JP6494725B2 - Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge is detachably mounted.

  Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.).

  The cartridge includes a developing cartridge and a process cartridge. Here, the developing cartridge has a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. is there. The electrophotographic photosensitive member may be provided in the main body or may be provided as a unit (process cartridge configuration) integrally with the developing roller. Further, the process cartridge is a cartridge integrally formed with at least the developing roller (developing means) as the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is detachably attached to the apparatus main body. It is what is done. Here, the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes, for example, a charging means and a cleaning means in addition to the developing roller (developing means). Accordingly, the process cartridge can be removed from the main body by integrally forming at least the developing roller (developing means) and the charging means as a cartridge as the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member, for example. It is to be attached to. In addition, the process cartridge, for example, at least a developing roller (developing means) and a cleaning means as a cartridge as the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge and removed from the apparatus main body. It can be installed as possible. Further, the process cartridge includes, for example, a developing roller (developing means), a cleaning means, and a charging means as a cartridge integrally as the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Is to be detachably mounted.

  Here, the developing cartridge or the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user himself. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person. This improves the maintenance operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) is developed using a developing device (developing roller). The configuration is known.

  A gear is provided on the cartridge (developing cartridge or process cartridge). Then, the cartridge is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Thus, the gear of the cartridge is engaged with the gear provided on the main body. Then, the rotational force of the motor provided on the main body is transmitted to the developing roller via a gear provided on the main body and a gear provided on the cartridge side. As a result, the developing roller is rotated (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-208075).

  Further, a cartridge side developing roller coupling is provided on the cartridge side. Further, a main body side developing roller coupling is provided on the main body side of the apparatus. Then, both the couplings are engaged by moving the main body side developing roller coupling in the axial direction using a moving member (advance / retreat mechanism). Further, by using a moving member (advance / retreat mechanism), the main assembly side developing roller coupling is moved in the axial direction thereof, thereby disengaging both couplings.

  When the main assembly side developing roller coupling rotates with the coupling engaged when the cartridge is mounted on the main assembly, the rotational force of the main assembly side developing roller coupling is transmitted to the developing roller. As a result, the developing roller is rotated (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-213033).

  However, according to the conventional configuration described above, when the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the main body side developing roller coupling must be moved in the axial direction. That is, when the cartridge is attached or detached, the main body side developing roller coupling must be moved in the horizontal direction by opening and closing the main body cover provided on the main body. Accordingly, the main body side developing roller coupling is moved away from the cartridge side developing roller coupling by the opening operation of the main body cover. On the contrary, the main body side developing roller coupling is moved in a direction to engage with the cartridge side developing roller coupling by the closing operation of the main body cover.

  Therefore, according to the conventional configuration, it is necessary to provide the main body with a configuration (moving member) that moves the rotating body in the direction of the rotation axis by opening and closing the main body cover.

  Further, according to another conventional configuration described above, the cartridge can be moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis line without attaching or detaching the drive gear provided in the body in the direction of the axis line, without being moved forward and backward. it can. However, in this system, the drive connecting portion between the main body and the cartridge becomes the gear / gear meshing portion. For this reason, it is difficult to prevent uneven rotation of the developing roller.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the cartridge, which can solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is attached to a main body not equipped with a mechanism for moving a main body side coupling member for transmitting rotational force to the photosensitive drum and the developing roller in the axial direction by opening and closing operation of the main body cover, A cartridge capable of smoothly rotating a photosensitive drum and a developing roller is provided. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that is removed from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a drive shaft in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that is attached to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that is attached to and detached from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

Another object of the present invention is a cartridge that can be removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be smoothly rotated. Is to provide. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a cartridge can be attached and detached.

Another object of the present invention, be mounted in the direction of axis substantially perpendicular of the drive shaft provided in the main body, and provides for smooth rotation of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, and together realize the cartridge To do. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be mounted and removed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and can smoothly rotate the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. It is to provide. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge capable of smoothly rotating a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as compared with a case where a rotational force is received from a main body by meshing between gears. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotational force to the developing roller with certainty even when the developing cartridge is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum (developing device of the process cartridge), and to realize smooth rotation. The present invention provides a cartridge that can be used. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached.

Here, in a state in which the sensitive light drum and the developing roller are in contact to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, it is known so-called contact developing method.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a rotation axis of the first and second main body side engaging portions from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the first and second main body side engaging portions that can rotate. A process cartridge which is removed by moving in a removal direction substantially perpendicular to the direction,
A rotatable photosensitive drum capable of forming a latent image;
A developing roller capable of developing and rotating the latent image;
A first coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the photosensitive drum by engaging with the first main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable first coupling member;
A second coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller by engaging with the second main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable second coupling member;
Have
In the first coupling member, a part of the first coupling member located behind the first main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the detaching direction is such that the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. In order to allow to bypass the first main body side engaging portion when
The second coupling member is configured such that a part of the second coupling member located behind the second main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the removing direction is removed from the apparatus main body. It is possible to tilt so as to allow the second main body side engaging portion to bypass the second main body side engaging portion .

Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium.
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body provided with rotatable first and second main body side engaging portions;
A process cartridge which is removed from the apparatus main body by moving in a removing direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis direction of the first and second main body side engaging portions;
A rotatable photosensitive drum capable of forming a latent image;
A developing roller capable of developing and rotating the latent image;
A first coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the photosensitive drum by engaging with the first main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable second coupling member;
A second coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller by engaging with the second main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable second coupling member;
A process cartridge comprising:
Have
In the first coupling member, a part of the first coupling member located behind the first main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the detaching direction is such that the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. In order to allow to bypass the first main body side engaging portion when
The second coupling member is configured such that a part of the second coupling member located behind the second main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the removing direction is removed from the apparatus main body. It is possible to tilt so as to allow the second main body side engaging portion to bypass the second main body side engaging portion .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge that can be removed from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge is attached and detached can be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge that can be attached to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the cartridge can be attached and detached can be provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the cartridge can be attached and detached can be provided.
According to the present invention, the developing roller is mounted on a main body not provided with a mechanism for moving the main body side coupling member for transmitting rotational force to the photosensitive drum and the developing roller in the axial direction by opening and closing the main body cover. Was able to rotate smoothly.

According to the present invention, it has been possible to realize both the removal in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and the smooth rotation of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.
According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both mounting in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and smooth rotation of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.

According to the present invention, both attachment and removal from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and smooth rotation of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be realized. It was.

According to the present invention, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be smoothly rotated by meshing between the gear and the gear as compared with the case of receiving the rotational force from the main body.

  According to the present invention, even if the cartridge is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum, a rotational force can be reliably applied to the developing roller, and smooth rotation can be realized.

It is a sectional side view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is side sectional drawing of the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a developing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive gear which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the assembly process of a coupling and a drive gear based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after the assembly of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the coupling | bonding state of a developing gear and a coupling. It is a perspective view showing the state where the coupling inclined. It is the perspective view and longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the drive structure of the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the drive structure of the developing roller based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the cartridge installation part of the apparatus main body which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing showing the process in which a cartridge is mounted | worn with the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the process in which the drive shaft and the coupling which concern on one Embodiment of this invention are engaged. It is a perspective view showing the process in which a coupling attaches to the drive shaft based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the coupling provided in the apparatus main body and the coupling provided in the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the process in which a coupling attaches to the drive shaft based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the drive shaft, drive gear, coupling, and image development shaft based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the process in which a coupling leaves | separates from the drive shaft based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the coupling which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the coupling which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the drive shaft which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the coupling which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing only a drive shaft, a developing shaft, and a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view and longitudinal cross-section of the cartridge side surface which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view of the cartridge installation part of the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention, and the figure seen from the apparatus direction. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the taking-out process which takes out the cartridge from an apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the mounting process which mounts the cartridge to an apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view and top view of a coupling which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the mounting operation | movement of the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which looked at the state which mounted | wore with the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention from the mounting direction. It is the perspective view which showed the state which stopped the drive of the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view and perspective view which showed the operation | movement which takes out the process cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which opened the door provided in the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the mounting guide by the side of the drive of an apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the drive side of the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the drive side of the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view which showed the state which inserts a cartridge into the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the state which attached the pressurization member (specific to a present Example) to the image development support member based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the image development support member, coupling, and image development shaft based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the drive side of the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the engagement state of the drive shaft and coupling based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view which showed the drive side of the cartridge based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the drive side of the apparatus main body guide based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view which showed the relationship between the cartridge and main body guide based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view and perspective view which showed the relationship between the main body guide and coupling based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view which looked at the process which mounts the cartridge to a main body based on one Embodiment of this invention from the drive side. It is a sectional side view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state where a developing support member of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is taken. It is a sectional side view of the cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is side sectional drawing of the apparatus main body based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the cartridge installation part of the apparatus main body which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on the apparatus main body, as viewed from above the apparatus. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Example 1
First, a developing cartridge to which the present invention can be applied will be described as an example.

  Here, the developing cartridge is an example of a cartridge.

(1) Description of Developing Cartridge First, a developing cartridge B (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge”) to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the cartridge B. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body A (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body” or “main body”).

  The cartridge B can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A by the user.

  1 to 4, the cartridge B has a developing roller 110. As shown in FIG. 4, when the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, the developing roller 110 is rotated by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A by a coupling mechanism described later.

  The developing roller 110 supplies a developer t to a developing area of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 107 (see FIG. 4). The developing roller 110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 using the developer t. The developing roller 110 includes a magnet roller (fixed magnet) 111.

  A developing blade 112 is provided in contact with the developing roller 110. The blade 112 defines the amount of developer t that adheres to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 110. Further, the blade 112 imparts triboelectric charge to the developer t.

  The developer t accommodated in the developer accommodating frame (developer accommodating portion) 114 is sent out to the developing chamber 113a by the rotation of the agitating members 115 and 116. Then, the developing roller 110 to which the voltage is applied is rotated. As a result, a developer layer imparted with triboelectric charge by the developing blade 112 is formed on the surface of the developing roller 110. Then, the developer t is transferred to the photosensitive drum 107 in accordance with the latent image. As a result, the developing roller 110 develops the latent image.

  The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred to the recording medium 102 by the transfer roller 104. Here, the recording medium 102 is capable of image formation, and is, for example, paper, an OHP sheet, or the like.

  The cartridge B is constituted by a developing unit 119. The unit 119 includes a developing frame 113 and a developer storage frame 114. Therefore, the unit 119 includes a developing roller 110, a developing blade 112, a developing frame 113, a developing chamber 113a, a developer storage frame 114, and stirring members 115 and 116.

  The developing roller 110 is rotatable about the axis L1.

  Here, the user grasps the handle T and attaches (attaches) the cartridge B to the cartridge installation portion 130a provided in the apparatus main body A. At this time, as will be described later, a drive shaft 180 (see FIG. 17) provided in the apparatus main body A in conjunction with the mounting operation of the cartridge B, and a coupling member 150 (described later) of the cartridge B (rotational force transmission). Parts). The developing roller 110 and the like are rotated by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A. When removing the cartridge B from the installation portion 130a, the user holds the handle T and removes the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A. At this time, the coupling member 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 in conjunction with the removal operation of the cartridge B.

  The cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A (installation portion 130a) by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. These will be described later.

(2) Description of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus An electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a laser beam printer will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus 100.

  A is a main body (apparatus main body) of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100. The main body (apparatus main body) A refers to a configuration in which the cartridge B is excluded from the image forming apparatus 100.

  A charging roller (charging member) 108 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 107. The charging roller 108 charges the photosensitive drum 107 by voltage application from the main body A. The charging roller 108 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 and rotates following the photosensitive drum 107.

  The drum unit 120 includes a photosensitive drum 107 and a cleaning blade (cleaning means) 117a. The drum unit 120 also includes a removed developer reservoir 117b, a removed developer conveying screw 117c for conveying the removed developer to a removed developer box (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body A, and a charging roller 108. ing. These are positioned integrally with the apparatus main body A. That is, the unit 120 is positioned in the apparatus main body A with the photosensitive drum 107 as the center. For example, bearings (not shown) that are provided coaxially with the photosensitive drum 107 and project outward from the frame of the unit 120 on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 107. Is supported in a groove (not shown). The groove is provided in the apparatus main body A.

  Here, the removed developer is a developer removed from the photosensitive drum 107 by the blade 117a.

  The unit 120 may be fixed to the apparatus main body A or may be detachable. The unit 120 may be positioned on the apparatus main body A with the photosensitive drum 107 as the center by applying a known configuration.

  The cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A (installation unit 130a). Then, the user closes the cartridge door 109 provided in the apparatus main body A. Accordingly, the cartridge B is urged against the photosensitive drum 107 by the elastic force of the urging spring 192 provided inside the door 109. As a result, the developing roller 110 is maintained at an appropriate distance from the photosensitive drum 107 (FIG. 4). Accordingly, the cartridge B is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the developing roller 110 is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 107. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 107 is rotatably positioned on the main body A in a state in which a bearing 107a provided on the same axis as a drum shaft (not shown) is supported by a positioning unit 150 provided on the main body A. (FIGS. 4 and 54).

  The door 109 is opened by the user when the cartridge B is attached to or removed from the apparatus main body A.

  At the time of image formation, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 107 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 108. Next, the photosensitive drum 107 is irradiated with laser light corresponding to image information from an optical unit 101 having a laser diode, a polygon mirror, a lens, and a reflection mirror (all not shown). As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 107. This latent image is developed by the developing roller 110 described above.

  On the other hand, in synchronization with the formation of the developer image, the recording medium 102 set in the cassette 103a is conveyed to the transfer position by the delivery roller 103b and the conveyance roller pairs 103c, 103d, and 103e. A transfer roller (transfer means) 104 is disposed at the transfer position. A voltage is applied from the apparatus main body A to the transfer roller 104. As a result, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred to the recording medium 102.

  A cleaning blade 117 a is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 107. The tip of the blade 117 a is in elastic contact with the photosensitive drum 107. Then, the blade 117 a removes the developer t remaining on the photosensitive drum 107 after the developer image is transferred to the recording medium 102. The developer t removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 by the blade 117a is temporarily stored in the developer reservoir 117b. Then, the developer is conveyed by a conveying screw 117c provided in the developer reservoir 117b and accumulated in the removed developer box (not shown).

  The recording medium 102 to which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 105 by the guide 103f. The fixing unit 105 includes a driving roller 105c and a fixing roller 105b incorporating a heater 105a. Then, heat and pressure are applied to the passing recording medium 102 to fix the developer image on the recording medium 102. Thereafter, the recording medium 102 on which the image has been formed is conveyed by a pair of rollers 103g and 103h and discharged to the tray 106. The roller 103b, the conveyance roller pairs 103c, 103d, 103e, the guide 103f, the roller pairs 103g, 103h, and the like are the conveyance means 103 for the recording medium 102.

  The installation unit 130a is a room (space) in which the cartridge B is installed. With the cartridge B positioned in this room, a coupling member 150 (described later) of the cartridge B is coupled to the drive shaft 180 of the apparatus main body A. In the present embodiment, the installation of the cartridge B in the installation unit 130a is referred to as the cartridge B being attached to the apparatus main body A. The removal of the cartridge B from the installation portion 130a is referred to as the removal of the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A.

(3) Configuration of Developing Roller Next, the configuration of the developing roller will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 as viewed from the side where the developing roller 110 receives a rotational force (hereinafter simply referred to as “driving side”). FIG. 5B is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side. The non-driving side refers to the side opposite to the driving side in the axial direction of the developing roller.

  The developing roller 110 includes a developing cylinder 110a, a driving-side developing flange 151, a non-driving-side developing flange 152, and a magnet roller 111.

  The developing cylinder 110a is obtained by applying a coating layer to a conductive cylinder such as aluminum. Thus, the cylinder 110a carries the developer on its peripheral surface. The carried developer is charged. At both ends of the cylinder 110a, openings 110a1 and 110a2 having substantially the same diameter as the developing cylinder 110a are provided in order to fit the developing flanges 151 and 152. A flange 151 is fitted into the opening 110a1. Further, the flange 152 is fitted into the opening 110a2.

  The flange 151 is made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. However, it may be made of resin according to the load torque for rotating the developing roller 110.

  The flange 151 includes a fitting portion 151c to which a developing gear 153 (FIG. 8B) for driving the developer agitating members 115 and 116 (see FIG. 1) and the like, and a fitting portion 151d supported by the developing bearing 138. It is provided on the coaxial line. And it has a fitting part for supporting the magnet roller 111 mentioned later inside. Further, a coupling 150 (described later) is attached to the developing gear 145 fitted to the flange 151 so as to be tiltable (movable and inclined) with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110.

  Like the flange 151, the flange 152 is made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. However, it can be made of resin depending on the load of the developing roller 110. Moreover, the cylinder fitting part 152b and the bearing part 152a are provided on the substantially coaxial line. Further, the magnet roller 111 is projected from the end of the developing roller 110 and supported by the bearing portion 152a.

  The magnet roller 111 is made of a magnetic material or resin to which magnetic material powder is added. The magnet roller 111 has 2 to 6 magnetic poles arranged in the axial direction, and carries and conveys the developer on the surface of the developing roller 110.

  The magnet roller 111 described above is attached to the inside of the developing cylinder 110a. Then, the fitting part 151a of the flange 151 is fitted into the opening part 110a1. Further, the fitting portion 152b of the flange 152 is fitted into the opening 110a2. The fixing method is adhesive, caulking or the like. Further, a spacing regulating member 136, a developing bearing 138, and a developing gear (not shown) are inserted from the driving side of the developing roller 110. Further, the interval regulating member 137 and the developing contact 156 are inserted from the non-driving side.

  The regulating members 136 and 137 are members that regulate the distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107, and are formed of a resin cylindrical member of about 200 to 400 μm. The regulating member 136 is fitted on the outer periphery of one end portion of the developing cylinder 110a. The regulating member 137 is fitted on the outer periphery of the other end of the developing cylinder 110a. As a result, the distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 is maintained at about 200 to 400 μm.

  The bearing 138 is a bearing member for rotatably supporting the developing roller 110 on the developing device frame 113 (see FIG. 1).

  The developing contact 156 is a conductive (mainly metal) coil-shaped member, and has a contact portion 156 b that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the conductive developing cylinder 110 a or the flange 152. In this embodiment, an example in which the development contact 156 is in contact with the flange 152 is shown. Then, it is electrically connected to the apparatus main body via a developing cartridge external contact (not shown) via the contact portion 156a. Accordingly, in a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, a main body electrical contact (not shown) provided on the apparatus main body A and a cartridge external contact come into contact with each other and receive a voltage from the main body A. The voltage received by the cartridge external contact is supplied to the developing roller 110 via the contact 156.

(5) Description of rotational force transmission component (coupling member) Next, an example of a coupling member which is a rotational force transmission component will be described with reference to FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the coupling member viewed from the apparatus main body side, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the coupling member viewed from the developing roller side. FIG. 6C is a view as seen from an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the coupling axis L2 direction. 6D is a side view of the coupling member as viewed from the apparatus main body side, FIG. 6E is a view as viewed from the developing roller side, and FIG. 6F is a view of FIG. 6D. It is sectional drawing cut by S3.

