holding member 151R is maintained in the separation release position.

[0348] Furthermore, the drive-side bearing 126 has a first pressure-receiving surface 126c, which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. Since the drive-side bearing 126 is fixed to the developing unit 109, the developing unit 109, in the contact position, presses the first force-receiving portion 152Rk of the force-applying member 152R in the direction of arrow 41. Then, through contact between the first pressing surface 152Rq and the first pressure-receiving surface 126c, the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 to move to the separation position. Figure 42 (as shown in part (a)). Here, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the direction of movement of the first force receiving surface 126c is from... Figure 42 Part (a) and Figure 42 Arrow W41 is shown in part (b). Furthermore, the direction opposite to arrow W41 is depicted by arrow W42, and the directions of arrow W41 and arrow W42 are substantially horizontal (X1, X2 directions). The second force receiving surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R assembled to the developing unit 109 as described above is located upstream of the first force receiving surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126 in the direction of arrow W41. Furthermore, the first force receiving surface 126c and the second force receiving surface 151Re of the separation retaining member 151R are positioned where they at least partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0349] The operation of the separation contact mechanism 150R in the main component 170 of the imaging device will be described in detail below.

[0350] [Install the processing cartridge to the main component of the imaging device]

[0351] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 The diagram describes the engagement operation between the separation contact mechanism 150R of the processing cartridge 100 and the developer separation control unit 195 of the imaging device main assembly 170 when the processing cartridge 100 is installed onto the imaging device main assembly 170. For ease of illustration, these figures are cross-sectional views, in which a portion of the developer cover member 128 and a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are omitted along partial section lines CS1 and CS2, respectively.

[0352] Figure 23 This is a view from the drive side of the processing cartridge 100 when the processing cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the imaging device M and the cartridge tray 171 is inserted into the first mounting position. In this figure, the processing cartridge 100, the cartridge pressing unit 121, and the separation control member 196R are omitted from the illustration.

[0353] As described above, the imaging device main assembly 170 of this embodiment includes a separation control member 196R corresponding to each processing cartridge 100 as described above. When the processing cartridge 100 is placed in a first internal position and a second internal position, the separation control member 196R is arranged on the lower side of the imaging device main assembly 170 below the separation holding member 151R. The separation control member 196R has a first force-applying surface 196Ra and a second force-applying surface 196Rb that protrude toward the processing cartridge 100 and face each other across a space 196Rd. The first force-applying surface 196Ra and the second force-applying surface 196Rb are connected to each other by a connecting portion 196Rc in the lower side of the imaging device main assembly 170. Furthermore, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by a control metal plate 197 about a rotation center 196Re. The separation member 196R is generally pressed by a push spring in the E1 direction. Furthermore, the control metal plate 197 is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions via a control mechanism (not shown), such that the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

[0354] As described above, in relation to the transition of the front door 11 of the imaging device main assembly 170 from an open state to a closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 121 lowers in the direction of arrow ZA, and the first force-applying portion 121a contacts the pressure-bearing surface 152Rf of the force-applying member 152R. Subsequently, when the cartridge pressing unit 121 descends to a predetermined position as a second mounting position, the protruding portion 152Rh of the force-applying member 152R protrudes downward in the Z2 direction of the processing cartridge 100. Figure 24 (The state in the middle). This position is referred to as the protruding position of the force-applying member 152R. When this operation is completed, as Figure 24As shown, gap T4 is formed between the first force-applying surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the first force-receiving surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R, and gap T3 is formed between the second force-applying surface 196Rb and the second force-receiving surface 152Rp. It is then placed in a second mounting position where the separation control member 196R does not act on the force-applying member 152R. This position of the separation control member 196R is referred to as the original position. At this time, the arrangement is such that the first force-receiving surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R and the first force-applying surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the arrangement is such that the second force-receiving surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R and the second force-applying surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0355] [Contact Operation of the Developing Unit]

[0356] Next, refer to Figures 24 to 26 The contact operation between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 via the separation contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail. For ease of illustration, these figures are cross-sectional views taken along lines CS1, CS2, and CS3 of a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the drive-side cover member 116, and a portion of the drive-side bearing 126.

[0357] In the structure of this embodiment, the developing input coupling 32 is in Figure 24 The developing roller 106 receives a driving force from the main imaging unit 170 in the direction of arrow V2, causing it to rotate. That is, the developing unit 109, including the developing input coupling 32, receives torque about the oscillation axis K in the direction of arrow V2 from the main imaging unit 170. Figure 24 As shown, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the separating holding member 151R is in the separated holding position, the developing unit 109 receives the torque and pushing force through the developing pressure spring 134, as will be described below. Even in this case, the separating holding surface 151Rc of the separating holding member 151R contacts the contact surface 116c of the drive-side cover member 116, and therefore, the orientation of the developing unit 109 is maintained in the separated position.

[0358] In this embodiment, the separation control component 196R is configured to be able to... Figure 24The separation control member 196R moves from its original position in the direction of the middle arrow W42. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the second force-applying surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R and the second force-receiving surface 152Rp of the force-applying member 152R come into contact with each other, causing the force-applying member 152R to rotate in the BB direction about its swing axis HC. Furthermore, as the force-applying member 152R rotates further, the separation holding member 151R rotates in the B2 direction, while the second pressing surface 152Rr of the force-applying member 152R contacts the second pressure-receiving surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R. Then, the separation holding member 151R rotates through the force-applying member 152R to a separation-allowed position where the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c separate from each other. Here, the separation holding member 151R is moved to... Figure 25 The position of the separation control member 196R shown in the separation permission position is referred to as the first position.

[0359] In this manner, the separation control member 196R moves the separation holding member 151R to the separation allowable position. Then, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction by the torque received from the imaging device main assembly 170 and the developing pressure spring 134, which will be described below, and moves to contact the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 with each other. Figure 25 The contact position is shown in the diagram. At this time, the separation retaining member 151R, which is pushed by the tension spring 153 in the direction of arrow B1, is held in the separation allowable position by contact between the second controlled surface 151Rk and the second limiting surface 116d of the drive-side cover member 116. Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W41 and returns to its original position. At this time, the force-applying member 152R rotates in the BA direction by the tension spring 153, and the first pressing surface 152Rq of the force-applying member 152R and the first pressing surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126 come into contact with each other. Figure 26 (The state shown).

[0360] Thus, the aforementioned gaps T3 and T4 are re-formed and positioned where the separation control member 196R does not act on the force-applying member 152R. Figure 25 state to Figure 26 The state transition is executed without delay.

[0361] As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R from its original position to the first position, the force application member 152R can rotate, and the separation holding member 151R moves from the separation holding position to the separation allowing position. Thus, the developing unit 109 can move from the separation position to the contact position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. Figure 26The position of the separation control component 196R and Figure 24 The same as in.

[0362] [Separation operation of the developing unit]

[0363] Next, refer to Figure 26 and Figure 27 The operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position via the separation contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail. For better illustration, these figures are cross-sectional views taken along line CS, in which a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the drive-side cover member 116, and a portion of the drive-side bearing 126 are partially omitted.

[0364] In this embodiment, the separation control component 196R is configured to... Figure 26 The direction of arrow W41 indicates that the component can move from its original position. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the first force-applying surface 196Rb and the first force-receiving surface 152Rm of the force-applying member 152R come into contact with each other, and the force-applying member 152R rotates about the force-applying member swing axis HC in the direction indicated by arrow BB. Then, the first pressing surface 152Rq of the force-applying member 152R comes into contact with the first pressure-receiving surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126. Figure 27 (As shown in the diagram), the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position in the direction of arrow V1 about the swing axis K. Here, the pressure surface 152Rf of the force-applying member 152R has an arc shape, and the center of the arc is positioned to coincide with the swing axis K. Thus, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the force received by the pressure surface 152Rf of the force-applying member 152R from the cartridge pressing unit 121 is directed in the direction of the swing axis K. Therefore, the developing unit 109 can be operated in a manner that does not impede rotation in the direction of arrow V1. In the separation holding member 151R, the second controlled surface 151Rk of the separation holding member 151R and the second limiting surface 116d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are separated from each other, and the separation holding member 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B1 by the pushing force of the tension spring 153. Thus, the separation holding member 151R rotates until the second pressure-bearing surface 151Re contacts the second pressing surface 152Rr of the force-applying member 152R, and through this contact, the separation holding member 151R moves to the separation holding position. When the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position via the separation control member 196R and the separation holding member 151R is in the separation holding position, a gap T5 is formed between the separation holding surface 151Rc and the contact surface 116c, as... Figure 27 As shown. Here, the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position toward the separation position, and the separation holding member 151 can move to the separation holding position. Figure 27The position shown is referred to as the second position of the separation control component 196R.

[0365] Subsequently, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of arrow W42 and returns from the second position to the original position. Then, while the separation holding member 151R is maintained in the separation holding position, the developing unit rotates in the direction of arrow V2 by the torque received from the imaging device main assembly 170 and the developing pressure spring 134, which will be described below, and the separation holding surface 151Rc contacts the contact surface 116c. That is, the developing unit 109 is in the separation position maintained by the separation holding member 151R, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated by a gap P1. Figure 24 and Figure 42 (as shown in part (a)). Thus, the aforementioned gaps T3 and T4 are re-formed, and the separation control member 196R is positioned where it does not act on the force-applying member 152R. Figure 24 (The state in the middle). From Figure 27 state to Figure 24 The state transition is executed without delay.

[0366] As described above, in this embodiment, the separation control member 196R moves from its original position to the second position, causing the separation holding member 151R to move from the separation allow position to the separation holding position. Then, by having the separation control member 196R return from the second position to its original position, the developing unit 109 is in a state where the separation position is maintained by the separation holding member 151R.

[0367] [Detailed Description of Separation and Holding Component L]

[0368] Here, for reference Figure 28 The separation retaining member 151L will be described in detail.

[0369] Figure 28 Part (a) is a front view of the processing box 100 itself, viewed in the longitudinal direction on the drive side, of the separation holding member 151L, and Figure 28 B and Figure 28 C is a perspective view of the separation retaining member 151L itself. The separation retaining member 151L includes an annular support receiving portion 151La, and includes a separation retaining portion 151Lb protruding from the support receiving portion 151La in a radial direction. The free end of the separation retaining portion 151Lb has an arcuate separation retaining surface 151Lc extending about the swing axis H of the separation retaining member.

[0370] Furthermore, the separation retaining member 151L has a second controlled surface 151Lk adjacent to the separation retaining surface 151Lc. Additionally, the separation retaining member 151L includes a second pressure-bearing portion 151Ld protruding from the support receiving portion 151La in the Z2 direction, and includes an arcuate second pressure-bearing surface 151Le protruding from the second pressure-bearing portion 151Ld in the direction of the separation retaining member swing axis H of the support receiving portion 151La.

[0371] Furthermore, the separation retaining member 151L is provided with a main body portion 151Lf connected to the support receiving portion 151La, and the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a spring hook portion 151Lg protruding in the direction of the swing axis H of the separation retaining member of the support receiving portion 151La. Additionally, the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a rotation prevention portion 151m protruding in the Z2 direction, and the rotation prevention surface 151Ln is provided in the direction facing the second pressure surface 151Le.

[0372] [Detailed description of the force-applying component L]

[0373] refer to Figure 29 The force-applying component 152L will be described in detail.

[0374] Figure 29 Part (a) is a front view of the force-applying member 152L as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the processing box 100, and Figure 29 Parts (b) and (c) are perspective views of the force-applying member 152L.

[0375] The force-applying member 152L is provided with an elliptical support receiving portion 152La. Here, the longitudinal direction of the ellipse of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La is depicted by arrow LH, the upward direction by arrow LH1, and the downward direction by arrow LH2. Furthermore, the direction in which the elliptical support receiving portion 152La extends is depicted by HD. The force-applying member 152L is provided with a protruding portion 152Lh formed on the downstream side of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La in the direction of arrow LH2. The elliptical support receiving portion 152La and the protruding portion 152Lh are connected to each other through the main body portion 152Lb. On the other hand, the force-applying member 152L includes a pushed portion 152Le that protrudes in the direction of arrow LH1 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1, and an arcuate pressure surface 152Lf is provided on the downstream side in the direction of arrow LH1, and a push-limiting surface 152Lg is also provided on the upstream side. In addition, the force-applying member 152L has a first receiving limiting surface 152Lv, which is part of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La and is disposed on the downstream side in the direction of arrow LH2.

[0376] The protruding portion 152Lh includes a first force-receiving portion 152Lk and a second force-receiving portion 152Ln, which are arranged such that their end portions in the direction of arrow LH2 are facing each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to arrow LH2. The first force-receiving portion 152Lk and the second force-receiving portion 152Ln each have a first force-receiving surface 152Lm and a second force-receiving surface 152Lp extending in the HD direction and having an arcuate shape. Furthermore, the protruding portion 152Lh is provided with a spring hook portion 152Ls and a locking portion 152Lt protruding in the HB direction, and the locking portion 152Lt is provided with a locking surface 152Lu facing the same direction as the second force-receiving surface 152Lp.

[0377] Furthermore, the force-applying member 152L is part of the main body 152Lb and is placed on the upstream side of the second force-receiving portion 152Ln in the direction of arrow LH2, and has a first pressing surface 152Lq facing the same direction as the second force-receiving surface 152Lp. Additionally, the force-applying member 152L is part of the main body 152Lb and is placed on the upstream side of the first force-receiving portion 152Lk in the direction of arrow LH2, and has a first pressing surface 152Lr facing the same direction as the first force-receiving surface 152Lm.

[0378] With the processing cartridge 100 installed in the main component 170 of the imaging device, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge 100.

[0379] [Assembly of the separation / contact mechanism L]

[0380] Next, refer to Figure 16 and Figures 29 to 35 This will describe the assembly of the separation mechanism. Figure 30 This is a perspective view of the processing box 100 as seen from the drive side after the separation holding member and processing box 100 are assembled. As described above, as Figure 16 As shown, in the developing unit 109, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 127a of the non-drive side bearing 127 is fitted into the developing unit support hole portion 117a of the non-drive side cover member 117. Thus, the developing unit 109 is supported so that it is rotatable relative to the photosensitive drum 104 about the swing axis K. Furthermore, the non-drive side bearing 127 includes a cylindrical first support portion 127b and a second support portion 127e protruding in the direction of the swing axis K.

[0381] The outer diameter of the first support portion 127b mates with the inner diameter of the support receiving portion 151La of the separation retaining member 151L to rotatably support the separation retaining member 151L. Here, the swing center of the separation retaining member 151L assembled to the non-drive side bearing 127 is the swing axis H of the separation retaining member. The non-drive side bearing 127 includes a first retaining portion 127c protruding in the direction of the swing axis H of the separation retaining member. Figure 16 As shown, the movement of the separation retaining member 151L assembled to the non-drive side bearing 127 in the direction of the swing axis H is restricted by the first retaining portion 127c that contacts the separation retaining member 151L.

[0382] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the second support portion 127e mates with the inner wall of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La of the force-applying member 152L to support the force-applying member 152L so that it can rotate and move in an elliptical direction. Here, the swing center of the force-applying member 152L assembled to the non-drive side bearing 127 is the swing axis HC of the force-applying member. Figure 16 As shown, the movement of the force-applying member 152L assembled to the non-drive side bearing 127 in the direction of the swing axis HE is restricted by the second retaining portion 127f that is in contact with the separation retaining member 151L.

[0383] Figure 31 This is a view of the processing cartridge 100 viewed along the swing axis H of the developing unit after assembly with the separation holding member 151L. It is a view taken along line CS, where a portion of the non-drive side cover member 117 is omitted, allowing the view to see the mating portion between the elliptical support receiving portion 151La of the force-applying member 152L and the cylindrical portion 127e of the non-drive side bearing 127. Here, the separation contact mechanism 150L is provided with a tension spring 153, which is used to push the separation holding member 151L to rotate it about the swing axis H of the separation holding member in the direction of arrow B1 and to push the force-applying member 152L in the direction of arrow B3. The direction of arrow B3 is the longitudinal direction LH2 of the elliptical support receiving portion 152La of the force-applying member 152L (see...). Figure 29 The tension spring 153 is assembled between a spring hook portion 151Lg disposed on the separation retaining member 151L and a spring hook portion 152Ls disposed on the force-applying member 152L. The tension spring 153 is in a substantially parallel direction. Figure 31 A force is applied to the spring hook portion 151Lg of the separation retaining member 151L in the direction of arrow F2 to apply a pushing force for rotating the separation retaining member in the direction of arrow B1. Furthermore, the tension spring 153 applies a force to the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force-applying member 152L in the direction of arrow F1 to apply a pushing force for moving the force-applying member 152L in the direction of arrow B3.

[0384] The line connecting the spring hook portion 151Lg of the separation retaining member 151L and the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force retaining member 152L is GS. The line connecting the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force applying member 152L and the swing axis HE of the force applying member is HS. The angle θ3 formed by the lines GS and HE is chosen to satisfy the following inequality (3), where the counterclockwise direction about the spring hook portion 152Ls of the force applying member 152L is positive. Thus, the force applying member 152L is pushed to rotate about the swing axis HE of the force applying member in the direction BA in the figure.

[0385] 0°≦θ3≦90°...(3)

[0386] In this embodiment, the installation positions of the separation retaining member 151L and the force-applying member 152L are as follows. Figure 29 As shown, in the direction of the swing axis K, the separation retaining member 151L and the force applying member 152L are disposed on the side (longitudinal outer side) where the non-drive side cover member 117 of the non-drive side bearing 127 is placed. However, the arrangement is not limited to the example; they can be disposed on the developing frame 125 side (longitudinal inner side) of the non-drive side bearing 127, and the separation retaining member 151L and the force applying member 152L can be disposed with the non-drive side bearing 127 between them. Furthermore, the arrangement order of the separation retaining member 151L and the force applying member 152L can be interchanged.

[0387] The non-drive side bearing 127 is fixed to the developing frame 125 to form the developing unit 109. For example... Figure 16 As shown, in the fixing method of this embodiment, fixing screws 145 and adhesive (not shown) are used, but the fixing method is not limited to this example, but welding can be used, such as welding by heating or pouring and hardening resin.

[0388] Figure 32 Part (a) and Figure 32 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the non-drive side cover member 117, tension spring 153, and separation retaining member 151L, partially omitted by the partial section line CS. For ease of illustration, in Figure 32 Part (a) and Figure 32 In part (b), Figure 31 The force-applying member swing axis HE of the force-applying member 152L and the portion around the separation holding portion 151L shown are magnified.

[0389] In the force-applying member 152L, the first limiting surface 152Lv of the force-applying member 152L contacts the second support portion 127e of the non-drive side bearing 127 through the pushing force of the tension spring 153 in the direction of arrow F1. Furthermore, as...Figure 32 As shown in part (b), the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force-applying member 152L contacts the first pressure-receiving surface 127h of the non-drive side bearing 127 to be positioned in the appropriate location. This location is referred to as the receiving position (reference position) of the force-applying member 152L. Furthermore, the separation retaining member 151L rotates about the swing axis H of the separation retaining member in the direction of arrow B1 by the pushing force of the tension spring 153 in the direction of arrow F2, and the contact surface 151Lp of the separation retaining member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force-applying member 152L, thereby positioning it in the appropriate location. This location is referred to as the separation retaining position (restricted position) of the separation retaining member 151L. When the force-applying member 152L moves to the protruding position, which will be described below, the second pressure-receiving surface 151Le of the separation retaining member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force-applying member 152L to be positioned in the separation retaining position.

