Image forming device

Abstract

To prevent, when attaching and detaching a cartridge to and from an apparatus body, a force to rotate a rotary member of the apparatus body from acting on the rotary member from the cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has a cartridge and an apparatus body to which the cartridge is removably attached. The cartridge has a first unit and a second unit movably coupled to the first unit. The apparatus body 2 has a rotary member, a support part arranged at a position separated from the rotary member, and a swing member configured to be swingable around the support part and moved by the rotary member. The swing member is configured to be movable between a first position in contact with the second unit and a second position retracted from the first position. With the swing member being located at the first position and supported by the rotary member, the cartridge is allowed to be attached to and detached from the apparatus body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, such as a printer, a copier, or a facsimile. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a cartridge system is adopted in which a cartridge equipped with process means used for image formation is detachably mountable to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Meanwhile, a configuration is known in which a part of the cartridge is moved by the main body of the image forming apparatus. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a spacing member that acts on the cartridge to space the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a cam that spaces the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-213024 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-58058 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a configuration in which the main body of an image forming apparatus has a rotating member that moves part of a cartridge, when the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the apparatus, a force that rotates the rotating member of the main body of the apparatus may act from the cartridge.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to suppress the application of a force from the cartridge to a rotating member of the main body of the apparatus that would rotate the rotating member when the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One of the inventions of the present application is a cartridge having a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit; An apparatus main body to which the cartridge is removably attached, A rotating member rotatable about a rotation axis; A support portion disposed at a position spaced apart from the rotating member; a swinging member configured to be swingable around the support portion and moved by the rotating member, the swinging member having a first contact surface capable of contacting the rotating member, a second contact surface capable of contacting the second unit, and a supported portion supported by the support portion, the swinging member being movable between a first position where it contacts the second unit and a second position retracted from the first position; An apparatus body comprising: having the pivot member extends from the supported portion toward a downstream side in a cartridge removal direction, and the rotation axis is located downstream of the support portion in the cartridge removal direction; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when the pivoting member is positioned at the first position and supported by the rotating member, the cartridge is allowed to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Effect of the Invention

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, when the cartridge is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, it is possible to prevent a force that would rotate the rotation member from acting on the rotation member of the apparatus main body from the cartridge. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge in a state where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge in a state where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a relationship between the process cartridge and a separating mechanism. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a control unit, a driving source, and a separating mechanism. FIG. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a spacing mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a spacing mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a spacing mechanism in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings and examples. However, the functions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0011] In addition, unless otherwise specified, in this embodiment, the up-down direction refers to the up-down direction in the direction of gravity (vertical direction). Note that the direction of gravity refers to the direction of gravity when the device or part to which the present invention is applied is in a position in which it is normally used. Note that in the following description, the position in which an image is formed on a recording material is the position in which it is normally used. EXAMPLES

[0012] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1. Examples of image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile machines, and word processors.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 includes a process cartridge (cartridge, replacement unit) 5 and an apparatus main body 2 into which the process cartridge 5 is removably attached.

[0014] The device body 2 has a loading tray (paper feed cassette) 22 for loading sheets (recording materials) S, a sheet transport section 20, a transfer roller 31, a fixing section 40, a sheet discharge section 50, and a scanner 60 as an exposure device. The device body 2 also has a door (opening / closing member) 3 that covers an installation opening for installing and removing a process cartridge 5. When the door 3 is opened, the installation opening is exposed.

[0015] The process cartridge 5 also includes a drum unit (first unit) 10 and a developing unit (second unit) 15 movably connected to the drum unit 10. The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, and a charging roller (charging member) 12 for charging the photosensitive drum 11. The developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16 as a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 16 carries a developer (toner). In this embodiment, the process cartridge 5 is detachable from the apparatus main body 2 in an integrated state in which the drum unit 10 and the developing unit 15 are coupled together.