  A coupling member (hereinafter referred to as “coupling”) 150 engages with the drive shaft 180 (see FIG. 17) of the apparatus main body A in a state where the cartridge B is mounted (installed) on the installation unit 130a. Further, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 by taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A. At this time, the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. The cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A by moving in the direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. The coupling 150 receives a rotational force from a motor 186 (FIG. 14) provided in the apparatus main body A through the drive shaft 180 in a state of being engaged with the drive shaft 180. Further, the coupling 150 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 110. As a result, the developing roller 110 rotates. Here, the material of the coupling 150 is a resin such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, or PPS. However, in order to increase the rigidity of the coupling 150, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like may be blended in the resin according to the load torque. When the materials are blended, the rigidity of the coupling 150 can be increased. Moreover, a metal may be inserted into the resin to further increase the rigidity. Further, the entire coupling 150 may be made of metal or the like. The coupling material is the same in the other coupling embodiments described later. The coupling 150 mainly has three parts (FIG. 6C).

  The first portion is a driven portion 150a that engages with the drive shaft 180 and has a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to 150e4) for receiving rotational force from the pin 182. The second part is a drive unit 150b that engages with the developing gear 153 and transmits a rotational force. The third portion is an intermediate portion 150c that is intermediate between the driven portion 150a and the driving portion 150b. The developing gear 153 transmits the rotational force received by the coupling 150 from the apparatus main body A to, for example, a developer supply roller (described later).

  As shown in FIG. 6 (f), the driven portion 150a has a drive shaft insertion opening 150m that is an expanded portion that expands in a conical shape with respect to the axis L2. The opening 150m constitutes a recess 150z as shown in the drawing. The recess 150z is located on the same axis as the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 150.

  The drive unit 150b has a spherical drive bearing surface 150i. By the receiving surface 150i, the coupling 150 can be tilted (moved) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or disengagement angular position) with respect to the axis L1. As a result, the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180 without being blocked by the front end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110. The drive part 150b is convex as shown in the figure.

  A plurality of driven transmission protrusions 150d1 to d4 are arranged on the circumference of the end face of the driven part 150a (on the virtual circle C1 shown in FIG. 6D). In addition, driven standby portions 150k1, 150k2, 150k3, and 150k4 are provided between the protrusions 150d1, 150d2, 150d3, and 150d4. That is, the interval between the adjacent protrusions 150d1 to d4 is set larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182 so that the pin (rotational force applying unit) 182 can be positioned within this interval. This interval is the standby units 150k1 to k4. Further, in the direction of FIG. 6D, a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to e4) intersecting with the rotational direction of the coupling 150 is provided on the downstream side in the clockwise direction of the protrusion 150d. It has been. When the drive shaft 180 rotates, the pin 182 contacts any one of the receiving surfaces 150e1 to e4. And the receiving surfaces 150e1-e4 are pushed by the side surface of the pin 182, and the coupling 150 rotates centering on the axis line L2.

  The drive unit 150b is a spherical surface. Due to the spherical surface, the coupling 150 is located between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or disengagement angular position) regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110 in the cartridge B. Can be tilted (moved). In the illustrated example, the driving unit 150b includes a spherical development bearing surface 150i having an axis L2 as an axis. And the fixing hole 150g which lets the pin (rotational force transmission part) 155 pass is provided in the position which passes through the center.

  As described above, the coupling 150 has the recess 150z on the same axis as the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 150. With the coupling 150 positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess 150z covers the tip of the drive shaft 180. A rotational force receiving surface 150e (150e1 to 150e4) is provided on the distal end side of the drive shaft 180 so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, and a rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 is provided. The coupling 150 is engaged in the rotation direction. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is a rotational force receiving portion. The pin 182 is a rotational force applying unit. Accordingly, the coupling 150 receives a rotational force from the drive shaft 180 and rotates. When removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 moves the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. Then, in accordance with the movement of the cartridge B, the coupling 150 is moved from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position so as to allow a part of the recess 150z (tip position 150A1) to bypass the drive shaft 180. Tilt (move). As a result, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

  Further, the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to 150e4) sandwiches the center S on a virtual circle C1 (FIG. 6D) having the center S on the rotational axis L2 of the coupling 150. Are arranged so as to face each other. In this embodiment, the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e are arranged at four locations.

  Here, since the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e are arranged to face each other across the center S, a force is evenly applied to the coupling 150. Therefore, the rotation accuracy of the coupling 150 can be improved.

  Further, in the state where the coupling 150 is located at the rotational force transmission angular position, the axis L2 substantially coincides with the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. In the state where the coupling 150 is located at the separation angle position, the upstream side (the distal end portion 150A3) can pass through the distal end of the drive shaft 180 in the removal direction X6 in which the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A. Thus, it inclines with respect to the axis line L1.

(6) Description of Development Gear Next, an example of the development gear 153 to which the coupling 150 is attached will be described with reference to FIG. 7A is a view as seen from the drive shaft side, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along S4-S4 in FIG. 7A.

  The openings 153g1 and 153g2 shown in FIG. 7A are grooves provided in the rotation axis direction of the developing gear 153. A space 153f is formed between the openings 153g1 and g2. When the coupling 150 is attached to the developing gear 153, the pin 155 is accommodated in the openings 153g1 and 153g2. Further, the development bearing surface 150i is accommodated in the space portion 153f.

  With the above configuration, in the cartridge B, regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110 (wherever the stop position of the pin 155 is), the coupling 150 is rotated at the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position ( Alternatively, it can be tilted (movable) between the position and the separation angle position.

  Further, in FIG. 7A, rotational force transmission surfaces (rotational force transmitted portions) 153h1 and 153h2 are provided on the upstream side in the clockwise direction of the openings 153g1 and 153g2. And the side surface of the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force transmission part) 155 of the coupling 150 contacts the transmission surfaces 153h1 and 153h2. As a result, the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling 150 to the developing roller 110. Here, the transmission surfaces 153h1 to 153h2 are surfaces intersecting with the rotation direction of the developing gear 153. Accordingly, the transmission surfaces 153h1 to 153h2 are pushed against the side surface of the pin 15155. Then, the coupling 150 rotates around the axis L2 in a state where the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially aligned.

  Here, since the developing gear 153 includes the transmitted portions 153h1 and 153h2, the developing gear 153 functions as a rotational force transmitted member.

  As in the case of the protrusion 15150d, it is desirable that the rotational force transmission surfaces 15150h1 and 15150h2 are arranged to face each other at 180 ° on the same circumference.

(7) Assembly of Coupling FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of assembling the coupling 150 to the developing gear 153.

  FIG. 8A is a view showing a state in which the coupling 150 including two parts, the drive transmission pin, and the retaining member 156 are assembled. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a process of assembling them to the developing gear.

  The retaining member 156 is engaged with the developing gear 153. As a result, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be tiltable (movable) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or disengagement angular position). Then, the movement of the coupling 150 in the direction of the axis L2 is restricted. Therefore, the opening 156j has a diameter φD15 smaller than the diameter of the bearing surface 150i. That is, the movement of the coupling 150 is regulated by the developing gear 153 and the retaining member 156. As a result, the coupling 150 is not detached from the developing roller (cartridge).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the driving portion 150 b of the coupling 150 is engaged with a recess (space portion 153 f) provided in the developing gear 153.

  Next, a specific method for assembling the coupling will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the driven part 150a and the intermediate part 150c are inserted from the direction of X33 with respect to the positioning member 150q having the bearing surface 150i (drive part 150c). At this time, the retaining member 156 is previously placed between the driven portion 150c and the positioning member 150q. In this state, the pin 155 passes through the fixing hole 150g of the positioning member 150q and the fixing hole 150r of the intermediate portion 150c. Thus, the positioning member 150q is fixed to the intermediate portion 150c.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the coupling 150 is moved in the X33 direction. As a result, the coupling 150 is inserted into the developing gear 153. Next, the retaining member 156 is inserted from the direction of the arrow X33. Then, the retaining member 156 is fixed to the developing gear 153. With this attachment method, the coupling 150 can be attached leaving a backlash (gap) between the positioning member 150q and the developing gear 153. As a result, the direction of the coupling 150 can be changed (inclined or moved with respect to the axis L2).

  The coupling attachment method is not limited to the attachment method described above. For example, the coupling may be attached so as not to move in the axial direction with respect to the developing gear 153 and to be inclined with respect to the axial line of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110).

  Therefore, for example, the coupling is integrally formed. Then, a flexible locking claw is provided on the developing gear 153 to lock the bearing surface 150i. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the removal. Even in this case, it may be used in combination with a retaining member.

(8) Assembly of Cartridge (Developing Cartridge) Next, the mounting of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along S4-S4 in FIG. 2 in which the axis L2 is coaxial with the axis L1. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along S5-S5 in FIG.

  The developing gear 153 to which the coupling 150 is attached is fixed to one end side (developing flange 151) of the developing roller 110 so that the driving unit 150a is exposed.

  The integrated developing roller 110, developing gear 153, and coupling 150 are supported by a bearing member 157 on the driving side and a developing support pin (not shown) on the non-driving side. In this state, the developing roller 110, the developing gear 153, and the coupling 150, which are integrated, are rotatably supported by the developing device frame 119. Thereby, it is integrated as the cartridge B (state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

  In this state, the rotational force received from the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 110 via the coupling 150 and the developing gear 153.

  Further, in this state, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be in a state (FIG. 10A) positioned substantially on the same axis as the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, and is inclined with respect to the axis L1 (FIG. 10). 10 (b)) is also possible.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the coupling 150 is attached to the developing device frame 119 so that the axis L2 can be inclined with respect to the axis L1 in any direction. FIGS. 11A1 to 11A5 are views seen from the direction of the drive shaft 180, and FIGS. 11B1 to 11B5 are perspective views thereof. Here, in FIGS. 11B1 to 11B5, a part of the developing gear 153 is cut and the entire coupling 150 is illustrated.

  11 (a1) and 11 (b1), the axis L2 is located on the same axis as the axis L1. The state when the coupling 150 is inclined upward from this state is shown in FIGS. 11 (a2) and 11 (b2). As shown in this figure, when the coupling 150 is inclined in the direction in which the opening 153g is provided, the pin 155 moves along the opening 153g. As a result, the coupling 150 is inclined about the axis AX orthogonal to the opening 153g.

  11 (a3) and 11 (b3) show a state in which the coupling 150 is inclined rightward. As shown in this figure, when the coupling 150 is inclined in a direction orthogonal to the opening 153g, the pin 155 rotates in the opening 153g. Note that the pin 155 rotates around the central axis AY of the pin 155.

  11 (a4), (b4) and FIGS. 11 (a5), (b5), the coupling 150 is tilted downward and tilted left. Since the description of the rotation axes AX and AY is duplicated, it will be omitted.

  Note that the inclination direction to the direction different from the above-described inclination direction, for example, the direction of 45 ° shown in FIG. 11 (a1), etc. is inclined by the combination of the rotation in the direction of the rotation axis AX and the rotation axis AY ( Move).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L1.

  In this embodiment, the opening 151g has a shape extending at least in the direction intersecting the protruding direction of the pin 155.

  Further, a gap is provided between the developing gear (rotational force transmitted member) 153 and the coupling 150 as shown in the figure. Therefore, as described above, the coupling 150 can be tilted (movable) in any direction.

  That is, the transmission surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 153h (153h1, h2) is movable with the pin 155 (rotational force transmitting portion). The pin 155 is movable with respect to the transmission surface 153h. Then, in the rotational direction of the coupling, the transmission surface 153h and the pin 155 are engaged. In order to achieve this, there is a gap between the pin 155 and the transmission surface 153h. As a result, the coupling 150 can be tilted in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. As described above, the coupling 150 is attached to the end of the developing roller 110.

  Note that the axis L2 can be tilted in any direction with respect to the axis L1. However, the coupling 150 is not necessarily tiltable linearly to a predetermined angle in any direction of 360 °. In that case, for example, the opening 150g is set wider in the circumferential direction. By setting in this way, when the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1, the coupling 150 can be slightly rotated around the axis L2 even if it is not linearly inclined at a predetermined angle. Thereby, it can incline to a predetermined angle. That is, the amount of play in the rotation direction of the opening 150g can be selected as appropriate.

  This applies to any coupling described herein as an example.

  Thus, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be tiltable in virtually any direction. For this reason, the coupling 150 is rotatable (movable) over substantially the entire circumference with respect to the developing gear 153 (the axis L1 of the developing roller 110). As described above (see FIG. 10), the spherical surface 150i of the coupling 150 is in contact with the retaining portion (a part of the recess) 156i. Therefore, the coupling 150 is attached with the center P2 of the spherical surface 150i as the center of rotation (see FIG. 10). That is, regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110), the coupling 150 is attached such that its axis L2 can be inclined.

  Further, in order for the coupling 150 to engage the drive shaft 180, the axis L2 is inclined to the downstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge B with respect to the axis L1 immediately before the engagement. That is, as shown in FIG. 10B, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the driven part 150a is on the downstream side in the mounting direction X4. 12A to 12C, the position of the driven portion 150a is located on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 in any case.

  With the configuration described so far, as shown in FIG. 10, the state in which the axis L <b> 2 is inclined can be substantially parallel to the axis L <b> 1. Further, the maximum tiltable angle α4 (FIG. 10B) between the axis L1 and the axis L2 is an angle at which the driven portion 15150a or the intermediate portion 15150c can tilt until it contacts the developing gear 153 or the bearing member 157. The inclination angle may be set to a value necessary for the coupling 150 to engage and disengage from the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A.

(9) Description of Drive Shaft and Drive Configuration of Apparatus Main Body Next, the developing roller drive configuration of the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus main body in a state where the cartridge B is not inserted, and is a perspective view in which a side plate on the driving side is partially cut away. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing only the developing roller driving configuration.

  The tip 180b of the drive shaft 180 is a hemispherical surface. Moreover, it has the rotational force transmission pin 182 as a rotational force provision part which penetrates substantially the center of the cylindrical main part 180a. A rotational force is transmitted to the coupling 150 by the pin 182.

  A developing drive gear 181 is provided on the side opposite to the front end portion 180b in the longitudinal direction on the axis L3 and substantially coaxial. The gear 181 is fixed to the drive shaft 180 so as not to rotate. Therefore, when the gear 181 rotates, the drive shaft 180 also rotates.

  The gear 181 receives a rotational force from a motor 186 through a pinion gear (motor pinion) 187, an idler gear 191 and a photosensitive drum driving gear 190. Therefore, when the motor 186 rotates, the drive shaft 180 also rotates.

  The gear 181 is rotatably supported with respect to the apparatus main body A by a bearing member (not shown). At this time, the gear 181 does not move with respect to the direction of the axis L1. Therefore, the gear 181 and the bearing member (not shown) can be disposed close to each other.

  Further, it has been described that the gear 181 receives the rotational force from the gear 187 via some gears. However, this is not the case. For example, you may select suitably for the convenience of arrangement | positioning of the motor 186 with respect to the apparatus main body A. Further, the rotational force may be transmitted by a belt or the like.

  Further, the drive shaft 180 does not move with respect to the direction of the axis L3. For this reason, the gap between the drive shaft 180 and the bearing members 183 and 184 is set such that the drive shaft 180 can rotate. Therefore, the radial position of the gear 181 relative to the gear 187 can also be accurately positioned.

  However, the drive shaft 180 may have play (play) in the direction of the axis L3 within a possible range of dimensional tolerance. In that case, in order to eliminate the play (play), the drive shaft 180 or the gear 181 may be elastically biased by a spring or the like in the direction of the axis L3.

(10) Configuration of Main Body Mounting Guide As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the mounting means 130 of the present embodiment includes main body guides 130R1 and 130L1 provided in the apparatus main body A.

  These are provided in a space (cartridge mounting portion 130a) for mounting the cartridge B provided in the apparatus main body A. Cartridge mounting means 130 are provided on one end side and the other end side (left and right side surfaces) in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction (mounting direction, insertion direction) for mounting the cartridge B on the mounting portion 130a. The mounting means 130 provided on one end side and the other end side are provided to face each other (FIG. 15 shows a driving side surface, and FIG. 16 shows a non-driving side surface). The mounting means 130 is provided with guide portions 130R1 and 130L1 that serve as guides when the cartridge B is mounted. The guide portion 130R1 is provided on the one end side, and the guide portion 130L1 is provided on the other end side so as to face each other. When the cartridge B is inserted, the guide portions 130R1 and 130L1 guide a protruding portion (described later) protruding from one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame. In order to mount the cartridge B in the apparatus main body A, the user opens the door 109 that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body A around the shaft 109a. Then, the boss is guided by the guide portions 130R1 and 130L1, and the cartridge B is guided to the mounting portion 130a. Thereafter, the user closes the door 109, whereby the mounting of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A is completed. The door 109 is also opened when the cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main body A.

  Further, the drive-side groove 130R2 functions as a relief of the coupling 150 until the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged when the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body A.

  Further, a spring 192 is provided inside the door 109. When the door 109 is closed, the cartridge B is elastically biased to maintain the distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the developing roller 110 elastically biases the cartridge B in the direction in which the photosensitive drum 107 is biased.

(11) Developer Cartridge Installation Guide / Positioning Configuration As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cartridge B includes cartridge guides 140R1, 140R2, and 140L2 at one end and the other end in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the developing roller 110. 140L2 are arranged. That is, guides 140R1 and 140R2 are disposed at one end, and guides 140L2 and 140L2 are disposed at the other end.

  In this embodiment, the guides 140R1, 140R2, 140L1, and 140L2 are formed integrally with the developing frame 119, the developing support member 157, or the developing bearing 139. And these are provided protruding outward.

(12) Mounting operation of developing cartridge The mounting operation of mounting the cartridge B to the main body A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 shows the mounting process, and is a cross-sectional view taken along S6-S6 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the user opens the door 109 provided in the apparatus main body A. Then, the cartridge B is detachably attached to the attachment means 130 (attachment portion 130a).

  When the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, as shown in FIG. 17B, the cartridge guides 140R1 and 140R2 are placed along the main body guide 130R1 on the driving side. On the non-driving side, the cartridge guides 140L1 and 140L2 (see FIG. 3) are aligned with the main body guide 130L1 (see FIG. 16). As a result, the cartridge B is attached to the mounting portion 130a. At this time, the coupling 150 provided on the driving side and the cylindrical portion 157c of the developing support member 157 surrounding the periphery thereof are along the groove portion 130R2 of the guide 130R1. However, the cylindrical portion 157c is not in contact with the groove portion 130R2.