[0390] also, Figure 33 yes Figure 31 The periphery of the separation holding portion 151L is enlarged for ease of explanation, and the drawing of the tension spring 153 is omitted. Here, we will consider the processing box 100, including the separation contact mechanism 150L, ​​when it is transported. Figure 33 In the case of a fall in the direction of arrow JA, the separation holding member 151L receives a force that causes it to rotate about the separation holding swing axis H in the direction of arrow B2 due to its own weight. When the separation holding member 151L begins to rotate in the direction of arrow B2, for the reasons mentioned above, the rotation prevention surface 151Ln of the separation holding member 151L comes into contact with the locking surface 152Lu of the force-applying member 152L, and the separation holding member 151L receives a force in direction F4 that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow B2. Thus, the separation holding member 151L can be prevented from rotating in the direction of arrow B2 during transport, and the separation state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0391] In this embodiment, the tension spring 153 is mentioned as a pressing device for pressing the separation retaining member 151L to the separation retaining position and the force applying member 152L to the receiving position, but the pressing device is limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, etc., can be used as a pressing device for pressing the force applying member 152L to the receiving position and the separation retaining member 151L to the separation retaining position. Furthermore, the material of the pressing device can be a metal, a mold, etc., that is elastic and capable of pressing the separation retaining member 151L and the force applying member 152L.

[0392] As described above, the developing unit 109, which is equipped with the separation contact mechanism 150L, ​​is integrally connected to the drum holding unit 108 via the non-drive side cover member 117 as described above. Figure 30 (The state in the middle). For example, Figure 16 As shown, the non-drive side cover 117 of this embodiment has a contact surface 117c. The contact surface 117c is a surface parallel to the swing axis K. Furthermore, as... Figure 16 and Figure 30 As shown, when the non-drive side cover member 117 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum holding unit 108, the contact surface 117c faces the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L placed at the separation holding position.

[0393] Here, the processing cartridge 100 includes a developing pressure spring 134 as a pushing member for contacting the developing roller 106 with the photosensitive drum 104. The developing pressure spring 134 is assembled between the spring hook portion 117e of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 and the spring hook portion 127k of the non-drive side bearing 127. The pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134 causes the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L and the contact surface 117c of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117 to come into contact with each other. Then, when the contact surface 117c and the separation holding surface 151Lc come into contact with each other, the orientation of the developing unit 109 is positioned such that the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 of the developing unit 109 are separated by a gap P1. The state in which the developing roller 106 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation holding member 151L is called the separation position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see Figure 35 Part (a)).

[0394] Here, for reference Figure 35 The separation and contact states of the processing box 100 will be described in detail. Figure 35 This is a side view of the processing box 100 as seen from the non-driving side, wherein the processing box 100 is installed inside the main component 170 of the imaging device. Figure 35 Part (a) shows the developing unit separated from the photosensitive drum 104. Figure 35 Part (b) shows the state in which the developing unit 109 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104.

[0395] First, with the separation holding member 151L placed in the separation holding position and the developing unit 109 placed in the separation position, the pushed portion 152Le of the force applying member 152L is pushed in the direction of arrow ZA. As a result, the protruding portion 152Lh of the force applying member 152L protrudes from the processing cartridge 100. Figure 34(The state of part (a)). This position is referred to as the protruding position of the force-applying member 152L. As described above, the second pressure-receiving surface 151Le of the separation retaining member 151L contacts the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force-applying member 152L via the tension spring 153. Therefore, when the second force-receiving part 152Ln is pressed in the direction of arrow W42, the force-applying member 152L rotates about the force-applying member swing axis HE in the direction of arrow BD, so that the separation retaining member 151L rotates in the direction of arrow B5. When the separation retaining member 151L rotates in the direction of arrow B5, the separation retaining surface 151Lc separates from the contact surface 117c, and the developing unit 109 becomes capable of rotating from the separation position about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V2.

[0396] That is, the developing unit 109 rotates from the separation position in the V2 direction, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other is called the contact position (developing position). Figure 34 (The state of part (b)). The position where the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L separates from the contact surface 117c is called the separation allowable position (allowable position). When the developing unit 109 is placed at the contact position, the separation holding member 151L is held at the separation allowable position by contacting the second limiting surface 117d of the drive side cover 116 through the second limiting surface 151Lk of the separation holding member 151L.

[0397] Furthermore, the non-drive side bearing 127 of this embodiment has a first pressure-receiving surface 127h, which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. Since the non-drive side bearing is fixed to the developing unit 109, while the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the developing unit 109 presses the first force-receiving portion 152Lk of the force-applying member 152L in the direction of arrow 41. Then, through the contact between the first pressing surface 152Lq and the first pressure-receiving surface 127h, the developing unit rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V1 and moves to the separation position. Figure 34 (as shown in part (a)). Here, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the direction of movement of the first pressure surface 127h is from... Figure 34 Part (a) and Figure 34Arrow W41 indicates this in part (b). Furthermore, the direction opposite to arrow W41 is indicated by arrow W42, and the directions of arrows W41 and W42 are substantially horizontal (X1, X2 directions). The second force-receiving surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L assembled to the developing unit 109 as described above is placed on the upstream side of the first pressure-bearing surface 127h of the non-drive-side bearing 127 in the direction of arrow W41. Additionally, the first pressure-bearing surface 127h and the second force-receiving surface 151Le of the separation holding member 151L are arranged at a position where at least a portion of them overlaps in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0398] The operation of the separation contact mechanism 150L in the main component 170 of the imaging device will be described below.

[0399] [Install the processing cartridge to the main component of the imaging device]

[0400] Next, we will refer to Figure 35 and Figure 36 The diagram describes the engagement between the separation contact mechanism 150R of the processing cartridge 100 and the development separation control unit of the imaging device main assembly 170 when the processing cartridge 100 is mounted on the imaging device main assembly 170. For ease of illustration, these figures are cross-sectional views, in which a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 are partially omitted by partial sections CS. Figure 35 This is a view from the drive side of the processing cartridge 100 when the processing cartridge is mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the imaging device M and the cartridge tray 171 is inserted into the first mounting position. In this figure, components other than the processing cartridge 100, the cartridge pressing unit 121, and the separation control member 196L are omitted.

[0401] As described above, the imaging device main assembly 170 of this embodiment has a separation control member 196L corresponding to the corresponding processing cartridge 100 as described above. When the processing cartridge 100 is placed in a first internal position and a second internal position, the separation control member 196L is disposed on the lower surface side of the imaging device main assembly 170 relative to the separation holding member 151L. The separation control member 196L has a first force-applying surface 196La and a second force-applying surface 196Lb that protrude toward the processing cartridge and face each other across a space 196Rd. The first force-applying surface 196La and the second force-applying surface 196Rb are connected to each other by a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the imaging device main assembly 170. In addition, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by a control metal plate 197 about a rotation center 196Re. The separation member 196R is normally pushed by a push spring in the E1 direction. In addition, the control metal plate 197 is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by means of a control mechanism (not shown), such that the separation control member 196R is configured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

[0402] As described above, in relation to the transition of the front door 11 of the imaging device main assembly 170 from an open state to a closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 121 lowers in the direction of arrow ZA, and the first force-applying portion 121a contacts the pressure-bearing surface 152Lf of the force-applying member 152L. Subsequently, when the cartridge pressing unit 121 descends to a predetermined position as a second mounting position, a portion 152Lh of the force-applying member 152L moves to a protruding position where the processing cartridge 100 protrudes downward in the Z2 direction. Figure 36 (The state in the process). When the operation is complete, such as... Figure 36 As shown, gap T4 is formed between the first force-applying surface 196La of the separation control member 196L and the first force-receiving surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L, and gap T3 is formed between the second force-receiving surface 152Lp and the second force-applying surface 196Lb. It is then placed in a second mounting position where the separation control member 196L does not act on the force-applying member 152L. This position of the separation control member 196L is referred to as the original position. At this time, the first force-receiving surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L and the first force-applying surface 196La of the separation control member 196L are arranged to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the second force-receiving surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L and the second force-applying surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L are arranged to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[0403] [Contact Operation of the Developing Unit]

[0404] Next, refer to Figures 36 to 38The operation of bringing the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller into contact with each other via the separation contact mechanism 150L will be described in detail. For ease of explanation, a portion of the developing cover member 128, a portion of the non-drive side cover member 117, and a portion of the non-drive side bearing 127 are partially omitted in the partial cross-sectional line CS. It is a cross-sectional view.

[0405] As described above, the developing input coupling 32 is in Figure 24 The developing unit 109 receives a driving force from the imaging device main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2, causing the developing roller 106 to rotate. That is, the developing unit 109, including the developing input coupling 32, receives a torque about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V2 from the imaging device main assembly 170. In addition, the developing unit 109 also receives a pushing force in the direction of arrow V2 due to the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134.

[0406] like Figure 36 As shown, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the separating holding member 151L is in the separated holding position, the developing unit receives the torque and pushing force through the developing pressure spring 134. Even in this case, the separating holding surface 151Lc of the separating holding member 151L contacts the contact surface 117c of the non-driven side cover member 117, and the developing unit 109 remains in the separated position. Figure 36 (state).

[0407] In this embodiment, the separation control component 196L is configured to... Figure 36 The separation control member 196L can move from its original position in the direction of arrow W41. When the separation control member 196L moves in the W41 direction, the second force-applying surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L and the second force-receiving surface 152Lp of the force-applying member 152L come into contact with each other, and the force-applying member 152L rotates in the BD direction about the swing axis HD of the force-applying member. Furthermore, as the force-applying member 152L rotates, the separation holding member 151L rotates in the B5 direction, while the second pressing surface 152Lr of the force-applying member 152L comes into contact with the second pressing surface 151Le of the separation holding member 151L. Then, the separation holding member 151L rotates through the force-applying member 152L to a separation-allowed position where the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c separate from each other. Here, the separation holding member 151L is moved to... Figure 37 The position of the separation control member 196L shown in the separation permission position is referred to as the first position.

[0408] In this manner, the separation control member 196L moves the separation holding member 151L to the separation allowable position. Then, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction by the torque received from the imaging device main assembly 170 and the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134, and moves to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other. Figure 37 (As shown in the diagram). At this time, the separation retaining member 151, which is pushed by the tension spring 153 in the direction of arrow B4, is held in the separation-allowed position by contact between the second controlled surface 151Lk and the second limiting surface 117d of the non-drive side cover member 117. Afterward, the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of W42 and returns to its original position. At this time, the force-applying member 152L rotates in the BC direction by the tension spring 153, and the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force-applying member 152L and the first pressure-receiving surface 127h of the non-drive side bearing 127 are in contact with each other. Figure 38 The state shown changes. As a result, the aforementioned gaps T3 and T4 are re-established, and the separation control member 196L is placed in a position where the force-applying member 152L is not in action. From Figure 37 state to Figure 38 The state transition is executed without delay. Figure 38 The position of the separation control component 196L and Figure 36 The same as in.

[0409] As described above, using the structure of this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196L from its original position to a first position, the force application member 152L is rotated to move the separation holding member 151L from the separation holding position to the separation allowing position. Thus, the developing unit 109 can move from the separation position to the contact position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other.

[0410] [Separation operation of the developing unit]

[0411] Next, we will refer to Figure 38 and Figure 39 The operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position is described in detail. Note that... Figure 39 The cross sections of the developing cover component 128, the non-drive side cover component 117, and the non-drive side bearing are omitted by the local section line CS.

[0412] In this embodiment, the separation control component 196L is configured to... Figure 38The separation control member 196L can move from its original position in the direction of arrow W42. When the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of W42, the first force-applying surface 196Lb and the first force-receiving surface 152Lm of the force-applying member 152L come into contact with each other, and the force-applying member 152L rotates along arrow BC centered on the swing axis HD of the force-applying member. Since the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force-applying member 152L comes into contact with the first pressure-receiving surface 127h of the non-drive side bearing 127, the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position in the direction of arrow V1 about the swing axis K. Figure 39 (The state in the middle). Here, the pressure surface 152Lf of the force-applying member 152L has an arc shape, and the center of the arc is positioned aligned with the swing axis K. Thus, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the force received by the pressure surface 152Lf of the force-applying member 152L from the cartridge pressing unit 121 is directed towards the swing axis K. Therefore, the developing unit 109 can be operated without hindering rotation in the direction of arrow V1. In the separation holding member 151L, the second controlled surface 151Lk of the separation holding member 151L is separated from the second limiting surface 117d of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 117, and the separation holding member 151L rotates in the direction of arrow B4 by the pushing force of the tension spring 153. Thus, the separation holding member 151L rotates until the second pressure surface 151Le contacts the second pressing surface 152LR of the force-applying member 152L, and through contact with the second pressing surface 152LR, the position moves to the separation holding position. When the developing unit moves from the contact position to the separation position via the separation control member 196L and the separation holding member 151L is placed at the separation holding position, a gap T5 is formed between the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c, as shown. Figure 39 As shown. Here, the position where the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position toward the separation position and the separation holding member 151 can be moved to the separation holding position is referred to as the second position of the separation control member 196L.

[0413] Subsequently, the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of arrow W41 and returns from the second position to the original position. Then, while the separation holding member 151L is held in the separation holding position, the developing unit rotates in the direction of arrow V2 by the torque received from the imaging device main assembly 170 and the pushing force of the developing pressure spring 134, and the separation holding surface 151Lc and the contact surface 117c come into contact with each other. That is, the developing unit 109 is in the separation position held by the separation holding member 151L, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in the state where they are separated by a gap P1 ( Figure 36 and Figure 34(The state in part (a)). Thus, the gaps T3 and T4 mentioned above are formed again, and the separation control member 196L is placed in a position where the force-applying member 152L is not in action ( Figure 36 (The state in the middle). From Figure 39 state to Figure 36 The state transition is executed without delay.

[0414] As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196L from its original position to its second position, the separation holding member 151L moves from the separation allow position to the separation holding position. Furthermore, by returning the separation control member 196L from its second position to its original position, the developing unit 109 is placed in a state where the separation position is maintained by the separation holding member 151L.

[0415] So far, the operation of the separation mechanism located on the drive side of the processing cartridge 100 and the operation of the separation mechanism located on the non-drive side have been described separately, but in this embodiment, they operate in conjunction with each other. That is, when the developing unit 109 is positioned at the separation position by the separation holding member R, the developing unit 109 is substantially simultaneously positioned at the separation position by the separation holding member L, and this also applies to the contact position. Specifically, in Figures 23 to 27 and Figures 35 to 39 The movements of the separation control members 121R and 121L described herein are integrally performed by a connecting mechanism (not shown). Thus, the timing at which the separation holding member 151R, located on the drive side, is placed in the separation holding position, and the timing at which the separation holding member 151L, located on the non-drive side, is placed in the separation holding position, are substantially the same, and the timing at which the separation holding member 151R is placed in the separation allowable position, and the timing at which the separation holding member 151L is placed in the separation allowable position, are also substantially the same. These timings may differ between the drive side and the non-drive side, but to shorten the time from when the user starts a printing job until the printed material is ejected, it is desirable that the timings at least for the separation allowable position are the same. In this embodiment, the separation holding member swing axis H of the separation holding members 151R and 151L is common, but it is sufficient that the timings of the separation holding members 151R and 151L are substantially the same as described above, and therefore the above example is not limiting. Similarly, the swing axis HC of the force-applying member 152R and the swing axis HE of the force-applying member 152L are mismatched axes, but it is sufficient if the timing is substantially the same as described above when placed at the separation allowable position, and therefore the above example is not limiting.

[0416] As described above, the same separation contact mechanism is provided on both the driving and non-driving sides, and they operate substantially simultaneously. Therefore, even when the processing cartridge 100 is twisted or deformed in the longitudinal direction, the amount of separation between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 9 can be controlled at each end portion in the longitudinal direction. Thus, variations in the amount of separation in the longitudinal direction can be suppressed.

[0417] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R(L) in one direction (arrows W41 and W42) between the original position, the first position, and the second position, the contact and separation states between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member can be controlled. Therefore, the developing roller 106 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 104 only when an image is being formed, and the developing roller 106 can be kept separated from the photosensitive drum 104 when no image is being formed. Therefore, even if imaging is not performed for a long period, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 will not deform, and a stable image can be formed.

[0418] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the force-applying member 152R(L) acting on the separation holding member 151R(L) to rotate and move can be positioned in the receiving position by the pushing force of the tension spring 153, etc. Therefore, when the processing box 100 is outside the imaging device main assembly 170, it will not protrude from the outermost shape of the processing box 100, and the processing box 100 itself can be reduced in size.

[0419] Similarly, the force-applying member 152R(L) can be positioned in the receiving position by the pushing force of the tension spring 153, etc. Therefore, when the processing cartridge 100 is to be installed onto the imaging device main assembly 170, the installation of the processing cartridge 100 can be accomplished by moving it in only one direction. Therefore, there is no need to move the processing cartridge 100 (tray 171) in the vertical direction. Therefore, the imaging device main assembly 170 does not require additional space, and the main assembly can be reduced in size.

[0420] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the separation control member 196R(L) is placed in its original position, the separation control member 196R(L) is not loaded from the processing box 100. Therefore, the stiffness required for the mechanism used to operate the separation control member 196R(L) and the separation control member 196R(L) can be reduced, and the size can be reduced. Moreover, since the load on the sliding portion of the mechanism used to operate the separation control member 196R(L) is also reduced, wear on the sliding portion and the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0421] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the developing unit 109 can maintain the separation position solely by means of the separation holding member 151R(L) included in the processing cartridge 100. Therefore, by reducing the number of components that cause variations in the gap between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104, component tolerances can be reduced and the gap can be minimized. Since the gap can be reduced, when the processing cartridge 100 is arranged in the main assembly 170 of the imaging device, the area occupied by the developing unit 109 when it moves to the contact and separation positions can be smaller, allowing for a smaller size of the imaging device. Additionally, the space for the developer-containing portion 29 of the developing unit 109 when it moves to the contact and separation positions can be increased, and thus, a smaller, higher-capacity processing cartridge 100 can be placed in the main assembly 170 of the imaging device.

[0422] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the processing cartridge 100 is installed, the force-applying member 152R(L) can also be positioned at the receiving position, and the developing unit 109 can be maintained in the separated position solely by the separation holding member 151R(L) of the processing cartridge 100. Therefore, when the processing cartridge 100 is installed into the imaging device main assembly 170, the processing cartridge 100 can be installed by moving in only one direction. For this purpose, it is not necessary to move the processing cartridge 100 (tray 171) in the vertical direction. Therefore, the imaging device main assembly 170 does not require space, and the main assembly can be reduced in size. In addition, since the separation amount can be reduced, when the processing cartridge 100 is placed in the imaging device main assembly 170, the area occupied by the developing unit 109 when it moves to the contact position and the separation position can be reduced, and therefore the imaging device can be reduced in size. Furthermore, since the space for the developing agent receiving portion 29 of the developing unit 109 to move to the contact position and the separation position can be increased, a smaller and larger capacity processing cartridge 100 can be placed in the imaging device main assembly 170.

