HK1199941B - Cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus which uses cartridge - Google Patents

Description

Cartridge and electronic photographic imaging device using the same

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Box and electronic photographic imaging device using the same", with an international application date of June 9, 2009, an international application number of PCT/JP2009/060822, and a national application number of 200980121411.3.

Technical Field

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

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus means an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (laser printer, LED printer, etc.), and the like.

The term "cartridge" refers to a developing cartridge and a process cartridge. Here, a developing cartridge refers to a cartridge having a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. Some electrophotographic imaging apparatuses are configured such that the electrophotographic photosensitive member is part of the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, while some electrophotographic imaging apparatuses are configured to employ a process cartridge (processing unit) consisting of an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing roller. A process cartridge is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and one or more process components, namely, a charging component, a developing roller (developing component), and a cleaning device, are integrally arranged, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. More specifically, the term "process cartridge" refers to a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least a developing roller (developing means) are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus; or refers to a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller (developing means), and a charging means are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The term "process cartridge" also refers to a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller (developing means), and a cleaning device are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the term "process cartridge" refers to a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller (developing means), a cleaning device, and a charging means are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

The developer cartridge or process cartridge can be detachably installed in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device by the user, thereby enabling the user to perform maintenance on the imaging device without relying on a maintenance person. Therefore, the developer cartridge or process cartridge can significantly improve the operability of the electrophotographic imaging device, particularly the maintenance operation.

Background Art

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the form of a drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) using a developing device (developing roller). Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is constructed in the following manner.

In some conventional electrophotographic imaging devices, a cartridge (developer or process cartridge) includes a gear. The cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the imaging device so that the cartridge's gear engages with a gear in the main assembly. This allows the developing roller in the cartridge to rotate due to the rotational force transmitted from a motor in the main assembly via the main assembly's gear and the cartridge's gear (U.S. Patent No. 7,027,754).

In another conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a cartridge has a cartridge portion of a developing cartridge coupling, and a main assembly has a main assembly portion of a developing roller coupling. Furthermore, the main assembly has a member for moving the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling (forward or rearward) such that the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling can be moved forward (toward the cartridge) along an axial direction of the coupling so that the main assembly portion of the coupling engages with the cartridge portion of the coupling, or such that the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling can be moved rearward (away from the cartridge) along an axial direction of the coupling so that the main assembly portion of the coupling is separated from the cartridge portion of the coupling.

Thus, when the main component portion of the developing roller coupling rotates after the box is correctly installed in the main component, the rotational force of the main component portion of the developing roller coupling is transmitted to the box portion of the developing roller coupling, thereby rotating the developing roller (U.S. Patent No. 2007/0,160,384).

However, with the conventional structural arrangement described above, the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling must be moved along its axis when the cartridge is installed into or removed from the main assembly of the imaging device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller in the cartridge. In other words, when the cartridge is installed or removed, the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling must be moved horizontally by the opening or closing movement of a cover disposed on the main assembly. In other words, the opening movement of the main assembly cover must cause the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling to move in a direction separating from the cartridge portion of the developing roller coupling, while the closing movement of the main assembly cover must cause the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling to move in a direction engaging with the cartridge portion of the developing roller coupling.

In other words, one of the above conventional techniques must construct the image forming apparatus main assembly so that the above rotary member (moving member) is moved in a direction parallel to its axis by the movement of opening or closing the cartridge cover of the main assembly.

In another conventional structural arrangement, when the cartridge is installed into or removed from the main assembly of the imaging device, it is not necessary to move the cartridge drive gear of the main assembly forward or backward in a direction parallel to the axis of the drive gear. Thus, this structural arrangement enables the cartridge to be installed or removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive gear of the main assembly. However, in the case of this structural arrangement, the portion for transmitting the driving force from the main assembly to the cartridge is the interface (meshing point) between the driving force transmission gear of the main assembly and the driving force receiving gear of the cartridge, making it difficult to prevent the problem of fluctuation in the rotational speed of the developing roller.

Summary of the Invention

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge which does not have the problems occurring in the above-mentioned conventional technology, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which is compatible with the cartridge according to the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box, the developing roller of which can rotate smoothly even when the box is installed in an electronic photographic imaging device that does not have a mechanism for moving the main component part of the connector in a direction parallel to the axis of the connector to transmit rotational force to the developing roller. In addition, the present invention also provides an electronic photographic imaging device that can detachably install the above-mentioned box.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box that can be removed from the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and also to provide an electronic photographic imaging device on which the above-mentioned box can be detachably installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box that can be installed in the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and also to provide an electronic photographic imaging device that can detachably install the above-mentioned box.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box that can be installed in or removed from the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and also to provide an electronic photographic imaging device on which the above-mentioned box can be detachably installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box that can be removed from the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and the developing roller of the box can rotate smoothly. In addition, an electronic photographic imaging device is provided on which the above-mentioned box can be detachably installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing box that can be installed in the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and the developing roller of the processing box can rotate smoothly. In addition, an electronic photographic imaging device is provided that can be detachably installed with the above-mentioned box.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box that can be installed in or removed from the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and the developing roller of the box can rotate smoothly. In addition, an electronic photographic imaging device is provided in which the above-mentioned box can be detachably installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box in which the developing roller rotates more smoothly than the developing roller in the box, and it receives the rotational force from the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device through the engagement of its gear with the gear of the main component. In addition, there is provided an electronic photographic imaging device on which the above-mentioned box can be detachably installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing box (developing device of the processing box), which reliably transmits the rotational force to the developing roller that is precisely positioned relative to the photosensitive drum and enables the developing roller to rotate smoothly. In addition, an electronic photographic imaging device is provided that can be detachably installed with the above-mentioned processing box.

A so-called contact development method is known in which a developing roller is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum to develop an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box that can smoothly rotate its developing roller even when it moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum while in contact with the photosensitive drum, and also to provide an electronic photographic imaging device that can detachably install the above-mentioned box.

There is known a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge therefor, which is constructed so that a rotational force for rotating a photosensitive drum and a rotational force for rotating a developing roller are received separately from an image forming apparatus main assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a box which is constructed so that a connector used to transmit the rotational force that rotates the photosensitive drum moves forward or backward in a direction parallel to its axis, and also to provide an electronic photographic imaging device on which the above-mentioned box can be detachably installed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a box for use with a main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, the main component including a drive shaft having a rotational force applying portion, wherein the box can be removed from the main component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft, the box including: i) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electronic photographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable around its axis; and ii) a connecting member which can engage with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller, the connecting member being capable of being in a rotational force transmission angle position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the developing roller to the developing roller and a separation angle position in which the connecting member is tilted away from the rotational force transmission angle position, wherein when the box is removed from the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the connecting member moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic photographic imaging device capable of detachably installing a box, the device comprising: i) a drive shaft having a rotational force applying portion; and ii) a box, the box comprising: a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electronic photographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable around its axis; and a connecting member capable of engaging with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller, the connecting member being capable of being in a rotational force transmission angle position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the developing roller to the developing roller and a separation angle position in which the connecting member is tilted away from the rotational force transmission angle position, wherein when the box is removed from the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the connecting member moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position.

The present invention can provide a box that can be removed from the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and further provides an electronic photographic imaging device that can detachably install the above-mentioned box.

The present invention can provide a box that can be installed in a main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and further provides an electronic photographic imaging device that can be detachably installed with the above-mentioned box.

The present invention can provide a box that can be installed in or removed from the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device having a box drive shaft in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the box drive shaft, and further provides an electronic photographic imaging device that can detachably install the above-mentioned box.

The present invention can provide a box to be installed in the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, wherein the main component of the imaging device does not have a mechanism for moving the connector along the axial direction of the connector to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller in the box, but can still make its developing roller rotate smoothly.

The present invention can provide a box whose developing roller can be rotated smoothly even if it is constructed so that the moving box is roughly perpendicular to the axis of the driving shaft provided on the main component in the direction of removal from the main component of the electronic photographic image forming apparatus.

The present invention can provide a box which can smoothly rotate its developing roller even if it is constructed so that the direction of moving the box to install the box on the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the driving shaft provided on the main component.

The present invention can provide a box which can rotate its developing roller smoothly even if it is constructed so that the direction in which the box is moved for installation on or removal from the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided on the main component.

The present invention is capable of providing a combination of an electronic photographic imaging device and a box therefor, which can enable its developing roller to rotate more smoothly than the combination of the electronic photographic imaging device and the box, and which uses a set of gears to transmit the rotational force from the main component of the imaging device to the box.

The present invention is capable of providing a combination of an electronic photographic imaging device and a box therefor, which can reliably transmit rotational force to a developing roller in the box and cause it to rotate smoothly, even if the combination is constructed so that the developing roller is positioned relative to a photosensitive drum provided on a main component.

The present invention can provide a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge therefor, which can smoothly rotate a developing roller in the cartridge even if the developing roller in contact with a photosensitive drum is moved to be separated from the photosensitive drum.

The present invention can provide a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge therefor, wherein a mechanism for receiving a rotational force of a photosensitive drum is constructed so that a coupling of the mechanism is movable in an axial direction of the coupling.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a side sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG4 is a side sectional view of a main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a developing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a side view and a longitudinal sectional view of a driving gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an assembling process of a coupling and a driving gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG10 is a longitudinal sectional view after the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is assembled.

FIG11 is a perspective view showing a connected state of the developing gear and the coupling.

FIG12 is a perspective view showing a state where the coupling is tilted.

Figure 13 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing a main assembly driving structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a driving structure of a developing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a cartridge setting portion of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a sectional view showing a process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a process in which a drive shaft and a coupling are engaged with each other according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a process of installing a coupling onto a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a connector arranged in the main assembly and a connector arranged in the cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a process of installing a coupling onto a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

21 is an exploded perspective view showing a driving shaft, a driving gear, a coupling, and a developing shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

22 is a perspective view illustrating a process of separating a coupling from a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a coupling according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a coupling according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a drive shaft according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG26 is a perspective view of a coupling according to a modified example of the present invention.

Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive shaft, the developing shaft, and the coupling according to only the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a side view and a longitudinal sectional view of the box side according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is a view from the apparatus and a perspective view of a cartridge setting portion of the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process of taking the cartridge out of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 31 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the mounting process of the box according to the embodiment of the present invention to the main assembly.

32 is a perspective view and a top view of a coupling according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the mounting operation of the box according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 34 is a top view of the box viewed from the mounting direction in a state where the box according to the second embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

Figure 35 is a perspective view showing the box in a state where the drive of the box according to the second embodiment of the present invention is stopped.

Figure 36 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing the taking-out operation of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 37 is a sectional view showing a state in which a door provided in the main assembly is opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 38 is a perspective view showing the mounting guide portion on the driving side of the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 39 is a side view of the drive side of the box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 40 is a perspective view of the box from the drive side according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 41 is a side view showing a state in which the cartridge is inserted into the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a pressing member (specific to this embodiment) is mounted to a developing support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view showing a developing support member, a coupling, and a developing shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 44 is a perspective view showing the driving side of the box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

45 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an engaged state between a drive shaft and a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 46 is a side view showing the driving side of the box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the driving side of the main assembly guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 48 is a side view showing the relationship between the box and the main assembly guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 49 is a side view and a perspective view showing the relationship between the main assembly guide and the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 50 is a side view of the process of installing the box according to an embodiment of the present invention to the main component, viewed from the drive side.

Figure 51 is a side sectional view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 52 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 53 is a longitudinal sectional view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 54 is a side sectional view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 55 is a longitudinal sectional view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 56 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developing supporting member of the box according to the embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

Figure 58 is a side sectional view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 59 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 60 is a side sectional view showing the main component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 61 is a perspective view of a cartridge setting portion of the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 62 is a schematic diagram showing the installation process of the processing box according to the embodiment of the present invention on the main component when viewed from the upper part of the device.

Figure 63 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(Example 1)

First, the present invention will be described with reference to an example of a developing cartridge according to the present invention.

It should be noted here that the developing cartridge is an example of a process cartridge.

(1) Description of the developer cartridge

First, referring to Figures 1 to 4, a developing cartridge B according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge) will be described. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of cartridge B. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of cartridge B. In addition, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main assembly A of an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a main assembly A).

Box B can be installed on or removed from the main component A by the user.

1-4, cartridge B has a developing roller 110. Referring to Figure 4, cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A. When cartridge B is properly positioned in its image forming position in the main assembly A, cartridge B receives a rotational force from the main assembly A via a coupling mechanism (described later) and rotates.

The developing roller 110 supplies developer t to a portion of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 107 (hereinafter referred to simply as a photosensitive drum) (FIG. 4) located in a developing area of the apparatus main assembly A. The developing roller develops the electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107 using the developer t. A magnetic roller 111 (fixed magnet) is provided in the developing roller 110.