  Next, when the cartridge B is further inserted in the arrow X4 direction, the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180 as will be described later. The cartridge B is accommodated in the mounting portion 130a (predetermined position). That is, as shown in FIG. 17C, the guide 140R1 comes into contact with the positioning portion 130R1a provided on the guide 130R1. Further, the guide 140L1 contacts a positioning portion 130L1a (see FIG. 16) provided on the guide 130L1. In this manner, the cartridge B is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 130a by the mounting means 130. In the state where the cartridge B is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 130a, the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180. As a result, the cartridge B can perform an image forming operation. Here, the cartridge mounting portion 130 a is a space occupied by the cartridge B mounted on the apparatus main body A by the mounting means 130.

  As described above, the guides 140R1 and 140R2 are provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B so as to protrude outward (FIG. 2). The guide 140R1 and the guide 140R2 are arranged at an interval along the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B. On the other hand, guides 140L1 and 140L2 are provided on the other end in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude outward (FIG. 3). The guide 140L1 and the guide 140L2 are arranged at an interval along the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B.

  Further, in the main body A, guides 130R1 and 130R2 are arranged on one end side of the mounting portion 130a along the mounting direction X4. The guide 130R1 is disposed above and the guide 130R2 is disposed below (FIG. 15). On the other hand, a guide 130L1 is disposed along the mounting direction X4 on the other end side of the mounting portion 130a (FIG. 16).

  When the cartridge B is attached to the mounting portion 130a, the guide 130R1 is guided by the guide 140R1 and the guide 140R2, and the bottom surface of the cartridge B is guided by the guide 130R2 and inserted (FIG. 17). On the other hand, the guide 140L1 and the guide 140L2 are inserted while being guided by the guide 130L1.

  Then, with the coupling 150 engaged with the drive shaft 180, the guide 140R1 is positioned on the positioning portion 130R1a (FIG. 17). Further, the guide 140L1 is positioned on the positioning portion 130L1a (FIG. 16). That is, with the coupling 150 engaged with the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B is attached to the mounting portion 130a.

  A state where the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 and a state where the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 will be described later.

  Moreover, when removing the cartridge B from the mounting part 130a, it can carry out in the process opposite to the above.

  With the above configuration, the cartridge B can be detached from the mounting portion 130a by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 180. Further, the cartridge B can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 130a by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 180.

  When the cartridge B is accommodated in the mounting portion 130a, the guide 140R1 (see also FIG. 2) is pressurized by the elastic force of the pressing spring 188R provided on the main body A (FIG. 15). Further, the guide 140L1 (see FIG. 3) is pressurized by the elastic force of the pressing spring 188L provided on the main body A (FIG. 16). When the door 109 is closed, the cartridge B is biased by the urging portion 114a (see FIG. 4) by the elastic force of the urging spring 192R provided inside the door 109 (see FIG. 16 for the urging spring 192L on the non-driving side). ) Under pressure. As a result, the spacing regulating members 136 and 137 (see FIG. 2) arranged at the end of the developing roller 110 come into contact with the end of the photosensitive drum 107. Then, the distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 is maintained.

  Further, by closing the cover 109, the switch means (not shown) is turned on. Accordingly, it is possible to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110 from the apparatus main body A via the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150.

  Thus, the cartridge B is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 130a by the mounting means 130. That is, the cartridge B is mounted on the mounting portion 130 a in a state of being positioned with respect to the apparatus main body A and the photosensitive drum 107. Then, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 are engaged with each other with the cartridge B mounted in the mounting portion 130a.

  That is, the coupling 150 is in a rotational force transmission angular position to be described later.

  When the cartridge B is mounted on the mounting portion 130a, an image forming operation can be performed.

  Regarding the mounting mode of the cartridge B, as described above, the user himself / herself may cause the cartridge B to enter the mounting portion 130a. Alternatively, the user may cause the cartridge B to enter an intermediate position and perform the final mounting operation by another means. For example, using the operation of closing the door 109, a part of the door 109 is made to act on the cartridge B that is in the middle of the mounting. Then, the cartridge B may be pushed to the final mounting position with the closing force of the door 109. Alternatively, although the user pushes the cartridge B halfway, the cartridge B may enter the mounting portion 130a by its own weight from the middle.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the cartridge B is attached to and removed from the apparatus main body A by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 (see FIG. 18) of the drive shaft 180. Is called. Then, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 are engaged and disengaged.

  Here, the meaning of “substantially orthogonal” will be described.

  In order to smoothly attach and detach the cartridge B between the cartridge B and the apparatus main body A, a slight gap is provided between them. Specifically, between the longitudinal direction of the guide 140R1 and the guide 130R1, between the guide 140R2 and the guide 130R1, between the guide 140L1 and the guide 130L1, and between the guide 140L2 and the guide 130L2. Has a slight gap. Therefore, when the cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A, the entire cartridge B may be slightly inclined within the gap. Therefore, it may not be strictly the attachment and detachment from the orthogonal direction. However, even in such a case, the effect of the present invention can be achieved. Therefore, it is referred to as “substantially orthogonal” including the case where the cartridge is slightly inclined.

(13) Description of the engagement operation between the coupling and the drive shaft and the transmission of the rotational force As described above, the cartridge B is located just before being positioned at the mounting portion 130a (predetermined position) or at a predetermined position At substantially the same time as positioned, the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180. That is, the coupling 150 is positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position. Here, the predetermined position is the installation part 130a.

  Next, the engaging operation between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the drive shaft and the main part on the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view as seen from the lower side of the apparatus main body. Here, the term “engagement” refers to a state in which the axis L2 and the axis L3 are substantially coaxial and the transmission of rotational force is possible (drive transmission is possible).

  As shown in FIG. 19, the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 (arrow X4 direction). Alternatively, it is removed from the apparatus main body A. As for the coupling 150, the axis L2 (FIG. 19A) is inclined in advance in the mounting direction X4 with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 (FIG. 19A) as an angular position before engagement. FIG. 18A and FIG. 19A).

  In addition, what is necessary is just to use the structure of Example 4 or Example 5 mentioned later as the structure which inclines a coupling to the angle position before engagement, for example. However, it is not limited to Example 4 and Example 5, and an appropriate structure can be used.

  Since the coupling 150 is inclined in the above-described direction, the coupling 150 has a direction in which the developing roller 110 is provided at the downstream end position 150A1 in the mounting direction X4 in the direction of the axis L1 rather than the driving shaft front end 180b3. Located on the side. Further, the tip position 150A2 on the upstream side in the mounting direction X4 is located closer to the direction in which the pin 182 is provided than the shaft tip 180b3 (FIGS. 19A and 19B). The tip position referred to here is a position on the driven portion 150a shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C that is closest to the drive axis with respect to the direction of the axis L2, and is farthest from the axis L2. In other words, depending on the rotational phase of the coupling 150, it becomes either one ridge line of the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 or one ridge line of the protruding portion 150d (denoted 150A in FIGS. 6A and 6C).

  First, the tip position (a part of the coupling 150) 150A1 of the coupling 150 passes through the shaft tip 180b3. Then, after the coupling 150 passes through the shaft tip 180b3, the receiving surface 150f or the projection 150d comes into contact with the tip 180b of the drive shaft 180 or the pin 182 (FIG. 19B). The receiving surface 150f and the protrusion 150d are cartridge side contact portions. The drive shaft 180 is a main body side engaging portion. Further, the pin 182 is a main body side engaging portion and a rotational force applying portion. Then, according to the mounting operation of the coupling 150 and the cartridge B, the axis L2 is inclined so as to be substantially straight with the axis L1 (FIG. 19C). The coupling 150 tilts from the pre-engagement angular position, and tilts (moves) to the rotational force transmission angular position where the axis L2 is substantially in line with the axis L1. Finally, the position of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A is determined. At this time, the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110 are positioned on substantially the same straight line. Further, the receiving surface 150f is in a state of facing the tip portion 180b of the driving shaft 180 which is a spherical surface. Then, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged (FIGS. 18B and 19D). At this time, the pin 155 (not shown) is located in the opening 150g (see FIG. 6B). Further, the pin 182 is located in the standby unit 150k. Here, the coupling 150 is in a state of covering the distal end portion 180b.

  As described above, the coupling 150 performs the following movement when the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A. That is, the coupling 150 is configured so that a part of the coupling 150 located at the downstream side (tip position 150A1) is allowed to bypass the drive shaft 180 when viewed from the mounting direction X4. It tilts (moves) from the position to the rotational force transmission angle position. The receiving surface 150f constitutes a recess 150z. The recess 150z has a conical shape. The attachment direction X4 is a direction in which the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be inclined with respect to the axis L1. Then, according to the movement of the cartridge B, a part (the receiving surface 150f and / or the protrusion 150d) of the coupling 150 which is the cartridge side contact portion contacts the main body side engagement portion (drive shaft 180 and / or pin 182). To do. Thereby, the tilting operation of the coupling 150 is performed. As shown in FIG. 19, the coupling 150 is mounted in a state of overlapping with the drive shaft 180 in the direction of the axis L1. However, due to the tilting operation of the coupling as described above, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 in an overlapped state can be engaged with each other.

  Further, the above-described attachment operation of the coupling 150 can be performed regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150. The reason for this will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the phases of the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180. FIG. 20A is a view showing a state in which the pin 182 and the receiving surface 150f face each other on the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction X4. FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating a state where the pin 182 and the protrusion 150d are opposed to each other. FIG. 20C is a diagram showing a state in which the tip portion 180b and the projection portion 150d are opposed to each other. FIG. 20D is a diagram showing a state in which the distal end portion 180b and the receiving surface 150f are opposed to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L <b> 1 of the developing roller 110. That is, the coupling 150 can pivot. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the developing gear 153 (developing roller) can be inclined in the mounting direction X4 with respect to the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B regardless of the phase. Further, the inclination angle of the coupling 150 is set so that the front end position 150A1 is positioned closer to the developing roller than the shaft front end 180b3 in the direction of the axis L1 regardless of the phases of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150. . Further, the inclination angle of the coupling 150 is set so that the tip position 150A2 is located on the pin 182 direction side of the shaft tip 180b3. With this setting, the tip position 150A1 passes through the shaft tip 180b3 in the mounting direction X4 according to the mounting operation of the cartridge B. In the case shown in FIG. 20A, the receiving surface 150 f comes into contact with the pin 182. In the case shown in FIG. 20B, the protrusion (engaging portion) 150 d comes into contact with the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182. In the case shown in FIG. 20 (c), the protrusion 150d is in contact with the tip 180b. In the case shown in FIG. 20 (d), the receiving surface 150f is in contact with the tip portion 180b. Further, due to the contact force between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 that is generated when the cartridge B is mounted, the coupling 150 moves so that the axis L2 is substantially in line with the axis L1. That is, after the coupling 150 starts to contact the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B moves until the axis L2 is substantially aligned with the axis L1. The cartridge B is positioned on the main body A as described above in a state where the axis L2 is substantially aligned with the axis L1. As a result, the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180. That is, the recess 150z covers the tip portion 180b. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180 (pin 182) regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 or the developing gear 153 (developing roller).

  Further, a gap is provided between the developing gear 153 and the coupling 150 as shown in FIG. 20, and the structure is tiltable (movable) as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the coupling 150 tilts in the plane of FIG. 20 has been described. However, since the coupling 150 can also turn as described above, it may include tilting in a direction other than the in-plane direction of FIG. Even in that case, the state of FIG. 20A is reached to the state of FIG. This point also applies to the following examples unless otherwise specified.

  Next, a rotational force transmission operation when the developing roller 110 is rotated will be described with reference to FIG. Due to the rotational force received from the drive source (motor 186), the drive shaft 180 rotates together with the gear 181 in the direction X8 in the figure. And the pin 182 (182a1, 182a2) integral with the drive shaft 180 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) 150e1 to 150e4. That is, the pin 182a1 contacts any one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e1 to 150e4. Further, the pin 182a2 comes into contact with any one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e1 to 150e4. As a result, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the coupling 150 to rotate the coupling 150. Further, when the coupling 150 rotates, the pin 155 (rotational force transmitting portion) of the coupling 150 comes into contact with the developing gear 153. Accordingly, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 110 via the coupling 150, the pin 155, the developing gear 153, and the developing flange 151. Then, the developing roller 110 is rotated.

  In addition, at the rotational force transmission angular position, the tip portion 153b contacts the receiving surface 150i. And the front-end | tip part (positioning part) 180b of the drive shaft 180 contacts with the receiving surface (positioned part) 150f. As a result, the coupling 150 is positioned with respect to the drive shaft 180 in a state of being covered with the drive shaft 180 (see FIG. 19d).

  Here, in this embodiment, the developing roller 110 is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 107 via a gap maintaining member. In contrast, the drive shaft 180 is positioned on a side plate or the like of the apparatus main body A. That is, the axis L1 is positioned via the photosensitive drum with respect to the axis L3. Therefore, dimensional tolerance is easy to ride. Therefore, the axis line L3 and the axis line L1 are likely to deviate from the same axis line (a straight line between the axis line L1 and the axis line L3). In such a case, the coupling 150 can transmit a rotational force by being slightly inclined. Even in such a case, the coupling 150 can rotate without imposing a large load on the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) and the drive shaft 180. Therefore, operations such as adjusting the positioning with high accuracy when the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110 (developing cartridge) are assembled (at the time of mounting) can be reduced. Therefore, assembly operability can be improved.

  This is one of the effects of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied in addition to the effects described above as the effects of the present invention.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 14, the positions of the drive shaft 180 and the gear 181 are positioned in the radial direction and the axial direction at a predetermined position (mounting portion 130 a) of the apparatus main body A. Further, the cartridge B is also positioned on the mounting portion 130a as described above. Then, the coupling 150 couples both the drive shaft 180 positioned in the mounting portion 130a and the cartridge B similarly positioned in the mounting portion 130a. The coupling 150 is configured to be swingable (can be tilted) with respect to the developing roller 110. Therefore, even between the drive shaft 180 positioned at a predetermined position as described above and the cartridge B similarly positioned at the predetermined position, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force. In other words, even if there is a slight misalignment between the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force.

  This is also one of the effects of the present embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  The coupling 150 is in contact with the drive shaft 180. As a result, it has been described that the coupling 150 swings from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position, but this is not a limitation. For example, you may provide the butting part as a main body side engaging part in places other than the drive shaft of an apparatus main body. In the mounting process of the cartridge B, after the tip position 150A1 passes through the drive shaft tip 180b3, a part of the coupling 150 (cartridge side contact portion) comes into contact with the abutting portion. As a result, the coupling can receive a force in the swing direction (tilt direction) and swing (tilt) so that the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L3. That is, any means may be used as long as the axis L1 can be positioned substantially coaxially with the axis L3 in conjunction with the mounting operation of the cartridge B.

(14) Description of Operation of Separating Coupling from Drive Shaft and Operation of Removing Cartridge The operation of detaching the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180 when taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus main body as viewed from below.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the cartridge B is removed from a direction (arrow X6 direction) substantially orthogonal to the axis L3.

  In a state where the rotation of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) is stopped, the coupling 150 is located at a rotational force transmission angle position, and the axis L2 is positioned substantially on the same axis as the axis L1 (FIG. 22A). Then, as the user removes the cartridge B from the mounting portion 130a, the developing gear 153 moves together with the cartridge B in the removal direction X6. Then, the receiving surface 150f on the upstream side in the take-out direction X6 of the coupling 150 or the protrusion 150d comes into contact with at least the tip 180b of the drive shaft 180 (FIG. 22A). In the coupling 150, the axis L2 starts to incline upstream in the take-out direction X6 (FIG. 22B). The direction in which the coupling 150 starts to tilt is the same as the direction in which the coupling 150 is tilted when the cartridge B is mounted (angle position before engagement). By the operation of taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 moves while the upstream end portion 150A3 in the take-out direction X6 is in contact with the front end portion 180b. More specifically, according to the movement of the cartridge B in the take-out direction X6, the coupling 150 performs the following movement. That is, the coupling 150 has a part (the receiving surface 150f and / or the protrusion 150d) of the coupling 150 that is the cartridge side contact portion while contacting the main body side engaging portion (the drive shaft 180 and / or the pin 182). Moving. Then, the axis L2 is set as the separation angle position, and the tip portion 150A3 is inclined until it reaches the tip 180b3 (FIG. 22C). In this state, the coupling 150 passes through the drive shaft 180 while being in contact with the tip 180b3, and is detached from the drive shaft 180 (FIG. 22D). Thereafter, the cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main body A through a process opposite to the mounting process described with reference to FIG.

  As is clear from the above description, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position with respect to the axis L1 is larger than the angle of the disengagement angular position with respect to the axis L1. This is because, in consideration of the dimensional tolerance of each part, when the coupling is engaged, the tip position (a part of the coupling 150) 150A1 can surely pass the tip portion 180b3 at the pre-engagement angular position. It is. That is, it is necessary to set the pre-engagement angular position so that there is a gap between the coupling 150 and the tip portion 180b3 (see FIG. 19B). On the other hand, when the coupling is disengaged, the disengagement angle position inclines the axis L2 in conjunction with the removal of the cartridge B. Therefore, the tip 150A3 of the coupling 150 is along the tip 180b3. That is, in the cartridge 150, the upstream side of the coupling 150 and the tip end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 substantially coincide with each other in the cartridge removal direction X6 (see FIG. 22C). Accordingly, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position with respect to the axis L1 is larger than the angle of the disengagement angular position with respect to the axis L1.

  Similarly to the case where the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A, the cartridge B can be taken out from the main body A regardless of the phase of the coupling 150 and the pin 182.

  As described above, when the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 is a part of the coupling 150 (tip position 150A1) behind the drive shaft 180 when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6. (FIG. 19D). When the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 performs the following movement. That is, the coupling 150 is allowed to allow a part of the coupling 150 (tip position 150A1) to bypass the drive shaft 180 in response to the movement of the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1. It moves (tilts) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position. The rotational force transmission angular position of the coupling 150 is a coupling that allows the coupling 150 to rotate by receiving the rotational force transmitted from the drive shaft 180 in a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A. It is an angular position with respect to 150 axis line L1. That is, the rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position for transmitting a rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the coupling 150 is located at the rotational force transmission angular position.

  The pre-engagement angular position of the coupling 150 is an angular position with respect to the axis L1 of the coupling 150 immediately before the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A. That is, in the mounting direction of the cartridge B, the distal end portion 150A1 on the downstream side of the coupling 150 is an angular position with respect to the axis L1 that can pass through the drive shaft 180.

  Further, the separation angle position of the coupling 150 is an angle position with respect to the axis L1 of the coupling 150 when the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main body A. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, in the removal direction of the cartridge B, it is the angular position with respect to the axis L <b> 1 through which the tip 150 </ b> A <b> 3 of the coupling 150 can pass through the drive shaft 180.

  At the pre-engagement angular position or the disengagement angular position, the angle θ2 that the axis L2 makes with the axis L1 is larger than the angle θ1 that the axis L2 makes with the axis L1 at the rotational force transmission angle position. The angle θ1 is preferably 0 °. However, according to the present embodiment, the rotational force can be smoothly transmitted if the angle θ1 is within about 15 °. The angle θ2 is preferably about 20 to 60 °.