[0423] [Details of the arrangement of the separation contact mechanism]

[0424] Then refer to Figure 40 and Figure 41 The arrangement of the separation contact mechanisms R and L in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0425] Figure 40 This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation holding member 151R when viewed from the drive side along the swing axis K (photosensitive drum axis direction) of the developing unit 109 and the processing cartridge 100. Additionally, for ease of explanation, it is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the developing cover member and a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, partially omitted via the partial section line CS. Figure 41This is an enlarged view of the periphery of the separation and holding member 151R when viewed from the non-drive side along the swing axis K of the developing unit 109 (the axis along the direction of the photosensitive drum axis). Additionally, for ease of explanation, it is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the developing cover member 128 and a portion of the driving-side cover member 116, partially omitted via the partial section line CS. Regarding the arrangement of the separation and holding member and the force-applying member described below, there is no difference between the driving and non-drive sides except for the parts described in detail below, and they are interchangeable; therefore, only the driving side will be described, but this also applies to the non-drive side.

[0426] like Figure 40 As shown, the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 104 is point M1, the rotation center of the developing roller 106 is point M2, and the line passing through points M1 and M2 is line N. Furthermore, the contact area between the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R and the contact surface 116c of the drive-side cover member 116 is M3, and the contact area between the second pressure-bearing surface 151Re of the separation holding member 151R and the second pressing surface 152Rr of the second force-applying member 152R is M4. In addition, the distance between the swing axis K and point M2 of the developing unit 109 is distance e1, the distance between the swing axis K and area M3 is e2, and the distance between the swing axis K and point M4 is e3.

[0427] In the structure of this embodiment, the following positions relate to the situation when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the force-applying member 152R(L) is in the protruding position. When along... Figure 40 When viewed along the axial direction of the swing axis K (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum), at least a portion of the contact area M3 between the separation holding member 151R and the drive-side cover member is positioned on the side opposite to the side where the center of the developing coupling 32 (swing axis K) is located, relative to the line N passing through the center of the photosensitive drum 104 and the center of the developing roller. That is, the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R is arranged such that the distance e2 is longer than the distance e1.

[0428] By arranging the separation holding member 151R and the separation holding surface 151Rc in this manner, changes in the orientation of the spacing position of the developing unit 109 can be suppressed when the position of the separation holding surface 151Rc changes due to component tolerances, etc. That is, changes in the separation holding surface 151Rc affect the separation amount (gap) P1 between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 (see...). Figure 42 The effects of part (a) can be minimized, and the developing roller 106 can be precisely spaced from the photosensitive element 104. Furthermore, no additional space is required to allow retraction when the developing unit 109 is separated, resulting in a reduction in the size of the main component 170 of the imaging device.

[0429] Furthermore, the first force receiving portion 152Rk (Lk) and the second force receiving portion 152Rn (Ln), which are force receiving portions of the force applying member 152R (L), are arranged on the side opposite to the rotation center of the developing coupling 32 with respect to the extension line of line N.

[0430] As described above, force receiving portions 152Rk (Lk) and 152Rn (Ln) are provided at the end portions in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 ( Figure 16 As shown, the cylindrical portion 128b (127a), which serves as the support portion of the developing unit 109, is disposed at the end portion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by arranging the force receiving portions 152Rk (Lk) and 152Rn (Ln) relative to line N at positions opposite to the cylindrical portion 128b (127a) of the developing unit 109 (i.e., the swing axis K), the functional elements can be efficiently arranged. That is, it results in a reduction in the size of the processing cartridge 100 and the imaging device M.

[0431] Additionally, force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are positioned at the longitudinal drive side end portion. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 As shown, the developing drive input gear 132, which receives the drive from the main component 170 of the imaging device and drives the developing roller 106, is located at the end portion on the drive side in the longitudinal direction. Figure 40 As shown, the extensions of the force-applying members 152Rk and 152Rn relative to line N are positioned on the side opposite to the rotation center K of the developing drive input gear 132 (developing coupling portion 132a), as indicated by the dashed line. This arrangement allows for efficient arrangement of the functional elements. That is, it results in a reduction in the size of the processing cartridge 100 and the imaging device M.

[0432] Furthermore, the contact portion between the separation holding member 151R and the force application member 152R is arranged such that the distance e3 is longer than the distance e1. Therefore, the separation holding member 151R and the drive-side cover member 116 can contact each other with a lighter force. That is, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be stably separated from each other.

[0433] [Detailed description of the drive transmission mechanism for the photosensitive drum]

[0434] The drum unit 103, used to transfer driving force from the main component of the imaging device to the cartridge 100, will be described (see [link]). Figure 1 Part (a)) is a structure for driving (rotating) the drum unit.

[0435] Figure 1 , Figure 13 and Figures 55 to 58The drum unit 103 shown includes a photosensitive drum, a drum coupling (box-side coupling, coupling component) 143, and a drum flange 142 (see...). Figure 13 The drum unit 103, as part of the housing 100, can be mounted to and detached from the main assembly of the imaging device. By mounting the drum unit 103 to the main assembly of the device, it can communicate with the drive transmission unit 203 of the main assembly of the device (see...). Figure 43 and Figure 44 (Details will be described below) Connection. During imaging, the drum unit rotates in the direction of arrow A (see...). Figure 1 , Figures 55 to 57 In this embodiment, when observing the drive side of the drum unit 103 (the side where the drum coupling 143 is located), that is, when observing the drum unit 103 along the direction of arrow M1B, the rotation direction of the drum unit 103 corresponds to the clockwise direction (see...). Figure 1 In other words, when observing the front surface of the drum coupling 143, the rotation direction A of the drum coupling 143 corresponds to the clockwise direction.

[0436] The rotational direction A of the drum unit (drum coupling 143 and photosensitive drum 104) will be described below using the movement of the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 (see below). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In, with Figure 1 Unlike other objects, the box is viewed from the non-drive side, and therefore the rotation direction A of the drum unit 103 is counterclockwise.

[0437] like Figure 3 As shown, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is charged inside the cartridge at a position near the charging roller 105 (around its contact point with the charging roller). Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 moves to a position where it receives the laser beam U, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 moves to a position near the developing roller 106 (the position in contact with the developing roller in this embodiment), and the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is developed into a toner image. Afterward, the surface of the photosensitive drum moves to a position exposed beneath the cartridge and to the outside of the cartridge housing. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 exposed from the outer casing of the cartridge contacts the intermediate transfer belt 12a in the main assembly of the imaging device. Thus, the toner image is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to the transfer belt 12a. Afterward, the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 returns to a position near the charging roller 105 inside the cartridge.

[0438] In summary, as the photosensitive drum 104 rotates due to the driving force of the coupling 143, a portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 moves from a position near the charging roller 105 to a position near the developing roller 106. Thereafter, a portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is exposed to the outside of the cartridge housing and then returns to the inside of the cartridge housing and approaches the charging roller 105 again.

[0439] As described above, the cartridge 100 of this embodiment does not have a cleaning device for contacting the photosensitive drum 104 and removing toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 (see [link]). Figure 3 Therefore, the torque required for the drum unit 103 (photosensitive drum 104) within the rotating cartridge 100 is relatively small. In this configuration, the drum unit 103 is easily affected by the surrounding environment when driven, and thus, its rotational speed may be unstable due to external influences. For example, in this embodiment, the developing roller 106, charging roller 105, and transfer belt 12a are in contact with the photosensitive drum 104. If the magnitude of the frictional force generated between these devices and the photosensitive drum 104 fluctuates, the speed of the drum unit 103 may fluctuate.

[0440] Therefore, in this embodiment, the structure is such that when the drive transmission unit 203 (see [see device name]) is disposed in the main component of the device... Figure 43 When the drum drive coupling 180 rotates the drum unit (photosensitive drum 104) of the cartridge, a predetermined level or higher torque is required. As a result, the rotation of the drum unit 103 is less affected by external factors, and its rotation speed is stable.

[0441] First, refer to Figure 1 Part (a) will describe the drum coupling 143 of the processing box 100. Figure 1 Part (a) is a perspective view of the drum coupling.

[0442] The drum coupling 143 of this embodiment is manufactured by injection molding of polyacetal resin. As a material, resin materials such as polycarbonate resin or polybutylene terephthalate resin can be used, or resin materials provided by mixing these with glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like. Alternatively, processing methods such as die casting or machining can be used with metallic materials such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel.

[0443] Next, refer to Figure 1 , Figures 55 to 58 The shape of the drum coupling 143 will be described.

[0444] In the following description of the drum coupling 143, the direction along the axial direction from the photosensitive drum 104 toward the drive transmission unit 230 (drum drive coupling 180) (the direction of arrow M1A) is referred to as the outward (outward) axial direction. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the outward direction (the direction of arrow M1B) is referred to as the inward direction in the axial direction.

[0445] In other words, in the drum coupling, the outward direction in the axial direction (M1A direction) is from the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum toward the drive side end portion 104a. Figure 80 (From center to left). Alternatively, the outward direction in the axial direction (M1A direction) is... Figure 14 The non-driving side cover 117 of the middle box 100 faces the driving side cover 116.

[0446] The inward direction in the axial direction (M1B direction) is the direction from the drive-side end portion 104a of the photosensitive drum 104 toward the non-drive-side end portion 104b. Figure 80 (From center to right). Alternatively, the inward direction in the axial direction (M1B direction) is the direction from the drive-side cover 116 of the box 100 toward the non-drive-side cover 117 in the figure.

[0447] like Figure 1 As shown in part (b), the drum coupling 143 is mounted to one longitudinal end (drive-side end) of the photosensitive drum 104. As described above, Figure 1 The shaft portion 143j shown consists of the drive-side cover member 116 that supports the photosensitive drum unit 103 (see...). Figure 15 It is rotatably supported. The drum unit 103 is configured to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction (direction of arrow A) during the imaging operation in which the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum is developed.

[0448] The drum coupling 143 receives a driving force from the main component drive transmission unit 203 of the main component of the device for rotating the photosensitive drum 104, and also receives a braking force for applying a load against the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0449] The drum coupling 143 is provided with a protrusion that protrudes outward in the axial direction from the surface of the end portion of the shaft portion 143j (see...). Figure 1 , Figures 52 to 57 The protrusion has a driving force receiving portion 143b as a first side surface (first side portion) for receiving driving force from the drive transmission unit 203. Furthermore, the protrusion of the drum coupling 143 includes a braking force receiving portion 143c as a second side surface (second side portion) for receiving braking force from the drive transmission unit 203.

[0450] The driving force receiving portion 143b is a side surface (side portion) facing the upstream side in the rotation direction A of the drum unit. Furthermore, the braking force receiving portion 143c is a side surface (side portion) facing the downstream side in the rotation direction A.

[0451] In other words, one of the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c faces one side of the drum unit in the circumferential direction, and the other faces the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c are side surfaces (side portions) that are opposite to each other in the rotational direction and the circumferential direction.

[0452] Furthermore, the protrusion of the drum coupling 143 has a helical inclined surface (inclined portion, inclined surface) 143d as a top surface (upper surface, upper portion, upper part). The inclined surface (top surface) 143d is the portion facing outward in the axial direction (arrow MA1 direction). That is, the inclined surface 143d is the portion facing the side opposite to the non-drive side end portion of the drum unit (i.e., where the drum flange 142 is arranged). Figure 13 (the end portion on one side of the coupling 143). In other words, the helical ramp (top surface) 143d of the coupling 143 is the portion facing the side opposite to the side where the photosensitive drum 104 is located.

[0453] The helical ramp 143d is inclined so that it faces the upstream side in the rotational direction (the upstream side in the direction of arrow A) and outwards in the axial direction (the direction of arrow MA1). That is, the ramp 143d moves away from the non-drive side of the drum unit 103 as it moves towards the upstream side in the rotational direction. In other words, the ramp 143d is inclined so that it moves away from the photosensitive drum as it moves towards the upstream side in the rotational direction.

[0454] In other words, the helical ramp 143d extends from upstream to downstream in the rotational direction toward the non-drive end of the drum unit and the housing. That is, when the distance of the helical ramp 143d from the non-drive end of the housing is measured in the axial direction, the distance becomes shorter in the downstream direction of the rotational direction.

[0455] The helical ramp 143d includes a downstream portion (downstream top surface, downstream inclined ramp, downstream inclined portion, downstream guide portion) 143d1 sandwiched between the drive force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c in the rotational direction of the drum unit. Furthermore, the ramp 143d has an upstream portion (upstream side top surface, upstream side inclined ramp, upstream side inclined portion, upstream guide portion) 143d2. The upstream portion 143d2 of the helical ramp 143d is disposed upstream of the drive force receiving portion 143b and the downstream portion 143d1 of the helical ramp 143d in the rotational direction (see...). Figures 55 to 58 ).

[0456] Furthermore, since the length of the inclined plane 143d is measured along the rotation direction of the drum unit, the length of the upstream inclined plane 143d2 is greater than the length of the downstream inclined plane 143d1.

[0457] The upstream portion (upstream inclined surface) 143d2 of the inclined surface 143d is disposed radially inside the driving force receiving portion 143b (closer to the axis L). That is, the upstream portion (upstream top surface, upstream inclined surface) 143d2 of the inclined surface 143d is disposed closer to the axis L than the driving force receiving portion 143b. Figure 1 Part (a)). Axis L ( Figure 1 Part (a) is the axis (rotation axis) that serves as the rotation center of the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104.

[0458] Furthermore, the protrusion of the drum coupling 143 is provided with a circular hole portion 143a as an opening, which is used to engage with the positioning boss (positioning portion) 180i of the drum drive coupling 180 and position their axes. The circular hole portion 143a has a circular opening whose cross-section is perpendicular to the axis L of the drum coupling 143 and extends along the axis L.

[0459] The protrusion of the drum coupling 143 includes a portion along the axis L (see...) Figure 1 Part (a)) forms the shaft portion 143p (see Figure 1 The circular hole portion 143a is formed inside the shaft portion 143p. The shaft portion 143p is the portion used to form the circular hole portion 143a.

[0460] The shaft portion 143p and the circular hole portion 143a extend aligned with the axis L. By forming the circular hole portion 143a, the rotation axis L of the drum unit (see...) is... Figure 1 The space between part (a) and the inner surface of the drum coupling 143 is an open space. The diameter of shaft part 143p is smaller than that of shaft part 143j.

[0461] The aforementioned drum coupling 143 has a feature about axis L (see...) Figure 1 The axisymmetric shape of part (a) is as follows. The driving force receiving part 143b, the braking force receiving part 143c, and the helical inclined surface 143d are arranged in two positions to be separated by 180° in the circumferential direction, thereby providing the first coupling part 143r and the second coupling part 143s (see Figure 58 ).

[0462] Each coupling part includes a driving force receiving part 143b, a braking force receiving part 143c, and a helical ramp 143d, and the first coupling part 143r and the second coupling part 143s are positioned symmetrically about the axis.

[0463] The driving force receiving portion 143b, the braking force receiving portion 143c, and the helical inclined surface 143d are arranged around the aforementioned circular hole portion 143a and shaft portion 143p. The driving force receiving portion 143b, the braking force receiving portion 143c, and the helical inclined surface 143d are positioned further away from the axis L of the drum unit than the circular hole portion 143a and shaft portion 143p.

[0464] Next, refer to Figure 43 , Figure 44 and Figure 59 The structure of the main component-side drive transmission unit 203, which is disposed on the main component side of the device, will be described. The drive transmission unit 203 is a unit for rotatably driving the drum coupling 143 by connecting (engaging) with the drum coupling 143.

[0465] Figure 43 This is an exploded perspective view of the main component-side drive transmission unit 203. Figure 59 yes Figure 43 An enlarged perspective view of the portion shown. Figure 44 This is a cross-sectional view of the main component-side drive transmission unit 203.

[0466] The drive gear 201 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 202 fixed to a frame (not shown) of the main assembly 170 of the device, and driving force is transmitted from a motor (not shown) to rotate the drive gear 201. The drum drive coupling 180 includes a cylindrical portion 180c and a flange portion 180a disposed at its end, the flange being assembled and supported by the mounting portion 201a of the drive gear 201. Furthermore, the drum drive coupling 180 is provided with a rotation stop portion 180b projecting from the flange portion 180a, the rotation stop portion 180b receiving driving force when rotating in contact with the rotation stop portion 201b of the drive gear 201. The drive transmission unit 203 includes multiple components inside the cylindrical portion 180c of the drum drive coupling 180.

[0467] The components arranged inside the cylindrical portion 180c are as follows: a braking member 206 supported and stopped by a support shaft 202; a braking transmission member 207 connected to the braking member 206 to transmit braking force; a first braking engagement member 204 and a second braking engagement member 208 engaging with the braking force receiving surface 143c of the drum coupling 143; and a braking engagement spring 211 and a drum drive coupling spring 210 arranged along axis M1 and generating pushing force in the direction of axis M1 (axial direction). Axis M1 is the rotation axis of the main assembly-side drive transmission unit 203.

[0468] The shape of each component arranged inside the main component drive transmission unit 203 will be described.

[0469] The first brake engagement member 204 includes a cylindrical portion 204d, a flange portion 204a, and a coupling engagement portion 204b that protrudes like a claw and engages with the drum coupling 143. A portion of the cylindrical portion includes a rotation stop recess 204c that engages with a rotation stop protrusion 208c of the second brake engagement member 208, which will be described below.

[0470] The second brake engagement member 208 includes a flange portion 208a, a coupling engagement portion 208b that protrudes in the form of a claw and engages with the drum coupling 143, and a rotation stop protrusion 208c that engages with the rotation stop recess 204c of the first brake engagement member 204. Since the second brake engagement member 208 is prevented from rotating relative to the first brake engagement member 204, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 rotate integrally with each other. Furthermore, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 are connected so that they also move integrally in the axial direction.

[0471] Therefore, the first braking engagement member 204 and the second braking engagement member 208 can be simply referred to as braking engagement members (204, 208).

[0472] The first brake engagement member 204 is an external brake engagement member disposed on the outer side in the radial direction, and the second brake engagement member 208 is an internal brake engagement member disposed on the inner side in the radial direction.

[0473] The brake transmission member 207 includes a flange portion 207a and a shaft portion 207b. The flange portion 207a has a protrusion 207e that engages with a protrusion 204e provided on the flange portion 204a of the first brake engagement member 204. The flange portion 207a of the brake transmission member 207 is disposed between the flange portion 204a of the first brake engagement member 204 and the flange portion 208a of the second brake engagement member 208, and has a clearance G between them in the axial direction. Figure 44 In the axial direction M1A, when the brake transmission member 207 is at the protrusion 207e of the brake transmission member 207 relative to the first brake engagement member 204 (see...) Figure 43 and Figure 59When the brake transmission member 207 engages with the protrusion 204e of the first brake engagement member 204, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 rotate together. Conversely, when the brake transmission member 207 is in a position in the axial direction relative to the first brake engagement member 204 where the protrusion 207e does not engage with the protrusion 204e, the brake transmission member 207 does not restrict the rotation of the first engagement member 204 and the second engagement member 208. That is, the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 can rotate relative to the brake transmission member 207. The shaft portion 207b has a non-circular cross-section and engages with the engagement hole 206c of the brake member 206, which will be described below, such that the brake transmission member 207 and the brake member 206 rotate together.