The cartridge B has a developing blade 112 that contacts the developing roller 110. The developing blade 112 regulates the amount of the developer t that can be retained on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 110. It also charges the developer t in a frictional manner.

The developer t is stored in the developer storage portion 114 of the cartridge B and is transported to the developing chamber 113a of the cartridge B by the rotation of the toner agitating members 115 and 116 of the cartridge B. When a voltage is applied to the developing roller 110, the developing roller 110 rotates. As a result, a triboelectrically charged layer of the developer t is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 110 by the developing roller 110. The charged toner particles in this triboelectrically charged developer layer are transferred to the photosensitive drum 107 in the form of the electrostatic latent image described above; the developing roller 110 develops this electrostatic latent image.

The image developed on the photosensitive drum 107 (i.e., the image formed by the developer t) is transferred to a sheet of recording medium 102 by the transfer roller 104. The recording medium may be any medium on which an image can be formed (on which an image formed by the developer (toner) can be transferred). For example, it may be ordinary paper, an OHP sheet, or the like.

The cartridge B has a developing unit 119 composed of a developing member holding frame 113 and a developer storage frame 114. More specifically, the developing unit 119 has a developing roller 110, a developing blade 112, a developing member frame portion, a developing chamber 113a, a developer storage frame portion 114, and stirring members 115 and 116.

The developing roller 110 is rotatable around its axis L1.

The main assembly A of the apparatus has a cartridge chamber 130a, into which a user can install cartridge B by grasping the cartridge B by grasping its handle T. When cartridge B is installed, a coupling 150 (a rotational force transmitting member, described below) of cartridge B is connected to a drive shaft 180 (Figure 17) provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus, thereby causing the developing roller 110 and the like to rotate by receiving a rotational force from the main assembly A. When the user wishes to remove cartridge B from the cartridge chamber 130a of the main assembly A of the apparatus, the user grasps the handle T and pulls out cartridge B. As cartridge B moves in the direction of removal from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 of cartridge B separates from the drive shaft 180.

The direction in which the cartridge B moves when mounting the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A (mounting the cartridge into the cartridge chamber 130a) or when demounting the cartridge B from the apparatus main assembly A (demounting the cartridge from the cartridge chamber 130a) is substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. This will be described in detail later.

(2) Description of the electrophotographic imaging device

Next, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the cartridge B will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is a laser printer.

The main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 is denoted by reference character A. Incidentally, the apparatus main assembly A is a portion remaining after the cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus 100.

The apparatus main assembly A has a charging roller 108 (charging member) parallel to the photosensitive drum 107. The charging roller 108 charges the photosensitive drum 107 with a voltage applied to the charging roller 108 from the apparatus main assembly A. The charging roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 and is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 107.

The drum unit 120 includes a photosensitive drum 107 and a cleaning blade 117a (cleaning member). The drum unit 120 also includes a storage bin 117b for storing removed developer; a screw 117c for conveying the removed developer to a storage box (not shown) provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus for storing the removed developer; and a charging roller 108. These components are integrally arranged in the main assembly A of the apparatus. That is, the drum unit 120 (cartridge B) and the main assembly A of the apparatus are configured so that when cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A of the apparatus, the photosensitive drum 107 is precisely positioned in a predetermined position (cartridge position) in the main assembly A of the apparatus. More specifically, the drum unit 120 includes a pair of bearings (not shown) protruding outward from both longitudinal ends of cartridge B, one at each end, with the axis of each bearing coinciding with the axis of the photosensitive drum 107. In this way, when box B is in the above-mentioned predetermined imaging position in the main component A of the device, box B is supported by a pair of bearings in a pair of grooves (not shown), one groove corresponds to one bearing, and the grooves are set in the main component A of the device.

The developer removed as described above is the developer removed from the photosensitive drum 107 by the cleaning blade 117 a .

The drum unit 120 may be permanently connected to the apparatus main assembly A or may be detachably mounted in the apparatus main assembly A. As the structural arrangement for positioning the drum unit 120 in the apparatus main assembly A so that the photosensitive drum 107 in the drum unit 120 is accurately positioned relative to the main assembly A for image formation, any known structural arrangement may be adopted.

Cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A of the device (cartridge chamber 130a). Then, the user closes the cartridge chamber door 109 provided on the main assembly A of the device. When the cartridge chamber door 109 is closed, cartridge B is pressed against the photosensitive drum 107 by the elasticity of a pair of springs 192 provided on the inner side of the cartridge chamber door 109. Therefore, the developing roller 110 is kept pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 in a manner that maintains an appropriate distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 (Figure 4). In other words, cartridge B is precisely positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 107. In this way, the developing roller 110 is also precisely positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 107. More specifically, a pair of bearings 107a coaxial with the drum shaft (not shown) of the photosensitive drum 107 are assembled at both longitudinal ends, one at each end. In addition, the pair of bearings 107a are supported by a pair of bearing positioning portions 150 provided on the main assembly A of the device. In this way, the photosensitive drum 107 can rotate while maintaining its precise positioning relative to the main assembly A of the device (Figures 4 and 5).

When the user needs to install box B into the main component A of the device, or when the user needs to take box B out from the main component A of the device, the user opens the door 109.

The imaging operation performed by the electrophotographic imaging apparatus is as follows. A rotating photosensitive drum 107 is uniformly charged by charging roller 108 on the portion of its outer peripheral surface in contact with the charging roller 108. Then, an optical component 101 comprising a laser diode, a polygonal mirror, a lens, and a deflecting mirror (none shown) projects a laser beam onto the charged portion of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107, while modulating the laser beam with information related to the image to be formed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image reflecting the information related to the image to be formed is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107. This latent image is developed by the aforementioned developing roller 110.

Simultaneously, in sync with the development of the electrostatic latent image, a sheet of recording medium 102 in recording medium cassette 103a is fed out of cassette 103a and then transported to the image transfer position by a pair of recording medium transport rollers 103c, 103d, and 103e. A transfer roller 104 (transfer member) is provided at the transfer position. A voltage is applied to transfer roller 104 from the apparatus main assembly A. Consequently, the developer image formed on photosensitive drum 107 is transferred to the sheet of recording medium 102.

The apparatus main assembly A includes a cleaning blade 117a extending from one longitudinal end portion to the other longitudinal end portion of the photosensitive drum 107, with its cleaning edge elastically contacting the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107. The cleaning blade 117a is used to remove the developer t remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107 after the developer image has been transferred to the recording medium 102. After the developer t is removed from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107 by the cleaning blade 117a, the developer t is temporarily stored in a developer hopper 117b. The removed developer t in the developer hopper 117b is then conveyed by a developer conveying screw 117c in the developer hopper 117b to the aforementioned storage box (not shown) for storing the removed developer, and then accumulated in the storage box.

After the developer image is transferred onto the recording medium 102, the recording medium 102 is conveyed to the fixing unit 105 by the guide member 103f. The fixing unit 105 includes a drive roller 105c and a fixing roller 105 including a heater 105a. The fixing unit 105 fixes the developer image onto the recording medium 102 by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium 102 as it is conveyed through the fixing unit 105. After the image is formed on the recording medium 102 (after the developer image is fixed on the recording medium 102), the recording medium 102 is further conveyed by a pair of rollers 103g and a pair of rollers 103h, and then discharged into the tray 106. The roller pairs 103c, 103d, and 103e, the guide member 103f, and the roller pairs 103g and 103h constitute the recording medium conveying unit 103.

The cartridge chamber 130a is a chamber (space) in which the cartridge B is disposed. When the cartridge B is mounted in this chamber, a coupling 150 (described later) of the cartridge B is connected to a drive shaft 180 provided on the apparatus main assembly A. In this embodiment, placing the cartridge B in the cartridge chamber 130a also means that the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A. Furthermore, removing the cartridge B from the cartridge chamber 130a also means that the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly A.

(3) Structure of the developing roller

Next, the structure of the developing roller 110 will be described with reference to FIG5 . FIG5( a ) is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 as viewed from the rotational force receiving side (hereinafter referred to as the driving force receiving side). FIG5( b ) is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 as viewed from the side opposite to the driving force receiving side (hereinafter referred to as the opposite side).

The developing roller 110 is composed of a developing roller cylinder 110 a , a developing roller flange 151 (at a driving force receiving end), a developing roller flange 152 (at an opposite end), and a magnetic roller 111 .

The developing roller 110a consists of a cylinder and a coating. The cylinder is made of an elastic conductive cylinder, such as aluminum. The outer circumference of the cylinder 110a carries a developer. The developer carried on the cylinder 110a is charged. The cylinder 110a has openings 110a1 and 110a2 at both longitudinal ends. The diameters of these openings are approximately the same as the diameter of the cylinder 110a, and the aforementioned flanges 151 and 152 can be respectively mounted thereon.

The flange 151 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. However, it may be made of a resin material as long as it can withstand the amount of torque required to rotate the developing roller 110 .

The flange 151 has a gear assembly portion 151c, on which a developing roller gear 153 (Figure 8b) for driving the developer stirring members 115 and 116 (Figure 1) and the like is assembled. The flange 151 also has a bearing assembly portion 151d, on which a developing roller bearing 138 is assembled to rotatably support the developing roller 110. The gear assembly portion 151c and the bearing assembly portion 151d are coaxial with the flange 151. The flange 151 also has an inner cavity for supporting the magnetic roller 111, which will be described later. The flange 151 is assembled with the developing roller gear 153, and the developing roller gear 153 is assembled with the connector 150 (to be described later) so that the connector 150 can be tilted relative to the axis of the developing roller 110 even when moving.

Like flange 151, flange 152 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Flange 151 may also be made of a resin material as long as it can withstand the load to which developing roller 110 is subjected. Furthermore, the axis of barrel mounting portion 152b substantially coincides with the axis of bearing 152a. Furthermore, one longitudinal end of magnetic roller 111 extends beyond the corresponding longitudinal end of developing roller 110 and is supported by bearing 152a.

The magnetic roller 111 is made of a magnetic material or a resin material mixed with magnetic particles. The magnetic roller 111 has two to six magnetic poles distributed along its circumference. By holding the developer on the outer circumference of the developing roller 110, it helps to transport the developer.

The magnetic roller 111 is positioned within the developing roller barrel 110a, with the mounting portion 151a of the flange 151 mounted within the opening 110a1 of the developing roller barrel 110a. Furthermore, the mounting portion 152b of the flange 152 is mounted within the opening 110a2 at the other longitudinal end of the developing roller barrel 110a. Flanges 151 and 152 can be securely attached to the developing roller barrel 110a by methods such as gluing or crimping. Furthermore, a spacer 136, a developing roller bearing 138, and a developing roller gear (not shown) are mounted from the side receiving the driving force of the developing roller 110. Furthermore, a spacer 137 and a developing roller contact 156 are mounted from the opposite side of the developing roller 110.

Spacers 136 and 137 are members for regulating the gap between the developer roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107. These are cylindrical members made of a resin material and have a thickness of approximately 200 to 400 μm. Spacer 136 is attached to one longitudinal end of the developer roller 110a, and spacer 137 is attached to the other longitudinal end of the developer roller 110a. By attaching spacers 136 and 137 to the developer roller 110, the gap between the developer roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 is maintained at approximately 200 to 400 μm.

The bearing 138 is a bearing for rotatably supporting the developing roller 110 via the developing unit frame 113 ( FIG. 1 ).

The developing voltage contact 156 is made of a conductive material (mainly a metal material) and is formed into a coil shape. The inner surface or flange 152 of the conductive developing roller 110a has a developing voltage contact 156b. In this embodiment, the imaging device is configured so that the developing voltage contact 156 contacts the flange 152. In this way, when the box B is installed in the main assembly A of the device, an electrical connection is formed between the main assembly A of the device and the box B through the external electrical contacts (not shown) of the box B and the electrical contacts 156a of the main assembly A of the device. That is, when the box B is in the imaging position in the main assembly A of the device, the electrical contacts (not shown) provided on the main assembly A of the device keep in contact with the external electrical contacts of the box B, thereby enabling the box B to receive voltage from the main assembly A of the device. The voltage received by the external electrical contacts of the box B is provided to the developing roller 110 through the electrical contacts 156.

(5) Rotational force transmission part (connecting member)

Next, referring to Figure 6 , an example of a coupling member serving as a rotational force transmission portion will be described. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view of the coupling member as viewed from the main assembly side, and Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the coupling member as viewed from the developing roller side. Figure 6(c) is a view viewed from a direction perpendicular to the coupling axis L2. Figure 6(d) is a side view of the coupling member as viewed from the main assembly side, and Figure 6(e) is a view viewed from the developing roller side. Figure 6(f) is a sectional view taken along line S3 in Figure 6(d).