  As described above, the coupling is attached to be tiltable with respect to the axis L1. Then, the coupling 150 is inclined in accordance with the removal operation of the cartridge B. As a result, the coupling 150 that overlaps the drive shaft 180 in the direction of the axis L1 can be detached from the drive shaft 180. That is, the cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive shaft 180. As a result, the coupling 150 in a state of covering the drive shaft 180 can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

  In the above description, the receiving surface 150f of the coupling 150 or the protruding portion 150d contacts the tip portion 180b in conjunction with the movement of the cartridge B in the take-out direction X6. Thus, it has been described that the axis L2 starts to be inclined (moved) upstream in the take-out direction. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the coupling 150 is configured in advance so that an urging force (elastic force) is generated on the upstream side in the take-out direction. Then, in accordance with the movement of the cartridge B, the axis L2 starts to be inclined (moved) downstream in the take-out direction by the urging force against the coupling 150. Then, the tip 150A3 passes through the tip 180b3, and the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180. That is, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180 without contact between the receiving surface 150f on the upstream side in the take-out direction of the coupling 150 or the protrusion 150d and the tip 180b. Therefore, any configuration is applicable as long as the axis L2 can be inclined in conjunction with the cartridge B take-out operation.

  In addition, immediately before the coupling 150 is attached to the drive shaft 180, the driven portion of the coupling 150 is inclined so as to face the downstream side in the mounting direction. That is, the coupling 150 is set to the pre-engagement angular position in advance.

  The tilt in the plane of FIG. 22 has been described above, but it is the same as in the case of FIG. 19 that may include turning.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is attached so that its axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 (FIG. 11).

  That is, the axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L1. However, the coupling 150 is not necessarily tiltable linearly up to a predetermined angle in any direction in which the axis L2 is 360 °. In that case, for example, the opening 150g is set wider in the circumferential direction. By setting in this way, when the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1, the coupling 150 can be slightly rotated around the axis L2 even if it is not linearly inclined at a predetermined angle. Thereby, the coupling 150 can be inclined to a predetermined angle. That is, the amount of play in the rotation direction of the opening 150g can be selected as appropriate.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is rotatable (swingable) with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 substantially over the entire circumference thereof. That is, the coupling 150 can tilt with respect to the developing roller 110 substantially over the entire circumference.

  Further, as is clear from the above description, the coupling 150 can be pivoted with respect to the axis L1 substantially over the entire circumference.

  Here, the pivoting of the coupling means that the inclined axis L2 rotates around the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 rather than the coupling itself rotating around the axis L2 of the coupling. However, it does not exclude that the coupling 150 itself rotates around the axis L2 within a range of play or positively provided gaps.

  That is, the coupling 150 can be swung so that the tip of the driven side 150a draws a circle centering on the axis L2 with the one end of the driving unit 150b on the developing roller 110 side positioned on the axis L2.

  Further, the coupling 150 is provided at the end of the developing roller 110 so as to be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. As a result, the coupling 150 can smoothly tilt between the pre-engagement angular position, the rotational force transmission angular position, and the disengagement angular position.

  Here, being tiltable in substantially all directions means the following range. That is, when the user attaches the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 tilts to the rotational force transmission angular position no matter what phase the drive shaft 180 having the rotational force applying portion stops. It is the range that can be done.

  Further, it means a range in which the coupling 150 can tilt to the disengagement angle position no matter what phase the drive shaft 180 stops when the user removes the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A. To do.

  In addition, the coupling 150 engages with the rotational force transmitting portion (for example, the pin 155) and the rotational force transmitting portion so that the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. (For example, there is a gap between the torque transmission surfaces 153h1 and 153h2). As described above, the coupling 150 is attached to the end of the developing roller 110. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. As described above, the coupling to which this embodiment is applied is attached so that the axis L2 thereof can be inclined (moved) in any direction with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110). Here, the inclination (movement) includes, for example, the case of tilting, swinging, and turning as described above.

  Next, a modification of the coupling will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 23 shows a first modification. The drive part 1150b of the coupling 1150 of this modification has an expanded shape, like the driven part 1150a. A developing shaft 1153 is provided on the same axis as the developing roller.

  The developing shaft 1153 has a cylindrical portion 1153a and has a diameter of about 5 to 15 mm in consideration of material, load, and space. The cylindrical portion 1153a is fixed to a fitting portion e of a developing flange (not shown) by press fitting, adhesion, insert molding, or the like. As a result, the developing shaft 1153 transmits the rotational force from the apparatus main body A to the developing roller 110 via the coupling 1150 described later. And the front-end | tip part 1153b is provided in the one end part of the cylindrical part 1153a. The front end portion 1153b has a spherical shape so that it can be smoothly inclined when the axis L2 of the coupling 1150 is inclined. Further, in the vicinity of the tip of the developing shaft 1153, in order to receive a rotational force from the coupling 1150, a direction in which a drive transmission pin (rotational force transmitting portion, rotational force receiving portion) 1155 intersects the axis L 1 of the developing shaft 153. Is provided.

  The pin 1155 is made of metal and is fixed to the developing shaft 1153 by a method such as press-fitting or bonding. The position may be anywhere as long as the rotational force is transmitted (that is, the direction intersecting the axis L1 of the developing shaft 153 (developing roller 110)). Preferably, it is desirable to arrange the developing shaft 1153 so as to pass through the spherical center of the tip 1153b.

  About the driven part 1150a of the coupling 1150, since it is the same as the previous shape, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The opening 1150g has a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 1150i. The opening 1150l has a conical shape as an expanding portion that is widened toward the side where the developing shaft 153 is provided in a state where it is attached to the cartridge B. When the coupling 1150 rotates, the rotational force transmission surface 1150i pushes the pin 1155, whereby the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110.

  As a result, regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110 in the cartridge B, the coupling 1150 is not blocked by the tip end of the developing shaft 1153, and the rotational force transmission angular position relative to the axis L1. It is possible to tilt (move) between the pre-combination angular position and the separation angular position. In the illustrated example, a standby opening 1150g (1150g1, 1150g2) is provided on the receiving surface 1150i. The coupling 1150 is attached to the developing shaft 1153 so that the pin 1155 can be positioned in the openings 1150g1 and 1150g2. The sizes of the openings 1150g1 and 1150g2 are larger than the outer diameter of the pin 1155. As a result, the coupling 1150 is not obstructed by the pin 1155 regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110 in the cartridge B, and the coupling 1150 is in the rotational force transmission angular position, the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position). ) Can be tilted (movable).

  When the coupling 1150 rotates, the rotational force transmission surface 1150i pushes the pin 1155, whereby the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110.

  Next, a second modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the embodiments so far, the embodiments have been described in which the drive bearing surface or the developing bearing surface of the coupling has a conical shape. However, different shapes will be described in this embodiment.

  The coupling 12150 shown in FIG. 24 has mainly three parts, like the coupling 150 shown in FIG. That is, the coupling 12150 includes a driven portion 12150a for receiving a rotational force from the driving shaft 180, a driving portion 12150b for transmitting the rotation to the developing shaft 153, and an intermediate portion 12150c for connecting the driven portion 12150a and the driving portion 12150b. (FIG. 24B).

  Both the driven portion 12150a and the driving portion 12150b have a driving shaft insertion opening 12150m that widens in the direction in which the driving shaft 180 is provided with respect to the axis L2, and a developing shaft insertion opening 12150v that widens in the direction of the developing shaft 153. (FIG. 24B). In addition, the opening part 12150m and the opening part 12150v are an expansion part. Both the opening 12150m and the opening 12150v are constituted by a trumpet-shaped drive bearing surface 12150f and a developing bearing surface 12150i. The receiving surface 12150f and the receiving surface 12150i have recesses 12150x and 12150z (FIG. 24). At the time of transmitting the rotational force, the recess 12150z faces the tip of the drive shaft 180. That is, the recess 12150z is in a state of covering the tip of the drive shaft 180.

  As described above, if the developing bearing surface of the coupling is an expanded shape, the coupling can be attached so as to be inclined with respect to the axis of the developing shaft. Further, if the drive bearing surface of the coupling is an expanded shape, the coupling can be inclined without interfering with the drive shaft in accordance with the mounting operation or the taking-out operation of the cartridge B. As a result, also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first or second embodiment can be obtained.

  The shapes of the openings 12150m and 12250m and the openings 12150v and 12250v may be appropriately combined with a trumpet shape, a bell shape, or the like.

  Next, another embodiment of the drive shaft will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the drive shaft and the development drive gear.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the front end of the drive shaft 1180 is a flat surface 1180b. Thereby, the shape of the shaft becomes simple, and the machining cost can be reduced.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 25B, the rotational force applying part (drive transmission part) 1280 (1280c1, 1280c2) may be formed integrally with the drive shaft 1280. When the drive shaft 1280 is a resin molded part, the rotational force applying part can be integrally formed. Therefore, cost reduction can be realized. In addition, 1280b is a plane part.

  Next, a method for positioning the developing roller 110 in the direction of the axis L1 will be described. Here, as an example, a description will be given of a coupling (see FIG. 24) that expands in the direction of the developing roller in the axial direction of the coupling as described in the first modification. However, it is of course applicable to the coupling described in the first embodiment.

  The coupling 1350 is provided with tapered surfaces (inclined surfaces) 1350e and 1350h. Then, the drive shaft 181 is rotated by the tapered surfaces 1350e and 1350h to generate a force in the thrust direction. By this thrust force, the coupling 1350 and the developing roller 110 are positioned in the direction of the axis L1. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 26 is a perspective view and a plan view of a single coupling. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive shaft, the developing shaft, and the coupling.

  As shown in FIG. 26B, the rotational force receiving surface 1350e (1350e1 to 1350e4) (inclined surface) (rotational force receiving portion) has a taper angle of an angle α5 with respect to the axis L2. When the drive shaft 180 rotates in the T1 direction, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 1350e come into contact with each other. Then, a component force is applied to the coupling 1350 in the T2 direction, and the coupling 1350 moves in the T2 direction. Then, the coupling 1350 moves in the direction of the axis L2 until the drive bearing surface 1350f (FIG. 27a) contacts the tip 180b of the drive shaft 180. This determines the position of the coupling 1350 in the direction of the axis L2. The tip 180b of the drive shaft 180 is a spherical surface. The receiving surface 1350f is a conical surface. Therefore, the position of the driven portion 1350a with respect to the drive shaft 180 in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2 is determined. When the coupling 1350 is attached to the developing roller 110, the developing roller 110 also moves in the axial direction depending on the magnitude of the force applied in the T2 direction. In this case, the position of the developing roller 110 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the apparatus main body A is also determined. The developing roller 110 is attached in the cartridge frame with play in the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 26C, the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 1350h is also an inclined surface having a taper angle of an angle α6 with respect to the axis L2. When the coupling 1350 rotates in the T1 direction, the transmission surface 1350h and the pin 1155 come into contact with each other. Then, the transmission surface 1350h pushes the pin 1155. Then, a component force is applied to the pin 1155 in the T2 direction, and the pin 1155 moves in the T2 direction. Then, the developing shaft 1153 moves until the tip 1153b of the developing shaft 1153 contacts the developing bearing surface 1350i (FIG. 27B) of the coupling 1350. This determines the position of the developing shaft 1153 (developing roller) in the direction of the axis L2. The developing bearing surface 1350i is a conical surface, and the tip 1153b of the developing shaft 1153 is a spherical surface. Therefore, the position of the drive unit 1350b with respect to the developing shaft 1153 in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2 is determined.

  The taper angles α5 and α6 are necessary to generate a force for moving the coupling and the developing roller in the thrust direction. However, the force varies depending on the rotational torque of the developing roller 110. However, if there is another means for determining the position in the thrust direction, the taper angles α5 and α6 may be small.

  As described above, the coupling 1350 is provided with the taper for drawing in the direction of the axis L2 and the conical surface for determining the position in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2. Thereby, the coupling 1350 can simultaneously determine the position in the direction of the axis L1 and the position in the direction orthogonal to the axis L1. Further, the coupling 1350 can reliably transmit the rotational force. Further, the following effects can be obtained as compared with the case where the rotational angle receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) or the rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion) of the coupling 1350 does not have the taper angle as described above. . That is, in this embodiment, the contact between the pin 182 (rotational force applying portion) of the drive shaft 180 and the rotational force receiving surface 1350e of the coupling 1350 can be stabilized. Further, the contact between the pin 8 (rotational force transmitted portion) 1155 of the developing shaft 1153 and the transmission surface (rotational force transmitting portion) 1350h of the coupling 1350 can be stabilized.

  However, there may be a case where neither the tapered surface (inclined surface) for drawing in the coupling 1350 in the direction of the axis L2 nor the conical surface for determining the position in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2 is present. For example, instead of a taper for drawing in the direction of the axis L2, a part for biasing in the direction of the axis L2 may be added.

  Next, a regulating means for regulating the direction in which the coupling is inclined with respect to the cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28A is a side view showing the main part on the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view taken along S7-S7 in FIG. Here, as an example, the coupling (see FIG. 24) described in the first modification will be described. Incidentally, the coupling as described in the first modified example is one in which the shape of the drive unit is expanded in the direction in which the developing roller is provided in the axial direction. However, of course, this embodiment can also be applied to the coupling described in the first embodiment. In the coupling described in the first embodiment, the shape of the drive unit is spherical.

  In this embodiment, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 can be more reliably engaged with each other by having the restricting means.

  In this embodiment, as the restricting means, restricting portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 are provided on the developing support member 1557. With this restricting means, the swinging direction of the coupling 1150 with respect to the cartridge B can be restricted. The restricting portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 come into contact with the flange portion 1150j to restrict the swinging direction of the coupling 1150. The restricting portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 are provided so as to be parallel to the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B immediately before the coupling 1150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. The interval D6 is slightly larger than the outer diameter D7 of the drive unit 1150b of the coupling 1150 (FIG. 28 (d)). Thereby, the coupling 1150 can be inclined only in the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B. Further, the coupling 1150 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the developing shaft 1153. Therefore, the coupling 1150 can be inclined in the regulation direction regardless of the phase of the developing shaft 1153. Therefore, the drive shaft 180 can be received in the opening 1150m of the coupling 1150 more reliably. As a result, the coupling 1150 can be more reliably engaged with the drive shaft 180.

  Next, another configuration for regulating the coupling inclination direction will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29A is a perspective view showing the inside of the driving side of the apparatus main body. FIG. 29B is a side view of the cartridge as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction X4.

  In the above description, the restriction portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 are provided in the cartridge B. In this embodiment, a part of the drive-side mounting guide 1630R1 of the apparatus main body A is used as a rib-shaped restricting portion 1630R1a. Thus, the restricting portion 1630R1a is used as a restricting means for restricting the swinging direction of the coupling 1150. When the user inserts the cartridge B, the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 1150c of the coupling 1150 is brought into contact with the upper surface 1630R1a-1 of the restricting portion 1630R1a. Thereby, the coupling 1150 is guided by the upper surface 1630R1a-1. Therefore, the inclination direction of the coupling 1150 is restricted. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the coupling 1150 can be inclined in the regulation direction regardless of the phase of the developing shaft 1153.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29A, the restricting portion 1630R1a is provided on the lower side of the coupling 1150. However, as with the restricting portion 1557h2 shown in FIG. 28, if the restricting portion is added on the upper side, more reliable restriction can be achieved.

  As described above, the configuration may be combined with the configuration in which the restriction portion is provided in the cartridge B. In this case, more reliable regulation can be performed.

  Further, a shaft may be provided substantially coaxially with the axis of the coupling 150 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment, and the shaft may be regulated by other components inside the cartridge (for example, a bearing member).

  However, in this embodiment, there is no need to provide means for regulating the direction in which the coupling is inclined. For example, the coupling 1150 is inclined on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge B. Then, the drive bearing surface 1150f of the coupling is enlarged. Thus, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be engaged.

  Further, in the above description, the angle at the pre-engagement angle position of the coupling 150 with respect to the axis L1 is assumed to be larger than the angle at the separation angle position. However, this is not the case.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process of taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A. Here, as an example, the coupling described in the first modification will be described as an example. However, of course, the coupling described in the first embodiment can also be applied.

  In the process of taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the angle of the separation angle position of the coupling 1750 with respect to the axis L1 (state in FIG. 30c) may be as follows. That is, the angle may be approximately equal to the angle of the angular position before engagement of the coupling 1150 with respect to the axis L1 when the coupling 1150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. Here, the process of detaching the coupling 1150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 (a) → (b) → (c) → (d).

  That is, when the upstream end portion 1150A3 passes the front end portion 180b3 of the drive shaft 180 in the take-out direction X6 of the coupling 1150, the distance between the front end portion 1150A3 and the front end portion 180b3 is approximately the same as that in the pre-engagement angular position. Set to be. Even with this setting, the coupling 1150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

  The other operations when removing the cartridge B are the same as the previous operations. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

  Further, in the description so far, it has been described that when the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, the downstream end in the mounting direction of the coupling is closer to the developing shaft than the front end of the drive shaft 180. However, this is not the case.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as an example, the coupling described in the first modification will be described as an example. However, of course, the coupling described in the first embodiment can also be applied.

  FIG. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the mounting process of the cartridge B. FIG. The mounting process of the cartridge B is (a) → (b) → (c) → (d). As shown in FIG. 31, in the state shown in FIG. 31A, the tip position 1150A1 downstream in the mounting direction X4 in the direction of the axis L1 is provided with a pin 182 (rotational force applying portion) rather than the shaft tip 180b3. Located on the side. In the state shown in (b), the tip position 1150A1 is in contact with the tip portion 180b. At this time, the tip position 1150A1 moves along the tip portion 180b in the direction in which the developing shaft 1153 is provided. The distal end position 1150A1 passes through the distal end portion 180b3 (the coupling 1150 takes the pre-engagement angular position at this position) (FIG. 31 (c)). Finally, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged (rotational force transmission angular position) (FIG. 31D).

  In addition to the effects described so far, the developing cartridge using the coupling as described above has the following effects.

  (1) When the drive connection between the cartridge and the apparatus main body is a gear, an external force acts on the cartridge due to the meshing force of the gear. If the external force is directed so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other, the image quality may be deteriorated. Therefore, it is necessary to set the cartridge fulcrum or gear position so that the moment acts in the direction in which the developing roller approaches the photosensitive drum. For this reason, the degree of freedom in design is narrowed. Therefore, there is a possibility that the apparatus main body or the cartridge has to be enlarged. However, according to the embodiment described above, the degree of freedom of the drive input position can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus main body or the cartridge.

  (2) When the drive connection between the cartridge and the device body is a gear, when the cartridge is mounted, the gear should be arranged as much as possible so that the gears are closer to each other than the tangential direction in order to prevent the gear and gear teeth from coming into contact with each other. There was a need to consider. For this reason, the degree of freedom in design is reduced, and there is a possibility that the apparatus main body or the cartridge has to be increased. However, according to the embodiment described above, the degree of freedom of the drive input position can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus main body or the cartridge.