[0474] The braking member 206 is divided into two parts, a fixed side 206a and a rotating side 206b, but they are integrated in the axial direction by a retainer (not shown). The fixed side 206a is supported by a support shaft 202, and its rotation about the shaft is also fixed. On the other hand, the rotating side 206b can rotate about the support shaft 202, but rotates while receiving braking force (load) in the rotational direction from the fixed side 206a. The method of generating braking force can be appropriately selected from those using friction and viscosity.

[0475] Brake engagement members (204, 208) are connected to brake member 206 via brake transmission member 207 as described above. Therefore, the rotational torque of the brake engagement members (204, 208) increases due to the load (braking force) generated by brake member 206. Brake engagement spring 211 is a compression coil spring and is configured to be sandwiched and compressed between the end face 206d of brake member 206 and the flange portion 204a of first brake engagement member 204. Therefore, spring 211 applies a repulsive force (pushing force, elastic force) to each of the end face 206d of brake member 206 and the flange portion 204a of first brake engagement member 204.

[0476] The drum drive coupling spring 210 is a compression helical spring and is configured to be sandwiched and compressed between the end face 206d of the braking member 206 and the flange portion 207a of the braking transmission member 207. Therefore, the spring 210 applies a repulsive force (pushing force, elastic force) to each of the end face 206d of the braking member 206 and the flange portion 207a of the braking transmission member 207.

[0477] The brake transmission member 207 receives the repulsive force of the brake engagement spring 211 and the drum drive coupling spring 210 simultaneously via the flange portion 204a of the first brake engagement member 204. The protrusion 207f at the end of the brake transmission member 207 in the axial direction M1A abuts against the contact surface 180f of the drum drive coupling 180 (see...). Figure 44 ).

[0478] Therefore, the drum drive coupling 180 also receives the forces of the drum drive coupling spring 210 and the brake engagement spring 211 via the brake transmission member 207. Due to the forces of springs 210 and 211, the drum drive coupling 180 tends to move. Therefore, the movement of the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of arrow M1B is restricted by the axial direction portion 212 (see...). Figure 44 The control (restriction) prevents the drum drive coupling 180 from detaching from the drive transmission unit 203 on the main assembly side. Specifically, when the drum drive coupling 180 moves a certain distance toward arrow M1B, the flange portion 180a of the drum drive coupling 180 (see...) Figure 43 ) and restriction section 212 (see Figure 44 ( ) Contact. This can suppress the movement and disengagement of the drum drive coupling 180.

[0479] When the drum drive coupling 180 receives a force from the outside in the direction of arrow M1A in this state, the drum drive coupling 180 can move in the direction of arrow M1A while compressing springs 210 and 211.

[0480] Furthermore, when the braking engagement members (204, 208) engage with the coupling 143, the coupling engagement portions 204b, 208b can interfere with the coupling 143 (see...). Figure 60 (Details will be described below). In this case, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can simultaneously compress springs 210 and 211 in the direction of arrow M1A and enter (retract) deep into the drive transmission unit 203 (see...). Figure 61 ).

[0481] As described above, the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the brake transmission member 207 are separated by a gap G (see...). Figure 44 Within the width of the gap G, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can move and retract relative to the brake transmission member 207 in the M1A direction. Similarly, the brake engagement members (204, 208) can move relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of arrow M1A within the width of the gap G. When the brake engagement members (204, 208) move relative to the brake transmission member 207 and the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of arrow M1A, the brake engagement spring 211 is compressed.

[0482] The brake transmission member 207, which tends to move beyond the width of the gap G in the direction of arrow M1A, is contacted by the brake engagement members (204, 208). The brake transmission member 207 also moves together with the brake engagement members (204, 208) in the direction of arrow M1A.

[0483] Together with the brake engagement components (204, 208), the drum drive coupling 180 also moves in the direction of arrow M1A. For example... Figure 62 As shown, the drum drive coupling 180 and the first brake engagement member 204 are respectively provided with a protruding engagement portion 180u and an engagement portion 204u. Therefore, when the brake engagement member 204 moves a predetermined distance or more relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of arrow M1A, the engagement portion 204u pushes the engagement portion 180u to retract the drive coupling 180 in the direction of M1A. At this time, not only is the spring 211 compressed, but the spring 210 is also compressed.

[0484] When the brake engagement members (204, 208) move relative to the brake transmission member 207 in the direction of arrow M1A, the protrusion 207e of the brake transmission member 207 disengages from the protrusion 204e of the first brake engagement member. That is, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are disconnected from the brake transmission member 207, and braking force is not transmitted from the brake transmission member 207. The brake members (204, 208) can rotate relative to the brake transmission member 207 without receiving rotational loads generated by the brake member 206.

[0485] That is, by retracting the brake engagement members (204, 208) in the direction of arrow M1A, the brake engagement members can be moved from a position where the brake member 206 receives rotational loads (braking force) during rotation to a position where it does not receive rotational loads during rotation. The brake engagement members (204, 208) are configured to reduce their required torque by moving relative to the brake transmission member 207 and the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of M1A.

[0486] Figure 45 It is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208). Figure 45 Part (a) is a perspective view of only the drum drive coupling 180, and Figure 45 Part (b) shows a perspective view of both the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208) included therein. Figure 45 Parts (c) and (d) are shown in the illustration, where, for better illustration, the reinforcing cylindrical portion 180e of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown (not visible). The phase of the brake engagement members (204, 208) is... Figure 45There is a difference between parts (c) and (d).

[0487] like Figure 45 As shown in part (a), the drum drive coupling (driving force application member) 180 includes a drive transmission surface 180d disposed at each of two positions 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction, as a surface (driving force application portion) that engages with the coupling 143 to transmit driving force. The drum drive coupling has an axisymmetric shape.

[0488] A through-hole 180f communicating in the direction of axis Ml is provided in the portion other than the drive transmission surface 180d. Through the through-hole 180f, the coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b of the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208 are exposed in the direction facing the coupling 143 (see...). Figure 60 ).

[0489] Figure 45 Part (b) shows the exposed coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b of the first brake engagement member 204 and the second brake engagement member 208. The drum drive coupling 180 is provided with a reinforced cylindrical portion 180e to increase the rigidity of the drive transmission surface 180d. Figure 45 The portion (c) is not shown in the illustration of the reinforcing cylindrical portion 180e for the purpose of better illustration. Figure 45 Part (c) shows the coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b in a state of near-phase relationship with the drive transmission surface 180d in the rotational direction A. The size of the through hole 180f is selected in the circumferential direction to be wider than the width of the coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b. Therefore, the coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b can move within a predetermined range in the rotational direction within the drum drive coupling 180.

[0490] Figure 45 Part (d) shows that the coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b are in a state of being far out of phase with the drive transmission surface 180d in the rotation direction A.

[0491] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figures 43 to 51 The method described herein is to connect the main component side drive transmission unit 203 of the drive transmission mechanism and the photosensitive component coupling 143 on the processing box 100 side.

[0492] [Coupling engagement operation]

[0493] Next, the connection process between the main component side drum drive coupling 180 of the imaging device main component 170 and the drum coupling 143 of the processing box 100 will be described.

[0494] Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of the imaging device main assembly 170 surrounding the main assembly side drum drive coupling 180 is shown. (Reference) Figure 46 This section will provide an overview of the motion of the drum drive coupling 180 on the main component side.

[0495] When the user opens the front door 111 of the main component of the imaging device ( Figure 4 When the processing box 100 is replaced, the drive transmission unit 203 moves along axis M1 in the direction of arrow M1A via a linkage mechanism (not shown) connected to the front door 111. That is, the drive transmission unit 203 is in a state of moving away from the processing box 100 and the drum coupling 143 (see...). Figure 60 ).

[0496] When the user installs the processing box 100 and closes the front door 111, the function of the aforementioned linkage disappears. Therefore, the drum drive coupling 180, brake engagement members 204, 208, and brake transmission member 207 tend to move again in the direction of arrow M1B due to the pushing force of the drum drive coupling spring and brake engagement spring 211. At this time, the drum coupling 143 of the processing box 100 is positioned in the direction of arrow M1B and interferes with the approaching drive transmission unit 203. Figure 61 , Figure 65 and Figure 69 (As shown in the diagram). The drum coupling 143 and the drive transmission unit 203 are pressed against each other.

[0497] In these states, the drum drive coupling 180 and drum coupling 143 of the drive transmission unit 203 are normally not engaged.

[0498] In order for the drum coupling 143 and the main assembly-side drum drive coupling 180 to be in a properly engaged state, the drive transmission unit 203 needs to be rotated further from the aforementioned pressed state. That is, the drive process of the drive transmission unit 203 must be advanced until the drum drive coupling 180 on the main assembly side engages with the drum coupling 143.

[0499] Furthermore, the process until engagement is complete can be performed in different modes, and therefore, it will be described in several cases depending on the phase of the drum coupling 143 and the main component side drum drive coupling 180.

[0500] Figure 47 Part (a) shows the drum coupling 143, and Figure 47 Part (b) shows the drive transmission unit, both of which are viewed in the axial direction.

[0501] refer to Figure 47Part (a) will further describe the shape of coupling 143. As for the outline of the coupling, the shape varies in the radial direction, depending on the function to be performed. The following structures are provided within the radius indicated by R1 in the figure.

[0502] That is, a positioning hole (opening) 143a and a cover plate (cover plate portion) 143g are provided to engage with the positioning boss (positioning part) 180i of the drive coupling 180 (see Figure 47 and Figure 1 A portion of the helical inclined surface 143d and a portion of the spiral inclined surface 143d are provided within a range between R1 and R2. The brake force receiving surface 143c is located in... Figure 47 Part (a) is not visible in the line of sight, and Figure 1 As shown in the figure. Within the range between R2 and R3, a portion of the driving force receiving portion 143b, a portion of the spiral inclined surface 143d, and a portion of the braking force receiving surface 143c are provided.

[0503] On the other hand, since the shape of the drive transmission unit 203 is also arranged to include different functions in the radial direction, therefore... Figure 47 Part (b) uses the same symbols R1 to R3 to indicate the same range as coupling 143.

[0504] exist Figure 47 In part (b), within the radius indicated by Rl, the positioning boss 180i, which engages with the positioning hole 143a of the drum coupling 143, and the second brake, which contacts the baffle portion 143g, depend on the phase of the drum coupling 143. An inwardly projecting portion 208e is arranged as part of the coupling engagement portion 208b of the engagement member 208. Within the range indicated by R1 to R2, the coupling engagement portion 208b of the second brake engagement member 208 is arranged. The drive transmission surface 180d and the first brake engagement member 204 are arranged within the range indicated by R2 to R3.

[0505] Figure 48 This is a diagram showing the unfolded parts of these parts around the axis of rotation Ml. Figure 48 The process until the drum coupling 143 and the drive transmission unit 203 engage with each other will be described.

[0506] Figure 48 The drive transmission unit 203 on the lower side is shown, and the process of approaching the drum coupling 143 while moving in the direction of arrow M1B until engagement is established is illustrated. In this figure, the drive transmission unit 203 is positioned... Figure 47Structures within radius R1 are represented by dashed lines, structures within the range between radius R1 and radius R2 are represented by solid lines, and structures within the range between radius R2 and radius R3 are represented by both solid lines and shading lines.

[0507] The drum coupling 143 includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r arranged 180° apart from each other, but for simplicity, only coupling portion 143s will be described below. The description of coupling portion 143s also applies to coupling portion 143r.

[0508] Figure 48 Part (a) shows the state where the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second braking engagement member 208 are close to each other. Figure 48 As shown in part (a), the phase relationship between the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second braking engagement member 208 is as follows: That is, the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is located upstream of the protrusion 208e in the direction of rotation (arrow A).

[0509] Figure 48 Part (b) shows the drive transmission unit 203 from Figure 48 The position shown in part (a) is further moved in the direction of arrow M1B. The helical ramp 143d is opposite to and in contact with the inward protrusion 208e of the approaching first braking engagement member 204.

[0510] Figure 48 Part (c) shows the state where the drive transmission unit 203 moves further in the direction of arrow M1B. The helical ramp 143d stops the approaching second brake engagement member 208. This suppresses the movement of the second brake engagement member 208 in the M1B direction. On the other hand, parts other than the second brake engagement member 208 (i.e., the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203, etc.) move in the direction of arrow M1B. In the drive transmission unit 203, the second brake engagement member 208 is in a state of being relatively pushed in the direction of arrow M1A.

[0511] In this state, as referenced Figure 44As the second brake engagement member 208 is disconnected from the brake member 206, it can rotate without receiving a rotational load. At this time, the brake member 206 receives a spring force F1 in the direction of the rotation axis M1 via the drum drive coupling spring 210 and brake engagement spring 211 located inside the drive transmission unit 203. The helical inclined plane 143d moves the second brake engagement member 208 without a rotational load in the direction of arrow C by the component of the spring force F1. That is, the second brake engagement member 208 moves downstream along the helical inclined plane 143d in the rotation direction A.

[0512] Figure 48 Part (d) shows the state immediately following the movement of the second brake engagement member 208 to the downstream side in the rotational direction (direction of arrow A). The second brake engagement member 208 moves along the helical ramp 143d of the drum coupling 143 and further moves the entire drive transmission unit 203 by the amount of axial movement in the M1B direction, such that the movement trajectory is as shown by arrow D. Therefore, the second brake engagement member 208 moves downstream in the rotational direction A away from the drive coupling 180 to a position where it can engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c (second side surface, second side portion) of the drum coupling 143. That is, the helical ramp 143d is a guide for guiding the brake engagement member toward the braking force receiving portion 143c. In this embodiment, the helical ramp (top surface) 143d, which serves as the guide, has a downstream portion 143d1 and an upstream portion 143d2. The downstream portion (downstream side slope, downstream side top surface, downstream side inclined portion) 143d1 is positioned between the braking force receiving portion 143c and the driving force receiving portion 143b. The upstream portion (upstream side slope, upstream side top surface, upstream side inclined portion) 143d2 is located upstream of the driving force receiving portion 143b in the rotational direction (direction A). Therefore, the second brake engagement member 208 can be smoothly guided from the upstream portion 143d2 of the slope 143d1 to the braking force receiving portion 143c via the downstream portion 143d1.

[0513] Figure 48 Part (e) shows the state in which the drum coupling 143 moves (rotates) in the direction of arrow A by rotating the drive transmission surface 180d, and thus the braking force receiving part 143c contacts the second braking engagement member 208.

[0514] When the drive transmission unit 203 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the drive transmission surface 180d contacts the drive force receiving portion 143b to transmit the drive force. The drive transmission surface 180d is the drive force applying portion that applies the drive force to the drum coupling 143.

[0515] The drum coupling 143, which rotates by receiving driving force from the drive transmission surface 180d, also receives braking force by contacting (engaging) the second brake engagement member 208 through the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0516] Figure 48 Parts (a) to (e) show only the second brake engagement member 208, which is a first brake engagement member 204 and a second brake engagement member 208, serving as a brake engagement member. However, the first brake engagement member 204 (see...) Figure 43 It is connected to the second braking member 208 so as to move integrally with the second braking member 208. Therefore, in Figure 48 Part (a) to Figure 48 In the process shown in part (e), the first brake engagement member 204 also moves along the same line as the second brake member 208. Figure 48 In the state shown in part (e), the first brake engagement member 204 also engages with the brake force receiving part 143c together with the second brake engagement member 208.

[0517] exist Figure 48 In sections (a) to (e), for the sake of simplicity, only the engagement process of the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling 180 with the coupling section 143s is shown. Similar to the coupling section 143s, the coupling 143r also engages with the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling 180. The engagement state of the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling relative to the coupling 143r is as follows: Figure 76 It is shown in part (a).

[0518] Here, to help identify the process described so far, we will use again... Figures 60 to 64 Described using a perspective view. Figures 60 to 64 For better illustration, a portion of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown, and its internal shape is not covered.

[0519] Figure 60 This is shown in relation to the above. Figure 48 Part (a) is a perspective view of the same state. That is, the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is on the upstream side of the protrusion 208e in the direction of rotation (arrow A), and the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are close to each other. Figure 61 This shows the state in which the drive transmission unit 203 has moved from this state in the direction of arrow M1B.

[0520] Figure 61 Showing the corresponding Figure 48The state of part (b) is such that the helical inclined surface 143d is opposite to and in contact with the inward protrusion 208e of the adjacent second brake engagement member 208. The drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 approach each other until they contact each other, but the state inside the drive transmission unit 203 remains unchanged. Figure 62 This shows the state in which the drive transmission unit 203 moves further from this state in the direction of arrow M1B.

[0521] Figure 62 Showing the corresponding Figure 48 In part (c), the spiral ramp 143d stops the approaching second brake engagement member 208. Thus, in the drive transmission unit 203, the second brake engagement member 208 is pushed relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the direction of arrow M1A.

[0522] In this state, as referenced Figure 44 As the second brake engagement member 208 is disconnected from the brake member 206, it can rotate without receiving a rotational load. At this time, the brake member 206 receives a spring force F1 in the direction of the rotation axis M1 via the drum drive coupling spring 210 and brake engagement spring 211 arranged inside the drive transmission unit 203. The helical inclined plane 143d moves the second brake engagement member 208 without a rotational load in the direction of arrow C by the component of the spring force F1. That is, the second brake engagement member 208 rotates along the helical inclined plane 143d to the downstream side in the rotation direction A.

[0523] Figure 63 This shows the state immediately following the second brake engagement member 208 moving to the downstream side in the rotational direction (direction of arrow A), and corresponds to... Figure 48 Part (c). The second brake engagement member 208 moves along the helical ramp 143d of the drum coupling 143 and further moves in the M1B direction by the amount by which the entire drive transmission unit 203 moves in the axial direction M1B, the trajectory of which is shown by arrow D. Therefore, the brake engagement members (204, 208) move downstream in the rotational direction A away from the drive coupling 180 to a position where they can engage with the second side surface (brake force receiving part 143c) of the drum coupling 143. Upon reaching this position, the brake engagement members (204, 208) return to a state where braking force can be generated.

[0524] Figure 64 The state of the drum coupling 143 being moved (rotated) in the direction of arrow A by the rotational drive transmission surface 180d, and thus the braking force receiving portion 143c contacts the second braking engagement member 208. Figure 64 Corresponding to Figure 48Part (d).

[0525] When the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 is... Figure 64 When the state rotates in the direction of arrow A, the drive transmission surface 180d contacts the drive force receiving portion 143b to transmit the drive force. The drum coupling 143, rotating by receiving the drive force from the drive transmission surface 180d, also receives braking force by contacting (engaging) the second brake engagement member 208 through the brake force receiving portion 143c (see...). Figure 48 Part (e)).