When cartridge B is placed in the mounting portion 130a, the coupling member (coupler) 150 engages the drive shaft 180 of the main assembly A (Figure 17). By removing cartridge B from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180. In this state, cartridge B is moved from the mounting portion of the main assembly A in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. During installation, cartridge B is moved into the mounting portion of the main assembly A in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. While engaged with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 receives rotational force from the motor 186 (Figure 14) located in the main assembly A via the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, the coupling 150 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 110, thereby rotating the developing roller 110. The coupling 150 is made of a resin material such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, PPS, or the like. However, to increase the rigidity of the coupling 150, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like may be mixed into the resin material depending on the required load torque. When such materials are mixed, the rigidity of the connector 150 is improved. In addition, in the resin material, the rigidity can be further increased by inserting a metal member. In addition, the entire connector 150 can be made of metal or the like. In addition, the material of the connector is also similar in the embodiment to be described below. The connector 150 has three main parts (Figure 6 (c)).

The first portion is a driven portion 150a having a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to 150e4) for receiving a rotational force from the pin 182 by engaging with the drive shaft 180. The second portion is a driving portion 150b for transmitting a rotational force by engaging with the developing gear 153. In addition, the third portion is an intermediate portion 150c between the driven portion 150a and the driving portion 150b. For example, the developing gear 153 transmits the rotational force received by the coupling 150 from the main assembly A to a developer supply roller (described below).

As shown in FIG6(f), the driven portion 150a has a drive shaft insertion opening 150m. The drive shaft insertion opening 150m is a conically enlarged portion extending away from the axis L2. As shown in the figure, the opening 150m forms a recess 150z. The recess 150z is coaxial with the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 150.

The driving portion 150b has a spherical drive shaft receiving surface 150i. This receiving surface 150i allows the coupling 150 to pivot (move) substantially relative to the axis L1 between a rotational force transmission angular position and a pre-engagement angular position (or a disengagement angular position). This allows the coupling 150 to engage the drive shaft 180 without being obstructed by the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180, regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110. As shown in the figure, the driving portion 150b has a protruding structure.

In addition, a plurality of drive receiving protrusions 150d1-d4 are provided on the circumference of the end face of the driven portion 150a (Figure 6(d), virtual circle c1). In addition, drive receiving standby portions 150k1, 150k2, 150k3, 150k4 are provided between adjacent protrusions 150d1 or 150d2 or 150d3, 150d4. The interval between adjacent protrusions 150d1-d4 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182, so that the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 can enter the interval. These gap portions of the interval are standby portions 150k1-k4. In addition, in Figure 6(d), a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1-e4) intersecting the rotation direction of the connector 150 is provided on the clockwise downstream side of the protrusion 150d. When the drive shaft 180 rotates, the pin 182 abuts against one of the receiving surfaces 150e1-e4. In addition, the receiving surfaces 150e1-e4 are pushed by the outer periphery of the pin 182, thereby rotating the coupling 150 around the axis L2.

The driving portion 150b has a spherical surface. For this reason, in the box B, regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110, the coupling 150 can generally pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position). In the illustrated example, the driving portion 150b is composed of a spherical developing shaft receiving surface 150i, and the developing shaft receiving surface 150i and the driving portion 150b have the same axis L2. In addition, a fixing hole 150g is provided at a position passing through the center of the developing shaft receiving surface 150i, through which a pin (rotational force transmission portion) 155 passes.

As described above, the connector 150 has a recess 150z coaxial with the rotation axis L2 of the connector 150. When the connector 150 is in the rotational force transmission angle position, the recess 150z covers the free end of the drive shaft 180. In addition, the rotational force receiving surface 150e (150e1 to 150e4) engages the free end of the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 along the rotation direction of the connector 150, and the rotational force transmission pin 182 protrudes in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is the rotational force receiving portion. The pin 182 is the rotational force applying portion. In this way, the connector 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 and rotates. When the box B is removed from the main component A, the box B is moved so that the connector 150 of the box moves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. In response to the movement of the cartridge B, the coupling 150 pivots (moves) from the rotational force transmitting angular position to the separating angular position so that a portion of the recess 150z (free end position 150A1) passes over the drive shaft 180. Thus, the coupling 150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to 150e4) is positioned on a virtual circle so that the center S of the virtual circle is in the middle of the rotational force receiving surface 150e, and the center S of the virtual circle is on the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 150c1 (Figure 6 (d)). In this embodiment, the rotational force receiving surface 150e is set at four positions.

Here, by the oppositely arranged rotational force receiving surfaces 150e, a uniform force is applied to the coupling 150. Therefore, the rotation accuracy of the coupling 150 can be improved.

In the state in the rotational force transmitting angular position, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. In the state in which the coupling 150 is in the separation angular position, the coupling is inclined relative to the axis L1 so that the upstream side (the free end portion 150A3) can pass over the free end of the drive shaft 180 from the main assembly A in the removal direction X6 in which the cartridge B is removed.

(6)Developing gear

An example of the development gear 153 supporting the coupling 150 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7(a) is a view from the drive shaft side, and Figure 7(b) is a sectional view taken along line S4-S4 in Figure 7(a).

The opening 153g1 or 153g2 shown in Figure 7(a) is a groove extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing gear 153. A space 153f is provided between the openings 153g1 and 153g2. When the coupling 150 is mounted on the developing gear 153, the pin 155 is accommodated in the openings 153g1 and 153g2. In addition, the developing shaft receiving surface 150i is accommodated in the space 153f.

With the above structure, in box B, regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110 (the stop position of the pin 155), the connector 150 can pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angle position and the pre-engagement angle position (or separation angle position).

In Figure 7(a), the upstream side of the openings 153g1 and 153g2 in the clockwise direction is provided with a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 153h1 and 153h2. The side of the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force transmission portion) 155 of the coupling 150 contacts the transmission surface 153h1 or 153h2. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling 150 to the developing roller 110. Here, the transmission surfaces 153h1-153h2 are surfaces facing the rotation direction of the developing gear 153. Therefore, the transmission surfaces 153h1-153h2 are pushed by the side of the pin 15155. In a state where the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially coaxial with each other, the coupling 150 rotates around the axis L2.

Here, the developing gear 153 has the transmitted portion 153h1 or 153h2, so they can function as a rotational force transmitted member.

Similar to the protrusion 15150d, it is desirable to arrange the rotational force transmitting surfaces 15150h1, 15150h2 in a circumferentially diametrically opposed manner.

(7) Assembly of the connector

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of assembling the coupling 150 into the developing gear 153 .

Figure 8(a) is a view showing a state where the drive transmission pin and the holding member 156 are assembled to the two-part coupling 150. Figure 8(b) is a view showing a process of assembling the thus assembled structure to the developing gear.

The retaining member 156 is locked with the developing gear 153. In this way, the coupling 150 is installed so as to be able to pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or separation angular position). In addition, the movement of the coupling 150 in the direction of the axis L2 is restricted. For this reason, the diameter D15 of the opening 156j is smaller than the diameter of the shaft receiving surface 150i. More specifically, the movement of the coupling 150 is regulated by the developing gear 153 and the retaining member 156. In this way, the coupling 150 will not be separated from the developing roller (box).

As shown in FIG. 8 , the driving portion 150 b of the coupling 150 engages with the recessed portion (space portion 153 f ) of the developing gear 153 .

The specific installation method of the connector will be described below.

As shown in FIG8(a), the driven portion 150a and the intermediate portion 150c are inserted in the direction X33 relative to the positioning member 150q, which has the shaft receiving surface 150i (driving portion 150c). At this time, the retaining member 156 is previously positioned 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.

As shown in FIG8( b), the coupling 150 is then moved in the direction X33. In this way, the coupling 150 is inserted into the developing gear 153. Then, the retaining member 156 is inserted in the direction of the arrow X33. In this way, the retaining member 156 is fixed to the developing gear 153. Using this mounting method, the coupling 150 can be mounted so that there is a clearance (gap) between the positioning member 150q and the developing gear 153. In this way, the coupling 150 can change its orientation (tilt and/or move relative to the axis L2).

The method of attaching the coupling is not limited to these methods. For example, it is required that the coupling cannot move in the axial direction relative to the developing gear 153 and can be tilted relative to the axis of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110).

In view of this, for example, the coupling is integrally formed. Also, a flexible locking claw is provided on the developing gear 153, and the flexible locking claw is used to lock the shaft receiving surface 150i. In this way, retention can be achieved. In addition, even in this case, a retaining member can be used.

(8) Assembly of the box (developer box)

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the installation of the cartridge will be described. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 10(a) is a sectional view taken along line S4-S4 in Figure 2, wherein axis L2 is coaxial with axis L1. Figure 10(b) is a sectional view taken along line S5-S5 in Figure 2.

A developing gear 153 having a coupling 150 is fixed to one end portion (developing roller flange 151) of the developing roller 110 so that the driving portion 150a is exposed.

The driving side of the entire structure (developing roller 110, developing gear 153, coupling 150) is supported by a supporting member 157, while the non-driving side is supported by a developing support pin (not shown). In this state, the entire structure is rotatably supported on the developing unit frame 119. In this way, they are integrally incorporated into the cartridge B (Figures 2 and 3).

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

In this state, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 may be substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 ( FIG. 10( a ) ) or may be inclined relative to the axis L1 ( FIG. 10( b ) ).

Here, as shown in Figure 11, the coupling 150 is mounted on the developing unit frame 119 so that the axis L2 can be tilted in any direction relative to the axis L1. Figures 11 (a1) to (a5) are views viewed from the direction of the drive shaft 180, and Figures 11 (b1) to (b5) are perspective views of the components. Figures 11 (b1) to (b5) show substantially the entire coupling 150, with the developing gear 153 partially exploded.

In Figures 11(a1) and (b1), axis L2 is coaxial with axis L1. Figures 11(a2) and (b2) show coupling 150 tilted upward from the above-described state. As shown in these figures, as coupling 150 tilts toward opening 153g, pin 155 moves along opening 153g. Thus, coupling 150 tilts about axis AX, which is perpendicular to opening 153g.

In Figures 11(a3) and (b3), the coupling 150 is tilted to the right. As shown in the figure, when the coupling 150 is tilted in a direction perpendicular to the opening 153g, the pin 155 rotates in the opening 153g. The pin 155 rotates around its central axis AY.

11(a4) and (b4) and 11(a5) and (b5), the coupling 150 is shown tilted downward and tilted leftward. For the sake of simplicity, the description of the rotation axes AX, AY is omitted.

In a direction different from the described tilting direction, for example in a 45-degree direction of the direction shown in FIG. 11( a1 ), the rotation along the rotation axis AX and the rotation along the rotation axis AY are combined, so that such tilting (movement) is possible.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the axis L2 can be tilted in all directions relative to the axis L1 .

In this embodiment, the opening 151 g extends in a direction intersecting with the protruding direction of the pin 155 .

Furthermore, as shown in the drawings, there is a gap between the developing gear (rotational force transmitted member) 153 and the coupling 150. As described above, the coupling 150 is tiltable (movable) in all directions.

More specifically, the transfer surface (rotational force transferred portion) 153h (153h1, 153h2) is movable relative to the pin 155 (rotational force transmitting portion). The pin 155 is movable relative to the transfer surface 153h. Along the rotation direction of the connector, the transfer surface 153h and the pin 155 engage with each other. For this reason, there is a gap between the pin 155 and the transfer surface 153h. In this way, the connector 150 can pivot in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. In this way, the connector 150 is mounted on the end of the developing roller 110.

It has been described that the axis L2 can be tilted in all directions relative to the axis L1. However, the coupling 150 does not necessarily need to be able to tilt linearly at a predetermined angle in any direction through 360 degrees. In this case, for example, the opening 150g is arranged to be wider in the circumferential direction. If arranged in this way, then when the axis L2 tilts relative to the axis L1, even if the axis L2 cannot tilt linearly at the predetermined angle, the coupling 150 can rotate a small angle relative to the axis L2. In this way, it can tilt at a predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of clearance in the rotational direction of the opening 150g can be appropriately selected as needed.

This applies to all embodiments described in this specification.

In this way, the coupling 150 is mounted so as to be pivotable in substantially any direction. To this end, the coupling 150 can rotate (move) substantially over the entire circumference relative to the developing gear 153 (the axis L1 of the developing roller 110). As described above (Figure 10), the spherical surface 150i of the coupling 150 contacts the retaining portion (a portion of the recess) 156i. To this end, the coupling 150 is mounted concentrically with the center P2 of the spherical surface 150i (Figure 10). More specifically, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be tilted regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110).