  Next, an embodiment based on the present embodiment is shown.

  Further, the maximum outer diameter of the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 is φZ4, the diameter of the virtual circle C1 passing through the inner end face of each of the protrusions 150d1, 150d2, 150d3, and 150d4 is φZ5, and the maximum outer diameter of the driving portion 150b is Let φZ6 (see FIGS. 6D and 6F). In addition, an angle formed by the receiving surface 150f of the coupling 150 is α2. The shaft diameter of the drive shaft 180 is φZ7, the shaft diameter of the pin 182 is φZ8, and the length is Z9 (see FIG. 19). Further, the angle of the rotational force transmission angular position with respect to the axis L1 is β1, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position is β2, and the angle of the disengagement angular position is β3. At this time, for example, Z4 = 13 mm, Z5 = 8 mm, Z6 = 10 mm, Z7 = 6 mm, Z8 = 2 mm, Z9 = 14 mm, α1 = 70 °, β1 = 0 °, β2 = 35 °, β3 = 30 ° did. With the above settings, it was confirmed that the coupling 150 could be engaged with the drive shaft 180. However, the same operation is possible with other settings. The coupling 150 can transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 110 with high accuracy. In addition, each numerical value mentioned above is an example, Comprising: This invention is not limited to the said numerical value.

  In the present embodiment, the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 is disposed within 5 mm from the tip of the drive shaft 180. Further, the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150 e provided on the protrusion 150 d is disposed within 4 mm from the tip of the coupling 150. Thus, the pin 182 is arranged on the tip side of the drive shaft 180. Further, the rotational force receiving surface 150 e is disposed on the distal end side of the coupling 150.

  Accordingly, when the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be smoothly engaged. That is, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly engaged.

  Further, when removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be smoothly detached. That is, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly separated.

  In addition, the said numerical value is an example, Comprising: This invention is not limited to the said numerical value. However, when the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e are arranged in the numerical range, the above-described effects can be further exhibited.

  As described above, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the coupling 150 can take the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position. Here, the rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position for transmitting a rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. The pre-engagement angular position is an angular position that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. Further, the coupling 150 can take a separation angle position that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angle position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. When removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L1, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. Thereby, the cartridge B can be detached from the apparatus main body A. Further, when the cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 and attached to the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Thus, the cartridge B can be attached to the apparatus main body A. The same applies to the embodiments described below. However, Example 2 described below is only when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, as an example, the coupling described in the first modification will be described as an example. However, for example, the coupling described in the first embodiment can also be applied. The coupling configuration may be selected as appropriate.

  Further, in this embodiment, configurations and operations different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described, and members having similar configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the previous embodiments is incorporated. Moreover, the same member name is attached and description is used. The same applies to other embodiments described below.

  This example shows that the present invention is effective not only when the cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A but also when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A.

  That is, when the drive shaft 180 stops under the control of the apparatus main body A, the drive shaft 180 is stopped at a predetermined phase (the pin 182 is stopped at a predetermined position). In addition, the phase of the coupling 14150 (150) is set according to the phase of the stopped drive shaft 180 (for example, the position of the standby unit 14150k (150k) is set to match the stop position of the pin 182). Keep it). With this setting, when the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A, the coupling 14150 (150) is opposed to the drive shaft 180 without tilting (swinging or turning). Then, when the drive shaft 180 rotates, the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the coupling 14150 (150). As a result, the coupling 14150 (150) can rotate with high accuracy.

  However, when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A by moving it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3, the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied is effective. This is because even if the drive shaft 180 stops at a predetermined phase, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surfaces 14150e1 and 14150e2 (150e) are engaged. Therefore, in order for the coupling 14150 (150) to be separated from the drive shaft 180, the coupling 14150 (150) must be tilted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the coupling 14150 (150) is inclined (moved) when the cartridge B is attached to and removed from the apparatus main body A. Accordingly, it is necessary to set the phase of the coupling 14150 (150) in accordance with the phase of the stopped drive shaft 180 before the control of the apparatus main body A and the mounting of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A described above. There is no.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates using drawing.

  FIG. 32 is a perspective view and a plan view of the coupling. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the mounting operation of the cartridge. FIG. 34 is a plan view seen from the mounting direction when the cartridge is mounted. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a state where driving of the cartridge (developing roller) is stopped. FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view showing the operation of taking out the cartridge.

  In this embodiment, a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A provided with control means (not shown) that can control the phase of the stop position of the pin 182 will be described.

  Next, the coupling used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The coupling 14150 mainly consists of three parts. That is, as shown in FIG. 32C, a driven portion 14150a for receiving a rotational force from the drive shaft 180, a drive portion 14150b for transmitting the rotational force to the developing shaft 153, and the driven portion 14150a and the drive portion 14150b. It is the intermediate part 14150c to connect.

  The driven portion 14150a has a drive shaft insertion portion 14150m that is configured by two surfaces extending with respect to the axis L2. In addition, the drive unit 14150b includes a developing shaft insertion unit 14150v configured by two surfaces that are widened with respect to the axis L2.

  The insertion portion 14150m has tapered drive bearing surfaces 14150f1 and 14150f2. And the protrusion parts 14150d1 and 14150d2 are arrange | positioned at each end surface. The protrusions 14150d1 and 14150d2 are arranged on a circumference around the axis L2 of the coupling 14150. As shown in the figure, the receiving surfaces 14150f1 and 14150f2 constitute a concave portion 14150z. Also, as shown in FIG. 32 (d), a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 14150e (14150e1, 14150e2) is provided on the downstream side in the clockwise direction of the protrusions 14150d1, 14150d2. A pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 contacts the receiving surfaces 14150e1 and 14150e2. As a result, the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling 14150. The interval W between the adjacent protrusions 14150d1 to d2 is set larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182 so that the pin 182 can enter. This interval is the standby unit 14150k.

  The insertion portion 14150v is configured by two surfaces 14150i1 and 14150i2. Further, standby openings 14150g1 and 14150g2 are provided on the surfaces 14150i1 and 14150i2 (see FIGS. 32A and 32E). Further, in FIG. 32 (e), on the upstream side of the openings 14150g1 and 14150g2 in the clockwise direction, rotational force transmission surfaces (rotational force transmission portions) 14150h (14150h1 and 14150h2) (FIGS. 32 (b) and (e)) are provided. It has been. As described above, the pin (rotational force transmitted portion) 155a comes into contact with the rotational force transmission surfaces 14150h1 and 14150h2. As a result, the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling 14150 to the developing roller 110.

  Even in the shape of the coupling 14150, the coupling covers the tip of the drive shaft while the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. As a result, the effects described later can be obtained.

  The coupling 14150 can be inclined (movable) in any direction with respect to the developing shaft 153 with the same configuration as that described in the first modification.

  Next, the mounting operation of the coupling will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 33A is a perspective view showing a state before the coupling is attached. FIG. 33B is a perspective view showing a state in which the coupling is engaged. FIG. 34A is a plan view seen from the mounting direction. FIG. 34B is a plan view seen from above with respect to the mounting direction.

  By the control means described above, the axis L3 of the pin (rotational force applying unit) 182 faces the direction parallel to the mounting direction X4. Further, the phase of the cartridge is adjusted so that the receiving surfaces 14150f1 and 14150f2 face each other in the direction orthogonal to the mounting direction X4 (FIG. 33A). As a configuration for adjusting the phase, for example, as shown in the drawing, either one of the receiving surfaces 14150f1 and 14150f2 may be aligned with the mark 14157z provided on the bearing member 14157. This is done when the cartridge is shipped from the factory. However, the user may perform it before attaching the cartridge B to the apparatus main body. Further, other phase matching means may be used. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 34A, the coupling 14150 and the drive shaft 180 (pin 182) have a positional relationship that does not interfere with the mounting direction. For this reason, the coupling 14150 and the drive shaft 180 can be engaged with each other without any obstacle (FIG. 33B). Then, the drive shaft 180 rotates in the X8 direction, and the pin 182 contacts the receiving surfaces 14150e1 and 14150e2. Thereby, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, the operation of the coupling 14150 being detached from the drive shaft 180 in conjunction with the operation of taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A will be described. The phase of the pin 182 with respect to the drive shaft 180 is stopped at a predetermined position by the control means (not shown). Further, as described above, considering the ease of mounting of the cartridge B, it is desirable that the pin 182 stops in a direction parallel to the cartridge removal direction X6 (FIG. 35b). The operation when the cartridge B is taken out is shown in FIG. In this state (FIGS. 36 (a1) and (b1)), the coupling 14150 is a rotational force transmission angular position, and the axis L2 is substantially on the same axis as the axis L1. At this time, the coupling 14150 can be tilted (movable) in any direction with respect to the developing shaft 153 as in the case of mounting the cartridge B (FIGS. 36A1 and 36B1). ). Therefore, in conjunction with the removal operation of the cartridge B, the axis L2 is inclined in the direction opposite to the removal direction with respect to the axis L1. That is, the cartridge B is removed from the direction (arrow X6 direction) substantially orthogonal to the axis L3. Then, the axis L2 is inclined to a position where the tip 14150A3 of the coupling 14150 is along the tip 180b of the drive shaft 180 in the cartridge removal process (detachment angle position). Alternatively, the axis L2 is inclined until it is located on the developing shaft 153 side with respect to the tip end portion 180b3 (FIGS. 36 (a2) and 36 (b2)). In this state, the coupling 14150 passes near the tip portion 180b3. Thereby, the coupling 14150 is removed from the drive shaft 180.

  When the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, a part of the coupling 14150 (the tip 14150A3) is behind the drive shaft 180 when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6 in which the carriage B is removed from the apparatus main body A. (FIG. 36 (a1)). When the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A, the coupling 14150 performs the following movement in accordance with the movement of the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. That is, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position so as to allow the portion (the tip 14150A3) of the coupling 150 to bypass the drive shaft 180.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 35A, the axis of the pin 182 may stop in a direction orthogonal to the cartridge removal direction X6. That is, the pin 182 normally stops at the position shown in FIG. 35 (b) under the control of the control means (not shown). However, if the apparatus (printer) is turned off and the control means (not shown) does not work, the pin 182 may be stopped at the position shown in FIG. The However, even in such a case, the axis L2 is inclined and removed with respect to the axis L1, as described above. When the apparatus is in the drive stop state, the pin 182 is located downstream of the protrusion 14150d2 in the take-out direction X6. Therefore, when the axis L2 is inclined, the tip 14150A3 of the coupling protrusion 14150d1 passes through the developing shaft 153 side rather than the pin 182. As a result, the coupling 14150 can be removed from the drive shaft 180.

  Further, even if there is no means for controlling the phase of the drive shaft, and the cartridge 14 is mounted, even if the coupling 14150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 by any method, the axis line L2 is taken out by being inclined with respect to the axis L1. Thereby, the coupling 14150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180 only by the take-out operation.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the present invention is applied not only when the cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A but also when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A only. It is understood that Example 2 is effective.

  As described above, the second embodiment has the following configuration.

  The cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A having the drive shaft 180 having the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. The cartridge B includes a developing roller 110 and a coupling 14150.

i) The developing roller 110 is rotatable about its axis L1 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. ii) The coupling 14150 engages with the pin 182 to develop the developing roller 110. It receives the rotational force for rotating. The coupling 14150 is inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110 and the rotational force transmission angular position. It is possible to take a detachment angle position to detach from.

  When the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, the coupling 14150 is moved from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. Moving.

(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The coupling configuration is as described in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 37 is a sectional view showing a state in which the door of the apparatus main body A2 is opened. FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing the mounting guide with the door of the apparatus main body A2 opened. FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the drive side surface of the cartridge. FIG. 40 is a perspective view seen from the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing two states in a single drawing for convenience, just before the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body and after the cartridge is mounted at a predetermined position.

  In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a cartridge is mounted vertically downward as in a clamshell type image forming apparatus, for example. FIG. 37 shows a typical clamshell type image forming apparatus. The apparatus main body A2 can be divided into a lower casing D2 and an upper casing E2. The upper housing E2 is provided with a door 2109 and an exposure apparatus 2101 inside the door 2109. Therefore, when the upper housing E2 is opened upward, the exposure apparatus 2101 is retracted. Then, the upper portion of the cartridge mounting portion 2130a is opened. Therefore, the user only has to drop the cartridge B2 vertically downward (direction X42 in the figure) when mounting the cartridge B2 on the mounting portion 2130a. Therefore, the cartridge is very easy to install. Further, when the jam processing near the fixing device 105 is performed, it can be performed from the upper part of the device. Therefore, it is easy to perform jam processing. Here, the jam processing is an operation of removing the recording medium 102 jammed in the middle of conveyance.

  Next, the mounting portion 2130a will be described. As shown in FIG. 38, the image forming apparatus A2 has a mounting guide 2130R on the driving side and a mounting guide (not shown) facing the guide 2130R on the non-driving side as mounting means 2130. The mounting portion 2130a is a space surrounded by the opposing guides. With the cartridge B2 attached to the mounting portion 2130a, the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body A to the coupling 150.

  The mounting guide 2130R is provided with a groove 2130b in a substantially vertical direction. In addition, an abutting portion 2130Ra for determining the cartridge B2 at a predetermined position is provided at the lowermost portion. The drive shaft 180 protrudes from the groove 2130b. This is because the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body A2 to the coupling 150 in a state where the cartridge B2 is positioned at a predetermined position. Further, an urging spring 2188R is provided below the mounting guide 2130R in order to reliably position the cartridge B2 at a predetermined position. With the above-described configuration, the cartridge B2 is positioned on the installation portion 2130a.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the cartridge B2 is provided with cartridge-side mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2. This guide stabilizes the posture of the cartridge B2 at the time of mounting. The mounting guide 2140R1 is integrally formed with the development support member 2157. The mounting guide 2140R2 is provided substantially vertically above the mounting guide 2140R1. The guide 2140R2 is provided on the support member 2157 and has a rib shape.

  The guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 included in the cartridge B2 and the mounting guide 2130R provided in the apparatus main body A2 have the above-described guide configuration. That is, it is the same as the configuration of the guide described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the other end guide is the same. Accordingly, the cartridge B2 is attached to the apparatus main body A2 (mounting part 2130a) by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, and is removed from the apparatus main body A2 (mounting part 2130a).

  As shown in FIG. 41, when the cartridge B2 is mounted, the housing E2 is rotated clockwise about the shaft 2109a. Then, the user takes the cartridge B2 above the housing D2. At this time, the coupling 150 is inclined downward by its own weight (see also FIG. 39). That is, the coupling axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 is directed downward (angle position before engagement).

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 41, the user moves the cartridge B2 downward by aligning the mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the cartridge B2 with the mounting guide 2130R of the apparatus main body A2. The cartridge B2 can be attached to the apparatus main body A2 (attachment portion 2130a) only by this operation. In this mounting process, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 19), the coupling 150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180 (in this state, the coupling takes the rotational force transmission angular position). That is, the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 by moving the cartridge B2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. Also, when removing the cartridge, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180 only by removing the cartridge as in the first embodiment (the coupling moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position). (See FIG. 22). That is, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 by moving the cartridge B2 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180.

  As described above, when the cartridge is mounted downward with respect to the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 is inclined downward due to its own weight. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be reliably engaged with the drive shaft 180.

  In this embodiment, the clamshell type image forming apparatus has been described. However, this is not the case. For example, if the cartridge mounting path is downward, the present embodiment can be applied. Further, the mounting route may not be a straight line in the downward direction. For example, the path may be such that the cartridge is initially mounted obliquely downward and finally downward. In short, it suffices if the mounting path immediately before reaching the predetermined position (mounting portion 2130a) is vertically downward.

Example 4
Next, a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The coupling configuration is as described in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a means for maintaining the axis L2 in an inclined state with respect to the axis L1 will be described.

  FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the coupling urging member (specific to the present embodiment) is attached to the developing support member. FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view showing the developing support member, the coupling, and the developing shaft. FIG. 44 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part on the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 45 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process in which the drive shaft and the coupling are engaged.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the developing support member 4157 has a retaining hole 4157j in a retaining rib 4157e which the support member 4157 has. Coupling urging members 4159a and 4159b serving as maintenance members for maintaining the inclination of the coupling 4150 are attached to the holding holes 4157j. The urging members 4159a and 4159b urge the coupling 4150 so that the axis L2 is inclined in the downstream direction in the mounting direction of the cartridge B2 with respect to the axis L1. The urging members 4159a and 4159b are compression springs (elastic members). As shown in FIG. 43, the urging members 4159a and 4159b urge the collar portion 4150j of the coupling 4150 in the direction of the axis L1 (the direction of the arrow X13 in FIG. 43A). The contact position at which the urging member contacts the collar portion 4150j is set on the downstream side of the center of the developing shaft 153 in the mounting direction X4. Therefore, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the driven portion 4150a side is directed to the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction (X4) by the elastic force of the biasing members 4159a and 4159b (see FIG. 44).

  As shown in FIG. 42, contact members 4160a and 4160b are provided at the coupling-side tips of the urging members 4159a and 4159b. The contact members 4160a and 4160b are in contact with the collar portion 4150j. Therefore, the material of the contact members 4160a and 4160b is a material having good sliding properties. Further, by using such a material, as will be described later, the influence of the urging force (elastic force) by the urging members 4159a and 4159b on the rotation of the coupling 4150 is reduced during the transmission of the rotational force. However, the contact members 4160a and 4160b may be omitted if the load on rotation is sufficiently small and the coupling 4150 rotates well.

  In this embodiment, two urging members are used. However, any number of urging members may be used as long as the axis L2 can be inclined in the downstream direction in the cartridge mounting direction X4 with respect to the axis L1. For example, when there is one urging member, the urging position is desirably the most downstream position in the cartridge mounting direction X4. Thereby, the coupling 4150 can be stably inclined in the downstream direction in the mounting direction X4.

  Further, as the urging member, a compression coil spring is used in this embodiment. However, the biasing member can be appropriately selected as long as it generates an elastic force such as a leaf spring, a torsion spring, rubber, or sponge. However, a certain amount of stroke is required to incline the axis L2. Therefore, it is desirable to use a coil spring or the like that can obtain a stroke.

  Next, a method for attaching the coupling 4150 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 43, the pin 155 is caused to enter the standby space 4150 g of the coupling 4150. Then, a part of the coupling 4150 is inserted into the space 4157b of the developing support member 4157. At this time, as described above, the urging members 4159a and 4159b push the predetermined position of the collar portion 4157j through the contact members 4160a and 4160b. The support member 4157 fixes the support member 4157 to the developing device frame 118 with screws or the like. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a force with which the urging members 4159a and 4159b press the coupling 4150. And the axis L2 inclines with respect to the axis L1 (state of FIG. 44).