[0526] In short, through Figure 48 Parts (a) to (e) and Figures 60 to 64 In the process shown, the braking engagement members (204, 208) move relative to the drum drive coupling 180 and the drum coupling 143 as follows.

[0527] Braking engagement members (204, 208) are positioned 180d from their location near the drive transmission surface. Figure 48 Part (a) and Figure 60 The position where the drum coupling 143 is clamped between the drive transmission surface 180d and the brake engagement members (204, 208) is moved. Figure 48 Part (d) and Figure 64 )).

[0528] When the drive transmission surface 180d from Figure 48 Part (d) and Figure 64 When the drum coupling 143 rotates in the state shown, it also rotates together with the drive transmission surface 180d to achieve... Figure 48 The state is shown in part (e). Then, the drum coupling 143 rotates in the direction of arrow A by the driving force received from the drum drive-side coupling 180, while receiving an appropriate load (braking force) from the braking engagement members (204, 208). Therefore, the torque required by the drum drive coupling 180 to rotate the drum unit is not too small and is appropriate, so that the rotational drive of the drum unit is stable.

[0529] Next, refer to Figure 49 Sections (a) to (e) will describe another mode of the engagement process between the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum coupling 143. The drum coupling 143 has two coupling portions 143s and 143r, but for simplicity, only coupling portion 143s will be described.

[0530] like Figure 49As shown in section (a), the phase of the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second braking engagement member will be described as satisfying the following relationship. That is, the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is on the downstream side of the inward protrusion 208e in the rotation direction (arrow A).

[0531] Figure 49 Part (a) shows the state in which the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are close to each other.

[0532] The baffle portion 143g of the drum coupling 143 contacts the inward protrusion 208e of the second brake engagement member 208 that is approaching in the M1B direction.

[0533] Next, Figure 49 Part (b) shows the state in which the cover portion 143g stops (prevents) the approaching second brake engagement member 208. Here, the drum drive coupling 180, which is a component of the drive transmission unit 203, does not contact the cover portion 143g, and therefore cannot stop its advance in the M1B direction. That is, the cover portion 143g does not interfere with the shape of the drum drive coupling 180 because their positions are different in the radial direction. On the other hand, the second brake engagement member 208 has an inwardly protruding portion 208e at its free end in the M1B direction. Since the inwardly protruding portion 208e protrudes inward in the radial direction, it contacts the cover portion 143g of the drum coupling 143.

[0534] By moving only the drum drive coupling 180 in the M1B direction, the second brake engagement member 208 moves relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the M1A direction. As described above, through this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state in which it can rotate without receiving rotational loads.

[0535] Then, Figure 49 Part (c) shows the state in which the drive transmission unit 203 has begun to rotate in the rotation direction A. First, when the drum drive coupling 180 begins to rotate in the direction A, it is driven by the drum drive coupling 180, and the second brake engagement member 208 also begins to rotate in the direction A.

[0536] The helical ramp 143d of the drum coupling 143 moves the second brake engagement member 208 in the direction of arrow C, passing the inward protrusion 208e of the second brake engagement member 208 and the point of the inclined starting portion 143f. That is, the second brake engagement member 208 moves downstream of the rotation direction A and in the direction of M1B.

[0537] Figure 49 Part (d) shows in such Figure 48 Part (d) shows the state of the second brake engagement member 208 after it has moved along the helical ramp 143d of the drum coupling 143 and passed the inclined surface 143d. At this time, the entire drive transmission unit 203 moves further in the axial direction M1B. Therefore, the second brake engagement member also moves in the M1B direction. The first brake engagement member 204 moves along the line of arrow D.

[0538] Subsequent joining operations and Figure 48 The description of part (d) is the same, and the subsequent joining completion state is as follows: Figure 48 As shown in part (e), in this embodiment, the baffle portion 143g is continuous with the upstream side (upstream side slope, upstream side top surface) 143d2 of the helical ramp 143d. The inclined start portion 143f is the boundary portion between the baffle portion 143g and the helical ramp 143d. Therefore, the second braking engagement member 208, whose movement is blocked by the baffle portion 143g, can smoothly transition to a state of contact with the helical ramp 143d as the drive transmission unit 203 rotates. However, the structure is not limited to this example structure, and space can be provided between the baffle portion 143g and the ramp 143d.

[0539] Also in Figure 49 Part (a) to Figure 49 In section (d), only the second brake engagement member 208 of the brake engagement members (204, 208) is shown. However, as mentioned above, it is also... Figure 49 Part (a) to Figure 49 During part (d) of the process, the first braking engagement member 204 (see Figure 43 It moves integrally with the second braking engagement member 208.

[0540] Here, to help identify the reference Figure 49 Part (a) to Figure 49 The process described in part (d) will be referred to again. Figures 65 to 68 Described using a perspective view. Figures 65 to 68 For better illustration, a portion of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown, and its internal shape is not covered.

[0541] Figure 65 The diagram shows the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 approaching each other. At this time, the cover 143g of the drum coupling 143 is in contact with the second brake engagement member 208 approaching in the M1B direction. Figure 65 Corresponding to Figure 49 Part (a).

[0542] Next, Figure 66This shows the state where the drum drive coupling 180 has moved axially to the right (M1B direction) relative to the second brake engagement member 208. Figure 66 In the middle, the shield portion 143g is in a state of stopping (preventing) the approaching second braking engagement member 208 from advancing.

[0543] Figure 66 Corresponding to Figure 49 Part (b). The second brake engagement member 208 moves to the left (M1A direction) in the axial direction relative to the drum drive coupling 180. As described above, through this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state in which it can rotate without receiving rotational load.

[0544] Subsequently, Figure 67 This shows the state in which the drive transmission unit 203 has started to rotate in the rotation direction A. Figure 67 Corresponding to Figure 49 Part (c). The helical ramp 143d of the drum coupling 143 moves the second brake engagement member 208 in the direction of arrow C from the point of the inclined starting part 143f. Figure 68 Corresponding to Figure 49 Part (d). In Figure 68 In the indicated state, the first braking engagement member 204 moves along the helical inclined surface 143d of the drum coupling 143, as shown. Figure 48 Part (d) and Figure 63 The state is shown. Furthermore, the first brake engagement member 204 also moves in the M1B direction by the same amount as the entire drive transmission unit 203 moves in the axial direction M1B. Therefore, the first brake engagement member 204 moves along the trajectory of arrow D.

[0545] Then, as described above, the entire drive transmission unit 203 continues to rotate to complete the connection, resulting in... Figure 48 The part (e) is in the same state.

[0546] Next, refer to Figure 50 Part (a) to Figure 50 Section (d) will describe another mode of the engagement process between the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum coupling 143. The drum coupling 143 includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r, but for simplicity, only coupling portion 143s will be described.

[0547] like Figure 50As shown in part (a), the phase of the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second braking engagement member will satisfy the following relationship. That is, the case where the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 is located on the downstream side of the rotation direction (arrow A) will be described.

[0548] Figure 50 Part (a) shows the state in which the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second braking engagement member 208 are separated from each other.

[0549] Next, Figure 50 Part (b) shows the state in which the baffle portion 143g stops the forward movement of the approaching second brake engagement member 208. Here, the drum drive coupling 180, which is a component of the drive transmission unit 203, does not contact the baffle portion 143g, and therefore, the forward movement cannot be stopped. As a result, the second brake engagement member 208 moves relative to the drum drive coupling 180 in the M1A direction. As described above, through this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state in which it can rotate without receiving a rotational load. Here, the baffle portion 143g does not interfere with the shape of the drum drive coupling 180 because their positions are different in the radial direction.

[0550] Then, Figure 50 Part (c) shows the state in which the drive transmission unit 203 rotates in the rotational direction A and contacts the second brake engagement member. This is the state in which the second brake engagement member 208 itself does not begin to rotate and thus stops at this position, while the drum drive coupling 180 rotates and contacts the second brake engagement member 208. Thereafter, with further rotation, the second brake engagement member 208 and the drum drive coupling 180 rotate together.

[0551] Figure 50 Part (d) shows the state where the second brake engagement member 208 has rotated further and has passed the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143. Upon reaching this state, the second brake engagement member 208 moves in the direction of arrow C, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 48 As described in section (c). Subsequent operations are the same as described above, and therefore the explanation is omitted.

[0552] Also in Figure 50 Part (a) to Figure 50 In section (d), only the second brake engagement member 208 of the brake engagement members (204, 208) is shown. However, as described above, in Figure 50 Part (a) to Figure 50 During part (d) of the process, the first braking engagement member 204 (see Figure 43 It also moves integrally with the second braking engagement member 208.

[0553] Here, to help identify references Figure 50 Part (a) to Figure 50 The process described in part (d) will be referred to again. Figures 69 to 72 Described using a perspective view. Figures 69 to 72 For better illustration, a portion of the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown, and its internal shape is not covered.

[0554] Figure 69 Corresponding to Figure 50 Part (a) shows the state in which the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are separated by gap G1.

[0555] Next, Figure 70 Corresponding to Figure 50 Part (b) shows the state in which the entire drive transmission unit 203 has moved in the M1B direction. This is the state in which the cover part 143g stops the forward movement of the approaching second brake engagement member 208, and the drum drive coupling 180 has moved to the right (M1B direction) in the axial direction beyond the second brake engagement member 208. At this time, the second brake engagement member 208 moves to the left (M1A direction) relative to the drum drive coupling 180. As described above, through this relative movement, the second brake engagement member 208 is transformed into a state in which it can rotate without receiving rotational load.

[0556] Then, Figure 71 Corresponding to Figure 50 Part (c) shows the state in which the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 contacts the second brake engagement member 208 by rotating in the rotation direction A.

[0557] Because the second brake engagement member 208 cannot rotate without receiving rotational force from the drum drive coupling 180, it does not rotate immediately after the drive transmission unit 203 begins operation and remains in its initial position. That is, only the drum drive coupling 180 begins rotating in direction A ahead of time. Therefore, achieving... Figure 71 The state shown is such that the drum drive coupling 180 is in contact with the second brake engagement member 208.

[0558] Figure 72 Corresponding to Figure 50Part (d) shows the engagement between the drum drive coupling 180 and the second brake engagement member 208, where both the drum drive coupling 180 and the second brake engagement member 208 begin to rotate in direction A. More specifically, this is the state in which the second brake engagement member 208 is pushed by the drum drive coupling 180 to rotate in direction A, and the second brake engagement member 208 passes through the inclined starting portion 143f of the drum coupling 143. Upon reaching this state, the second brake engagement member 208 is guided by the inclined surface 143d and moves in the direction along the inclined surface 143d (the direction of arrow C), as... Figure 48 Part (c) and Figure 62 As described in [the text].

[0559] Subsequent operations are the same as those mentioned above. Figure 48 Part (c) to Figure 48 Part (e) and Figures 62 to 64 The same applies to those described, and therefore, a description of them is omitted here.

[0560] As described above, when the housing 100 is mounted on the main assembly of the imaging device, the phase (arrangement) of the drive transmission unit 203 relative to the drum coupling 143 is not predetermined. Figure 48 Part (a)) Figure 49 (a) Figure 50 Part (a) Figure 60 , Figure 65 , Figure 69 However, in any case, the drum coupling 143 can be connected to the drive transmission unit 203. The drive transmission unit 203 includes not only the drum drive coupling 180 but also brake engagement members (204, 208), to which the drum coupling 143 can engage.

[0561] Next, refer to Figure 51 The structure used to align the axes of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 during the connection process will be described. Figure 51 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143, and Figure 51 Part (a) shows the shape in the connected state in this embodiment. The circular bore portion 143a of the drum coupling engages with the positioning boss 180i of the drum drive coupling 180 to align the axes with each other. Furthermore, a tapered guide surface 143h is provided at one end of the circular bore portion 143a. That is, the guide surface 143h has a tapered shape as part of the inner surface of the coupling 143. The guide surface 143h is configured such that when the drive transmission units 203 are still separated in the axial direction M1B, misalignment between them is eliminated when engagement begins to align the axes with each other.

[0562] In addition to this embodiment, the circular hole portion 143a of the drum coupling 143 can engage with the positioning boss 180i without providing a guiding surface, such as... Figure 51 As shown in part (b). Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown in part (c), the guide surface 143h can be enlarged to reduce the fit between the circular hole portion 143a and the positioning boss 180i. Furthermore, as... Figure 51 As shown in part (d), the diameter of the circular hole portion 143a can be increased. These arrangements can be selected based on how the relative position and accuracy between the drive transmission unit 203 and the processing box 100 are determined.

[0563] It is desirable that the circular hole portion 143a has sufficient length to accommodate the positioning boss 180i. That is, as Figure 95 As shown, the positioning boss 180i extends at least into the region Pb on the axis L of the drum unit. The circular hole portion 143a is formed to encompass the entire region Pb. That is, the periphery of the axis L opens into the region Pb.

[0564] exist Figure 95 In this embodiment, on the axis L, the area occupied by the braking force receiving portion 143c, the spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d, the baffle portion 143g, and the driving force receiving portion 143b (not shown) is Pa, which is included in the region Pb.

[0565] The structure is such that when the braking force receiving portion 143c, the inclined surface 143d, the shield portion 143g, and the driving force receiving portion 143b are projected onto the axis L, the projected area Pa at least partially overlaps with the projected area Pb of the circular hole portion 143a.

[0566] As described above, according to this embodiment, the coupling 143 of the housing receives driving force from the drive transmission unit 203 of the imaging device main assembly. Furthermore, the coupling 143 operates the braking mechanism (brake member 206) inside the drive transmission unit 203 based on the driving force received from the drive transmission unit 203. The drum coupling 143 can receive braking force through the brake engagement members (204, 208).

[0567] Using this braking mechanism, the load required to drive the box can be set within an appropriate range. Therefore, the box 100 can be driven stably.

[0568] The drum coupling 104 and drive transmission unit 203 of this embodiment can also be used to rotate components other than the photosensitive drum 104, such as the developing roller and the toner feed roller. However, the drum coupling 104 and drive transmission unit 203 of this embodiment are particularly suitable for rotating the photosensitive drum 104 for the following reasons.

[0569] Although the housing 100 of this embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 104, it does not have a cleaning device that contacts the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the torque of the photosensitive drum 104 is relatively small, and its speed tends to fluctuate when affected by the surrounding environment during its rotational drive. Therefore, the drive transmission unit 203 rotates the photosensitive drum 104 under a constant load applied to it. That is, the coupling 143 receives not only the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum, but also the braking force from the drive transmission unit 203 for suppressing the rotation of the photosensitive drum. By simultaneously receiving two forces acting on the coupling in different rotational directions, the speed fluctuation of the photosensitive drum 104 (drum unit 103) is suppressed, and its rotation is stabilized.

[0570] The driving force can be input from the drive transmission unit 203 of this embodiment to the housing equipped with the cleaning device via the coupling 143. When the housing 100 is equipped with a cleaning device (e.g., a cleaning blade) that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum to remove toner from the photosensitive drum, friction is generated between the photosensitive drum and the cleaning device. This friction increases the torque required to rotate the photosensitive drum 104. However, even so, the torque required to rotate the photosensitive drum 104 may not be large enough. In this case, as in this embodiment, if the coupling 143 can receive both driving force and braking force from the drive transmission unit 203 simultaneously, the torque required to rotate the photosensitive drum 104 increases, and therefore, the rotation of the photosensitive drum is stable. The housing equipped with the cleaning device will be described in Embodiment 2, which will be described below.

[0571] In this embodiment, the braking mechanism for applying appropriate rotational load to the photosensitive drum is not arranged on the cartridge side but on the main component side of the imaging device, more specifically, in the drive transmission unit 203. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide a braking mechanism on the processing cartridge, which is a replaceable (removable, installable unit) after use. This contributes to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the processing cartridge.

[0572] Furthermore, the coupling 143 has a shape that allows it to smoothly engage with both the drive force application member (drum drive coupling 180) and the braking force application member (brake engagement member (204, 208)) provided in the drive transmission unit 203. For example, the coupling 143 is provided with a helical ramp 143d (inclined portion, guide portion, upper surface, upper portion) and a baffle portion 143f, so that it can be easily and smoothly connected to the drive transmission unit 203.

[0573] In the following text, we will refer again to Figure 79 The shape of the coupling 143 in this embodiment is described in detail.

[0574] Coupling 143 includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r, and each coupling portion includes an engagement portion 143i and a guide portion forming portion 143j. The engagement portion 143i is a shaped portion for engaging with a drive force applying member (drum drive coupling 180) or a braking force applying member (brake engagement member (204, 208)). The engagement portion 143i forms a drive force receiving portion 143b, a braking force receiving portion 143c, and a downstream ramp 143d1.

[0575] The driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c are respectively engaged with the drum drive coupling 180 and the braking members (204, 208). The driving force receiving portion (first side surface, first side portion) 143b and the braking force receiving portion (second side surface, second side portion) 143c are formed in a planar shape, but they are not limited to this structure. They can be curved parts or parts with small areas, as long as they can receive driving force and braking force respectively. For example, the edge (ridge) formed by the engaging portion 143i can form the driving force receiving portion (first side surface, first side portion) 143b or the braking force receiving portion (second side surface, second side portion) 143c.

[0576] Alternatively, the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c can be portions formed by multiple separate regions. That is, the joining portion 143i can be a group of multiple shaped portions.

[0577] The driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c are the upstream and downstream portions of the engaging portion 143i, respectively. That is, the driving force receiving portion 143b is the upstream side portion facing the rotation direction, and the braking force receiving portion 143c is the downstream side portion facing the rotation direction.

[0578] Furthermore, the guide portion forming portion 143n is a protrusion (extension portion) extending toward the engagement portion 143i in the rotational direction. The top surface (upper portion) of the guide portion forming portion 143n is an upstream side slope (upstream side top surface, upstream side inclined portion) 143d2. The upstream slope 143d2 is a guide portion (upstream side guide portion, upstream guide portion) and an inclined portion used to guide the braking force application member (brake engagement member (204, 208)) toward the engagement portion 143i.

[0579] That is, the guide portion forming part 143n is a protrusion, which is used to form the upstream side slope 143d2 as the guide portion (upstream side guide portion).

[0580] The guide portion forming portion 143n is adjacent to the joining portion 143i and extends downstream toward the joining portion 143i in the rotational direction. Furthermore, the upstream slope 143d2 of the guide portion forming portion 143n is inclined to approach the non-driving end of the photosensitive drum from upstream to downstream in the rotational direction (see...). Figure 80 ).

[0581] exist Figure 80 In this configuration, the drum coupling 143 is positioned near the first end portion (drive-side end portion) 104a of the photosensitive drum 104. That is, the first end portion 104a of the photosensitive drum 104 is the end portion on the side that receives driving force from the drum coupling 143.

[0582] The end of the photosensitive drum 104 on the opposite side to the first end portion 104a is the non-drive side end (second end) 104b. The distance from the non-drive side end portion 104b to the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is represented by D1 and D2. Distance D1 is the distance measured along the axial direction parallel to the axis L from the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the downstream end of the inclined surface 143d2. Distance D2 is the distance measured along the axial direction from the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the upstream side end portion of the upstream inclined surface 143d2.