In order to engage the coupling 150 with the drive shaft 180, immediately before engagement, the axis L2 is tilted relative to the axis L1 toward the downstream side of the cartridge B installation direction. As shown in FIG10( b), more specifically, the axis L2 is tilted so that the driven portion 150 a is located downstream of the axis L1 relative to the installation direction X4. In FIG12( a)-( c), the position of the driven portion 150 a is always located downstream relative to the installation direction X4.

With the structure described above, as shown in Figure 10, it is possible to achieve a transition from a state in which the axis L2 is substantially parallel to the axis L1 to a state in which the axis L2 is inclined. The maximum possible inclination angle α4 (Figure 10(b)) between the axis L1 and the axis L2 is the inclination angle when the driven portion 15150a or the intermediate portion 15150c contacts the developing gear 153 or the supporting member 157. This inclination angle is the angle that allows the coupling 150 to engage and disengage relative to the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is mounted on and removed from the main assembly A.

(9) Drive shaft and drive structure of the main assembly

Next, referring to Figures 13 and 14, the developing roller drive structure of the main assembly A will be described. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the main assembly in a state where the cartridge B is not inserted, wherein the side plate on the driving side is partially omitted. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing only the developing roller drive structure.

The free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 has a spherical surface and has a rotation force transmission pin 182 as a rotation force applying portion, which passes substantially through the center of the cylindrical body 180a. The rotation force is transmitted to the coupling 150 by the pin 182.

The longitudinal opposite sides of the free end portion 180b are provided with a developing drive gear 181 substantially coaxial with the axis L3. The gear 181 is non-rotatably fixed to the drive shaft 180. Therefore, when the gear 181 rotates, the drive shaft 180 also rotates.

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

The gear 181 is rotatably supported by the main assembly A via a supporting member (not shown). At this time, the gear 181 does not move in the direction of the axis L1. Therefore, the gear 181 and the supporting member (not shown) can be closely arranged relative to each other.

The gear 181 has been described as receiving the rotational force from the gear 187 via a plurality of gears. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, appropriate modifications may be made from the perspective of convenient arrangement of the motor 186. The rotational force may be transmitted via a belt or the like.

Furthermore, the drive shaft 180 does not move in the direction of the axis L3. Therefore, the gap between the drive shaft 180 and the support members 183 and 184 is a gap for allowing the drive shaft 180 to rotate. Therefore, the position of the gear 181 relative to the gear 187 can also be accurately determined in the diameter direction.

However, due to inevitable dimensional tolerances, the drive shaft 180 may have clearance in the direction of the axis L3. In this case, a spring or the like may be used to elastically push the drive shaft 180 or the gear 181 in the direction of the axis L3 in order to remove the clearance.

(10) Structure of the cartridge guide portion of the main assembly

15 and 16, the cartridge mounting member 130 in this embodiment has a pair of cartridge guides 130R1 and 130L1 provided on the main assembly A.

These guides 130R1 and 130L1 are in the space (box chamber 130a) where box B is installed. That is to say, box chamber 130a has box mounting component 130, and the box guides 130R1 and 130L1 of this box mounting component are respectively arranged near its end wall (left wall and right wall), and extend along the direction that box B is inserted (installed) into the box chamber 130a. Two guides 130R1 and 130L1 of box mounting component 130 are arranged near the left wall and right wall of box chamber 130a, so that they are just opposite each other (Figure 15 shows the driven side of box, and Figure 16 shows the opposite side of box driven side) across box chamber 130a. Box mounting component 130 has a pair of box guides 130R1 and 130L1, which guide box B when box is installed in the box chamber 130a. With regard to the direction in which box B is installed in the main assembly A, guide 130R1 is arranged at one end of the cartridge chamber 130a (the right end from the direction in which the cartridge is inserted), and guide 130L1 is arranged at the other end. The guides are positioned so that they are opposite to each other across the cartridge chamber 130a. When the user installs box B in the cartridge chamber 130a, the user inserts box B so that a pair of parts (protrusions, which will be described later) protruding from the longitudinal ends of the cartridge frame exterior are guided by guides 130R1 and 130L1. The steps for installing box B in the main assembly A of the device are as follows. First, the user opens door 109, which can be opened or closed around shaft 109a. Then, the user inserts box B into the cartridge chamber 130a while guiding the protrusions by guides 130R1 and 130L1. Then, the user closes door 109. Closing door 109 has completed the installation of box B in the main assembly A of the device. Incidentally, the door 109 is also opened when the user takes out the box B from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

The groove 130R2 is on the cartridge drive side of the cartridge chamber 130 a and serves as a clearance for the coupling 150 until the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180 .

The door 109 has a spring 192 located inside the door 109. When the door 109 is in the closed position, the spring 192 elastically presses the cartridge B, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107. In other words, the spring 192 elastically presses the cartridge B, thereby pressing the developing roller 110 toward the photosensitive drum 107.

(11) Structural arrangement for guiding and positioning the developer cartridge

2 and 3 , the cartridge B includes a pair of cartridge guides 140R1 and 140R2, and a pair of cartridge guides 140L1 and 140L2. With respect to the axial (longitudinal) direction of the developing roller 110, the cartridge guides 140R1 and 140R2 are located at one longitudinal end of the cartridge B, and the cartridge guides 140L1 and 140L2 are located at the other longitudinal end.

In this embodiment, the guide portions 140R1, 140R2, 140L1 and 140L2 are integral parts of and are formed integrally with the developing unit frame 119, the developing roller supporting member 157 or the developing roller bearing 139. They may protrude outside the cartridge B.

(12) Installation of the developer cartridge

Next, referring to Figure 17, the operation for mounting the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A will be described. Figures 17(a)-17(c) are sectional views of the cartridge B and the cartridge chamber portion of the apparatus main assembly A taken along the plane S6-S6 of Figure 15.

17(a), the user opens the door 109 of the apparatus main assembly A and mounts the cartridge B into the cartridge mounting member 130 (cartridge chamber 130a).

More specifically, with reference to Figure 17(b), the cartridge B is mounted in the cartridge chamber 130a by inserting the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A so that the cartridge guide portions 140R1 and 140R2 on the driving force receiving side are aligned along the cartridge guide portion 130R1 of the apparatus main assembly A, and so that the cartridge guide portions 140L1 and 140L2 on the side opposite to the driving force receiving side are aligned along the cartridge guide portion 130L1 (Figure 16) of the apparatus main assembly A. When the cartridge B is inserted as described above, the coupling 150 on the driving force receiving side and the cylindrical portion 157c of the developing roller supporting member 157 (which surrounds the coupling 150) are aligned along the groove 130R2 of the guide portion 130R1, and there is no contact between the cylindrical portion 157c and the wall of the groove 130R2.

Then, further insert box B along the direction indicated by arrow X. When box B was inserted as mentioned above, coupling 150 engaged drive shaft 180, thereby allowed box B to suitably be placed among the cartridge chamber 130a (predetermined position among the cartridge chamber 130a), and this will be described in more detail later.More specifically, with reference to Figure 17 (c), the box positioning portion 130R1a of guide portion 140R1 contact guide portion 130R1.In addition, the box positioning portion 130L1a (Figure 16) of guide portion 140L1 contact guide portion 130L1.As mentioned above, under the assistance of box mounting component 130, box B is detachably mounted among the cartridge chamber 130a.When box B is installed (inserted) among the cartridge chamber 130a and finish, coupling 150 engaged drive shaft 180.When box B kept the imaging position correctly positioned among the cartridge chamber 130a, coupling 150 kept engaging drive shaft 180, so that box B can carry out a part of imaging operation. Incidentally, the box chamber 130a is the space in the device main component A, which is the space where the box B is located when the box B remains in the device main component A after the user installs the box B into the device main component A with the assistance of the box installation part 130.

As mentioned above, box B has a pair of guides 140R1 and 140R2, and said guides are outstanding from a longitudinal end (Fig. 2) of box B. With regard to the direction X4 that box B is installed in the device main assembly A, between guides 140R1 and 140R2, the distance (gap) of predetermined size is arranged. In addition, box B also has a pair of guides 140L1 and 140L2, and said guides are outstanding from another longitudinal end (Fig. 3) of box B. With regard to the direction X4 that box B is installed in the device main assembly A, between guides 140L1 and 140L2, the distance (gap) of predetermined size is arranged.

In the apparatus main assembly A, one end of the cartridge chamber 130a has guide portions 130R1 and 130R2 in a direction perpendicular to the cartridge mounting direction X4, the guide portions being aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the cartridge mounting direction X4, with the guide portion 130R1 being positioned higher than the guide portion 130R2 ( FIG. 15 ). The other end of the cartridge chamber 130a has guide portions 130L1 and 130L2 in a direction parallel to the cartridge mounting direction X4 ( FIG. 16 ).

Thus, when the cartridge B is installed in the cartridge chamber 130a, the cartridge B is inserted into the cartridge chamber 130a so that the guide portions 140R1 and 140R2 are guided by the guide portion 130R1, and the bottom surface of the cartridge B is guided by the guide portion 130R2 (Figure 17). With respect to the opposite sides of the guide portions 140R1 and 140R2, the guide portions 140L1 and 140L2 are guided by the guide portion 130L1.

In addition, after the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180, the guides 140R1 (Figure 17) and 140L1 (Figure 16) are accurately positioned relative to the cartridge chamber 130a by the cartridge positioning portions 130R1a and 130L1a, respectively. That is, after the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B is accurately positioned in the cartridge chamber 130a.

How the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 and how the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180 will be described later.

If it is necessary to remove the cartridge B from the cartridge chamber 130a, the cartridge B can be removed from the cartridge chamber 130a by simply performing the above-described cartridge installation operation in reverse.

The above-described structural arrangement for the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A enables the cartridge B to be removed from the cartridge chamber 130 a by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 180. That is, by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B can be installed in or removed from the cartridge chamber 130 a.

After cartridge B is properly positioned in the imaging position within cartridge chamber 130a of apparatus main assembly A, guide portion 140R1 is still under the elastic pressure of spring 188R provided on apparatus main assembly A (Figures 2 and 15), while guide portion 140L1 is still under the elastic pressure of spring 188L provided on apparatus main assembly A (Figures 3 and 16). Then, after door 19 is closed, cartridge B is pressed against cartridge holder 114a (Figure 4) due to the elasticity of spring 192R (referring to spring 192L, i.e., the spring on the side opposite to the driving force receiving side, see Figure 16) connected to the inner surface of door 109. Thus, spacers 136 and 137 (Figure 2) mounted one-to-one on the longitudinal ends of developing roller 110 contact the longitudinal ends of photosensitive drum 107, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between developing roller 110 and photosensitive drum 107.

In addition, the closing of the door 109 causes a switch device (not shown) to open, thereby allowing the developing roller 110 to receive the rotational force that rotates the developing roller 110 from the main component A of the device through the drive shaft 180 and the connector 150.

As described above, the user detachably mounts the cartridge B in the cartridge chamber 130a under the guidance of the cartridge mounting member 130. That is, the cartridge B is mounted in the cartridge chamber 130a while being accurately positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly A and the photosensitive drum 107. Furthermore, after the cartridge B is accurately positioned in the cartridge chamber 130a, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 are fully engaged.

That is, the coupling 150 is in a rotational force receiving state.

That is, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in this embodiment can form an image by mounting the cartridge B into the cartridge chamber 130a of the image forming apparatus.

Incidentally, regarding how to install cartridge B, the device main assembly A and cartridge B may be configured so that the user can fully insert cartridge B into cartridge chamber 130a, or the user partially inserts cartridge B so that the remainder of cartridge B installation can be completed using other means. For example, the device main assembly A may be configured so that when door 109 is closed, a portion of door 109 contacts the partially inserted cartridge B, and then the remaining portion of the closing movement of door 109 pushes cartridge B to its final position in cartridge chamber 130a. Alternatively, cartridge B and the device main assembly A may be configured so that the user partially pushes cartridge B into cartridge chamber 130a, and then the weight of cartridge B causes cartridge B to advance to its final position in cartridge chamber 130a.

17, the cartridge B is mounted and demounted relative to the main assembly A by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 direction (FIG. 18) of the drive shaft 180. Further, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 are in an engaged state or a disengaged state.

"Substantially vertical" will be described here.

In order to smoothly install and remove box B between box B and main assembly A, a small gap is given between them. More specifically, there is a small gap between the longitudinal direction of guide portion 140R1 and guide portion 130R1, between the longitudinal direction of guide portion 140R2 and guide portion 130R1, between the longitudinal direction of guide portion 140L1 and guide portion 130L1, and between the longitudinal direction of guide portion 140L2 and guide portion 130L2. Therefore, when box B is installed and removed relative to main assembly A, the entire box B can sometimes be slightly tilted within the limit of its gap. Therefore, strictly speaking, installation and removal are sometimes not in an orthogonal direction. However, even in this case, the functional effect of the present invention can be achieved. Therefore, "approximately vertical" includes the situation where the box is slightly tilted.