[0016] Next, the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 11 is rotated by a driving source (not shown), and the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. Based on image information, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed by the scanner 60, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

[0018] Meanwhile, in parallel with the formation of the toner image, the feed roller 21 rotates, and the sheet (recording material) S stacked at the top of the paper feed cassette 22 is separated and transported. The sheet S is transported to a transfer unit 30 formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and a transfer roller 31 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0019] A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 31, whereby the toner image is transferred as an unfixed image onto the sheet S passing through the transfer section 30. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing section .

[0020] When the sheet S conveyed to the fixing unit 40 passes through the fixing unit 40, the sheet S is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 40, and the unfixed image is fixed to the surface of the sheet S. The sheet S with the fixed toner image is conveyed to a discharge path 51.

[0021] When an image is formed on only one side of the sheet S, the sheet S is discharged from the discharge path 51 to the discharge tray 53 by the discharge roller pair 52 and stacked on the discharge tray 53. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet S, the discharge roller pair 52 rotates in the opposite direction after the sheet S reaches the discharge roller pair 52. The sheet S is then transported to the re-conveyance path 60 and transported again to the transfer unit 30 in an inverted state. Thereafter, similar to the case of forming an image on one side of the sheet S, an image is formed and fixed on the back side of the sheet S, and the sheet S is stacked on the discharge tray 53.

[0022] <Process cartridge configuration> The structure of the process cartridge 5 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0023] Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge 5. Fig. 2(a) is an external perspective view of the process cartridge 5 as viewed from one side. Fig. 2(b) is an external perspective view of the process cartridge 5 as viewed from a direction different from that of Fig. 2(a).

[0024] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 5 in a state where the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 5 in a state where the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11. Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views cut in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RD of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0025] 2(a) and 2(b), in this embodiment, the developing unit 15 and the drum unit 10 are connected at fulcrums 8a and 8b. The developing unit 15 is connected to the drum unit 10 so as to be rotatable about a straight line (unit rotation center, unit rotation axis, unit rotation axis line) 8 connecting the fulcrums 8a and 8b.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive drum 11 rotates around a rotation axis RD in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise in the figure). The charging roller 12 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 and rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11. The drum unit 10 has a cleaning blade 13 as a cleaning member. The cleaning blade 13 has a tip portion formed of an elastic member such as rubber, and is disposed so that the tip portion contacts the photosensitive drum 11. The cleaning blade 13 removes toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11. The toner collected by this cleaning blade 13 is stored in a collected toner storage section 14a provided in a drum frame 14 of the drum unit 10.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the developing roller 16 rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise in the figure) around the rotation axis RR. The developing unit 15 has a developing blade 17 as a regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner carried by the developing roller 16. The developing unit 15 has a developing container 18 as a part of the developing frame. The developing container 18 has a toner chamber 18a that contains toner. The developing roller 16 is disposed such that a part of the developing roller 16 faces the toner chamber 18a and another part of the developing roller 16 is exposed to the outside of the developing container 18. The toner stored in the toner chamber 18a is supplied to the developing roller 16 and is carried by the developing roller 16. The developing unit 15 may have a transport member in the toner chamber 18a that transports the toner toward the developing roller 16.

[0028] The developing blade 17 is disposed so that its tip portion abuts against the developing roller 16. The developing blade 17 has a function of restricting the toner carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 16 to a thin layer.

[0029] The developing unit 15 is movable between a developing position (see FIG. 3) for developing an electrostatic latent image and a retracted position (see FIG. 4) retracted from the developing position. In this embodiment, the developing unit 15 is movable between a contact position where the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 and a separation position where the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11. Specifically, the developing unit 15 rotates (swings) around the unit rotation shaft 8 to move between the contact position and the separation position.