[0583] Here, distance D1 is shorter than distance D2. That is, when the distance from the non-drive end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the upstream slope 143d2 is measured in the axial direction, the distance becomes shorter downstream in the rotational direction.

[0584] That is, the upstream inclined surface 143d2 is inclined in the direction of rotation A toward the downstream end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum, which is close to the non-drive side. Not only the upstream inclined surface 143d2 but also the downstream inclined surface 143d1 are inclined in the same direction.

[0585] Distances D1 and D2 can also be considered as extending axially from the outer casing (i.e., the non-drive side cover 117: see...) Figure 14 The distance from the non-driving end of the slope to the upstream slope 143d2 is measured.

[0586] One of the guide portion forming portion 143n and the joining portion 143i may be referred to as the first shape portion, and the other may be referred to as the second shape portion, etc.

[0587] In this embodiment, the first shape portion and the second shape portion (i.e., the guide portion forming portion 143n and the joining portion 143i) are adjacent to each other and connected to each other. More specifically, the guide portion forming portion 143n is connected to the joining portion 143i on the downstream side in the rotational direction. However, although the joining portion 143i and the guide portion forming portion 143n are adjacent to each other, they may not be connected and a gap may be provided between them.

[0588] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top surface (downstream side slope) 143d1 of the joining portion 143i is smoothly connected to the top surface (upstream side slope) 143d2 of the guide forming portion 143n to provide a slope (top surface) 143d.

[0589] That is, the top surface (downstream side slope) 143d2 of the engagement portion 143i is part of the guide portion, similar to the upstream side slope 143d1, which has the function of guiding the brake engagement member (204, 208) to a position where the brake engagement member can engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0590] The downstream slope (downstream top surface) 143d2 does not need to be continuous with the upstream slope (upstream top surface) 143dl. An example of a discontinuous form between the upstream slope 143d2 and the downstream slope 143d1 is shown below. Figure 81 Part (a) and Figure 81 Part (b) is shown. Figure 81 Part (a) and Figure 81 In part (b), a variant is shown in which the upstream inclined surface 143d2 and the downstream inclined surface 143d1 are provided with steps and are separated in the axial direction, and the downstream inclined surface 143d1 becomes a plane. As described above, part of the helical inclined surface 143d, which serves as the guide, can be flat or can have steps.

[0591] like Figure 48 Part (c) Figure 49 Part (c) Figure 50 Part (d) Figure 62 , Figure 67 and Figure 72 As shown, the braking engagement members (204, 208) contact the inclined surface 143d and are guided in the direction of arrow C along the inclination direction of the inclined surface 143. That is, the braking engagement members (204, 208) move in the direction downstream of the rotation direction toward the non-driving side (M1B direction) of the photosensitive drum.

[0592] After being guided by the inclined plane 143d, the brake engagement members (204, 208) further advance in the axial direction (M1B) toward the space downstream of the brake force receiving portion (second side surface) 143c of the drum coupling 143 (see...). Figure 48 Part (d) Figure 49 Part (d) Figure 63 , Figure 68 Therefore, the braking engagement members (204, 208) can engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0593] The brake engagement members (204, 208) are guided by the inclined surface 143d and move downstream in the rotational direction A to move away from the drum drive coupling 180. Therefore, a gap is created between the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208). The engagement portion 143i of the drum coupling 143 enters the gap, allowing the drive force receiving portion (side surface) 143b to engage with the drum drive coupling 180 (see...). Figure 48 Part (d) Figure 48 Part (e) Figure 49 Part (d) Figure 63 , Figure 64 , Figure 68 ).

[0594] The helical inclined surface 143d also has the function of keeping the braking engagement members (204, 208) away from the drum drive coupling 180 so that the drum drive coupling 180 and the drive force receiving part 143b can engage with each other.

[0595] The spiral inclined surface (top surface) 143d not only has a portion (downstream guide, downstream guide, downstream top surface, downstream inclined portion) 143d1 arranged between the braking force receiving portion 143c and the driving force receiving portion 143b, but also has a portion (upstream guide, upstream top surface, upstream inclined portion) 143d2 on the upstream side of the driving force receiving portion 143b (see Figure 48 Part (a) Figure 47 , Figure 56 (etc.). By expanding the area where the inclined surface 143d is set, the top surface 143d can reliably guide the braking engagement members (204, 208).

[0596] That is, even when the brake engagement members (204, 208) are placed on the upstream side of the drive force receiving portion 143b (see... Figure 49 In part (a)), the brake engagement members (204, 208) can also move to the space on the downstream side of the brake force receiving part 143c via the upstream inclined plane 143d2 (see Figure 49Parts (c) and 49 (d)).

[0597] In this embodiment, the entire inclined plane 143d is an inclined portion. Both the downstream top surface 143d1 and the upstream top surface 143d2 are descending inclined planes that descend downstream in the direction of rotation.

[0598] However, it is also possible to make only a portion of the slope 143d that forms the top surface inclined. For example, it is also conceivable that the upstream side of the top surface is inclined as the upstream side slope 143d2, as described above, while the downstream side of the top surface (the downstream side top surface 143d2) is not inclined and is a structure that is a surface perpendicular to the axis of the drum unit (see [reference]). Figure 81 Part (a) and Figure 81 Part (b)). In Figure 81 Part (a) and Figure 81 In the variant of the drum coupling shown in part (b), the brake engagement members (204, 208) move violently by the inclination of the upstream ramp (upstream top surface) 143d2, and by utilizing the inertia (momentum) of the movement, they pass through the flat downstream top surface 143d1.

[0599] Furthermore, as a guide portion for guiding the braking engagement members (204, 208), it is conceivable to use only the upstream top surface (upstream side slope 143d2) and not the downstream top surface (downstream side slope 143dl). That is, it is conceivable that there is almost no portion corresponding to the downstream top surface, or that the portion is very short compared to the upstream top surface. Reference will be made below. Figure 74 Describe this structure.

[0600] It is also conceivable to include a partially ascending portion in the descending spiral ramp 143d. Even in this case, if the braking engagement members (204, 208) can be sufficiently guided downstream in the rotational direction by the ramp 143d, then the ramp 143d can be considered a descending ramp. That is, even if the ramp is partially ascending, the spiral ramp 143d can be considered as a descending ramp as a whole. In other words, the distance from the non-driving end of the box to the spiral ramp 143d can be considered to decrease as the spiral ramp 143d moves downstream in the rotational direction.

[0601] As such an example, one can imagine a structure in which the ascending portion, partially set in the spiral ramp 143d, is short enough to be shorter than the descending portion, or the ascending ramp is not too steep, and therefore the ascending portion has a smaller influence on the descending portion.

[0602] Furthermore, there are cases where the helical ramp 143d has a curved shape or is divided into multiple parts. Additionally, there are cases where at least a portion of the ramp 143d is so narrow that the helical ramp 143d can be considered a ridge (edge) rather than a surface. When the drum coupling 143 is viewed from the front, the helical ramp 143d has a fan-shaped (helical) shape. However, the shape of the guide portion (top surface, inclined portion) provided on the drum coupling 143 is not limited to this shape. For example, instead of using a fan-shaped (helical) ramp 143d, a linearly extending rectangular ramp can be used. That is, as the inclined portion (guide portion, top surface) corresponding to the helical ramp 143d, a structure with varying shapes, sizes, and directions of extension can be used. Reference will be made below. Figure 54 Examples of this type of example are used to describe some examples.

[0603] The upstream slope (upstream top surface) 143d2 is constructed to have a narrower region than the downstream slope (downstream top surface) 143d1 (see...). Figure 47 and Figure 56 Conversely, the downstream slope 143d1 has a wider region than the upstream slope 143d2.

[0604] Here, the width of each slope is the length measured in the radial direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 79 As shown, at least a portion of the engagement portion 143i is positioned further away from the axis L of the drum unit in the radial direction of the drum unit than the guide portion forming portion 143n. In other words, at least a portion of the engagement portion 143i is positioned radially outward of the guide portion forming portion 143n.

[0605] The reason for this dimensional relationship and arrangement is that the driving force receiving portion 143b of the joining portion 143i is located near the boundary between the guide forming portion 143n and the joining portion 143i. That is, a portion of the joining portion 143i extends outward from the guide forming portion 143n in the radial direction, thereby forming the driving force receiving portion 143b. As a result, the width of the downstream portion 143d1 of the inclined surface (top surface) 143d is greater than the width of the upstream portion 143d2.

[0606] The driving force receiving portion 143b has a region positioned radially outward (away from axis L) relative to the upstream inclined surface 143d2. Furthermore, in the axial direction of the drum unit, the driving force receiving portion 143b is positioned closer to the non-driving side end portion of the photosensitive drum than the upstream inclined surface 143d2. Figure 80The diagram shows that the distance D3, measured along the axial direction from the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the drive force receiving portion 143b, is shorter than the distance D1, measured along the same direction from the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum to the upstream top surface 143d2.

[0607] Conversely, at least a portion of the upstream ramp 143d2 is positioned axially further away from the drive force receiving portion 143b than the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum. The upstream ramp 143d2 is the free end portion that is positioned closer to the free end of the drum coupling 143 than the drive force receiving portion 143b.

[0608] Distances D1 and D3 can be considered as being in the axial direction from the non-drive side end of the box (i.e., the non-drive side box cover 117: see Figure 14 The distance measured from the upstream slope 143d2 and the driving force receiving part 143b.

[0609] The baffle portion 143d is a blocking portion (stopper) that inhibits (prevents) the movement of the brake engagement members (204, 208) in the axial direction. That is, the baffle portion 143d prevents the brake engagement members (204, 208) from approaching the drum coupling 143 and entering the area where they cannot engage with the brake force receiving portion 143c. Figure 66 , Figure 49 Part (b) Figure 69 , Figure 50 Part (a) shows the blocking state.

[0610] In this embodiment, the baffle portion (blocking portion) 143d is located further upstream in the rotational direction than the upstream inclined surface 143d2, and the baffle portion 143d is continuous with the top surface (upstream inclined surface 143d2) of the guide portion forming portion 143n (see...). Figure 56 Part (d)).

[0611] When the brake engagement members (204, 208) enter the space upstream of the driving force receiving portion 143b or the space downstream of the braking force receiving portion 143c together with the drum drive coupling 180, the brake engagement members (204, 208) cannot engage with the braking force receiving portion 143c. The baffle portion 143g prevents the movement of the brake engagement members (204, 208) to prevent this from happening.

[0612] In this embodiment, when the drum unit is viewed from the drive side along the axial direction (see...), Figure 47 In part (a), the cover portion 143g of the first coupling portion 143s is configured such that it covers the space upstream of the drive force receiving portion 143b. Furthermore, the cover portion 143g is configured to cover the space downstream of the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0613] Furthermore, the baffle portion 143d has a width sufficient to cover at least a portion of the downstream side portion (downstream side slope 143dl) of the helical ramp (top surface) 143d. Thus, the baffle portion 143d restricts the brake engagement members (204, 208) from entering the space upstream of the drive force receiving portion 143b and the space downstream of the brake force receiving portion 143c together with the drum drive coupling 180.

[0614] On the other hand, the baffle portion 143g is configured to allow the brake engagement members (204, 208) to enter the space on the downstream side of the brake force receiving portion independently of the drum drive coupling 180 (see...). Figure 50 Part (d) Figure 49 Part (c) Figure 48 Part (c)).

[0615] That is, the brake engagement members (204, 208) contact the upstream inclined surface 143d2 after passing through the baffle portion 143g, and are guided along the inclined surface 143d toward the space on the downstream side of the brake force receiving portion 143c (see Figure 49 Part (c) and Figure 50 Part (d)).

[0616] That is, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) are able to contact the upstream side portion (upstream side top surface) 143d2 of the inclined surface (top surface) 143d, the baffle portion 143g releases the brake engagement members (204, 208) from the blocking state.

[0617] The baffle portion 143g is adjacent to and upstream of the upstream inclined surface 143d2. In this embodiment, the top surface of the baffle portion 143g and the upstream inclined surface 143d2 are continuous, but there may be a situation where the baffle portion 143g and the upstream inclined surface 143d2 are adjacent to each other but a gap is formed between them.

[0618] Furthermore, the top surface of the baffle portion 143g has a plane perpendicular to the axis L of the drum unit, but the shape is not limited to this example. For example, it is conceivable that the top surface of the baffle portion 143g is inclined in the same direction as the upstream slope 143d2. In this case, it is conceivable that the baffle portion 143g forms a part of the upstream slope 143d2. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a part of the guide forming portion 143n forms the baffle portion 143g.

[0619] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coupling 143 includes two of the helical inclined surfaces 143d, two of the baffle portions 143g, two of the driving force receiving portions 143b, and two of the braking force receiving portions 143c. That is, the coupling 143 has a shape symmetrical about its axis and includes two coupling portions 143s and 143r (see...). Figure 58 Both coupling portions 143s and 143r have a helical ramp (inclined portion) 143d or similar as a top surface. Then, the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive member 180 engage with coupling portions 143s and 143r, as follows: Figure 76 Part (a) is shown.

[0620] An example of another shape (variant) of coupling 143 will be described below.

[0621] The drive transmission unit 203 includes a first brake engagement member 204 and a second brake engagement member 208 as brake force application members (brake engagement members), which apply the braking force used to apply a load to the rotation of the photosensitive drum to the coupling 143. A gap exists between the first brake engagement member and the second brake engagement member 208, and the radially inwardly disposed second brake engagement member is slightly flexible to move outward to approach the first brake engagement member 204. When the coupling and the drive transmission unit 203 disengage from each other, the second brake engagement member 208 can smoothly disengage from the coupling 143 by flexing. For example, the second brake engagement member 208 can move above the baffle portion 143g by flexing and can separate from the coupling 143.

[0622] [Various modifications to the coupling and housing shown in Example 1]

[0623] The description section modifies a variant (shape modification) of the drum coupling 143 of Embodiment 1 described above. Even when the aforementioned baffle portion 143g is not provided on the drum coupling 143, it can still operate appropriately depending on the conditions.

[0624] Figure 52 A perspective view of the drum coupling 143, in which the shield portion 143g is not provided, is shown. Figure 53 The diagram shows an unfolded representation illustrating the joining process.

[0625] Reference Figure 52 Describe the shape. Figure 52 This is a view showing one end of the drum unit and illustrating the state in which the coupling component (drum coupling) 143 is mounted to the end portion of the photosensitive drum 104. The drum coupling 143 includes a helical ramp 143d and a push-back surface 143k, which will be described below, but does not have a baffle shape.

[0626] Then, refer to Figure 53 Describe the process of engaging with the drive transmission unit 203.

[0627] Figure 53 The representation of the unfolded diagram and Figure 48 The unfolded diagram is the same. The drum coupling 143 includes two coupling parts 143s and 143r, but for the sake of simplicity, only coupling part 143s will be described. The description of coupling part 143s also applies to coupling part 143r.

[0628] will describe Figure 53 The phases of the inclined start portion 143f of the drum coupling 143 and the inward protrusion 208e of the second braking engagement member shown in part (a) satisfy the following relationship. That is, the case where the inclined start portion 146f of the drum coupling 143 is on the downstream side of the rotation direction (arrow A) will be described.

[0629] Figure 53 Part (a) shows the state in which the drive transmission surface 180d of the drive transmission unit 203 and the second brake engagement member 208 are close to each other.

[0630] Next, in Figure 53 In part (b), since there is no shielding portion as described in Example 1, in the drum coupling 143, the drum drive coupling and the second braking engagement member 208 advance into the space between the push-back surface 143k and the helical ramp 143d3.

[0631] Figure 53 Part (c) shows the state in which the drive transmission unit 203 has begun to rotate in the rotational direction A. When the drum drive coupling 180 and the second brake engagement member 208 rotate, the second brake engagement member 208 moves along the inclined plane in the direction of arrow E by either the action of pushing back the surface 143k at an angle θ1 or the action of the second brake engagement member 208 at an angle θ2. (See reference...) Figure 48 The second braking engagement member 208 can rotate without receiving a rotational load.

[0632] As described above, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) enter the area where they cannot engage with the brake force receiving portion, the push-back surface (push-back portion) 143k applies force to the second brake engagement member 208. As a result, the push-back surface 143k pushes the brake engagement members (204, 208) back toward the interior of the drive transmission unit 203 and moves them in the direction of arrow E.

[0633] However, the second braking engagement member 208 was Figure 43The spring 211 shown in the figure pushes in the direction of M1B, and if the component force of the inclination angle θ2 of the second brake engagement member 208 is less than the spring force F1, the second brake engagement member 208 cannot move in the direction of arrow E. The component force varies depending on the load torque of the drum holding unit 108 and the angle (θ1 or θ2) of each ramp. Taking into account the component force and friction, it is preferable to set the magnitude relationship of the forces within the range for performing the above-described function.

[0634] Figure 53 Part (d) shows the movement of the second brake engagement member 208, which is no longer subjected to rotational load. The drive transmission unit 203 has rotated further, and the second brake engagement member 208 is in a state at the inclined starting portion 146f of the drum coupling 146. Upon reaching this state, the second brake engagement member 208 moves in the direction of arrow C, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 48 As described in part (c). The subsequent operations are the same as described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0635] Despite Figure 50 Part (a) to Figure 50 Part (d) is not shown, but in these processes the first brake engagement member 204 also moves together with the second brake engagement member 208.

[0636] The drum coupling 143 shown in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1 In part (a) of this variant, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are prevented from entering the area where they cannot engage with the brake force receiving part by the baffle portion 143g. On the other hand, in the drum coupling 143 of this variant, when the brake engagement members (204, 208) enter the area where the brake force receiving part 143c cannot engage with the drum drive coupling 180, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are pushed back by the push-back surface (push-back portion) 143k. The push-back surface 143k is an inclined portion that is inclined in a direction different from that of the helical ramp 143. More specifically, the helical ramp 143 is a portion that is inclined toward the non-drive side of the drum unit as the helical ramp travels downward in the rotational direction, while the push-back surface 143k is a part of the drum unit that is inclined toward the outside (i.e., away from the non-drive side end portion 104b of the photosensitive drum) as the push-back surface travels downward in the rotational direction A. Figure 80 Inclined. If the helical ramp 143 is considered a descending ramp, then the pushback surface 143k is an ascending ramp. The pushback surface 143k is placed on the upstream side in the direction of rotation relative to the helical ramp 143d and is adjacent to the helical ramp 43k.

[0637] The push-back surface 143k is also a guide portion (second guide portion) used to guide the brake engagement members (204, 208) toward the helical ramp 143d. In addition, the push-back surface 134k is a helical ramp (second helical ramp, second inclined portion) having an inclined direction opposite to the inclined direction of the helical ramp 143d.

[0638] Furthermore, another modified shape of the drum coupling 143 will be described. The inclined portion and top surface (helical ramp 143d) of the guide described in Embodiment 1 are formed as smooth ramps, and the brake engagement members (204, 208) are guided along these ramps (see...). Figure 56 (etc.). However, even if the inclined portion has other shapes, the drum coupling 143 can still function. Figure 54 An example is shown in perspective.