(13) Engagement operation and rotational force transmission between the coupling and the drive shaft

As described above, the coupling 150 of the cartridge B engages the drive shaft 180 just before being positioned in the mounting portion 130a (predetermined position), or engages the drive shaft 180 while being positioned in the predetermined position. More specifically, the coupling 150 is in a rotational force transmission angle position. Here, the predetermined position is the setting portion 130a.

Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the operation of engaging the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 will be described. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the main components of the drive shaft and the cartridge drive side. Figure 19 is a longitudinal sectional view from below of the main assembly. Here, engagement refers to a state in which the axis L2 and the axis L3 are substantially coaxial with each other, in which state rotational force can be transmitted.

As shown in Figure 19, the cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A in a direction (direction of arrow X4) substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. Alternatively, it is removed from the main assembly A. The coupling 150 is in the pre-engagement angular position in which the axis L2 (Figure 19(a)) is tilted in advance relative to the axis L1 (Figure 19(a)) of the developing roller 110 in the mounting direction X4 (Figures 18(a) and 19(a)).

As the structure for tilting the coupling to the pre-engagement angular position, for example, the structure of Embodiment 4 or the structure of Embodiment 5 described below is used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other appropriate structures may also be used.

By tilting the coupling 150 in the above-described direction, the free end position 150A1 of the coupling 150, located downstream relative to the installation direction X4, is closer to the position of the developing roller 110 relative to the axis L1 than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. Furthermore, the upstream free end position 150A2 is closer to the position of the pin 182 relative to the installation direction X4 than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft (Figures 19(a) and (b)). Here, the free end position refers to the position of the driven portion 150a shown in Figures 6(a) and (c) that is furthest from the axis L2, at the position closest to the drive shaft relative to the axis L2. In other words, depending on the rotational phase of the coupling 150 (Figures 6(a) and (c), 150A), it is either the edge of the driven portion 150a or the edge of the protrusion 150d of the coupling 150.

First, the free end position 150A1 of the coupling 150 (a part of the coupling 150) passes over the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. And, after the coupling 150 passes over the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft, the receiving surface 150f or the protrusion 150d contacts the free end 180b or the pin 182 of the drive shaft 180 (Figure 19 (b)). The receiving surface 150f and the protrusion 150d are the box side contact parts. The drive shaft 180 is the main component side engagement part. The pin 182 is the main component side engagement part and the rotational force applying part. In the coupling 150, in response to the installation operation of the box B, the coupling 150 tilts (Figure 19 (c)) so that the axis L2 is coaxial with the axis L1. The coupling 150 tilts from the pre-engagement angular position and pivots (moves) to the rotational force transmission angular position, in which the axis L2 of the coupling is substantially coaxial with the axis L1. Finally, the position of the box B is determined relative to the main component A. At this time, the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110 are substantially coaxial with each other. In addition, in this state, the receiving surface 150f is opposite to the spherical surface free end 180b of the drive shaft 180. And, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each other (Figures 18 (b) and 19 (d)). In addition, at this time, the pin 155 (not shown) is positioned in the opening 150g (Figure 6 (b)). In addition, the pin 182 is located in the standby position 150k. Here, the coupling 150 covers the free end 180b.

As described above, when box B is mounted on the main assembly A, coupling 150 moves as follows. More specifically, when coupling 150 is moved around drive shaft 180 relative to the downstream portion (free end position 150A1) of mounting direction X4, coupling 150 tilts and moves from the front angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Receiving surface 150f constitutes recess 150z. Recess 150z has a conical shape. Mounting direction X4 is the direction in which box B is mounted to the main assembly A.

As described above, the coupling 150 is installed to move tilted relative to the axis L1. And, in response to the movement of the box B, a part of the coupling 150 as the box side contact portion (receiving surface 150f and/or projection 150d) contacts the main assembly side engagement portion (drive shaft 180 and/or pin 182). Like this, the pivotal movement of the coupling 150 is carried out. As shown in Figure 19, the coupling 150 is installed to a state overlapping with the drive shaft 180 in the direction relative to the axis L1. However, by the pivotal movement of the above-mentioned coupling, the coupling 150 can engage with the drive shaft 180 in an overlapping state.

In addition, regardless of the phase difference between the drive shaft 180 and the connector 150, the above-mentioned engagement operation of the connector 150 can be performed. With reference to Figures 11 and 20, the reason is described. Figure 20 is a view showing the respective phases of the connector 150 and the drive shaft 180. Figure 20 (a) is a view showing a state in which the pin 182 and the receiving surface 150f are relative to each other on the downstream side of the box relative to the installation direction X4. Figure 20 (b) is a view showing a state in which the pin 182 and the protrusion 150d are relative to each other. Figure 20 (c) is a view showing a state in which the free end 180b and the protrusion 150d are relative to each other. Figure 20 (d) is a view showing a state in which the free end 180b and the receiving surface 150f are relative to each other.

As shown in Figure 11, the coupling 150 can tilt in all directions relative to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. More specifically, the coupling 150 is rotatable. As shown in Figure 20, for this purpose, in the installation direction X4 of the cartridge B, the coupling can tilt regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing roller). Regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150, the free end position 150A1 can tilt within the set inclination range of the coupling 150 so that it extends beyond the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft along the direction of the axis L1 on the developing roller side. In addition, the inclination range of the coupling 150 is set so that the free end position 150A2 is positioned on the pin 182 side relative to the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. With this setting, in response to the installation operation of the cartridge B, the free end position 150A1 relative to the installation direction X4 passes over the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. And, in the situation shown in Figure 20 (a), the receiving surface 150f contacts the pin 182. In the case shown in Figure 20 (b), the protrusion (engaging portion) 150d contacts the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182. In the case shown in Figure 20 (c), the protrusion 150d contacts the free end 180b. In the case shown in Figure 20 (d), the receiving surface 150f contacts the free end 180b. In addition, when the box B is installed, the contact force between the connector 150 and the drive shaft 180 causes the connector 150 to move so that the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1. More specifically, after the connector 150 begins to contact the drive shaft 180, the box B moves until the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1. And, in the state where the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1, the box B is positioned in the main assembly A as described above. In this way, the connector 150 engages with the drive shaft 180. More specifically, the recess 150z covers the free end 180b. Therefore, regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 or the developing gear 153 (developing roller), the coupling 150 can engage the drive shaft 180 (pin 182).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20 , there is a gap between the developing gear 153 and the coupling 150 to allow the tilting (movement) as described above.

In this embodiment, the coupling 150 has been described as pivoting within the plane of the drawing in FIG. 20 . However, since the coupling 150 can also rotate as described above, pivoting in directions other than the plane of FIG. 20 is also possible. Furthermore, in this case, the state of FIG. 20( a ) can be transitioned to the state of FIG. 20( d ). This applies to the following embodiments unless otherwise described.

Referring to Figure 21, the rotational force transmission operation when the developing roller 110 rotates is described. By the rotational force received from the driving source (motor 186), the drive shaft 180 rotates together with the gear 181 along 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 portion) 150e1 to 150e4. More specifically, the pin 182a1 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e1 to 150e4. In addition, the pin 182a2 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e1 to 150e4. In this way, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the connector 150 to rotate it. In addition, by the rotation of the connector 150, the pin 155 (rotational force transmission portion) of the connector 150 contacts the developing gear 153. Thus, the rotational force of the driving shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 110 through the coupling 150, the pin 155, the developing gear 153, and the developing roller flange 151. Thus, the developing roller 110 rotates.

Furthermore, at the rotational force transmission angular position, free end portion 153b contacts receiving surface 150i. Furthermore, free end portion (positioning portion) 180b of drive shaft 180 contacts receiving surface (positioned portion) 150f. Thus, while suspended from drive shaft 180, coupling 150 is positioned relative to drive shaft 180 ( FIG. 19 d ).

Here, in this embodiment, the developing roller 110 is positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 107 by a spacer. In contrast, the drive shaft 180 is positioned on a side plate or the like of the main component A. In other words, the axis L1 passes through the photosensitive drum and is positioned relative to the axis L3. For this reason, the dimensional tolerance tends to become larger. Therefore, the axis L3 and the axis L1 are easily deviated from the coaxial state. In this case, by tilting at a slight angle, the coupling 150 is able to properly transmit the rotational force. Even in this case, the coupling 150 is able to rotate without applying a large load to the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) and the drive shaft 180. For this reason, the accuracy required for positioning adjustment is reduced when assembling and installing the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110 (developing cartridge). Therefore, the operability of the assembly is improved.

This is one of the advantageous effects according to the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects described above as the effects of the present invention.

In addition, as has been described with reference to Figure 14, the drive shaft 180 and the gear 181 are positioned at a predetermined position (mounting portion 130a) of the main component A with respect to the diameter direction and the axial direction. In addition, the box B is positioned in the mounting portion 130a as described above. And, the drive shaft 180 positioned in the mounting portion 130a and the box B positioned in the mounting portion 130a are connected to each other by the connector 150. The connector 150 can swing and pivot relative to the developing roller 110. Therefore, as described above, between the drive shaft 180 positioned at the predetermined position and the box B positioned at the predetermined position, the connector 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force. In other words, even if there is a slight deviation between the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110, the connector 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force.

This is also one of the effects according to this embodiment of the present invention.

The coupling 150 contacts the drive shaft 180. Thus, 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 necessarily the case. For example, an abutment portion serving as a main component side engagement portion may be provided at a position outside the main component drive shaft. Furthermore, during the installation of cartridge B, after the free end position 150A1 passes over the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft, a portion of the coupling 150 (the cartridge side contact portion) contacts the abutment portion. Thus, the coupling receives the force of the swinging direction (pivoting direction) and swings (pivots) so that the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L3. In other words, if, as the mounting operation of cartridge B progresses, the axis L1 can be substantially coaxial with the axis L3, any other method may be used.

(14) Separation operation between the coupling and the drive shaft and removal operation of the cartridge

With reference to Figure 22, the operation of separating the coupling 150 from the driving shaft 180 when the cartridge B is taken out from the main assembly A will be described. Figure 22 is a sectional view as viewed from below the main assembly.

As shown in Figure 22, when removing the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the cartridge B is removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 (the direction of arrow X6).

When the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) is not rotating, the axis L2 of the connector 150 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 at the rotational force transmission angle position (Figure 22 (a)). Furthermore, when the user removes the box B from the mounting portion 130a, the developing gear 153 moves along the removal direction X6 with the box B. Furthermore, the receiving surface 150f or the protrusion 150d on the upstream side of the connector 150 relative to the removal direction X6 contacts at least the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 (Figure 22 (a)). Furthermore, the axis L2 of the connector 150 begins to tilt toward the upstream side of the removal direction X6 (Figure 22 (b)). The direction in which the connector 150 begins to tilt is the same as the tilt direction (pre-engagement angle position) of the connector 150 when the box B is installed. By the operation of removing the box B from the main component A, the connector 150 moves, and the free end 150A3 on the upstream side relative to the removal direction X6 contacts the free end 180b. In more detail, the coupling 150 performs the following movement in response to the movement of the box B along the removal direction X6. More specifically, when a part of the coupling 150 as the box side contact portion (receiving surface 150f and/or protrusion 150d) contacts the main component side engagement portion (drive shaft 180 and/or pin 182), the coupling 150 moves. And, at the separation angle position, the axis L2 tilts until the free end 150A3 contacts the free end 180b3 (Figure 22 (c)). And, in this state, the coupling 150 passes over the drive shaft 180 and is separated from the drive shaft 180 while contacting the free end 180b3 (Figure 22 (d)). Afterwards, the box B is taken out from the main component A by a process opposite to the installation process described in Figure 17.

As can be clearly seen from the above description, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position relative to the axis L1 is greater than the angle of the separation angular position relative to the axis L1. In this way, taking into account the dimensional tolerances of the components, when the coupling is engaged, it can be ensured that the free end position (a part of the coupling 150) 150A1 passes over the free end 180b3 at the pre-engagement angular position. This is because: at the pre-engagement angular position, there is a gap between the coupling 150 and the free end 180b3 (Figure 19 (b)). On the contrary, when the coupling is separated, as the box B is taken out, the axis L2 tilts toward the separation angular position. For this reason, the free end 150A3 of the coupling 150 follows the free end 180b3. In other words, the upstream side of the coupling 150 relative to the box removal direction X6 and the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 are substantially in the same position (Figure 22 (c)). Therefore, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position relative to the axis L1 is greater than the angle of the separation angular position relative to the axis L1.

Furthermore, similar to the case where the box B is mounted on the main assembly A, the box B can be removed from the main assembly A regardless of the phase of the connector 150 and the pin 182.