[0030] The process cartridge 5 has a pressure spring (elastic member, biasing member) 19 for biasing the developing unit 15 towards the drum unit 10. The developing unit 15 is biased by the pressure spring 19 in a direction in which the developing roller 16 approaches the photosensitive drum 11. A moment in the R1 direction in FIG. 3 acts on the developing unit 15 around the unit rotation shaft 8 due to the biasing force of the pressure spring 19. As a result, the developing roller 16 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 11 with a predetermined pressure. The position of the developing unit 15 with respect to the drum unit 10 at this time is the abutment position of the developing unit 15.

[0031] With the developing unit 15 in the contact position, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is developed by the toner carried by the developing roller 16. That is, in this embodiment, the developing position refers to the contact position.

[0032] 2(a) and 2(b), the developing unit 15 is provided with bearing members 90 and 91 as part of the developing frame at the ends in the axial direction (the direction of the rotation axis RR) of the developing roller 16. The bearing member 90 is provided with a protruding portion 92. As will be described later, the protruding portion 92 receives a force from a spacing mechanism 100 provided in the apparatus main body 2.

[0033] When the protrusion 92 receives a force from the spacing mechanism 100, the developing unit 15 rotates around the unit rotation shaft 8 in the R2 direction as shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the developing unit 15 retreats from the development position, and the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 are separated from each other. The position of the developing unit 15 with respect to the drum unit 10 at this time is the separation position of the developing unit 15. That is, in this embodiment, the retreat position refers to the separation position. The distance between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 at the retreat position is longer than the distance between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 at the development position.

[0034] <Installing and removing the process cartridge> The attachment and detachment of the process cartridge 5 to and from the apparatus main body 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5, an attachment portion 2a for a process cartridge 5 is formed inside the apparatus main body 2. The door 3 is provided rotatably relative to the apparatus main body 2, and Fig. 5 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the door 3 open.

[0036] The apparatus main body 2 has guide portions 6 and 7 for guiding the process cartridge 5 toward the mounting portion 2a.

[0037] 2(a) and 2(b), the process cartridge 5 has, as guided portions (protrusions), an upper boss 93, an upper boss 94, a lower boss 95, and a lower boss 96. In this embodiment, the drum frame 14 of the drum unit 10 has the upper boss 93, the upper boss 94, the lower boss 95, and the lower boss 96.

[0038] The process cartridge 5 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction A in Fig. 5 by sandwiching the guide portion 6 between the upper boss 93 and the lower boss 95, and the guide portion 7 between the upper boss 94 and the lower boss 96. The process cartridge 5 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2 in a direction intersecting (preferably a direction perpendicular to) the direction of the rotation axis RD of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0039] The image forming operation is performed with the process cartridge 5 mounted in the mounting portion 2a. After the process cartridge 5 is mounted in the mounting portion 2a, the door 3 is closed to enable image formation. When the process cartridge 5 is mounted in the mounting portion 2a, the lower bosses 95 and 96 are positioned relative to the apparatus body 2, and the drum unit 10 is positioned relative to the apparatus body 2. The lower bosses 95 and 96 function as a portion to be positioned of the process cartridge 5 relative to the apparatus body 2. In this state, the developing unit 15 can be moved between an abutting position and a separated position with respect to the drum unit 10 by a separating mechanism 100, which will be described later.

[0040] The operation of removing the process cartridge 5 from the apparatus main body 2 is performed in the reverse order to the operation of mounting the process cartridge 5 into the apparatus main body 2.

[0041] <Separation mechanism> Next, the spacing mechanism 100 provided in the apparatus body 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the process cartridge 5 and the spacing mechanism 100. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the control unit 2b of the apparatus main body 2, the driving source 2c, and the spacing mechanism 100. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the spacing mechanism 100. Fig. 8(a) is a side view showing the relationship between the spacing mechanism 100 and the process cartridge 5 when the development unit 15 is in the abutment position. Fig. 8(b) is a side view showing the relationship between the spacing mechanism 100 and the process cartridge 5 when the development unit 15 is in the separated position.