[0639] first, Figure 54 The shape shown in part (a) is a reproduction of the shape described in Example 1. A gentle spiral slope 143d is formed from the inclined starting part 143f toward the braking force receiving part 143c.

[0640] on the other hand, Figure 54 Part (b) and Figure 73 The shape of part (a) shows a variation. The height gradually changes between the inclined starting part 147f and the braking force receiving part 147c. That is, the top surface (inclined part) has a stepped part 147d, and the inclined part is formed by multiple steps. Therefore, the inclined part (top surface) does not have to be a helical ramp, but can be a helical stepped shape that provides a reduced inclination in the forward direction of the second brake engagement member 208.

[0641] Stepped section 147d passes through Figure 73 Moving the stepped step portion 147d in the direction of arrow C in part (a) moves the second braking engagement member 208, thereby performing the action with Figure 54 The spiral inclined surface 143d in part (a) has the same function. Although the inclined surface 143d is an inclined portion that includes a continuous inclined surface, the stepped portion 147d can be regarded as an inclined portion provided by a stepped structure of multiple surfaces.

[0642] If it is difficult to form the helical inclined surface 143d on the coupling 143 due to the limitations of the structure of the mold used to manufacture the coupling 143, the stepped portion 147d can be used instead of the inclined surface 143d.

[0643] At this point, it is preferable that when the stepped portion 147d, which serves as the top surface, and the second braking engagement member 208 come into contact with each other, the second braking engagement member 208 is configured to be smoothly guided without being jammed by the stepped portion 147d. For example, it is conceivable to sufficiently narrow the width of each surface of the stepped portion 147d. Furthermore, in Figure 73 In part (a), the top surface (inclined portion, guide portion) is formed into a stepped shape by combining multiple surfaces, but the top surface (inclined portion, guide portion) can be formed by combining multiple curved surfaces, and a similar function can be performed with this structure. Similar to the inclined surface 143d, the stepped portion 147d is a guide portion (inclined portion) for guiding the brake engagement members (204, 208) toward the brake force receiving portion by its own inclination.

[0644] In addition, such as Figure 54 Part (c) and Figure 73 As shown in part (b), the top surface is divided into inclined surfaces (upstream top surface, downstream top surface) 148d1 and inclined surfaces (downstream top surface, downstream guide, downstream side) 148d2, wherein there is a gap 148g between inclined surfaces 148d1 and inclined surfaces 148d2. Similarly, in this case, if the second braking engagement member 208 has a shape that does not cause jamming when it contacts the top surfaces (148d1, 148d2), the top surfaces (148d1, 148d2) can be used as guides. Such couplings can be used when there are limitations in the structure of the mold used for molding the coupling.

[0645] also, Figure 54 Part (d) and Figure 73 Part (c) shows a variant in which each part of the coupling 143 is shaped by ribs. The top surface (inclined surface 149d) comprises a surface with multiple ribs 149p, and the top surface is divided into multiple ribs, and in this case, the same function can also be provided. That is, as Figure 73 As shown in part (c), the guide portion forming part 149n that forms the upstream top surface (upstream guide portion, upstream inclined portion) 149d2 is a protrusion (rib) protruding in the radial direction. Depending on the properties of the material used, it can be used when it is necessary to produce ribs without producing thick portions.

[0646] That is, for Figure 54 Part (a) to Figure 54Each structure of part (d), each top surface (143d, 147f, 148d1, 148d2, 149d), regardless of its shape, guides the braking force of the brake engagement member (204, 208) toward the brake force receiving part 143c. In other words, each top surface is a guide (inclined portion) used to guide the brake engagement member (204, 208) toward the brake force receiving part 143c, regardless of its shape. At least a portion of such top surface (guide) is formed by guide forming portion 143n.

[0647] Similar to the top surface, Figure 52 The pushback surface (pushback portion) 143k shown can have various shapes. For example, the modified pushback portion (pushback surface) 143k is a smooth, continuous spiral ramp, but the pushback portion can be inclined through multiple surfaces or steps. For example, the pushback portion 143k can be two surfaces including different inclinations, such as... Figure 48 Part (b) and Figure 56 As shown in part (d) of Embodiment 1, the push-back portion 143k is similar. Furthermore, although the push-back surface 143k is raised, a lowered portion can be provided locally.

[0648] The drum coupling 143 may have a baffle portion 143g or a push-back surface (push-back portion) 143k, or both. As described above, Figure 48 Part (b) Figure 55 Part (b) and Figure 56 The drum coupling 143 of Embodiment 1 shown in part (d) has a structure in which not only a baffle portion 143g is provided, but also a push-back portion 143k is provided. Normally, the drum coupling 143 can prevent the improper entry and approach of the brake engagement members (204, 208) by the baffle portion 143g, but in cases where it is unlikely that it can be prevented, the push-back surface 143k can serve to push the brake engagement members (204, 208) away from the coupling 143.

[0649] Drum coupling 143 has a push-back surface 143k (see...) Figure 79 Part (b) and Figure 79 The protruding shape of part (c) (the part that pushes back and the part that forms the second guide) is 143m.

[0650] The joining portion 143i, the guide portion forming portion 143n, the protrusion shape 143m, and the cover portion 143g (see) Figure 79 They can be referred to as the first shape part, the second shape part, the third shape part, and the fourth shape part in no particular order.

[0651] refer to Figure 54 Part (e) and Figure 73 Part (d) will show a variant example of the braking force receiving part (second side surface).

[0652] Figure 54 Part (a) and Figure 1 Part (a) and Figures 55 to 57 The braking force receiving section 143c described in Embodiment 1, and Figure 52 and Figure 54 Part (b) to Figure 54 The other variant shown in part (d) has a shape that extends downstream in the rotational direction. This is because the braking force receiving part 143c has a shape that extends downstream in the rotational direction, which increases the stability of the engagement when it engages with the braking engagement members (204, 208).

[0653] That is, due to this shape, when the braking force receiving portion 143c engages with the braking engagement members (204, 208), a force is generated to attract them to each other. The braking force receiving portion 143c extends downstream in the rotational direction. Therefore, when the braking force engagement members (204, 208) contact the braking force receiving portion 143c, a force is generated that causes the braking force engagement members (204, 208) to be attracted inward toward the drum coupling 143 or the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction. As a result, the engagement state between the braking force receiving portion 143c and the braking force engagement members (204, 208) is stable and the engagement is not easily broken.

[0654] As described above, the brake engagement members (204, 208) are configured to be axially movable relative to the drum drive coupling 180 (see...). Figure 67 and Figure 68 However, if the brake engagement members (204, 208) move in the axial direction while the drive transmission unit 203 is driving the drum coupling 143, the engagement state with the brake force receiving portion 143c may be disrupted or become unstable. Therefore, it is preferable that the brake force receiving portion 143c has a shape for stabilizing the engagement state with the brake engagement members (204, 208) to suppress axial movement of the brake engagement members (204, 208) when the drum coupling 143 is driven.

[0655] However, when the braking force required to be applied to the braking force receiving part is small, or when the coefficient of friction of the braking force receiving part is high, the engagement between the braking force receiving part and the braking engagement members (204, 208) tends to stabilize. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the protruding portion of the braking force receiving part. This braking force receiving part 144t... Figure 54 Part (e) and Figure 73 It is shown in part (d). Figure 54 Part (e) and Figure 73 In the modified drum coupling shown in (d), the braking force receiving portion 144c does not extend downstream in the direction of rotation (arrow A).

[0656] On the other hand, even for the braking force receiving portion 144c which includes this shape, it is conceivable to design a device for stabilizing the engagement state of the braking engagement members (204, 208).

[0657] To stabilize the engagement between the braking force receiving portion 144c and the braking engagement member, it is also conceivable to attach an elastic member (elastic portion) 144t (such as rubber) to the braking force receiving portion 144c or to integrally form the elastic portion with the braking force receiving portion 144c. By increasing the coefficient of friction of the braking force receiving portion 144t or causing the braking engagement member (204, 208) to engage with the elastic portion of the braking force receiving portion 144t, the engagement with the braking engagement member (204, 208) is less likely to be disrupted, thus stabilizing the engagement.

[0658] As a method to increase the friction of the braking force receiving portion 144c, it is conceivable to use an adhesive member (adhesive member) instead of an elastic member 144t. For example, if double-sided tape (adhesive member) is attached to the surface of the braking force receiving portion 144c, the friction between the braking force receiving portion 144c and the braking engagement members (204, 208) increases due to the viscosity of the double-sided tape (adhesive member). Alternatively, it is conceivable to increase the coefficient of friction of the braking force receiving portion 144c by surface treatment without using the elastic member 144t.

[0659] The desired outcome is that the helical ramp 143d (see [reference]) used to guide the braking engagement members (204, 208) Figure 67 The coupling has a low coefficient of friction to achieve smooth guidance. Therefore, even when a material or surface treatment with a high coefficient of friction is selected and applied to the braking force receiving portion 144c, it is desirable that this method is not used for the entire coupling, but the use of such a material or surface treatment should not be applied to the helical ramp 143d. That is, it is desirable that the coefficient of friction of the braking force receiving portion 144c is higher than that of the helical ramp 143d.

[0660] like Figure 54 Part (a) to Figure 54 As shown in part (d), the elastic part 144t can be provided on the braking force receiving part 143c of the drum coupling 143.

[0661] Next, refer to Figure 101 The preferred arrangement and dimensional relationships of the drum coupling 143 will be described. Figure 101This is a front view of the drum coupling 143 of Embodiment 1, where θ (theta) 11 is the value indicating the dimension of the engagement portion 143i from the driving force receiving portion 143b to the braking force receiving portion 143c, with respect to the axis of the drum coupling. In other words, it is the angle of the region of the downstream inclined portion 143d1.

[0662] Regarding the upper limit of θ11, it is desirable that θ11 is below 90°, more preferably below 80°. Angle θ11 corresponds to the gap generated between the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement members (204, 208) when the drum coupling engages the drive transmission unit 203 (see...). Figure 64 In order to securely clamp the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c between the brake engagement member (204, 208) of the main equipment assembly and the drum drive coupling 180, it is desirable that θ11 is 90° or less, more preferably 80° or less.

[0663] On the other hand, regarding the lower limit of θ11, for the material of the joint portion 143i constituting the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 143c, if the strength of the joint portion 143i is increased by using metal, θ11 can be reduced. Although details will be described below, Figure 74 In the variant of the drum coupling shown, by forming the drum coupling 143 with metal, the thickness of the engagement portion 145i corresponding to the engagement portion 143i is smaller than that in this embodiment. Considering this structure, θ11 ( Figure 101 The preferred condition for the lower limit of θ11 is that θ11 is 1°, more preferably 2°, or even more preferably 8° or more. In this embodiment, θ11 is set to 30° or more, and θ11 is set to about 35°.

[0664] In order to increase the strength of the driving force receiving part 143b and the braking force receiving part 143c so that the force can be received stably, the angle θ11 corresponding to the thickness of the joint part 143i is ideally within a certain range.

[0665] When θ11 is converted into length, it becomes the thickness of the joint portion 143i, i.e., the distance measured along the rotational direction from the driving force receiving portion 143b to the braking force receiving portion 143c. The desired range for this distance is 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more.

[0666] In addition, Figure 101In this context, θ12 indicates the area occupied by the upstream inclined surface (upstream guide, upstream inclined surface) 143d2. Regarding the lower limit of θ12, it is desirable that the value of θ12 is at least half the value of θ11, and more preferably, the value of θ12 is not less than the value of θ11. This is because the upstream inclined surface 143d2 needs to have a length in the rotational direction sufficient to guide the brake engagement members (204, 208) to the brake force receiving portion 143c.

[0667] When θ11 is smaller and the inclination angle of the upstream slope 143d2 is larger, the lower limit of θ12 can be made smaller.

[0668] As described above, the lower limit of θ12 depends on the value of θ11 and the angle of the upstream inclined plane 143d2, but when expressed numerically, θ12 is 1° or more, more preferably 2° or more, even more preferably 8° or more, and even more preferably 30° or more. In this embodiment, θ12 is set to 60° or more.

[0669] The upper limit of θ12 can be relatively large and can exceed 360°. However, preferably, θ12 is below 360°, more preferably below 270°, and in this example below 180°. Specifically, θ12 is set to approximately 67°.

[0670] The following will refer to Figure 102 and Figure 103 Describe a structure where θ12 is greater than θ12 in this embodiment.

[0671] Angle θ13 is the sum of θ11 and θ12, and corresponds to the angle occupied by the entire helical inclined plane 143d. When θ13 is expressed numerically, it is desirable that θ13 is 2° or more, and more preferably 8° or more. Furthermore, θ13 is preferably 360° or less, and more preferably 270° or less. In this embodiment, θ13 is set to 180° or less. Specifically, θ13 is set to approximately 102°.

[0672] refer to Figure 74 Another modified shape of coupling 143 will be described.

[0673] Figure 74 These are perspective views and front views of the coupling in the variant example, viewed from two line-of-sight directions.

[0674] The modified coupling 143 includes an engagement portion 145i having a driving force receiving portion 143b and a braking force receiving portion 145b, and a guide portion forming portion 145n having a helical inclined surface 145d. The engagement portion 145i and the guide portion forming portion 145n correspond to the engagement portion 143i and the guide portion forming portion 143n of the coupling 143 shown in Embodiment 1 (see...). Figure 79 However, their shapes are somewhat different.

[0675] The modified coupling 143 includes a baffle portion 143g that contacts the second brake engagement member 208 (not shown), and a helical ramp 145d formed by a curved surface. This curved surface has a generally arcuate shape and is shaped to connect the brake force receiving portion 145c from the inclined starting point 143f. In this variant, since the brake force receiving portion 145c does not have a shape extending downstream in the rotational direction, therefore... Figure 54 In the case of part (e), the elastic member (elastic part) 145t can be attached to the braking force receiving part 145c.

[0676] The modification ( Figure 74 The spiral inclined plane 145d in Example 1 corresponds to the spiral inclined plane 145d in Example 1. Figure 57 The top surface of the upstream slope 143d2.

[0677] On the other hand, in this modification ( Figure 74 ), the top surface (upper part) of the joint portion 145i 145e ( Figure 74 Part (b) corresponds to Example 1 ( Figure 57 The downstream slope 143d1 is not as inclined as the downstream side slope 143d1.

[0678] That is, the top surface 145e located downstream is connected to the top surface (helical ramp 145d) located upstream, but the inclination angles of their surfaces are different at the boundary. The top surface 145e and the helical ramp 145d are not smoothly connected.

[0679] Furthermore, because the distance between the driving force receiving portion 143b and the braking force receiving portion 145c is short, the length of the top surface 145e measured along the rotation direction is less than (shorter than) that of the top surface 145e. Figure 57 The length of the downstream inclined surface 143dl. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the top surface 145e is not inclined. In this modification, the top surface 145e can be considered not to serve as a guide.

[0680] However, even with this structure, the spiral inclined surface 145d, which serves as the guide (inclined portion), can guide the brake engagement members (204, 208) toward the brake force receiving portion 145c.

[0681] Plane 145h is adjacent upstream of the helical inclined plane 145d, and the helical inclined plane 145d and plane 145h are interconnected. Plane 145h may be inclined in the same direction as the helical inclined plane 145d to form a part of the helical inclined plane 145d. Furthermore, this modified drum coupling may have a baffle portion 143g of the push-back surface 143k described in Embodiment 1 or another modification of Embodiment 1 (see...). Figure 1 , Figure 52 wait).

[0682] In addition, the shape of the drum coupling can also be selected for design reasons. Figure 1 The shape of the shaft portion 143j shown. For example, Figure 75 The shape of a variant of the drum coupling is shown. Figure 75 In the example, the diameter of the shaft portion 146j is the same as the diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. The shaft portion 146j is rotatably supported by the drive-side cover member 116 (see [link to example]). Figure 15 For example, the shaft end face 146s can be used to implement positional constraints in the direction of arrow MB1. In this way, the shape of the shaft portion 146j can be appropriately selected according to its relationship with the surrounding portions and the manufacturing method.

[0683] Another modification to the drum coupling 143 is in Figure 76 Part (b) Figure 76 Part (c) Figure 78 Part (a) Figure 78 Part (b) Figure 78 Part (c) and Figure 78 The figures are shown in section (d). These figures show two of the coupling sections, 143s and 143r, which are drum couplings with different shapes. Figure 76 Parts (b) and (c) are unfolded views of coupling 143, and... Figure 76 In part (c), the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement member 208, which are disposed on the main assembly side of the device, are also shown in an expanded view. Figure 78 Part (a) and Figure 78 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drum coupling 143. Furthermore, Figure 78 Part (c) and Figure 78 Part (d) shows the engagement state of the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling relative to the drum coupling 143.

[0684] In the couplings 143 shown in these figures, the engagement portion 143i of one coupling portion 143s does not have a braking force receiving portion 143c, but only includes a driving force receiving portion 143b. That is, the side surface 143y provided on the engagement portion 143i of the coupling portion 143s does not engage with the braking engagement members (204, 208). On the other hand, the engagement portion 143i of another coupling portion 143r only has a braking force receiving portion 143c and does not have a driving force receiving portion 143b. The side surface 143x of the engagement portion 143i of the coupling portion 143r does not engage with the drum drive coupling 180.

[0685] Another example of an asymmetric coupling 143 is in Figure 76 It is shown in part (d). This coupling part 143s is an example of coupling part 143s that does not have any side surface corresponding to the driving force receiving part 143c.

[0686] exist Figure 76 Part (b) Figure 76 Part (c) Figure 78 Part (a) Figure 78 Part (b) Figure 78 Part (c) and Figure 7 The variant of coupling 143 shown receives driving force in only one location and braking force in only one location. Therefore, in order for the drum coupling to stably receive driving and braking forces, it is preferable to improve the fit accuracy between the bore portion 143a and the locating boss 180i of the drum drive coupling 180 (see...). Figure 51 That is, it is preferable to reduce the gaps generated between them, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the drum coupling 143 relative to the drive transmission unit 203, so as to stably and reliably engage the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143.

[0687] also, Figure 77 Another modification of the drum coupling, including a driving force receiving section and a braking force receiving section, is shown. Figure 77 The drum coupling 143 shown has only one upstream side slope 143d2, only one downstream side slope 143d1, only one baffle portion 143g, only one driving force receiving portion 143b, only one braking force receiving portion 143c, and only one extrusion surface 143k. Figure 77 Part (a) is a perspective view of the drum coupling, and Figure 77 Part (b) is its front view.

[0688] In such Figure 77In the variant of the drum coupling 143 shown, any part of the inclined surface 143d, the baffle portion 143g, the driving force receiving portion 143b, the braking force receiving portion 143c, and the extrusion surface 143k can be placed in one or more 180° positions (axisymmetric).

[0689] For example, such as Figure 96 As shown, Figure 77 The baffle portion 143g of the drum coupling 143 shown can be moved to the 180° symmetrical region S143g, or the extrusion surface 143k can be moved to the symmetrical region S143k.

[0690] This is because the drum drive coupling 180 and the brake engagement components (204, 208) have a 180° symmetrical shape.