As described above, in the state where the box B is set in the main component A, a part of the connector 150 (the free end position 150A1) is located behind the drive shaft 180 when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6 (Figure 19 (d)). And, when the box B is removed from the main component A, the connector 150 performs the following movement. When the box B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1, the connector 150 moves, tilting from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position, so that a part of the connector 150 (the free end position 150A1) bypasses the drive shaft 180. In the state where the box B is mounted on the main component A, the connector 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft at its rotational force transmission angle position and rotates. More specifically, the rotational force transmission angle position is an angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. Figure 21 shows a state where the connector 150 is in the rotational force transmission angle position.

The pre-engagement angular position of the coupling 150 is the angular position of the coupling 150 relative to the axis L1 just before the coupling 150 is about to engage the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A. More specifically, it is the angular position relative to the axis L1 at which the downstream side free end portion 150A1 of the coupling 150 can pass over the drive shaft 180 in the mounting direction of the cartridge B.

The separation angular position of the coupling 150 is the angular position of the coupling 150 relative to the axis L1 when the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180 in a state where the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A. More specifically, as shown in Figure 22, it is the angular position relative to the axis L1 at which the free end portion 150A3 of the coupling 150 can pass over the drive shaft 180 in the removal direction of the cartridge B.

The angle θ2 between axis L2 and axis L1 in the pre-engagement angular position or the disengagement angular position is greater than the angle θ1 between axis L2 and axis L1 in the rotational force transmission angular position. Angle θ1 is preferably zero. However, according to this embodiment, if angle θ1 is less than approximately 15 degrees, smooth rotational force transmission can be achieved. Preferably, angle θ2 is approximately 20-60 degrees.

As described above, the coupling is installed so that it can tilt relative to the axis L1. And, in response to the removal operation of the box B, the coupling 150 tilts. In this way, the coupling 150 in an overlapping state with the drive shaft 180 relative to the direction of the axis L1 can be separated from the drive shaft 180. More specifically, the box B moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive shaft 180. In this way, the coupling 150 in a state of covering the drive shaft 180 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

In the above description, as the box B moves along the removal direction X6, the receiving surface 150f or the protrusion 150d of the connector 150 contacts the free end 180b. In this way, the axis L2 begins to tilt (move) toward the upstream side relative to the removal direction. However, in this embodiment, this is not necessarily the case. For example, a structure can be adopted so that a thrust (elastic force) is applied to the upstream side of the connector 150 relative to the removal direction in advance. And, in response to the movement of the box B, the axis L2 begins to tilt (move) toward the downstream side relative to the removal direction by the thrust relative to the connector 150. The free end 150A3 passes over the free end 180b3, thereby separating the connector 150 from the drive shaft 180. In other words, the connector can be separated from the drive shaft 180 without contact between the upstream (relative to the removal direction of the connector 150) receiving surface 150f or the protrusion 150d and the free end 180b. Therefore, if the axis L2 can tilt as the box B is removed, any structure can be adopted.

Before the coupling 150 is mounted on the drive shaft 180, the driven portion of the coupling 150 is tilted toward the downstream side relative to the mounting direction. In other words, the coupling 150 is moved to the pre-engagement angular position in advance.

Pivoting has been described in the plane of the drawing sheet of FIG. 22 , but rotation may also be involved, similar to the situation of FIG. 19 .

As described above, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be tilted in all directions relative to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 ( FIG. 11 ).

More specifically, the axis L2 can be tilted in any direction relative to the axis L1. However, for the coupling 150, the axis L2 does not necessarily need to be able to be linearly tilted at a predetermined angle in any direction within a 360-degree range. In this case, for example, the opening 150g is formed to be wider in the circumferential direction. With this opening, when the axis L2 is tilted relative to L1, the coupling 150 can rotate a small angle around the axis L2 even if the coupling cannot be linearly tilted to a predetermined angle. In this way, the coupling 150 can be tilted at a predetermined angle. In other words, if necessary, the amount of clearance in the rotation direction of the opening 150g can be appropriately selected.

In this manner, the coupling 150 can rotate (swing) substantially over the entire circumference relative to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. More specifically, the coupling 150 can pivot relative to the developing roller 110 substantially over the entire circumference.

As is readily apparent from the above description, the coupling 150 is rotatable with respect to the axis L1 substantially over the entire circumference.

Here, the rotation of the coupling does not mean that the coupling itself rotates about its axis L2, but that the inclined axis L2 rotates about the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. However, it does not exclude that the coupling 150 itself rotates about the axis L2 within the actually set clearance or gap range.

More specifically, the coupling 150 is rotatable so that when the end of the driving portion 150b on the developing roller 110 side is positioned on the axis L2, the free end of the driven portion 150a describes a circle having its center on the axis L2.

Furthermore, the coupling 150 is provided on the end portion of the developing roller 110 and is pivotable in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. Thus, the coupling 150 can smoothly pivot between the pre-engagement angular position, the rotational force transmitting angular position, and the disengagement angular position.

Here, pivoting in substantially all directions means that, more specifically, when the user mounts cartridge B to the main assembly A, the coupling 150 can pivot to the rotational force transmitting angular position regardless of the stop phase of the drive shaft 180 provided with the rotational force applying portion.

Furthermore, when the user removes the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 can be pivoted to the separation angle position regardless of the stop phase of the drive shaft 180.

In addition, the connector 150 has a gap between the rotational force transmitting portion (e.g., the pin 155) and the rotational force transmitted portion (e.g., the rotational force transmitting surfaces 153h1, 153h2) that engages with the rotational force transmitting portion, so that the connector can be tilted in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. In this way, the connector 150 is mounted on the end of the developing roller 110. Therefore, the connector 150 can be tilted in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. As described above, the connector of this embodiment is mounted so that its axis L2 can be tilted and moved in any direction relative to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. Here, tilting (moving) includes, for example, pivoting, swinging, and rotating as described above.

23-24 , a modified example of the coupling will be described.

Figure 23 shows a first modified example. The driving portion 1150b of the coupling 1150 of this modified example has an enlarged shape similar to the driven portion 1150a. The developing shaft 1153 is coaxial with the developing roller.

The developing shaft 1153 has a cylindrical portion 1153a; the diameter of the developing shaft 1153 is approximately 5-15 mm, taking into account the material, load, and spacing. The cylindrical portion 1153a is fixed to the joint (not shown) of the developing roller flange by press fitting, bonding, insert molding, etc. In this way, as described below, the developing shaft 1153 transmits the rotational force from the main component A to the developing roller 110 through the connector 1150. Its cylindrical portion 1153a has a free end 1153b. The free end 1153b has a spherical structure so that when the axis L2 of the connector 1150 is tilted, the free end 1153b can also be tilted smoothly. Near the free end of the developing shaft 1153, in order to receive the rotational force from the connector, a drive transmission pin (rotational force transmitting portion, rotational force receiving portion) 1155 extends in a direction intersecting with the axis L1 of the developing shaft 153.

The pin 1155 is made of metal and is fixed to the developing shaft 1153 by press-fitting, bonding, or the like. Its position can be arbitrary as long as it is a position that transmits rotational force (along a direction intersecting the axis L1 of the developing shaft 153 (developing roller 110)). Preferably, the pin passes through the center of the spherical surface of the free end portion 1153b of the developing shaft 1153.

The structure of the driven portion 1150a of the coupling 1150 is the same as that described above, and thus description thereof is omitted for brevity.

The opening 1150g has a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 1150i. When the coupling is placed in the cartridge B, the opening 1150i has a conical shape as an expansion portion, which expands toward the side having the developing shaft 153. By the rotation of the coupling 1150, the rotational force transmission surface 1150i pushes the pin 1155 to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 110.

In this way, regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110 in the box B, the connector 1150 can pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position, the pre-engagement angular position and the separation angular position relative to the axis L1 without being obstructed by the free end of the developing shaft 1153. In the example shown, the receiving surface 1150i has a standby opening 1150g (1150g1, 1150g2). The connector 1150 is mounted on the developing shaft 1153 so that the pin 1155 is accommodated in the opening 1150g1 or 1150g2. The size of the opening 1150g1 or 1150g2 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin 1155. In this way, regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110 in the box B, the connector 1150 can pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position) without being obstructed by the pin 1155.

Furthermore, through the rotation of the connector 1150, the rotational force transmitting surface 115i pushes the pin 1155, thereby transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 110.

With reference to FIG24 , a second modified example will be described.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the drive shaft receiving surface or the developing shaft receiving surface of the coupling is conical. In this embodiment, a different structure is adopted.

The coupling 12150 shown in Figure 24 has three main parts similar to the coupling 150 shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the coupling 12150 has a driven portion 12150a that receives rotational force from the drive shaft 180, a driving portion 12150b that transmits rotation to the developing shaft 153, and an intermediate portion 12150c (Figure 24(b)) that connects the driven portion 12150a and the driving portion 12150b.

The driven portion 12150a and the driving portion 12150b respectively have a drive shaft insertion opening 12150m that is enlarged toward the drive shaft 180 relative to the axis L2 and a developing shaft insertion opening 12150v that is enlarged toward the developing shaft 153 (Figure 24(b)). The opening 12150m and the opening 12150v constitute an enlarged portion. The opening 12150m and the opening 12150v are composed of a trumpet-shaped drive shaft receiving surface 12150f and a developing shaft receiving surface 12150i. The receiving surface 12150f and the receiving surface 12150i have recesses 12150x and 12150z (Figure 24). When the rotational force is transmitted, the recess 12150z is opposite to the free end of the drive shaft 180. More specifically, the recess 12150z covers the free end of the drive shaft 180.

As described above, the developing shaft receiving surface of the coupling has an enlarged shape, thereby enabling the coupling to be mounted so as to tilt relative to the axis of the developing shaft. Furthermore, the drive shaft receiving surface of the coupling has an enlarged shape, thereby enabling the coupling to tilt without interfering with the drive shaft during the installation and removal operations of the cartridge B. Thus, in this embodiment, similar effects to those of the first or second embodiment can be achieved.

The structures of the openings 12150m, 12250m and the openings 12150v, 12250v can be a combination of a trumpet shape and a bell shape.

Another embodiment of the drive shaft will be described with reference to Figure 25. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the drive shaft and the developing drive gear.

As shown in Figure 25, the free end of the driving shaft 1180 has a flat surface 1180b. In this case, the structure of the driving shaft is relatively simple, and therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As shown in FIG25( b ), the rotational force applying portion (drive transmission portion) 1280 ( 1280 c 1 , 1280 c 2 ) can be integrally molded with the drive shaft 1280. If the drive shaft 1280 is a molded resin part, the rotational force applying portion can be integrally molded. In this case, costs can be reduced. Furthermore, 1280 b denotes a flat surface portion.

The method for positioning the developing roller 110 along the axis L1 will be described below. Here, for example, a coupling (Figure 24) that is expanded toward the developing roller along the axis direction is described, which is similar to the coupling of the first modified example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment.

The coupling 1350 has beveled surfaces (inclined surfaces) 1350e and 1350h. The beveled surfaces 1350e and 1350h generate thrust when the drive shaft 181 rotates. This thrust is utilized to correctly position the coupling 130 and the developing roller 110 along the axis L1. Another description will be made with reference to Figures 26 and 27. Figure 26 is a perspective view and a top view showing only the coupling. Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive shaft, the developing shaft, and the coupling.

As shown in Figure 26(b), the taper of the rotational force receiving surface 1350e (1350e1 to 1350e4, inclined surface, rotational force receiving portion) relative to the axis L2 is α5. When the drive shaft 180 rotates in the direction T1, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 1350e contact each other. Then, a component force is applied to the connector 1350 in the direction T2 to cause it to move in that direction. And, the connector 1350 does not move in the direction of the axis L2 until the drive shaft receiving surface 1350f (Figure 27a) contacts the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180. In this way, the position of the connector 1350 is determined relative to the direction of the axis L2. In addition, the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 is spherical. The receiving surface 1350f is conical. To this end, the position of the driven portion 1350a relative to the drive shaft 180 is determined in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2. Furthermore, when the coupling 1350 is mounted to the developing roller 110, the developing roller 110 also moves in the axial direction under the action of the force applied in the direction T2. In this case, the position of the developing roller 110 in the longitudinal direction relative to the main assembly A is also determined. The developing roller 110 is mounted with a clearance in the longitudinal direction in the cartridge frame.

In addition, as shown in Figure 26(c), the cone angle of the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 1350h relative to the axis L2 is α6 (inclined surface). When the connector 1350 rotates in the direction T1, the transmission surface 1350h and the pin 1155 contact each other. And, the transmission surface 1350h pushes the pin 1155. Then, a component force is applied to the pin 1155 in the direction T2 to cause it to move in the direction T2. The developing shaft 1153 does not move until the free end 1153b of the developing shaft 1153 contacts the developing shaft receiving surface 1350i of the connector 1350 (Figure 27(b)). In this way, the position of the developing shaft 1153 (developing roller) is determined in the direction of the axis L2. The developing shaft receiving surface 1350i is conical, and the free end 1153b of the developing shaft 1153 is spherical. The position of the driving portion 1350b relative to the developing shaft 1153 is determined in the direction perpendicular to the axis L2.