[0043] The apparatus main body 2 has a spacing mechanism 100. The spacing mechanism 100 is disposed inside both ends of the process cartridge 5 in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 5 (the same as the direction of the rotation axis RR of the developing roller 16 and the direction of the rotation axis RD of the photosensitive drum 11). In addition, the spacing mechanism 10 is disposed below the developing unit 15.

[0044] The control mechanism 100 has a rotating cam (rotating member) 101 that is rotatable around a rotation axis RC, a shaft (support) 104 that is arranged at a position away from the rotating cam 101, and a lever member (swinging member) 103 that is configured to be swingable around the shaft 104. The lever member 103 is moved by the rotating cam 101.

[0045] By disposing the spacing mechanisms 100 inside both ends of the process cartridge 5 in the longitudinal direction, the developing unit 15 can be switched between the contact position and the spacing position without increasing the width of the main body 2 of the apparatus.

[0046] 7, the apparatus main body 2 includes a motor 2c as a drive source for driving the rotating cam 101, and a control unit 2b for controlling the motor 2c. The control unit 2b controls the motor 2c so that the developing unit 15 moves between the separated position and the contact position at a predetermined timing.

[0047] The rotating cam 101 is rotatably supported on the device body 2 via a cam drive shaft 102. The motor 2c is connected to the cam drive shaft 102, and the rotating cam 101 rotates by rotating the cam drive shaft 102. In this embodiment, the rotating cam 101 is made of resin, and the cam drive shaft 102 is formed by bending a metal plate.

[0048] The lever member 103 has a first abutment surface 103a (see FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)) that can abut against the rotating cam 101, a second abutment surface 103b that can abut against the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15, and a supported portion 103c supported by a shaft 104. The first abutment surface 103a faces the rotating cam 101, and the second abutment surface 103b faces the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15. The first abutment surface 103a is located on the back side of the second abutment surface 103b. In the direction of the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101 (parallel to the rotation axis RL of the lever member 103), the position of the first abutment surface 103a and the position of the second abutment surface 103b at least partially overlap. Therefore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101, the first contact surface 103a and the second contact surface 103b overlap each other.

[0049] The supported portion 103c and the shaft 104 are engaged with each other, so that the lever member 103 is swingably supported by the shaft 104 of the device body 2. In this embodiment, the supported portion 103c is a hole into which the shaft 104 is inserted.

[0050] The lever member 103 functions as a cover member that covers the rotating cam 101. When the process cartridge 5 is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 2, the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge 5 comes into contact with the lever member 103, thereby preventing the developing unit 15 from coming into contact with the rotating cam 101.

[0051] The material of the lever member 103 may be metal, resin, or both. When the material of the lever member 103 contains metal, it is preferable that at least one of the first contact surface 103a and the second contact surface 103b is formed of metal. In this embodiment, the lever member 103 is formed by bending a metal plate. By containing metal in the material of the lever member 103, wear of the lever member 103 can be suppressed.

[0052] The shaft 104 is disposed at a position different from the cam drive shaft 102 in the insertion direction of the process cartridge 5. The lever member 103 is disposed above the rotating cam 101, and abuts against a cam surface 101a of the rotating cam 101 due to its own weight. The lever member 103 swings around a lever axis (rotation axis, swing axis) RL by the rotation of the rotating cam 101.

[0053] The operation of the spacing mechanism 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b).

[0054] The lever member 103 is movable between a first position where it abuts against the developing unit 15 and a second position where it is retracted from the first position. In this embodiment, the lever member 103 moves from the second position to the first position by being pushed by the rotating cam 101. In other words, the rotating cam 101 is configured to move the lever member 103 from the second position to the first position. On the other hand, when the lever member 103 moves from the first position to the second position, the lever member 103 moves from the first position to the second position by its own weight while being supported by the rotating cam 101 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating cam 101.