Next, the operation of engaging the coupling 4150 with the drive shaft 180 (part of the cartridge mounting operation) will be described with reference to FIG. 45 (a), (b) and (c) are views showing a state immediately before the engagement, and FIG. 45 (d) is a view showing a state of being engaged,
In the state shown in FIG. 45A, the coupling 4150 has its axis L2 inclined in advance in the mounting direction X4 with respect to the axis L1 (angle position before engagement). By inclining the coupling 4150, the downstream end side position 4150A1 in the downstream direction in the mounting direction X4 is positioned closer to the direction in which the developing roller 110 is provided than the end 180b3 in the direction of the axis L1. Further, the tip position 4150A2 on the upstream side in the mounting direction X4 is located on the direction side where the pin 182 is provided with respect to the tip 180b3. That is, as described above, the flange portion 4150j of the coupling 4150 is pressed by the urging member 4159. Therefore, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 by the pressing force.

  Thereafter, when the cartridge B moves in the mounting direction X4, the front end surface 180b or the front end (main body side engaging portion) of the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 becomes the drive bearing surface 4150f or the protruding portion of the coupling 4150. (Cartridge side contact portion) 4150d is contacted. FIG. 45 (c) shows a state in which the pin 182 contacts the receiving surface 4150f. Then, due to the contact force (cartridge mounting force), the axis L2 approaches a direction parallel to the axis L1. At the same time, the pressing portion 4150j1 pressed by the elastic force of the spring 4159 provided on the collar portion 4150j moves in the direction in which the spring 4159 is compressed. Finally, the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially straight. Then, the coupling 4150 enters a standby state for transmitting rotational force (rotational force transmission angular position) (FIG. 45d).

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the rotational force is transmitted from the motor 186 to the coupling 4150, the pin 155, the developing shaft 4153, and the developing roller 110 via the drive shaft 180. During rotation, the pressing force of the biasing member 4159 acts on the coupling 4150. However, as described above, the pressing force of the urging member 4159 acts on the coupling 4150 via the contact member 4160. Therefore, the coupling 4150 can be rotated without imposing much load. Further, the contact member 4160 may be omitted if there is a margin in the driving torque of the motor 186. In this case, even if there is no contact member 4160, the coupling 4150 can transmit the rotational force with high accuracy.

  In the process of removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the process opposite to the process of attaching is followed (FIG. 45d → FIG. 45c → FIG. 45b → FIG. 45a). That is, the coupling 4150 is always urged to the downstream side in the mounting direction X4 by the urging member 4159. Therefore, in the process of removing the cartridge B, on the upstream side in the mounting direction X4, the receiving surface 4150f is in contact with the tip 182A of the pin 182 (intermediate between FIGS. 45d and 45c). Further, on the downstream side in the mounting direction X4, there is always a gap n50 between the transmission surface 4150f and the tip 180b of the drive shaft 180. In the embodiments so far, it has been described that the receiving surface 4150f or the protrusion 4150d on the downstream side in the coupling mounting direction X4 contacts at least the tip portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 in the cartridge removal process (for example, (See FIG. 19). However, as in the present embodiment, the receiving surface 4150f or the protrusion 4150d on the downstream side in the mounting direction X4 does not come into contact with the tip end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180, and the cup B can be removed according to the removal operation of the cartridge B. The ring 4150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180. Even after the coupling 4150 is removed from the drive shaft 180, the urging force of the urging member 4159 causes the axis L2 to be inclined in the downstream direction in the mounting direction X4 with respect to the axis L1 (separation angle position). That is, in this embodiment, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position with respect to the axis L1 is equal to the angle of the disengagement angular position. This is because the coupling 4150 is biased by the elastic force of the spring.

  The biasing member 4159 has a function of inclining the axis L2 and restricting the inclination direction of the coupling 4150. That is, the urging member 4159 also functions as a restricting unit that restricts the inclination direction of the coupling 4150.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the coupling 4150 is urged by the elastic force of the urging member 4159 provided on the support member 4157. Thereby, the axis line L2 is inclined with respect to the axis line L1. Therefore, the inclined state of the coupling 4150 is maintained. Therefore, the coupling 4150 can be reliably engaged with the drive shaft 180.

  The urging member 4159 described in this embodiment is provided on the rib 4157e of the support member 4157. However, this is not the case. For example, another part of the support member 4157 may be used, or a member other than the support member may be used as long as the member is fixed to the cartridge B.

  In this embodiment, the urging direction of the urging member 4159 is the direction of the axis L1. However, the urging direction may be any direction as long as the axis L2 is inclined (moved) in the downstream direction in the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B.

  In this embodiment, the urging position of the urging member 4159 is the collar portion 4150j. However, any position of the coupling may be used as long as the axis L2 is inclined downstream in the mounting direction of the cartridge.

(Example 5)
Next, a ninth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The coupling configuration is as described above.

  In the present embodiment, another means for inclining the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 will be described.

  FIG. 46 is an enlarged side view of the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing the drive side of the apparatus main body guide. FIG. 48 is a side view showing the relationship between the cartridge and the main body guide. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the relationship between the main body guide and the coupling as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction. FIG. 50 is a side view showing the mounting process.

  46 (a1) and 46 (b1) are side views of the cartridge as viewed from the drive shaft side, and FIGS. 46 (a2) and 46 (b2) are views of the cartridge from the side opposite to the drive shaft. It is a side view. As shown in FIG. 46, the coupling 7150 is attached to the developing support member 7157 in a state in which it can be tilted downstream in the mounting direction X4. Further, the tilt direction can be tilted only downstream in the mounting direction X4 by the retaining rib 7157e. In addition, in FIG. 46A1, the coupling 7150 has an axis L2 inclined at an angle α60 with respect to the horizontal line. The reason why the coupling 7150 is inclined at the angle α60 is as follows. The flange portion 7150j of the coupling 7150 is regulated by regulating portions 7157h1 and 7157h2 as regulating means (see FIG. 46a2). Therefore, the coupling 7150 can be tilted in the direction in which the downstream side in the mounting direction is tilted upward by the angle α60.

  Next, the main body guide 7130R will be described with reference to FIG. The main body guide 7130R1 mainly has guide ribs 7130R1a for guiding the cartridge B through the coupling 7150, and cartridge positioning portions 7130R1e and 7130R1f. The rib 7130R1a is on the mounting locus of the cartridge B. The rib 7130R1a extends to the front of the drive shaft 180 in the mounting direction X4. The rib 7130R1b in the vicinity of the drive shaft 180 has a height that does not interfere when the coupling 7150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. The main body guide 7130R2 mainly includes a guide portion 7130R2a for guiding a part of the cartridge frame and determining a posture when the cartridge is mounted, and a cartridge positioning portion 7130R2c.

  Next, the relationship between the main body guide 7130R and the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 48A, the cartridge B moves on the drive side in a state where the intermediate portion (force receiving portion) 7150c of the coupling 7150 is in contact with the guide rib (fixed portion, contact portion) 7130R1a. . At this time, the cartridge guide 7157a of the support member 7157 is separated from the guide surface 7130R1c by n59. Therefore, the weight of the cartridge B is applied to the coupling 7150. On the other hand, as described above, the coupling 7150 is set so that the downstream side in the mounting direction can be tilted upward in the direction inclined by the angle α60 with respect to the mounting direction X4. Therefore, the coupling 7150 is inclined so that the driven portion 7150a is downstream in the mounting direction X4 (a direction inclined by an angle α60 with respect to the mounting direction X4) (see FIG. 49).

  The reason why the coupling 7150 is inclined is as follows. The intermediate portion 7150c receives the reaction force of the weight of the cartridge B from the guide rib 7130R1a. Then, the reaction force acts on the restriction portions 7157h1 and 7157h2 that restrict the inclination direction. As a result, the coupling is inclined in a predetermined direction.

  Here, when the intermediate portion 7150c moves on the guide rib 7130R1a, a frictional force is generated between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide rib 7130R1a. Therefore, the coupling 7150 receives a force in the direction opposite to the mounting direction X4 by this frictional force. However, the frictional force generated by the friction coefficient between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide rib 7130R1a is smaller than the force by which the coupling 7150 tilts downstream in the mounting direction X4 due to the reaction force. Therefore, overcoming the frictional force, the coupling 7150 tilts downstream in the mounting direction X4.

  Note that a restricting portion 7157p (see FIG. 46) of the support member 7157 can be provided as a restricting means for restricting the inclination. As a result, the regulation of the coupling inclination direction is regulated at different positions in the direction of the axis L2 by the regulation parts 7157h1, 7157h2 (see FIG. 46) and the regulation part 7157p. Thereby, the direction in which the coupling 7150 is inclined can be more reliably regulated. Further, it can always be inclined at an angle α60. However, another means may be used to regulate the inclination direction of the coupling 7150.

  Further, the guide rib 7130R1a is in a space 7150s constituted by the driven portion 7150a, the driving portion 7150b, and the intermediate portion 7150c. Accordingly, in the mounting process, the longitudinal position (in the direction of the axis L2) of the coupling 7150 in the apparatus main body A is regulated (see FIG. 48). By restricting the longitudinal position of the coupling 7150, the coupling 7150 can be more reliably engaged with the drive shaft 180.

  Next, an engaging operation in which the coupling 7150 engages with the drive shaft 180 will be described. The engaging operation is almost the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 19). Here, the relationship between the main body guide 7130R2, the support member 7157, and the coupling 7150 in the process in which the coupling engages with the drive shaft 180 will be described with reference to FIG. While the rib 7130R1a is in contact with the intermediate portion 7150c, the cartridge guide 7157a is away from the guide surface 7130R1c. Thereby, the coupling 7150 is inclined (angle position before engagement) (FIGS. 50A and 50D). Next, when the tip 7150A1 of the inclined coupling 7150 passes through the shaft tip 180b3, the intermediate portion 7150c does not contact the guide rib 7130R1a (see FIG. 50B and FIG. 50E). At this time, the cartridge guide 7157a passes through the guide surface 7130R1c, and starts contacting the positioning surface 7130R1e through the inclined surface 7130R1d (FIGS. 50B and 50E). Thereafter, the receiving surface 7150f or the protrusion 7150d comes into contact with the tip 180b or the pin 182. In accordance with the cartridge mounting operation, the axis L2 is substantially in line with the axis L1, and the center position of the developing shaft and the center position of the coupling approach the coaxial line. Finally, as shown in FIGS. 50C and 50F, the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially the same straight line. Then, the coupling 7150 enters a rotation standby state (rotational force transmission angular position).

  Further, in the process of taking out the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, a process almost opposite to the engaging operation is followed. That is, the cartridge B moves in the removal direction. As a result, the tip 180b presses the receiving surface 7150f. As a result, the axis L2 starts to be inclined with respect to the axis L1. By the cartridge removal operation, the upstream end portion 7150A1 moves along the distal end portion 180b in the removal direction X6, and the axis L2 is inclined until the distal end portion A1 reaches the shaft distal end 180b3. In this state, the coupling 7150 completely passes through the shaft tip 180b3 (see FIG. 50B). Thereafter, in the coupling 7150, the intermediate portion 7150c contacts the rib 7130R1a. Thereby, the coupling 7150 is taken out in a state inclined to the downstream side in the mounting direction X4. That is, the coupling 7150 tilts (oscillates) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position.

  As described above, when the user attaches the cartridge to the main body, the coupling swings and the coupling engages with the main body drive shaft. Further, no special means for maintaining the coupling posture is required. However, as shown in the above-described fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the coupling posture is maintained in advance can be implemented together with the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the coupling is inclined in the mounting direction X4 by applying its own weight to the guide rib. However, not only its own weight but also an elastic force such as a spring may be used.

  In the said Example, the intermediate part of the coupling received force and inclined the coupling. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as long as the coupling can be inclined by receiving a force from the contact portion of the main body, a portion other than the intermediate portion may be brought into contact with the contact portion.

  Further, this embodiment and any one of Embodiments 2 to 4 may be combined. In this case, it is possible to more reliably engage and disengage the coupling from the drive shaft.

(Example 6)
Next, Example 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiments so far, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is held at a predetermined interval with respect to the photosensitive drum 107. In this state, the developing roller 6110 develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107. In the above embodiments, a cartridge employing a so-called non-contact developing system has been described. In this embodiment, a cartridge adopting a so-called contact development method, in which development is performed in a state where the surface of the developing roller is in contact with the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, will be described. That is, in this embodiment, a case where one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a cartridge adopting a contact developing system will be described.

  FIG. 51 is a sectional view of the developing cartridge of this embodiment. FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing the developing side of the cartridge. 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along S24-S24 in FIG. FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view showing a case in which the developing cartridge is in a developable state and a case in which the developing cartridge is not developable. FIG. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive connection in the state of FIG. Here, the state where development is impossible is a state where the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

  First, the configuration of the developing cartridge B6 adopting the contact developing method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The cartridge B6 has a developing roller 6110. The developing roller 6110 rotates by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A by a coupling mechanism described later during the developing operation.

  Developer t is stored in the developer storage frame (developer storage) 6114. This developer is conveyed to the developing chamber 6113a by the rotation of the stirring member 6116. The conveyed developer is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 6110 by the rotation of the sponge-like developer supply roller 6115 in the developing chamber 113a. Then, the developer is given a charge by friction between the thin plate-like developing blade 6112 and the developing roller 6110 to be thinned. The developer on the developing roller 6110 having a reduced thickness is conveyed to the developing position by rotation. A predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing roller 6110. As a result, the developing roller 6110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 in a state where the surface thereof is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 6110.

  Further, the developer that has not contributed to the development of the electrostatic latent image, that is, the developer t remaining on the surface of the developing roller 6110 is peeled off by the developer supply roller 6115. At the same time, a new developer t is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 6110 by the supply roller 6115. As a result, the developing operation is continuously performed.

  The cartridge B6 includes a developing unit 6119. The developing unit 6119 includes a developing frame body 6113 and a developer storage frame body 6114. Further, the developing unit 6119 includes a developing roller 6110, a developing blade 6112, a developer supply roller 6115, a developing chamber 6113a, a developer containing frame body 6114, and a stirring member 6116.

  The developing roller 6110 rotates around the axis L1.

  The configuration of the apparatus main body A is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted. However, in the apparatus main body A applied to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the apparatus main body A described above, the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 and the surface of the developing roller 6110 are brought into contact with each other, and the two are separated from each other. A lever (force applying member, FIG. 54) 300 is provided. The lever 300 will be described later. Here, as described in the first embodiment, the developing cartridge B is attached to the mounting portion 130a (see FIG. 3) by guiding the cartridge guides 6140L1, 6140R2, and the like to the apparatus main body A by the user. The cartridge B6 is also attached to the mounting portion 130a by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 180 in the same manner as the cartridge described above. Moreover, it is removed from the mounting portion 130a.

  When the cartridge B6 is housed in the mounting portion 130a as described above, the guide (projecting portion) 6140R1 of the cartridge B6 is caused by the elastic force of the pressing spring (elastic member) 188R as shown in FIGS. Receives pressure. Further, the guide (dwell) 6140L1 (see FIG. 52) of the cartridge B6 is pressurized by the elastic force of the pressing spring 188L. As a result, the cartridge B6 is held with respect to the apparatus main body A so as to be rotatable about the guides 6140R1 and 6140L1. That is, the guide 6140R1 is rotatably supported by the main body guide 130R1, and the guide 6140L1 is rotatably supported by the main body guide 130L1. When the door 109 (see FIG. 3) is closed, the cartridge B6 is biased by the biasing portion 6114a (see FIG. 16 for the biasing spring 192R provided on the door 109 (see FIG. 16 for the non-driving side biasing spring 192L)). (See FIGS. 51 and 52). As a result, the cartridge B6 receives a rotational moment about the guide 6140. Then, nip width regulating members (spacing regulating members) 6136 and 6137 (see FIG. 52) arranged at the end of the developing roller 6110 of the cartridge B6 come into contact with the end of the photosensitive drum 107. Therefore, the developing roller 6110 and the photosensitive drum 107 are maintained while maintaining a constant contact nip. That is, the developing roller 6110 has a developing shaft 6151 and a rubber part (elastic member) 6110a (FIGS. 52 and 53). The developing roller 6110 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 107 with the rubber portion 6110a being bent. In this state, the developing roller 6110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 using the toner t.

  Next, the configuration of the developing roller 6110 and the mounting configuration (supporting configuration) of the coupling 6150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The developing shaft 6151 has a long and thin conductive shaft shape such as iron, and the vicinity of the central portion in the axial direction is covered with a rubber portion 6110a. Further, the developing shaft 6151 is rotatably supported on the developing frame 6113 via a bearing 6152. Further, the developing gear 6150b is positioned on the developing shaft 6151 so as not to rotate. The coupling 6150 is attached to the developing gear 6150b in a tiltable manner with the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment. That is, the coupling 6150 is attached such that the axis L2 can be tilted with respect to the axis L1 of the developing shaft 6151. The rotational force received by the coupling 6150 from the apparatus main body A is transmitted to the developing roller 6110 via the drive transmission pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 6155, the developing gear 6153, and the developing shaft 6151. As a result, the developing roller 6110 rotates.

  The rubber portion 6110a is covered with the developing shaft 6151 so as to be coaxial with the developing shaft 6151. The rubber part 6110a carries the developer t on its peripheral surface, and a bias is applied to the developing shaft 6151. As a result, the rubber part 6110a develops the electrostatic latent image with the developer t carried thereon.

  The regulating members 6136 and 6137 are members that regulate the nip width to be constant when the surface of the developing roller 6110 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the regulating members 6136 and 6137 regulate the dent amount on the surface of the developing roller 6110.

  Here, in the case of the contact development method as in the present embodiment, if the state where the developing roller 6110 is always in contact with the photosensitive drum is maintained, the rubber portion 6110a of the developing roller 6110 may be deformed. Therefore, it is preferable to keep the developing roller 6110 away from the photosensitive drum 107 during non-development. That is, as shown in FIG. 54, the developing roller 6110 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 (FIG. 54A) and the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107 (FIG. 54B). ) Is preferable.

  In the state where the cartridge B6 is attached to the mounting portion 130a, the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the developer storage frame 6114 is urged by the elastic force of the springs 192R and L in the cartridge B6. Accordingly, the cartridge B6 rotates around the guides (fulcrum points) 6140R and L (rotates in the clockwise direction X67 in FIG. 54A). Therefore, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state illustrated in FIG. 54A).

  Next, in this embodiment, a lever (biasing member, force applying member) 300 provided in the apparatus main body a is rotated by the force of a motor (not shown) that is rotated by a development separation signal (in FIG. Rotate clockwise (arrow X45 direction)). Then, the lever 300 biases the bottom portion (force receiving portion) 6114a of the cartridge B6 (developer storage frame body 6114). As a result, the cartridge B6 rotates about the guide 6140 against the elastic force of the springs 192R and L (rotates in the counterclockwise direction X47 in FIG. 54B). Therefore, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state illustrated in FIG. 54B). That is, the cartridge B6 rotates about the guides (fulcrum points) 6140R and L and moves in the direction of X66.