Taper angle α5, α6 are selected to make and can produce in order to be enough to move the force of coupling and developing roller along the pushing direction.According to the required torque of developing roller 110, this force can be different.Yet, if adopt it along the other mode of pushing direction positioning, taper angle α5, α6 can be less.

As described above, the connector 1350 has a beveled portion for generating a retraction thrust in the direction of the axis L2 and a conical surface for positioning in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2. In this way, the position of the connector 1350 in the direction of the axis L1 and the position in the vertical direction can be determined at the same time. In addition, the connector 1350 is capable of reliably transmitting the rotational force. Compared with the case where the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) or the rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion) of the connector 1350 does not have the above-mentioned cone angle, the following effects are provided. 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 connector 1350 can be stabilized. In addition, the contact between the pin (rotational force transmitted portion 1155) of the developing shaft 1153 and the transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion) 1350h of the connector 1350 can be stabilized.

However, the above-mentioned beveled surface (inclined surface) and the above-mentioned conical surface are not essential to the coupling 1350. For example, instead of the above-mentioned beveled portion, a member for applying a thrust in the direction of the axis L2 may be added.

With reference to Figure 28, a regulating component for regulating the tilting direction of the coupling relative to the box B is described. Figure 28 (a) is a side view showing the main parts of the box drive side. Figure 28 (b) is a sectional view taken along the line S7-S7 in Figure 28 (a). For example, the coupling of the first modified example (Figure 24) is described. In the coupling of the first modified example, the drive portion is expanded toward the developing roller in the axial direction. However, this embodiment can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment. The coupling of the first embodiment has a spherical drive portion.

In this embodiment using the regulating member, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 can be further reliably engaged.

In this embodiment, the developing support member 1557 has regulating portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 as regulating components. The swinging direction of the coupling 1150 relative to the cartridge B can be regulated by the regulating components. The regulating portion 1557h1 or 1557h2 contacts the flange portion 1150j to regulate the swinging direction of the coupling 1150. The regulating portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 are arranged so that the coupling 1150 is parallel to the installation direction X4 of the cartridge B just before engaging the drive shaft 180. In addition, the interval D6 therebetween is slightly larger than the outer diameter D7 of the drive portion 1150b of the coupling 1150 (Figure 28(b)). In this way, the coupling 1150 can only tilt toward the installation direction X4 of the cartridge B. In addition, the coupling 1150 can tilt in all directions relative to the developing shaft 1153. For this reason, the coupling 1150 can tilt in the regulated direction regardless of the phase of the developing shaft 1153. Accordingly, the drive shaft 180 can be more reliably received in the opening 1150m of the coupling 1150. Thus, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 can be further reliably engaged.

Another structure for regulating the tilting direction of the coupling will be described with reference to Figure 29. Figure 29(a) is a perspective view showing the interior of the main assembly drive side. Figure 29(b) is a side view of the cartridge as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction X4.

In the above description, the regulating portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 are provided in the cartridge B. In this embodiment, a portion of the mounting guide portion 1630R1 on the drive side of the main assembly A is a rib-shaped regulating portion 1630R1a. Thus, the regulating portion 1630R1a is a regulating component for regulating the swinging direction of the coupling 1150. Furthermore, when the user inserts the cartridge B, the outer periphery of the middle portion 1150c of the coupling 1150 contacts the upper surface 1630R1a-1 of the regulating portion 1630R1a. Thus, the coupling 1150 is guided by the upper surface 1630R1a-1. Thus, the tilting direction of the coupling 1150 is regulated. Furthermore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the coupling 1150 can be tilted in the regulated direction regardless of the phase of the developing shaft 1153.

In the embodiment shown in FIG29(a), the control portion 1630R1a is provided below the coupler 1150. However, similar to the control portion 1557h2 shown in FIG28, more reliable control can be achieved when a control portion is provided above.

As described above, it can be combined with a structure in which the control portion is provided in the box B. In this case, more reliable control can be achieved.

Furthermore, a shaft is provided substantially coaxially with the axis of the coupling 150 (FIG. 6) in the first embodiment, and another portion of the cartridge (eg, the support member) may be used to guide the shaft.

Yet, in this embodiment, can not be provided with the part for regulating the tilt direction of coupling.For example, coupling 1150 is tilted toward the box B downstream side with respect to the installation direction.Increase the driving shaft receiving surface 1150f of coupling.Like this, drive shaft 180 and coupling 1150 can engage with each other.

In the above description, the pre-engagement angular position of the coupling 1150 is larger in angle relative to the axis L1 than the disengagement angular position. However, this is not necessarily the case.

This will be described with reference to Figure 30. Figure 30 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the process of taking the cartridge B out of the main assembly A. For example, the coupling of the first modified example is taken as an example. However, this can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment.

During removal of the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the angle of the separation angular position of the coupling 1750 ( FIG. 30 c ) relative to the axis L1 may be as follows. This angle may be equal to the angle of the coupling 1150 relative to the axis L1 in the pre-engagement angular position when the coupling 1150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. Here, the separation process of the coupling 1150 will be described with reference to FIG. 30 ( a )-( b )-( c )-( d ).

More specifically, when the free end portion 1150A3 passes over the free end portion 180b3 of the drive shaft 180 with respect to the upstream side in the removal direction X6 of the coupling 1150, the distance between the free end portion 1150A3 and the free end portion 180b3 is equal to the distance at the pre-engagement angular position. With this arrangement, the coupling 1150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

The same operations as those described above can be applied to other operations when taking out the cartridge B. For this reason, description is omitted for simplicity.

In the foregoing operation, when the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A, the free end of the coupling on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction is closer to the developing shaft than the free end of the drive shaft 180. However, this is not necessarily the case.

This will be described with reference to Figure 31. For example, the coupling of the first modified example will be taken as an example. However, this can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment.

Figure 31 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the installation process of box B. The installation of box B is carried out in the order of (a)-(b)-(c)-(d). In the state shown in Figure 31 (a), in the direction of axis L1, the free end position 1150A1 located downstream relative to the installation direction X4 is closer to the pin 182 (rotational force applying portion) than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. In the state shown in Figure 31 (b), the free end position 1150A1 contacts the free end 180b3. At this time, the free end position 1150A1 moves along the free end 180b toward the developing shaft 1153. The free end position 1150A1 passes over the free end 180b3 (at this time, the connector 1150 is in the pre-engagement angular position) (Figure 31 (c)). Finally, the connector 1150 and the drive shaft 180 engage with each other (rotational force transmission angular position) (Figure 31 (d)).

In the developing cartridge using such a coupling, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects described above.

(1) An external force is applied to the cartridge by the meshing force between the gears. In the case where the direction of the external force is such that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other, the image quality may be deteriorated. Therefore, the position of the cartridge gear or the swing center is restricted to generate a torque in the direction of bringing the developing roller closer to the photosensitive drum. For this reason, the design range is narrow. Therefore, the main assembly or cartridge will be large. However, according to this embodiment, the range of the drive input position is wide. Therefore, the main assembly or cartridge can be miniaturized.

(2) With respect to the operatively connected gears between the cartridge B and the main assembly, in order to prevent tooth top loads between the gears when the cartridge is installed, it is necessary to consider the position of the gears so that the gears approach beyond the tangential direction. For this reason, the design range may be narrow and the main assembly or cartridge may be large. However, according to this embodiment, the range of the drive input position is wide. Therefore, the main assembly or cartridge can be miniaturized.

An example according to the present embodiment will be described.

The maximum outer diameter of the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 is Z4, the diameter of the virtual circle C1 of the inner end surface of the contact protrusions 150d1, 150d2, 150d3, and 150d4 is Z5, and the maximum outer diameter of the driving portion 150b is Z6 (Figures 6(d), (f)). The angle of the receiving surface 150f of the coupling 150 is α2. The shaft diameter of the drive shaft 180 is Z7, the shaft diameter of the pin 182 is Z8, and its length is Z9 (Figure 19). Relative to the axis L1, the angle at the rotational force transmission angular position is β1, the angle at the pre-engagement angular position is β2, and the angle at the separation angular position is β3. At this time, for example:

z4=13mm, z5=8mm, z6=10mm, z7=6mm, z8=2mm, z9=14mm, α1=70 degrees, β1=0 degrees, β2=35 degrees, β3=30 degrees.

It has been confirmed that the coupling 150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180 using the above settings. However, similar operations can be achieved using other settings. The coupling 150 can transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 110 with high precision. The above numerical values are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these numerical values.

In this embodiment, the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 is provided at a position within 5 mm from the free end of the drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e on the protrusion 150d is provided at a position within 4 mm from the free end of the coupling 150. In this way, the pin 182 is provided on the free end of the drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is provided on the free end of the coupling 150.

Thus, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be smoothly engaged with each other when the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A. More specifically, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly engaged with each other.

The drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be smoothly separated from each other when the cartridge B is demounted from the main assembly A. More specifically, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly separated from each other.

These numerical values are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these numerical values. However, the above-mentioned effects can be effectively provided by setting the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e within these numerical ranges.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling 150 can be positioned in a rotational force transmission angular position and a pre-engagement angular position. The rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. The pre-engagement angular position is a position inclined away from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. The coupling 150 can also be positioned in a separation angular position, which is a position inclined away from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. When cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. In this way, cartridge B can be removed from the main assembly A. When cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. In this way, cartridge B can be installed in the main assembly A. This can be applied to the following embodiments. However, in Embodiment 2, only the situation of removing cartridge B from the main assembly A will be described.

(Example 2)

With reference to Figures 32-36, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For example, the coupling of the first modified example will be used as an example. However, this embodiment can also be applied to, for example, the coupling of the first embodiment. Regarding the structure of the coupling, those skilled in the art can select a suitable structure.

In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are given to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted for simplicity. The same applies to all subsequent embodiments.

This embodiment is applicable only to the case where box B is removed from the main component A.

When the drive shaft 180 is stopped by the control operation of the main component A, the drive shaft 180 stops at a predetermined phase (predetermined orientation of the pin 182). The phase of the connector 14150 (150) is set to align with the phase of the drive shaft 180. For example, the position of the standby portion 14150k (150k) is aligned with the stop position of the pin 182. With this setting, when the box B is mounted on the main component A, the connector 14150 (150) is in a state relative to the drive shaft 180 and does not pivot (swing, rotate). Through the rotation of the drive shaft 180, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the connector 14150 (150). In this way, the connector 14150 (150) can be rotated with high precision.

However, when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3, the structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is effective. Here, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surfaces 14150e1, 14150e2 (150e) engage with each other. This is because the coupling 14150 (150) must pivot in order to separate the coupling 14150 (150) from the drive shaft 180.

In the above-described embodiment 1, the coupling 14150 (150) is tilted (moved) when the cartridge B is mounted and demounted relative to the main assembly A. Therefore, when the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A by utilizing the above-described control of the main assembly A, it is not necessary to align the phase of the coupling 14150 (150) with the phase of the stopped drive shaft 180 in advance.

The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 32 is a perspective view and a top view of the coupling. Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the installation operation of the cartridge. Figure 34 is a top view of the cartridge when it is installed, viewed from the installation direction. Figure 35 is a perspective view showing the cartridge (developing roller) when the drive is stopped. Figure 36 is a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view showing the operation of removing the cartridge.

In this embodiment, a cartridge detachably mountable to the main assembly A having control means (not shown) for controlling the phase of the stop position of the pin 182 will be described.

Referring to FIG32 , the coupling used in this embodiment will be described.

The coupling 14150 (150) comprises three main parts, as shown in FIG32(c), namely, a driven portion 14150a for receiving a rotational force from the drive shaft 180, a driving portion 14150b for transmitting the rotational force to the developing shaft 153, and an intermediate portion 14150c for connecting the driven portion 14150a and the driving portion 14150b.

The driven portion 14150a has a drive shaft insertion portion 14150m including two surfaces that expand from the axis L2. The driving portion 14150b has a developing shaft insertion portion 14150v including two surfaces that expand from the axis L2.

The insertion portion 14150m has a beveled drive shaft receiving surface 14150f1, 14150f2. Each end face has a protrusion 14150d1, 14150d2. The protrusions 14150d1, 14150d2 are arranged on a circumference centered on the axis L2 of the connector 14150. As shown in the figure, the receiving surface 14150f1 or 14150f2 constitutes a recess 14150z. As shown in Figure 32(d), the protrusions 14150d1, 14150d2 have a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 14150e (14150e1, 14150e2) on the downstream side in the clockwise direction. The pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 contacts the receiving surfaces 14150e1, 14150e2. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the connector 14150. The interval W between adjacent protrusions 14150d1-d2 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182 so as to be able to accommodate the pin 182. This interval serves as a standby portion 14150k.