[0055] 8(a), when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is separated from the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15, and the developing unit 15 is positioned at the abutting position. In this embodiment, when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is supported by the rotating cam 101. Note that when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 may be supported by a portion other than the rotating cam 101. In this case, a gap is formed between the rotating cam 101 and the lever member 103.

[0056] The rotating cam 101 rotates in the S direction as the cam drive shaft 102 receives drive from the motor 2c. When the rotating cam 101 starts to rotate with the lever member 103 in the second position and the developing unit 15 in the abutting position, the cam surface 101a rubs against the first abutting surface 103a of the lever member 103, causing the lever member 103 to swing in the T1 direction. As a result, the second abutting surface 103b of the lever member 103 moves in a direction approaching the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15.

[0057] When the rotating cam 101 rotates further, the second abutment surface 103b of the lever member 103 abuts against the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15 and presses the developing unit 15 against the force of the pressure spring 19. In the process cartridge 5, the drum unit 10 is positioned in the apparatus main body 2, and the developing unit 15 rotates in the R2 direction around the unit rotation shaft 8 relative to the drum unit 10. When the rotating cam 101 rotates 180° from the state in which the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is positioned in the first position.

[0058] 8(b), when the lever member 103 is in the first position, the lever member 103 abuts against the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15, and the developing unit 15 is positioned at the separated position. In this embodiment, when the lever member 103 is in the first position, the lever member 103 is supported by the rotating cam 101. In this state, the lever member 103 is sandwiched between the rotating cam 101 and the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15.

[0059] With the lever member 103 located at the first position and supported by the rotating cam 101, the process cartridge 5 is permitted to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2. The process cartridge 5 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2 in a direction intersecting (preferably a direction perpendicular to) the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101. The process cartridge 5 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 in a mounting direction (attaching direction) Ca, and is removed from the apparatus main body 2 in a removal direction (removal direction) Cd.

[0060] The lever member 103 extends from the supported portion 103c toward the downstream side in the removal direction Cd of the process cartridge 5. The rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101 is located downstream of the shaft 104 in the removal direction Cd.

[0061] In the removal direction Cd, the lever member 103 has a first end where the supported portion 103c is disposed, and a second end opposite the first end. A slope 103d extending in a direction away from the process cartridge 5 is formed at the second end of the lever member 103. The slope 103d enables the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15 to be smoothly guided to the second contact surface 103b when the process cartridge 5 is attached to the apparatus body 2.

[0062] When the lever member 103 is in the first position and the developing unit 15 is positioned in the separated position, and the rotating cam 101 begins to rotate, the oscillating lever 103 begins to oscillate in the T2 direction due to its own weight while the first abutment surface 103a rubs against the cam surface 101a.

[0063] The drum unit 10 of the process cartridge 5 is positioned in the apparatus main body 2, and the developing unit 15 rotates in the R1 direction around the unit rotation shaft 8 relative to the drum unit 10. When the rotating cam 101 rotates further, the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge 5 reaches the abutment position. Then, the second abutment surface 103b of the lever member 103 moves away from the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15.

[0064] When the rotating cam 101 rotates 180° from the position (see FIG. 8(b)) where it supports the lever member 103 in the first position, the rotating cam 101 returns to the position shown in FIG. 8(a). At this time, the lever member 103 is positioned in the second position, and the developing unit 15 is positioned in the abutment position.

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 1, the developing unit 15 can be repeatedly moved between the contact position and the separation position by the rotating cam 101 and the lever member 103. The position of the developing unit 15 can be switched between the contact position and the separation position at a predetermined timing by controlling the rotation of the rotating cam 101 by a control unit 2b provided in the apparatus main body 2. In the image forming process on the sheet S, the developing unit 15 is positioned at the contact position when an image is formed, and is positioned at the separation position when an image is not formed. As a result, deterioration of the photosensitive drum 11, the developing roller 16, and the toner, and unnecessary toner consumption when an image is not formed are suppressed.