  The lever 300 is rotated to the standby position by the force of a motor (not shown) that rotates in the opposite direction in response to the development contact signal (in FIG. 54 (b), it rotates clockwise (arrow X44 direction)). Then, the cartridge B6 returns to the development contact position by the elastic force of the springs 192R and L (state shown in FIG. 54A). That is, the cartridge B6 rotates around the guides (fulcrum points) 6140R and L and moves in the direction of X46.

  Here, the standby position of the lever 300 is a state in which the lever 300 is separated from the cartridge B6 (the position illustrated in FIG. 54A).

  Now, according to the present embodiment, the cartridge B6 is moved from the state of FIG. 54B to the state of FIG. 54A while the developing roller 6110 is rotated, and from the state of FIG. 54A. It can be moved to the state of FIG.

  Next, this operation will be described. First, the rotation of the developing roller 6110 is preferably started immediately before the state shown in FIG. 54B is changed to the state shown in FIG. That is, it is preferable that the developing roller 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating. In this way, the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110 can be prevented from being damaged by contacting the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating the developing roller 6110. The same applies to the case where the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107, and the developing roller 6110 is preferably separated while rotating.

  An example of the drive input configuration using this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The state of FIG. 55A corresponds to the state of FIG. The developing roller 6110 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107, and the developing roller 6110 is rotatable. That is, the axis L1 of the developing roller 6110 and the axis L2 of the coupling 6150 are substantially in the same straight line, and the coupling 6150 can receive the rotational force from the drive shaft 180. When development is completed from this state, the cartridge B6 moves in the X66 direction (see also FIG. 54). At this time, the developing shaft 6153 gradually moves in the X66 direction, and the axis L2 of the coupling 6150 is gradually inclined. When the state shown in FIG. 55B is reached, the developing roller 6150 is completely separated from the photosensitive drum 107. Thereafter, the rotation of the motor 186 stops. That is, even if it will be in the state of FIG.55 (b), the motor 186 will rotate for a while. According to this embodiment, the coupling 6150 can transmit the rotational force even when the axis L2 is inclined. Therefore, even in the state shown in FIG. 55B, the rotational force can be transmitted to the developing roller 6110. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the developing roller 6110 can be rotated and separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

  The same applies to the case where the state shown in FIG. 55B is changed to the state shown in FIG. That is, the developing roller 6110 can be rotated by starting the rotation of the motor 186 from the state of FIG. That is, according to this embodiment, the developing roller 6110 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 107 while the developing roller 6110 is rotated.

  Note that the engagement operation and the disengagement operation between the coupling 6150 and the drive shaft 180 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration described in Example 6 is as follows.

  The apparatus main body A described in the sixth embodiment is provided with a lever (biasing member) 300 in addition to the configuration of the apparatus main body A described above.

  The cartridge B6 described in Example 6 has a bottom portion (force receiving portion) 6114a. The bottom portion 6114 a receives an urging force from the lever 300 for separating the developing roller 6150 from the photosensitive drum 107 in a state where the cartridge 6 is mounted on the apparatus main body A.

  In the cartridge B6, the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the developer storage frame 6114 is urged by the elastic force of the springs 192R and L. As a result, the developing roller 6110 presses the cartridge B6 against the photosensitive drum 107 that is rotatably positioned on the apparatus main body A. Accordingly, the cartridge B6 is in a contact state in which the developing roller 6110 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107.

  When the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a is urged by the lever 300, the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

  In the cartridge B6, in any of the contact state and the separated state, the coupling 6150 is positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position, and the rotational force from the coupling B150 can be transmitted to the developing roller. . When removing the cartridge B6 from the apparatus main body A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 6150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. As a result, the coupling 6150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

  Thus, even if the cartridge B6 is in the separated state and the axis L3 and the axis L1 are displaced, the coupling 6150 to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied develops the rotational force from the drive shaft 180. It can be smoothly transmitted to the roller 6110.

  The axis L1 is the rotation axis of the developing roller 6110. The axis L3 is the rotation axis of the drive shaft 180.

  As described above, the sixth embodiment effectively utilizes the effects of the embodiments to which the present invention is applied as described above.

  As described above, it is possible to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller in a state where the developing cartridge is separated from the photosensitive drum without arranging the position of the driving input at the center of swinging. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the drive input position can be achieved, and downsizing of the cartridge and the apparatus main body can be realized.

  In this embodiment, the drive input position is arranged on the same line as the developing roller. However, as described in the next embodiment, the same effect can be obtained even when the drive input position is arranged at a position different from the coaxial line with the developing roller.

  In the present embodiment, the engagement and disengagement of the coupling in the development separation are described. However, this embodiment can also be applied to the engagement and disengagement of the coupling at the time of mounting and removing the cartridge as described in the first embodiment. Thus, in this embodiment, the cartridge can be attached / removed without providing a drive connection / release mechanism in the apparatus main body. Further, it is possible to perform drive connection and release at the time of contact / separation of the developing roller of the cartridge with respect to the photosensitive drum.

  That is, according to the cartridge B6 to which the present embodiment is applied, the cartridge B6 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. In addition, according to the cartridge B6, it is possible to smoothly transmit the rotational force from the apparatus main body A to the developing roller 6110 even during the development separation.

  Here, at the time of development separation, the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110 in a state where the surfaces are in contact with each other means a state in which they are separated.

  In the sixth embodiment, a so-called developing cartridge is described as an example of the cartridge. However, the present invention may be applied to a so-called process cartridge as the cartridge.

  Further, the configuration of the coupling is not limited to the configuration used in the sixth embodiment, and an appropriate configuration can be applied.

  The sixth embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments.

(Example 7)
Next, Example 7 is demonstrated using FIG. 56, FIG.

  The seventh embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in the position for inputting driving (coupling position) and the configuration for transmitting the rotational force from the coupling to the developing roller and the developer supply roller. That is, the coupling 8150 is not located on the axis L1 of the developing roller 8110, but is disposed at a position away from the axis L1.

  FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the cartridge. FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing the drive section of the cartridge.

  The development gear 8145 and the developer supply roller gear 8146 are disposed at the driving side end portions of the development roller 8110 and the developer supply roller 115 (FIG. 51), respectively. The gears 8145 and 8146 are fixed to a shaft (not shown). The rotational force received by the coupling 8150 from the apparatus main body A is transmitted to the other rotating members of the cartridge B8 (developing roller 8110, developer supply roller 8115, toner agitation (not shown), etc.) via gears.

  Next, the drive input gear 8147 to which the coupling 8150 is attached (supported) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 57, the gear 8147 is rotatably attached at a position where it engages with the developing gear 8145 and the supply roller gear 8146. The gear 8147 has a coupling housing portion 8147j similar to the developing gear 151 described in the first embodiment. The coupling 8150 is attached to the gear 8147 so as to be inclined by a retaining member 8156. That is, the coupling 8150 is not located on the axis L1 of the developing roller 8110, but is disposed at a position away from the axis L1. Then, the rotational force received by the coupling 8150 from the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 8110 via the gear 8147 and the gear 8145. Further, it is transmitted to the supply roller 115 via the gear 8147 and the gear 8146.

  Further, a support member 8157 is attached to the cartridge B8.

  The support member 8157 is provided with a hole, and an inner peripheral surface 8157 i thereof is engaged with the gear 8147. Note that the description of the coupling engagement, drive, and detachment by the cartridge attaching / detaching operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, the configuration in which the axis line L2 of the coupling 8150 is inclined to the pre-engagement angular position immediately before the coupling 8150 is engaged with the drive shaft can be any of the configuration methods of the second to fifth embodiments. good.

  As described above, the coupling 8150 may not be disposed at the end on the same axis as the developing roller 8110. According to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in designing the image forming apparatus main body and the cartridge can be improved.

(Example 8)
Next, Example 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 58 shows a main cross section of the process cartridge of the present embodiment, and FIG. 59 shows a perspective view. FIG. 60 shows a main section of the apparatus main body, and FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing a mounting guide (drive side) of the apparatus main body and a drive connecting portion. FIG. 62 is a schematic view showing the process of mounting the process cartridge to the apparatus main body, as viewed from above the apparatus. The process cartridge is an example of the cartridge.

  In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum and a developing roller are integrated into a unit and removably attached to the apparatus main body. In other words, the present embodiment relates to a process cartridge that is attached to and detached from an apparatus main body A having a drive shaft by moving it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft. According to this embodiment, the process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge) has two locations that receive rotational force from the apparatus main body.

  That is, the cartridge to which this embodiment is applied receives the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the developing roller separately from the apparatus main body.

  Even in such a configuration, the present invention is applicable, and the effects described below can be obtained. A charging roller 108 as a charging unit (process unit) is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 9107.

  Further, the cartridge B9 has a developing roller 9110 as developing means (process means). The developing roller 9110 supplies the developer t to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 9107. The developing roller 9110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 9107 using the developer t. The developing roller 9110 includes a magnet roller (fixed magnet) 111.

  A developing blade 9112 is provided in contact with the developing roller 9110. The developing blade 9112 defines the amount of developer t that adheres to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9110.

  The developer t stored in the developer storage container 9114 is sent out to the developing chamber 9113a by the rotation of the stirring members 9115 and 9116. Then, a developer layer provided with a charge by the developing blade 9112 is formed on the surface of the developing roller 9110. Then, the developer t is transferred to the photosensitive drum 9107 according to the latent image. Thereby, the latent image is developed.

  In contact with the photosensitive drum 9107, an elastic cleaning blade 9117a is disposed as a cleaning means (process means). The blade 9117a removes the developer t remaining on the photosensitive drum 9107 after the developer image is transferred to the recording medium 9102. The developer t removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 9107 by the blade 9117a is stored in a removed developer reservoir 9117b.

  The cartridge B9 includes a first frame unit 9119 and a second frame unit 9120 that are coupled so as to be swingable (rotatable).

  The first frame unit (developing device) 9119 is constituted by a first frame 9113 that is a part of the cartridge frame. The unit 9119 includes a developing roller 9110, a developing blade 9112, a developing chamber 9113a, a developer container (developer container) 9114, and stirring members 9115 and 9116.

  The second frame unit 9120 is constituted by a second frame 9118 that is a part of the cartridge frame. The unit 9120 includes a photosensitive drum 9107, a cleaning blade 9117a, a removed developer reservoir (removed developer storage portion) 9117b, and a charging roller 9108.

  Further, the first frame unit (developer) 9119 and the second frame unit 9120 are coupled by a pin P so as to be rotatable. The developing roller 9110 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 9107 by an elastic member (not shown) provided between the units 9119 and 9120. That is, the first frame unit (developer) 9119 determines the position with respect to the second frame unit 9120.

  The user grasps the handle T and attaches (attaches) the cartridge B9 to the cartridge attachment portion 9130a provided in the apparatus main body A9. At this time, as will be described later, the drive shaft 9180 provided in the apparatus main body A9 and the cartridge side developing roller coupling (rotational force transmission component) 9150 of the cartridge B9 are coupled in conjunction with the mounting operation of the cartridge B9. . The developing roller 9110 and the like rotate by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A9.

  Further, after the cartridge B9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body A9, the door 109 is closed. Then, in conjunction with the operation of closing the door 109, the main body side drum coupling 9190 provided in the apparatus main body A9 and the cartridge side drum coupling (rotational force transmission component) 9145 of the cartridge B9 are coupled. The photosensitive drum 9107 is rotated by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A9. Here, the main body side drum coupling 9190 is a non-circular twisted hole having a plurality of corners in cross section. The coupling 9190 is provided at the center of the drive rotator 9191. A gear 9191a (helical gear) is provided on the peripheral surface of the drive rotator 9191, and the rotational force from the motor 186 is transmitted to the gear 9191a.

  The cartridge-side drum coupling 9145 is a non-circular twisted protrusion having a plurality of corners in cross section. The coupling 9145 is fitted with the coupling 9190 and receives the rotational force from the motor 186. That is, the drive rotator 9191 rotates in a state where the hole of the coupling 9145 and the protrusion of the coupling 9190 are fitted. Accordingly, the rotational force of the driving rotating body 9191 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9107 through the hole and the protrusion in a state where the protrusion receives the pulling force in the direction of the hole.

  In addition, if the shape of the said protrusion can receive rotational force from the said hole in the state fitted to the said hole, the shape can apply an appropriate shape. However, in this embodiment, the shape of the hole is a substantially equilateral triangle in cross section, and the shape of the protrusion is a twisted substantially equilateral triangular prism. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, the rotation from the hole in a state where the hole and the axis of the protrusion are aligned (alignment), and the protrusion receives a pulling force in the direction of the hole. A force can be transmitted to the protrusion. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 9107 can be rotated accurately and smoothly. The hole is provided on the same axis as the axis of the shaft portion 9107 a of the photosensitive drum 9107. The shaft portion 9107 a is provided at one end portion of the photosensitive drum 9107 and is rotatably supported by the unit 9120.

  Further, the main body side drum coupling 9190 (drive rotating body 9191) is moved by a moving member (advance / retreat mechanism) 9195 that moves in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 109, as will be described later. That is, the coupling 9190 is moved by the moving member 9195 in the direction along the rotation axis X70 of the coupling 9190 and in the direction X93 in which the coupling 9145 is provided. As a result, the coupling 9190 and the coupling 9145 are engaged. Then, the rotational force of the coupling 9190 is transmitted to the coupling 9145 (FIG. 62 (b)).

  The coupling 9190 (drive rotating body 9191) is moved in the direction along the rotation axis X70 and away from the drum coupling 9145 by the moving member 9195 moving in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 109. Moving. As a result, the coupling 9190 and the coupling 9145 are separated (FIG. 62).

  That is, the coupling 9190 advances and retreats in the direction along the rotation axis X70 with respect to the coupling 9145 by a moving member (advance / retreat mechanism) 9195 described later (arrows shown in FIGS. 62A, 62B, and 62C). X9 direction). In addition, about the detail of a structure of the moving member 9195, since a well-known structure can be used suitably, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  For example, the configurations of the coupling 9145, the coupling 9190, and the moving member 9195 are described in Japanese Patent No. 2875203.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 61, the mounting means 9130 of this embodiment has body guides 9130R1 and 9130R2 provided in the apparatus body A9.

  These are provided opposite to the cartridge mounting portion 9130a (cartridge mounting space) provided in the apparatus main body A9 (FIG. 61 is a view of the driving side, and the non-driving side is symmetrical. (The explanation is omitted.) The guides 9130R1 and 9130R2 are provided along the mounting direction of the cartridge B9.

  When the cartridge B9 is mounted on the apparatus main body A9, the guide 9130R1, 9130R2 guides and inserts a cartridge guide described later. In order to mount the cartridge B9 on the apparatus main body A9, the cartridge door 109 that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body A9 is opened around the shaft 9109a. Then, by closing the door 109, the mounting of the cartridge B9 on the apparatus main body A9 is completed. Even when the cartridge B9 is removed from the apparatus main body A9, the removal operation is performed by opening the door 109. These operations are performed by the user.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 59, in this embodiment, the outer periphery 9159a of the outer end portion of the bearing member 9159 also serves as the cartridge guide 9140R1. That is, the bearing member 9159 protrudes outward, and its peripheral surface has a guide function.

  Further, a cartridge guide 9140R2 is provided above the cartridge guide 140R1 at one end (drive side) in the longitudinal direction of the second frame unit 120.

  When the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A9 and when the cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main body A9, the guide 9140R1 is guided by the guide 9130R1, and the guide 9140R2 is guided by the guide 9130R2.

  The guide configuration on the other end side of the apparatus main body and the guide configuration on the other end side of the cartridge are the same as those described above, and the description thereof is omitted. In this way, the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A9 while being moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive shaft 180, and is removed from the apparatus main body A9.

  When such a cartridge B9 is attached to the apparatus main body A9, the coupling 9150 engages with the drive shaft 9180 of the apparatus main body as in the previous embodiments. The drive shaft 9180 is rotated by rotating the motor 186 of the apparatus main body A9. The rotational force rotates the developing roller 9110 via the coupling 9150. The drive transmission path in the cartridge may be arranged on the same axis as the developing roller 9110 as described in the first embodiment, or the coupling may be arranged at a position off the axis of the developing roller. You may do it. Note that the engagement operation and the disengagement operation between the coupling 9150 and the drive shaft 9180 are the same as those described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, as the configuration of the cartridge side developing roller coupling 9150, the configuration of each coupling described above can be used as appropriate.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 62, a process in which the process cartridge B9 described so far is attached to the mounting portion 9130a and the drive connection between the apparatus main body A9 and the cartridge B9 is performed will be described.

  In FIG. 62A, the cartridge B9 is to be mounted on the apparatus main body A9. At this time, as described above, the axis 9 of the coupling 9150 is inclined in the downstream direction of the mounting direction (X92). Further, the drum coupling 9190 on the apparatus main body side coupled with the drum coupling 9145 is retracted so as not to obstruct the mounting path of the cartridge B9 (the retracted amount is X91 shown in FIG. 62A). In this figure, it appears that the drive shaft 9180 provided in the apparatus main body A9 is positioned in the mounting / removal path of the cartridge B9. However, as is apparent from FIG. 61, the movement paths of the drum coupling 9145 and the developing roller coupling 9150 are shifted in the cross-sectional direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the drive shaft 9180 does not interfere with the attachment and removal of the cartridge B9.

  Next, when the user inserts the cartridge B9 into the apparatus main body A9 from this state, the cartridge B9 is attached to the mounting portion 9130a. As described above, the coupling 9150 engages with the drive shaft 9180 in this mounting operation. Then, the rotational force can be transmitted to the developing roller 9110.

  Next, the drum coupling 9190 on the apparatus main body A9 side is moved in the X93 direction by the moving member 9195 that is interlocked with the user closing the door 109 (FIG. 61) (FIG. 62B). Then, the coupling 9190 is engaged with the drum coupling 9145 of the cartridge B9 so that the rotational force can be transmitted. Thereafter, the rotational force from the motor 186 is transmitted to the drum gear 9190 fixed to the drum coupling 9190 by the image forming operation. The rotational force is transmitted to the developing gear 9181 fixed to the drive shaft 9150 that receives the rotational force from the coupling 9150. As a result, the rotational force from the motor 186 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9107 via the drum coupling 9190 and the drum gear 9190. Further, the rotational force from the motor 186 is transmitted to the developing roller 9110 via the coupling 9150, the receiving drive shaft 9150, and the developing gear 9181. Note that the details of the transmission path of the rotational force from the coupling 9150 in the developing unit 9114 to the developing roller 9110 via the support member 9147 are the same as those described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the cartridge B9 is taken out from the apparatus main body A9, the user opens the door 109 (FIG. 61). The drum coupling 9190 on the apparatus main body A9 side is moved in the direction X95 opposite to the X93 direction by the moving member 9195 interlocking with the opening operation of the door 109 (FIG. 62C). As a result, the drum coupling 9190 is separated from the drum coupling 914. Therefore, the cartridge B9 can be taken out from the apparatus main body A9.