[0691] Therefore, regardless of which of the two 180° symmetrical positions is where a helical ramp 143d is located, the ramp 143d can act on the entire braking engagement member (204, 208). Similarly, the extrusion surface 143k can be placed at either of the two positions that are symmetrical about 180° with respect to each other. This applies not only to the baffle portion 143g and the extrusion surface 143k, but also to the braking force receiving portion 143c.

[0692] Furthermore, the drum drive coupling 180 can engage with the drive force receiving portion 143b, regardless of whether the drive force receiving portion 143b is placed in either of the two 180° symmetrical positions.

[0693] The drum drive coupling 180 has two drive transmission surfaces 180d, but the two drive transmission surfaces 180d move as a unit. Figure 45 Part (a)). Furthermore, the braking engagement members (204, 208) each have two coupling engagement portions 204b and 208b, and all these coupling engagement portions move integrally (see [reference]). Figure 45 Part (b)).

[0694] As another modification to the shape of the drum coupling 143, which is formed asymmetrically as described above, there is also a structure in which one coupling portion 143s has an engagement portion 143i but no guide portion forming portion 143n, and another coupling portion 143r has a guide portion forming portion 143n but no engagement portion 143i. This structure is conceivable.

[0695] An example of this structure is... Figure 97 It is shown in parts (a) and (b). Figure 97 Part (a) is a perspective view of a variant of the drum coupling. Figure 97 Part (b) is its front view.

[0696] In the variant of the drum coupling shown in these figures, a guide portion 343n and a connecting portion 343i are both present. The guide portion 343n forms a helical ramp (guide, top surface, inclined portion) 343d2. The connecting portion 343i forms a drive force receiving portion 343b and a helical ramp (guide, top surface, inclined portion) 343d1. The guide portion 343n and the connecting portion 343i are located on opposite sides of the axis L. Furthermore, in this modification, the braking force receiving portion 343b is not located at the connecting portion 343i, but is located at the downstream end portion in the rotational direction of the guide portion 343n. That is, the connecting portion 343i engages with the drive force applying member (drum drive coupling) 180, but not with the braking force applying member (brake engaging members 204, 208).

[0697] Figure 99 Parts (a), (b), and (c) show the engagement process of the drum coupling and brake engagement components (204, 208) of this variant in this order. For ease of explanation, the drum drive coupling 180 of the drive transmission unit 203 is not shown.

[0698] like Figure 99 As shown in part (a), when the second brake engagement member 208 contacts the inclined surface 343d2 of the guide portion forming portion 343n, the second brake engagement member 208 begins to move in such a way that it moves downstream in the rotational direction and approaches the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction.

[0699] like Figure 99 As shown in part (b), when the second brake engagement member 208 reaches near the end of the upstream inclined surface 343d2, the first brake engagement member 204 contacts the inclined surface 343dl, which is the top surface of the engagement portion 343i. Thereafter, the brake engagement members (204, 208) continue to rotate, and the free end of the first brake engagement member 204 enters the space downstream of the engagement portion 343i, as... Figure 99 As shown in part (c), the first brake engagement member 204 reaches a position where it can engage with the brake force receiving part 343c (see part (c)). Figure 97 Part (b)).

[0700] As mentioned above, also in Figure 97 and Figure 99 In the modified drum coupling shown, any part can be moved to a 180° symmetrical position. For example, as Figure 98As shown in part (a), the engaging portion 343i and the driving force receiving portion 343b can be moved to positions S343i and S343b, which are 180° symmetrical, respectively. The coupling in which the engaging portion 343i moves to S343i is similar to... Figure 77 The example shown is a variation of the drum coupling. Conversely, when... Figure 77 When a portion of the drum coupling shown is moved to a 180° symmetrical position, its shape resembles... Figure 97 The shape of the modified drum coupling is shown.

[0701] like Figure 98 As shown in part (a), in this modification, when the joint portion 343i is hypothetically placed at the 180° symmetrical position S343i, the inclined surface 343d2 is adjacent to the hypothetically arranged joint portion S343i. The upstream side portion 343d2a of the inclined surface 343d2 extends from upstream to downstream in the rotational direction toward the hypothetically arranged joint portion S343i and the hypothetically arranged driving force receiving portion S343b.

[0702] Figure 98 Part (b) shows the angles θ41, θ42, θ51 and θ52 with respect to the dimensions of each part in the modification.

[0703] Angle θ41 is the angle of the area where the joining portion 343i is arranged. θ42 is the angle of the area occupied by the helical inclined surface 343d2 of the guide portion forming portion 343n. θ51 is the angle indicating the area from S343b, where the driving force receiving portion 343b is hypothetically arranged at a 180° symmetrical position, to the braking force receiving portion 343c. θ52 is the angle of the area occupied by portion 343d2a on the helical inclined surface 343d2 located on the upstream side of the rotation direction, starting from the position S343b of the hypothetically arranged driving force receiving portion.

[0704] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the driving force receiving part 343b, the angle θ41 is preferably not less than 1°, more preferably not less than 2°, and even more preferably not less than 8°.

[0705] Angle θ51 corresponds to the angle of the gap between the brake engagement members (204, 208) and the drum drive coupling 180. Therefore, it is desirable that the angle does not exceed 80° as described above.

[0706] Furthermore, since θ51 is greater than θ41, θ51 is preferably 1° or more, more preferably 2° or more, and even more preferably 8° or more. Additionally, it is desirable that θ41 is 80° or less.

[0707] Angle θ52 corresponds to Figure 101The angle θ12 in the equation, and the preferred range of θ52 is the same as that of θ12. Furthermore, since θ42 corresponds to... Figure 101 The preferred range of θ42 is the same as that of θ13, since the angle of θ13 is θ42.

[0708] In addition, Figure 100 Part (a) and Figure 100 Part (b) shows another modification to the asymmetrically shaped drum coupling. The structure results in the upstream ramp 143d2 of Embodiment 1 (see...). Figure 58 The upstream slope 143d2 is divided into an upstream portion 143d2a and a downstream portion 143d2b. The joining portion 143i is adjacent to the downstream portion 143d2b of the upstream slope 143d2.

[0709] exist Figure 100 The dimensional relationships in this variant are shown in part (b). Angle θ21 is the angle of the joining part 143i and corresponds to Figure 101 Angle θ11. The preferred angle of θ21 is the same as angle θ11. θ22b is the angle of the range occupied by the downstream portion 143d2b of the upstream side slope 143d2, and θ22b is the angle occupied by the upstream portion 143d2a of the upstream side slope 143d2.

[0710] The region where the downstream portion 143d2b of the upstream slope 143d2 is imaginarily moved to a symmetrical position of 180° is region S143d2b. At this time, the angle between the region occupied by the virtual region S143d2b and the upstream portion 143d2a is θ32. Since θ32 corresponds to... Figure 101 Given the angle θ12, the preferred angle range of θ32 is equivalent to the preferred angle range of θ12.

[0711] The range of suitable angles for θ22a and θ22b is also based on θ12.

[0712] Furthermore, further modifications to the drum coupling will be described. The helical inclined surface 143d and the upstream inclined surface 143d2, serving as the guide and upstream guide respectively, can be changed compared to the drum coupling of Example 1 (…). Figure 1 Those that are long (etc.). Such examples are in... Figure 102 and Figure 103 As shown in the figures, in the drum couplings shown in these figures, the helical ramp 443d2 corresponding to the upstream ramp 143d2 extends to more than 360°. That is, the helical ramp 443d2 extends for more than one full turn.

[0713] The joint portion 443i, corresponding to the joint portion 143i in Embodiment 1, is separated from the inclined surface 443d2. The joint portion 443i includes a braking force receiving portion 443c1 and a driving force receiving portion 443b. The braking force receiving portion 443c2 is also provided near the end of the spiral inclined surface 443d2. The braking force receiving portions 443c1 and 443c2 are arranged at 180° symmetrical positions.

[0714] exist Figure 103 Part (a) Figure 103 Part (b) and Figure 103 In section (c), the engagement process of the drum coupling and the brake engagement member in this variant is shown in chronological order. For ease of explanation, the drum drive coupling 180 is not shown.

[0715] like Figure 103 As shown, the braking engagement members (204, 208) rotate one or more turns by being guided by the helical ramp 443d2. In this way, the length of the helical ramp 443d2, which serves as both a guide and an inclined section, can be increased to more than 360°. However, if the helical ramp 443d2 is long, it may take longer for the braking engagement members (204, 208) to pass through the helical ramp 443d2, or the braking engagement members (204, 208) may move at a slower speed on the helical ramp 443d2. To address this issue, when the drive transmission unit 203 and the coupling 143 are engaged with each other, measures may need to be taken to ensure that the braking engagement members (204, 208) have sufficient time to pass through the helical ramp 443d2, for example, by reducing the rotational speed of the drive transmission unit 203.

[0716] In order to smoothly engage the drive transmission unit 203 and the drum coupling 143 while driving the transmission unit 203 at high speed, it is desirable to shorten the time required for the braking engagement members (204, 208) to pass through the helical ramp 443d2. From this point of view, it is further preferred that the length of the helical ramp (inclined portion, guide portion) 443d2 is 360° or less, and even more preferably 270° or less.

[0717] As described above, a variant in which the drum coupling of Embodiment 1 is changed to an asymmetrical shape can also be used.

[0718] However, as Figure 1 and Figure 58As in the drum coupling 143 of Embodiment 1, it is further preferred that the coupling 143 includes a drive force receiving portion 143b and a braking force receiving portion 183c at two positions spaced 180° apart, because then the engagement state of the drive transmission unit 203 with the coupling 143 and the transmission state of the drive force are stable. The coupling 143 receives drive force at two symmetrically arranged points, and also receives braking force at two symmetrically arranged points. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the balance of the forces applied to the coupling 143.

[0719] Furthermore, in the drum coupling 143 of the above embodiment 1 (see...) Figure 1 In this coupling, each formed part (joint part, guide part, baffle part, etc.) has a specific arrangement. However, it is also conceivable to change these arrangement relationships by making any part of the coupling 143 movable.

[0720] As an example of this structure, Figures 104 to 106 The diagram shows a structure in which the engaging portion 243i is movable relative to other portions of the drum coupling 143, and specifically, a structure in which the engaging portion 243i can advance and retract in the radial direction. Figure 105 As shown, the drum coupling 143 is provided with two openings 243p, and the engagement portion 243i is partially exposed from the interior of the drum coupling through these openings 243p.

[0721] like Figure 105 As shown in part (a), the two engaging portions 243i are supported by guide portions 199a of a support member 199 disposed inside the drum coupling. Furthermore, the engaging portions 243i are configured to be movable in the radial direction along the guide portions 199a, but are pushed inward in the radial direction by the tension spring 200.

[0722] Therefore, when not using the box, such as Figure 104 Part (a) and Figure 104 As shown in part (c), the two engaging portions 243i retract into the drum coupling. On the other hand, when the housing is installed into the main assembly of the imaging device, the locating boss 180i enters the interior of the drum coupling and contacts the engaging portions 243i, as shown in part (c). Figure 106 As shown in part (a). Furthermore, when the locating boss 180i enters the interior of the drum coupling 143, the engaging portion 243i is pushed outward in the radial direction by the locating boss 180i. Thus, as... Figure 104 Part (b) and Figure 104 As shown in part (d), a portion of the engagement portion 243i extends toward the outside of the drum coupling 143.

[0723] In this state, the two sides of the engagement portion 243i, namely the driving force receiving portion 243b and the braking force receiving portion 243c, are exposed, and the driving force and braking force can be received from the main component of the imaging device, respectively.

[0724] As described above, the arrangement and shape of the coupling 143 are not constant and can vary or be altered. For example, it is conceivable that when the housing is not in use, the drum coupling portion, which is susceptible to external impacts, retracts to be protected.

[0725] When a portion of coupling 143 is movable, the actual operating state of the coupling—that is, the state of coupling 143 when the housing and drum unit are mounted to the main assembly of the imaging device and coupling 143 is engaged with drive transmission unit 203—can be considered a reference state. In this reference state, the shape of coupling 143 and the arrangement of each part can be configured to satisfy the desired conditions as described above.

[0726] also, Figure 107 and Figure 108 Another variation of the drum coupling 143 is shown, wherein the drum coupling 143 is configured such that a portion of the drum coupling 143 deforms and moves. In the above variation (see... Figure 105 In the original example, the joining portion 243i is configured to move in the radial direction, but in this variant, the joining portion 643i is configured to move in the axial direction. Figure 107 Part (a) shows the engagement portion 643i retracted into the drum coupling, and Figure 107 Part (b) shows the engagement portion 643i moving toward the outside of the drum coupling and away from the photosensitive drum. Figure 107 Part (c) is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit in this variant.

[0727] Figure 108 Parts (a) and (b) show cross-sectional views of the drum unit. Figure 108 Part (a) shows the state of the drum unit before it is installed into the main assembly of the device, and Figure 108 Part (b) shows the state after the drum unit is installed on it.

[0728] When the drum unit is installed into the main assembly of the equipment, the positioning boss 180i provided on the drive transmission unit contacts the working component of the drum coupling. Then, as... Figure 108 As shown in part (b), the operating member 698 moves inward in the axial direction (on the right side of the figure). As the operating member 698 moves, the interlocking member 698 is pushed outward in the radial direction inside the drum coupling. As the interlocking member 698 moves outward in the radial direction, the engaging portion 643i is pressed outward in the radial direction by the interlocking member 698. Therefore, the state changes from retracting back to the state inside the drum unit (…). Figure 107 Part (a) and Figure 108 Part (a) is changed to the joint portion 643i, which is partially exposed to the outside. Figure 107 Part (b) and 108 (b)).

[0729] When a portion of the drum coupling is movably configured in this manner, the direction of movement can be radial or axial. The portion of the drum coupling can move in both the radial and axial directions, or it can move in the rotational direction.

[0730] Next, we will refer to Figure 109 and Figure 110 Another modification to the drum coupling is described. Similar to the two modifications mentioned above, this modified drum coupling 1043 is also constructed such that a portion of it deforms and moves.

[0731] Figure 109 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit of this variant example. Figure 109 Part (b) shows the engagement portion 1043i of the drum coupling having advanced toward the outside of the drum unit, and part (c) shows the engagement portion 1043i partially retracted toward the inside.

[0732] In this modification, before the drum unit is installed on the main assembly of the device, the engagement portion 1043i is in the position as follows: Figure 109 The protruding (advanced) state is shown in part (b). On the other hand, after the drum unit is installed into the main assembly of the device, the engagement part 1043i becomes as shown. Figure 109 The retracted state is shown in part (c).

[0733] Figure 110 Part (a) and Figure 110 Part (b) shows a cross-sectional view of the drum unit. Figure 110 (a) shows the state before the drum unit is fully installed on the main assembly of the device, and (b) shows the state after installation is complete.

[0734] like Figure 109 As shown in part (a), the engagement member 1043 is disposed inside the drum coupling so that it can move in the axial direction. The engagement member 1043 is pushed (pressed) to the outside in the axial direction by a pressure coil spring 1020 disposed inside the drum coupling 143, and the engagement portion 1043i, which is part of the engagement member 1043, is exposed to the outside of the drum coupling 143.

[0735] Then, the engaging member 1043 has an active portion 1043p on its axis of rotation. When the drum unit is as follows... Figure 110When the joint member 1043 and the joint portion 1043i are installed into the main component of the device as shown in part (b), the joint member 1043 and the joint portion 1043i are retracted inward in the axial direction by the action portion 1043p pushed by the positioning boss 180i.

[0736] In the three variations described above, the actuating part, capable of receiving action from the outside of the housing, is located inside the coupling 143, and this act...

Claims

1. A box, the box comprising: A photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum having an end; A housing that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum; as well as A coupling disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum, the coupling being operatively connected to the photosensitive drum such that the coupling can transmit driving force to the photosensitive drum by rotating about an axis in a rotational direction. The coupling includes, A first arc-shaped portion, the first arc-shaped portion having an arc shape around the axis, the first arc-shaped portion facing the axis; The second arc-shaped portion has an arc shape around the axis, the second arc-shaped portion faces away from the axis, and the second arc-shaped portion is positioned closer to the axis than the first arc-shaped portion is positioned from the axis. The groove between the first arc-shaped portion and the second arc-shaped portion; The upstream-facing portion faces upstream and towards the trench in the rotational direction; The downward-facing portion faces the end of the photosensitive drum and the groove; and The inclined portion is inclined relative to the end of the photosensitive drum such that the distance from the end of the photosensitive drum to the inclined portion in the direction of the axis increases along the inclined portion as it moves downstream in the rotational direction, the inclined portion facing away from the end of the photosensitive drum, and at least a portion of the inclined portion is positioned further away from the axis than the downward-facing portion is positioned from the axis.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the inclined portion extends downstream in the direction of rotation from a position adjacent to the upstream-facing portion.

3. The box according to claim 1, wherein, Compared to the downward-facing portion which is further from the end of the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis, at least a portion of the inclined portion is positioned further from the end of the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis.

4. The box according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the first arcuate portion is inclined such that the distance from the axis to the at least portion of the first arcuate portion increases as the distance from the end of the photosensitive drum to the at least portion of the first arcuate portion increases in the direction of the axis.

5. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling has a downstream-facing portion that faces downstream and towards the groove in the direction of rotation. At least a portion of the trench extends around the axis from the downstream-facing portion to the upstream-facing portion.

6. The box according to claim 5, wherein, The downstream-facing portion and the upstream-facing portion are separated from each other by an angle of more than 45 degrees around the axis.

7. The box according to claim 5, wherein, The downstream-facing portion and the upstream-facing portion are separated from each other by an angle of less than 180 degrees around the axis.

8. The box according to claim 5, wherein, The downstream-facing portion and the upstream-facing portion are separated from each other by an angle of more than 45 degrees and less than 180 degrees around the axis.

9. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling includes a third arc-shaped portion having an arc shape around the axis, and the third arc-shaped portion facing away from the axis. Wherein, the third arc-shaped portion is positioned closer to the axis than the first arc-shaped portion is positioned from the axis, and The third arc-shaped portion is positioned further away from the axis than the second arc-shaped portion.

10. The box according to claim 9, wherein, The downward-facing portion is positioned adjacent to the third arc-shaped portion.

11. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The groove is the first groove, and The coupling includes a second groove positioned relative to the axis and positioned opposite to the first groove.

12. The box according to claim 11, wherein, The second groove has an arc shape.

13. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling is symmetrical about the axis by 180 degrees.

14. The box according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the downward-facing portion is inclined such that the distance from the end of the photosensitive drum to the at least portion of the downward-facing portion in the direction of the axis increases as the distance from the axis to the at least portion of the downward-facing portion increases.

15. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The downward-facing portion is positioned within the groove in the direction of rotation upstream of the upstream-facing portion.

16. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The downward-facing portion is positioned adjacent to the upstream-facing portion.

17. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the groove faces away from the end of the photosensitive drum.

18. The box according to claim 1, wherein, Compared to the downward-facing portion being positioned at a distance from the end of the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis, at least a portion of the upstream-facing portion is positioned closer to the end of the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis.

19. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The upstream-facing portion extends away from the axis from the second arcuate portion.

20. The box according to claim 1, wherein, The downward-facing portion extends away from the axis from the second arcuate portion.

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