[0066] In the case where the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge 5 and the rotating cam 101 are in direct contact with each other, when the process cartridge 5 is attached or detached, the developing unit 15 rubs against the rotating cam 101, and a force that rotates the rotating cam 101 acts on the rotating cam 101. As a result, a load is applied to the parts that drive the rotating cam 101 (for example, the motor 2c and a gear arranged between the motor 2c and the cam drive shaft 102, etc.).

[0067] On the other hand, if the rotating cam 101 is covered by the lever member 103 supported by the shaft 104, it is possible to prevent a force that rotates the rotating cam 101 from acting on the rotating cam 101 when the process cartridge 5 is attached or detached. As a result, it is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the part that drives the rotating cam 101. It is also possible to prevent the rotating cam 101 from being rotated from the outside when the process cartridge 5 is removed. Furthermore, it is also possible to prevent wear on the rotating cam 101.

[0068] <Details of the separation mechanism> The spacing mechanism 100 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a detailed view of the spacing mechanism 100. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the spacing mechanism 100 when the lever member 103 is in the first position.

[0069] The rotating cam 101 has a contact portion 101b that contacts the first contact surface 103a so as to hold the lever member 103 in the first position. The contact portion 101b forms a part of the cam surface of the rotating cam 101.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the lever member 103 is positioned in the first position, the abutment portion 101b abuts against the first abutment surface 103a at the first portion 101c and at the second portion 101d that is separated from the first portion 101c in the rotational direction of the rotating cam 101.

[0071] In this embodiment, the contact portion 101b includes a flat portion, and the flat portion contacts the first contact surface 103a. The first portion 101c and the second portion 101d are disposed at both ends of the flat portion (flat shape). When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis RC, a straight line L (which is the same as the normal line to the flat portion in this embodiment) perpendicular to the line connecting the first portion 101c and the second portion 101d intersects with the rotation axis RC.

[0072] If the lever member 103 receives an external force in this state, the movement of the rotating cam 101 is restricted, and the rotation of the rotating cam 101 is suppressed. Examples of cases in which the lever member 103 receives an external force include when the user swings the lever member 103 when the process cartridge 5 is attached or detached, or after the process cartridge 5 is removed.

[0073] Therefore, the application of a load to the portion (such as a gear) that transmits the drive force to the rotating cam 101 due to the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge 5, etc., is suppressed. EXAMPLES

[0074] The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the second embodiment, the description of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted in principle. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] 10 is a detailed view of the spacing mechanism 200 in this embodiment. The spacing mechanism 200 in this embodiment corresponds to the spacing mechanism 100 in the first embodiment, and includes a rotating cam 201 having a different shape from the rotating cam 101 in the first embodiment.

[0076] The rotating cam 201 in this embodiment has an abutment portion that abuts against the first abutment surface 103a so as to hold the lever member 103 at the first position. The abutment portion includes an arc surface (arc portion) 201b. The arc surface 201b forms a part of the cam surface of the rotating cam 201. The first abutment surface 103a of the lever member 103 abuts against the arc surface 201b. This arc surface 201b has a concentric shape that is centered on the center of rotation of the rotating cam 201. In other words, the arc surface 201b is formed along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 201. Also, the first abutment surface 103a is located on a tangent to the arc surface 201b.

[0077] In this state, when the lever member 103 receives an external force, the force that the rotating cam 201 receives from the lever member 103 is directed toward the center of the rotating cam 201, and the generation of a force that rotates the rotating cam 201 is suppressed. Therefore, the rotating cam 201 is suppressed from rotating.

[0078] Therefore, the application of a load to the portion (such as a gear) that transmits the drive force to the rotating cam 101 due to the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge 5, etc., is suppressed.

[0079] <Modification> In each of the embodiments described above, the developing roller 16 is configured to contact the photosensitive drum 11 to develop the electrostatic latent image, but the electrostatic latent image may also be developed with a gap between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11.