  As described above, in the eighth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the apparatus main body A described above, the apparatus main body A9 moves the main body side drum coupling 9190 and the coupling 9190 in the axial direction (rotation axis X70). Advance / retreat mechanism) 9195.

  According to the eighth embodiment, the cartridge (process cartridge) B9 integrally includes the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 9110.

  According to the eighth embodiment, when the cartridge B9 is removed from the apparatus main body A9 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 9110, the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150 performs the following movement. . That is, the coupling 9150 moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position and is detached from the drive shaft 180. Then, the main body side drum coupling 9190 is moved in the axial direction by the moving member 9195 and away from the cartridge side drum coupling 9145. As a result, the cartridge side drum coupling 9145 is detached from the main body side drum coupling 9190.

  According to the eighth embodiment, both the coupling structure for transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main body A9 to the photosensitive drum 107 and the coupling structure for transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main body A9 to the developing roller 9110 are both required moving members. Compared with the case where it is set as the coupling structure which becomes, a moving member can be reduced.

  Therefore, according to the eighth embodiment, the apparatus main body can be downsized. Further, when designing the apparatus main body, the degree of design freedom can be increased.

  This embodiment can also be applied to the contact development method as described in the sixth embodiment. In this case, the present invention can be applied not only to attachment / detachment of the cartridge but also to drive connection at the time of developing separation.

  In this embodiment, the driving connection of the photosensitive drums is not the same as in the present embodiment, but a coupling as in this embodiment may be arranged.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, at least one moving member (retraction mechanism) is reduced by applying the present invention at least when the developing roller is rotated (rotational force is transmitted to the developing device). be able to. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus main body and increase the degree of design freedom.

  In the eighth embodiment, a twisted protrusion is described as an example of the cartridge drum coupling that receives a rotational force from the main body in order to rotate the photosensitive drum. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be appropriately applied to a coupling configuration in which the main body drum coupling is movable (movable back and forth) in the rotation direction with respect to the cartridge drum coupling. That is, a coupling structure in which the main body drum coupling approaches the cartridge drum coupling from the moving direction and engages both, and the main body drum coupling moves away from the cartridge drum coupling in the moving direction. Is applicable. For example, a so-called pin-driven coupling configuration can be applied to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  According to the eighth embodiment, in the configuration in which the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is separately transmitted from the apparatus main body, the moving configuration for moving (moving forward and backward) the coupling in the rotation direction is reduced. Can do. That is, the moving configuration can be only a configuration for transmitting a rotational force to the photosensitive drum.

  Therefore, according to the eighth embodiment, an effect of simplifying the configuration of the apparatus main body can be obtained as compared with the case where the moving configuration is required for both the configuration for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. be able to.

Example 9
Next, Example 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The ninth embodiment employs an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to both a coupling that receives the rotational force that rotates the photosensitive drum from the apparatus main body and a coupling that receives the rotational force that rotates the developing roller from the apparatus main body. It is a thing.

  That is, the difference between the cartridge B10 to which the present embodiment is applied and the cartridge B9 described in the eighth embodiment is that the photosensitive drum 9107 receives a rotational force from the apparatus main body by a coupling having the same configuration as the developing roller 9110. is there.

  According to the ninth embodiment, the process cartridge B5 can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive shaft 180 without using the moving member (advance / retreat mechanism) described in the eighth embodiment. It can be attached to and removed from the device body.

  The difference between the cartridge B10 and the cartridge B9 to which the ninth embodiment is applied is only in the configuration of the cartridge-side drum coupling and the configuration in which the rotational force received by the coupling is transmitted to the photosensitive drum. Other configurations are the same.

Also, the configuration of the apparatus main body is different only in the configuration of the main body side drum coupling. The apparatus main body to which the ninth embodiment is applied is provided with the drive shaft described in each of the embodiments described above instead of the configuration of the main body side drum coupling, and the description thereof is omitted. The apparatus main body to which the ninth embodiment is applied is provided with a drive shaft (first drive shaft) 180 and a drive shaft (second drive shaft) (not shown) having the same configuration as the drive shaft 180. However, as in the eighth embodiment, the movement paths of the cartridge-side drum coupling 10150 and the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150 are shifted in the cross-sectional direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the drive shaft (first drive shaft) 180 and the drive shaft (second drive shaft) having the same configuration as the drive shaft 180 do not interfere with the mounting and removal of the cartridge B10. Also,
Further, the cartridge side drum coupling 10150 of the cartridge B10 is the same as the coupling configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, like the cartridge side developing roller coupling 9150. Therefore, the description is incorporated.

  According to the ninth embodiment, the cartridge B5 is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive shaft (first drive shaft) 180 and the drive shaft (second drive shaft) (not shown), thereby main body of the apparatus. It can be attached to and removed from the device body.

  According to the ninth embodiment, when the cartridge B10 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 130a, the drive shaft (first drive shaft) 180 and the developing roller coupling 9150 are engaged, and the coupling 9150 is separated from the drive shaft 180. Receives rotational force. Then, the developing roller 9110 is rotated by the rotational force received by the coupling 9150.

  Further, the drive shaft (second drive shaft) and the drum coupling 10150 are engaged, and the coupling 10150 receives a rotational force from the drive shaft (second drive shaft). Then, the photosensitive drum 9107 is rotated by the rotational force received by the coupling 10150.

  In Example 9, the configuration described in each of the above examples can be used as appropriate.

  According to the present embodiment, the process cartridge can be attached to the apparatus body by moving the process cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft without using the moving member (advance / retreat mechanism) described in the eighth embodiment. Moreover, it can be removed from the apparatus main body.

  Thereby, the configuration of the apparatus main body can be simplified.

  According to each of the above-described embodiments, the apparatus main body A includes the drive shaft (180, 1180, 9180) having the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying unit) 182. Then, the cartridge (B, B2, B6, B8, B9, B10) is moved and attached to the apparatus main body (A, A2, A9) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. And removed. Each cartridge has a developing roller (110, 6110, 8110, 9110) and a coupling (150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 14150).

i) The developing roller (110, 6110, 8110, 9110) is rotatable about its axis L1, and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (107, 9107). Also,
ii) The coupling engages with a rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying unit) (182, 1182, 9182) and receives a rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the pin. The couplings are the above-described couplings 150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, and 14150. The coupling may take a rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting a rotational force for rotating the developing roller to the developing roller. Further, the coupling is inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the developing roller axis L1 and the pre-engagement angular position, and the coupling is inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position. It is possible to take a detachment angle position to detach from. When the cartridge (B, B2, B6, B8, B9, B10) is moved and attached to the apparatus main body in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling is the engagement member. It moves from the pre-combination angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. As a result, the coupling faces the drive shaft. Further, when removing the cartridge from the apparatus main body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. As a result, the coupling is detached from the drive shaft.

  Further, when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the coupling is located behind the drive shaft when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6 (for example, FIG. 19D). The part of the coupling is the tip positions 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, and 14150A3. The removal direction X6 is a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. When the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A, the coupling moves as follows in accordance with the movement of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. That is, the coupling moves (tilts) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position so as to allow the portion of the coupling to bypass the drive shaft.

  When the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the coupling moves as follows. That is, the coupling rotates from the pre-engagement angular position so as to allow the portion of the coupling located downstream as viewed from the mounting direction X4 to bypass the drive shaft. Move (tilt) to the force transmission angular position. The attachment direction X4 is a direction in which the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body.

  In addition, when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the coupling is configured such that the part of the coupling is the drive shaft when viewed from a direction opposite to the removal direction X6 in which the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. Located behind. Then, when removing the cartridge from the apparatus main body, the coupling moves as follows. That is, the coupling allows the portion of the coupling to bypass the drive shaft in response to moving the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller. , It moves (tilts) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position.

  In the above-described embodiment, the coupling has a concave portion (150z, 1150z, 1350z, 4150z, 6150z, 7150z, 9150z, 12150z, 14150z) on the same axis as the rotation axis L2 of the coupling. The concave portion covers the tip of the drive shaft 180 in a state where the coupling is located at the rotational force transmission angular position. A rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) is provided on the distal end side of the drive shaft so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft (182). 1182, 9182) and the coupling in the rotational direction. The rotational force receiving surfaces are rotational force receiving surfaces 150e, 1150e, 1350e, 4150e, 6150e, 7150e, 9150e, 12150e, and 14150e. Accordingly, the coupling receives a rotational force from the drive shaft and rotates. When the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body, the coupling moves as follows. That is, in response to moving the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling allows the portion of the recess to bypass the drive shaft. It tilts (moves) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position. Thereby, the coupling can be detached from the drive shaft. In addition, the said part is front-end | tip position 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, 14150A3.

  Further, as described above, the coupling has the concave portion on the same axis as the rotation axis L2 of the coupling. In a state where the coupling is located at the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess covers the tip of the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) protrudes in the direction perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft on the tip side of the drive shaft, and the rotation of the coupling Engage in direction. Accordingly, the coupling receives a rotational force from the drive shaft and rotates. When the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body, the coupling moves as follows. That is, in order to allow a part of the recess to bypass the drive shaft in response to moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling is It tilts (moves) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position. Thereby, the coupling can be detached from the drive shaft.

  In addition, the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) is opposed to a virtual circle C1 having a center S on the rotation axis L2 of the coupling (for example, FIG. 6D) with the center S interposed therebetween. A plurality are arranged so as to be positioned. In the present embodiment, the rotational force receiving surfaces are arranged at four locations. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the coupling can receive a force evenly from the apparatus main body. Therefore, the coupling can rotate smoothly.

  In the state where the coupling is located at the rotational force transmission angle position, the axis L2 substantially coincides with the axis L1 of the developing roller. The coupling is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the upstream side of the coupling can pass through the tip of the drive shaft in the removal direction X6 when the coupling is located at the separation angle position. The upstream side is the tip positions 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, and 14150A3.

  The cartridge described above is a developing cartridge that is separate from the photosensitive drum. Alternatively, the cartridge is a process cartridge integrally having a photosensitive drum. By applying the present invention to these cartridges, the effects as described above can be obtained.

(Other examples)
In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge which is an attachment / detachment path orthogonal to the lower and lower directions with respect to the drive shaft of the apparatus main body has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration. The above-described embodiment can be preferably applied to, for example, a cartridge that can be attached and detached from a direction orthogonal to the drive shaft due to the configuration of the apparatus main body.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the mounting path was a straight line with respect to the apparatus main body, a present Example is not limited to the structure. The above-described embodiment can be preferably applied even when, for example, the mounting route has a combination of straight lines or a curved route.

  Further, the developing cartridge of the above embodiment was for forming a monochrome image. However, the above embodiment can also be suitably applied to a cartridge in which a plurality of developing means are provided to form a multi-color image (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image, or a full color).

  The process cartridge of the above embodiment is for forming a single color image. However, the above-described embodiment is also suitably applied to a cartridge that forms a plurality of color images (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image, or a full color) by providing a developing unit and a charging unit respectively for a plurality of photosensitive drums. be able to.

  The developing cartridge described above includes at least a developing roller (developing means).

  The process cartridge described above is a cartridge in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, which is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing means as the process means are at least integrated into a cartridge.

  Further, this cartridge (developing cartridge, process cartridge) can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user. Therefore, maintenance of the apparatus main body can be performed by the user himself.

  According to each embodiment described above, the axis of the drive shaft is substantially the same as the axis of the drive shaft with respect to the apparatus main body that does not include a mechanism for moving the main body side coupling member for transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller in the axial direction. Can be attached to and detached from the direction perpendicular to each other. Then, the developing roller can be rotated smoothly.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

  Further, according to the above-described coupling, the image cartridge can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft without moving the drive rotator (drive gear) provided in the main body in the direction of the axis. It can be attached to and detached from the device body.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the developing roller can be smoothly rotated in the drive connecting portion between the main body and the cartridge as compared with the case where the gear is engaged with the gear.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to realize both the removal of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and the smooth rotation of the developing roller. It was.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to achieve both mounting the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body and smoothly rotating the developing roller. It was.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be attached and detached from the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body, and the developing roller can be smoothly rotated. We were able to.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, even the developing cartridge (process cartridge developing device) positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum can reliably drive the developing roller and realize smooth rotation. I was able to.

  As described above, the present invention is configured such that the axis of the coupling member can take different angular positions with respect to the axis of the developing roller. With this configuration, according to the present invention, the coupling member can be engaged with the drive shaft from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main body. Further, the coupling member can be detached from the drive shaft from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to a developing cartridge, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the developing cartridge is detachable, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is detachable.

  In addition, the present invention can be applied to a so-called contact development method in which an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed in a state where the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing roller are in contact with each other.

  The present invention can also be applied to a so-called non-contact development method in which an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed in a state where the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing roller are spaced apart from each other. it can.

  Further, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in the cartridge to which the contact developing method is applied, even if the developing roller in contact with the photosensitive drum moves to move away from the photosensitive drum, the developing roller is smoothed. Could be rotated.

  Further, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, it can be applied to a configuration in which the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the rotational force for rotating the developing roller are separately received from the apparatus main body. And according to the said Example to which this invention is applied, the structure which advances / retreats a coupling to the axial direction can be used for the structure which receives the rotational force which rotates a photosensitive drum.

A, A2, A9 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body B, B2, B6, B8, B9, B10 Process cartridge t Developer L1 Developing roller axis L2 Coupling axis L3 Drive shaft axis X4 Cartridge mounting direction X6 Cartridge removal direction X8 Cup Ring rotation direction 130L1, L2, R1, R2 Main body guide 140L1, L2, R1, R2 Cartridge guide 150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 14150 Coupling (coupling member) (rotational force) Transmission parts)
150e, 1150e, 1350e, 4150e, 6150e, 7150e, 9150e, 12150e, 14150e Rotation force receiving surface (rotation force receiving portion)
150h1, 150h2 rotational force transmission surface (cartridge side rotational force transmission part)
151 Development flange 153 Development shaft 155 Drive transmission pin (rotational force receiving portion)
157 Development support member 180 Drive shaft 181 Development drive gear 182, 1182, 9182 Rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) (main body side rotational force transmission portion)

Claims (22)

Move from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus having the rotatable first and second main body side engaging portions in a removing direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the first and second main body side engaging portions. A process cartridge to be removed
A rotatable photosensitive drum capable of forming a latent image;
A developing roller capable of developing and rotating the latent image;
A first coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the photosensitive drum by engaging with the first main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable first coupling member;
A second coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller by engaging with the second main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable second coupling member;
Have
In the first coupling member, a part of the first coupling member located behind the first main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the detaching direction is such that the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. In order to allow to bypass the first main body side engaging portion when
The second coupling member is configured such that a part of the second coupling member located behind the second main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the removing direction is removed from the apparatus main body. A process cartridge that is tiltable so as to allow the second main body side engaging portion to bypass the second main body side engaging portion .   2. The first coupling member is tilted so that a tip end of the first coupling member faces an upstream side in the detaching direction when the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. Process cartridge according to.   The first coupling member tilts as the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body, and is configured to be disengaged from the first main body side engaging portion by the tilting. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is characterized in that:   2. The second coupling member is tilted so that a tip of the second coupling member faces an upstream side in the removing direction when the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. 4. The process cartridge according to any one of items 1 to 3.   The second coupling member tilts as the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body, and is configured to be disengaged from the second main body side engaging portion by the tilting. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is characterized in that:   6. The rotational force receiving member for transmitting the rotational force from the second coupling member to the developing roller, wherein the second coupling member is connected to be tiltable. The process cartridge according to claim 1.   The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein a rotational axis of the rotational force receiving member does not coincide with a rotational axis of the developing roller and is substantially parallel.   There is another rotational force transmitted member provided at an end of the developing roller, and the rotational force is transmitted from the rotational force transmitted member to the developing roller via the other rotational force transmitted member. The process cartridge according to claim 7.   9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the rotational force transmitted member and the other rotational force transmitted member are gear-coupled. The first main body side engaging portion has a convex portion at its tip,
The first coupling member has a concave portion biased by the convex portion in a state where the second coupling member receives the rotational force from the first body side engaging portion. Item 10. The process cartridge according to any one of Items 1 to 9. The concave portion has a widened portion in which the distance from the rotation axis of the first coupling member increases toward the tip of the first coupling member,
The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the widened portion is biased by the convex portion. The second main body side engaging portion has a convex portion at its tip,
The second coupling member has a concave portion that is urged by the convex portion in a state where the second coupling member receives the rotational force from the second main body side engaging portion. Item 12. The process cartridge according to any one of Items 1 to 11. The concave portion has a widened portion in which the distance from the rotation axis of the second coupling member spreads toward the tip of the second coupling member,
The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the widened portion is biased by the convex portion.   2. The first coupling member is configured to tilt by receiving a force from the first main body side engaging portion as the process cartridge moves in the removal direction. 14. A process cartridge according to any one of items 1 to 13.   15. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a first tilt assist biasing member that biases the first coupling member so that the first coupling member tilts. .   In a state where the first coupling member can receive the rotational force from the first main body side engaging portion, the rotation axis of the first coupling member is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is characterized in that:   When the first coupling member is disengaged from the first main body side engaging portion, the angle between the rotation axis of the first coupling member and the rotation axis of the developing roller is 20 The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the process cartridge is tilted so as to be -60 °.   2. The second coupling member is configured to tilt by receiving a force from the second main body side engaging portion as the process cartridge moves in the removal direction. 18. The process cartridge according to any one of items 1 to 17.   The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a second tilt assist biasing member that biases the second coupling member so that the second coupling member tilts. .   In a state where the second coupling member can receive the rotational force from the second main body side engaging portion, the rotation axis of the second coupling member is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein:   When the second coupling member is disengaged from the second body side engaging portion, the second coupling member has an angle formed by the rotation axis of the second coupling member and the rotation axis of the developing roller being 20 The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the process cartridge is tilted so as to be -60 °. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium,
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body provided with rotatable first and second main body side engaging portions;
A process cartridge which is removed from the apparatus main body by moving in a removing direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis direction of the first and second main body side engaging portions;
A rotatable photosensitive drum capable of forming a latent image;
A developing roller capable of developing and rotating the latent image;
A first coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the photosensitive drum by engaging with the first main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable second coupling member;
A second coupling member capable of transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller by engaging with the second main body side engaging portion, and a tiltable second coupling member;
A process cartridge comprising:
Have
In the first coupling member, a part of the first coupling member located behind the first main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the detaching direction is such that the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. In order to allow to bypass the first main body side engaging portion when
The second coupling member is configured such that a part of the second coupling member located behind the second main body side engaging portion when viewed from the direction opposite to the removing direction is removed from the apparatus main body. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is tiltable so as to allow the second main body side engaging portion to bypass the second main body side engaging portion .

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