[0080] Although the spacing mechanism 100 and the spacing mechanism 200 are disposed on only one side of the process cartridge 5 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11, they may be disposed on both sides.

[0081] The configuration for supporting the lever member 103 on the device body 2 may be such that the device body 2 has a hole at a position corresponding to the axis 104, with the supported portion 103c as the axis, into which the axis of the lever member 103 is inserted.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which a cartridge including a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit is detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus. Therefore, the first unit is not limited to the drum unit 10, and the second unit is not limited to the developing unit 15.

[0083] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 5 Process cartridge 10 Drum unit (1st unit) 15 Development unit (second unit) 92 Protrusion 100, 200 separation mechanism 101.201 Rotating cam 103 Lever member 104 Axis

Claims

1. a cartridge having a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit; An apparatus main body to which the cartridge is removably attached, A rotating member rotatable about a rotation axis; A support portion disposed at a position spaced apart from the rotating member; a swinging member configured to be swingable around the support portion and moved by the rotating member, the swinging member having a first contact surface capable of contacting the rotating member, a second contact surface capable of contacting the second unit, and a supported portion supported by the support portion, the swinging member being movable between a first position where it contacts the second unit and a second position retracted from the first position; An apparatus body comprising: having the pivot member extends from the supported portion toward a downstream side in a cartridge removal direction, and the rotation axis is located downstream of the support portion in the cartridge removal direction; an image forming apparatus, wherein the cartridge is permitted to be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus when the pivoting member is located at the first position and supported by the rotating member;

2. The image forming apparatus described in Claim 1, characterized in that, in the removal direction, the oscillating member has a first end at which the supported portion is positioned and a second end opposite the first end, and a slope is formed on the second end.

3. A cartridge having a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit; An apparatus main body to which the cartridge is removably attached, A rotating member rotatable about a rotation axis; A support portion disposed at a position spaced apart from the rotating member; a swinging member configured to be swingable around the support portion and moved by the rotating member, the swinging member having a first contact surface capable of contacting the rotating member, a second contact surface capable of contacting a contacted portion of the second unit, and a supported portion supported by the support portion, the swinging member being movable between a first position where it contacts the second unit and a second position retracted from the first position; An apparatus body comprising: having In the first position, the swinging member is sandwiched between the abutment portion and the rotating member, an image forming apparatus, wherein the cartridge is permitted to be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus when the pivoting member is located at the first position and supported by the rotating member;

4. The image forming apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that the oscillating member extends downstream from the supported portion in the direction of removing the cartridge.

5. The image forming apparatus described in Claim 4, characterized in that, in the removal direction, the oscillating member has a first end at which the supported portion is positioned and a second end opposite the first end, and a slope is formed on the second end.

6. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, in the removal direction, the rotation axis is located downstream of the support portion.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member has a contact portion that contacts the first contact surface so as to hold the pivotable member at the first position.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when the pivoting member is positioned at the first position, the abutment portion abuts against the first abutment surface at a first portion and a second portion that is spaced from the first portion in the rotational direction of the rotating member.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the contact portion of the rotating member includes a flat surface, and when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, a normal to the flat surface intersects with the rotation axis.

10. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the contact portion includes an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion being formed along a virtual circle having the rotation axis as a center.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a position of the first contact surface and a position of the second contact surface at least partially overlap with each other in the direction of the rotation axis.

12. the first unit has an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image; the second unit has a developer carrier for carrying a developer, and is movable between a development position for developing the electrostatic latent image and a retreat position retreated from the development position; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second unit is located at the retracted position when the pivot member is located at the first position.

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is mounted to and removed from the main body of the apparatus in a direction intersecting the rotation axis.

14. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the material of the pivot member includes a metal.

15. The device body includes a drive source that drives the rotating member; 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the driving source.

16. The cartridge has a biasing member that biases the second unit toward the first unit, 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting member moves the second unit against the force of the biasing member when moving from the second position to the first position.

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