The insertion portion 14150v is composed of two surfaces 14150i1 and 14150i2. The standby opening 14150g1 or 14150g2 is provided in the surfaces 14150i1 and 14150i2 (Figure 32(a) and Figure 32(e)). In Figure 32(e), a rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion) 14150h (14150h1, 14150h2) (Figure 32(b), (e)) is provided on the upstream side of the openings 14150g1 and 14150g2 in the clockwise direction. As described above, the pin (rotational force transmitted portion) 155a contacts the rotational force transmitting surfaces 14150h1 and 14150h2. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted from the connector 14150 to the developing roller 110.

With this structure of the coupling 14150, in the state where the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the coupling covers the free end of the drive shaft. Thus, the effects described below are provided.

The connector 14150 has a structure similar to that of the first modified example and can be tilted (moved) in all directions relative to the developing shaft 153.

The installation operation of the connector will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34. Figure 33(a) is a perspective view showing the connector before installation. Figure 33(b) is a perspective view showing the connector in an engaged state. Figure 34(a) is a top view from the installation direction. Figure 34(b) is a top view.

By the above-mentioned control device, the axis L3 of the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 is made parallel to the installation direction X4. For the box, the phase is aligned (Figure 33 (a)) so that the receiving surfaces 14150f1, 14150f2 are relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the installation direction X4. As shown in the figure, for example, as a structure of aligning the phase, one of the receiving surfaces 14150f1, 14150f2 is aligned with the alignment mark 14157z provided on the supporting member 14157. The above operation is performed when the box is shipped from the factory. However, the user can perform this operation before box B is installed on the main component. In addition, other phase alignment methods can be used. In this way, the connector 14150 and the drive shaft 180 (pin 182) will not interfere with each other, as shown in Figure 34 (a). For this reason, the connector 14150 and the drive shaft 180 are in an engageable positional relationship (Figure 33 (b)). The driving shaft 180 rotates in the direction X8, and the pin 182 contacts the receiving surfaces 14150e1 and 14150e2.

Referring to Figures 35 and 36, the operation of separating the connector 14150 from the drive shaft 180 as the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A is described. A control device (not shown) stops the pin 182 at a predetermined phase relative to the drive shaft 180. From the perspective of facilitating the installation of cartridge B, it is desirable to stop the pin 182 at a position parallel to the cartridge removal direction X6 (Figure 35(b)). Figure 36 shows the operation when cartridge B is removed. In this state (Figures 36(a1) and (b1)), the axis L2 of the connector 14150 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 at the rotational force transmission angle position. Similar to the case of installing cartridge B, at this time, the connector 14150 can be tilted (moved) in all directions relative to the developing shaft 153 (Figures 36(a1) and (b1)). For this reason, as cartridge B is removed, the axis L2 tilts relative to the axis L1 in a direction opposite to the removal direction. More specifically, cartridge B is removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 (direction of arrow X6). During the removal of the cartridge, the axis L2 is tilted to a position where the free end 14150a3 of the coupling 14150 is aligned with the free end of the drive shaft 180 (separation angle position). Alternatively, it is tilted until it is positioned to the side of the axis L2 relative to the free end 180b3 to the developing shaft 153 (Figures 36 (a2) and (b2)). In this state, the coupling 14150 passes adjacent to the free end 180b3. In this way, the coupling 14150 is removed from the drive shaft 180.

In a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, a portion of the coupling 14150 (the free end 14150A3) is located behind the drive shaft 180 when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6 in which the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A (Figure 36(a1)). Furthermore, when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, the coupling 14150 performs the following movement when the cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. More specifically, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position so that the portion of the coupling 150 (the free end 14150A3) bypasses the drive shaft 180.

As shown in Figure 35(a), the axis of pin 182 can be stopped in a direction perpendicular to the cartridge removal direction X6. In other words, by the control operation of the control device (not shown), pin 182 usually stops in the position shown in Figure 35(b). However, when the power of the device (printer) is turned off and the control device (not shown) is not operating, pin 182 can be stopped in the position shown in Figure 35(a). However, even in this case, axis L2 can be tilted relative to axis L1 to allow disassembly. In the rest state of the device, pin 182 is downstream of protrusion 14150d2 in the removal direction X6. To this end, by tilting axis L2, the free end 14150A3 of the protrusion 14150d1 of the connector passes by closer to the developer shaft 153 than the pin 182. In this way, the connector 14150 can be removed from the drive shaft 180.

In the case where a method is employed to engage the coupling 14150 with the drive shaft 180 when installing the cartridge B and there is no means for controlling the phase of the drive shaft, the cartridge can be removed by tilting the axis L2 relative to the axis L1. In this manner, the coupling 14150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180 simply by the cartridge removal operation.

As described above, Embodiment 2 is effective even when only the case where the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A is considered.

As described above, Embodiment 2 has the following structure.

The cartridge B is demounted from the main assembly A having the drive shaft 180 having the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. The cartridge B has the developing roller 110 and the 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 the pin 182 to receive the rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110. The coupling 14150 can be positioned at a rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110 and at a separation angular position for separating the coupling 14150 from the drive shaft 180, in which the coupling is tilted from the rotational force transmission angular position.

When the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, the coupling 14150 is moved from the rotational force transmitting angular position to the separating angular position.

(Example 3)

Embodiment 3 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 41. The structure of the coupling is the same as that described in the second embodiment.

Figure 37 is a sectional view showing a state in which the door of the main assembly A2 of the apparatus is opened. Figure 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door of the main assembly A2 of the apparatus is opened. Figure 39 is an enlarged view of the drive side surface of the cartridge. Figure 40 is a perspective view from the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing two states in a single figure for the sake of simplicity, including a state immediately before the cartridge is inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus and a state after the cartridge is installed in a predetermined position.

In this embodiment, the case where the lower mounting box is installed in the vertical direction as a clamshell imaging device will be described. A typical clamshell imaging device is shown in Figure 37. The main component A2 of the device can be divided into a lower shell D2 and an upper shell E2. The upper shell E2 has a door 2109 and an exposure component 2101 inside the door 2109. For this reason, when the upper shell E2 is opened upward, the exposure component 2101 retracts. Then, the upper part of the box mounting portion 2130a is opened. Therefore, when the box B2 is installed in the mounting portion 2130a, the user only needs to put down the box B2 in the vertical downward direction (direction X42 in the figure). In this way, it is easier to install the box. In addition, paper jam removal near the fixing component 105 can be performed from above the device. Therefore, paper jam removal can be easily performed. Here, paper jam removal refers to an operation for removing the recording material (medium) 102 that is blocked or stuck during transportation.

Next, the mounting portion 2130a will be described. As shown in Figure 38, the imaging device (device main assembly) A2 includes a drive side mounting guide portion 2130R as the mounting component 2130 and a non-drive side mounting guide portion (not shown) relative to the drive side mounting guide portion 2130R. The mounting portion 2130a is a space surrounded by opposing guide portions. When the box B2 is mounted in the mounting portion 2130a, the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling 150 from the device main assembly A2.

In the installation guide portion 2130R, a groove 2130b is provided in a substantially vertical direction. In addition, at the lowermost portion of the installation guide portion 2130R, an abutment portion 2130Ra is provided for positioning the box B2 at a predetermined position. In addition, the drive shaft 180 protrudes from the groove 2130b so as to transmit the rotational force from the device main assembly A2 to the coupling 150 when the box B2 is positioned at the predetermined position. In addition, in order to reliably position the box B2 at the predetermined position, a push spring 2188R is provided at the lower portion of the installation guide portion 2130R. With the above structure, the box B2 is positioned at the installation portion 2130a.

As shown in Figures 39 and 40, the cartridge B2 is provided with cartridge side mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2. These guides stabilize the posture of the cartridge B2 during mounting. The mounting guide 2140R1 is integrally formed with the developing device support member 2157. In addition, the mounting guide 2140R2 is disposed vertically above the mounting guide 2140R1. The mounting guide 2140R2 is disposed on the support member 2157 in the shape of a rib.

Incidentally, the guide portions 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the box B2 and the mounting guide portion 2130R provided on the main assembly A2 of the device constitute the above-mentioned guide structure. That is to say, the guide structure in this embodiment is the same as the guide structure described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In addition, the same is true for the guide structure at the other end. Therefore, the box B2 can be moved in a direction roughly perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 and be mounted on the main assembly A2 of the device (mounting portion 2130a). In addition, the box B2 can be removed from the main assembly A2 of the device (mounting portion 2130a).

As shown in Figure 41, when installing box B, the housing E2 is rotated clockwise around the axis 2109a. Then, the user moves the box B2 toward the top of the housing D2. At this time, the coupling 150 is tilted downward by its own weight (see also Figure 39). In other words, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is tilted relative to the axis L1 so that the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 points downward (the angular position before engagement).

In this state, the user moves the box B2 downward by fitting the mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the box B2 onto the mounting guides 2130R of the main assembly A2 of the device. Thus, the box B2 can be mounted on the main assembly A2 (mounting portion 2130a) of the device only by this operation. During this mounting process, similar to that in Example 1 (Figure 19), the coupling 150 can engage the drive shaft 180. In this state, the coupling 150 is in a rotational force transmission angle position. That is, by moving the box B2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180. In addition, when removing the box B2, similar to that in Example 1, the coupling 150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180 only by the removal operation of the box. That is, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position (Figure 22). In this way, by moving the box B2 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, the connector 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180.

As described above, when the cartridge is mounted downwardly on the apparatus main assembly A2, the coupling 150 is tilted downwardly by its own weight. For this purpose, the coupling 150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180.

In this embodiment, a clamshell imaging device is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, this embodiment can be applied to a case where the mounting path of the cartridge is directed downward. The mounting path can also be non-linear downward. For example, the mounting path of the cartridge can be tilted downward in the initial stage and directed downward in the final stage. In short, the mounting path only needs to be directed downward just before the cartridge reaches the predetermined position (mounting portion 2130a).

(Example 4)

Embodiment 4 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 42 to 45. The structure of the coupling is the same as that described in Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, a means for maintaining the axis L2 in an inclined state relative to the axis L1 will be described.

Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a coupling urging member (specific to this embodiment) is mounted on a developing device supporting member. Figures 43(a) and 43(b) are exploded perspective views showing the developing device supporting member, the coupling, and the developing shaft. Figure 44 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main portion of the cartridge drive side. Figures 45(a) to 45(d) are longitudinal sectional views showing the process of the drive shaft engaging the coupling.

As shown in Figure 42, the developing device supporting member 4157 has a retaining hole 4157j in the rib 4157e. Connector pushing members 4159a and 4159b are installed in the retaining hole 4157j as retaining members for keeping the connector 4150 tilted. The pushing members 4159a and 4159b push the connector 4150 so that the connector 4150 tilts toward the downstream side relative to the installation direction of the cartridge B2. The pushing members 4159a and 4159b are compression springs (elastic members). As shown in Figures 43(a) and 43(b), the pushing members 4159a and 4159b push the flange portion 4150j of the connector 4150 in the direction of the axis L1 (the direction indicated by the arrow X13 in Figure 43(a)). The contact position of the pushing member with the flange portion 4150j is set on the downstream side of the center of the developing shaft 153 relative to the installation direction X4. For this purpose, the axis L2 is tilted relative to the axis L1 by the elastic force of the urging members 4159a and 4159b so that the follower 4150a side is directed to the downstream side with respect to the cartridge mounting direction X4 (Figure 44).

In addition, as shown in Figure 42, contact members 4160a and 4160b are provided at the ends of the connector side of the pushing members 4159a and 4159b. The contact members 4160a and 4160b contact the flange portion 4150j. Therefore, the material used for the contact members 4160a and 4160b is selected from a material with good sliding properties. As described later, using this material, the thrust (elastic force) of the pushing members 4159a and 4159b does not affect the rotation of the connector 4150 during the transmission of the rotational force. However, when the load acting on the rotation is small enough and the connector 4150 can rotate smoothly, the contact members 4160a and 4160b can also be omitted.

In this embodiment, two pushing members are used. However, when the axis L2 can be tilted downward relative to the axis L2 in the box installation direction X4, the number of pushing members can be changed. For example, in the case of a single pushing member, the desired pushing position is the most downstream position of the box installation position. Therefore, the coupling 4150 can be stably tilted toward the downstream direction along the installation direction X4.

In this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the urging member. However, any material can be appropriately selected as the urging member, such as a leaf spring, torsion spring, rubber, or sponge, as long as the material can generate elastic force. However, the urging member requires a certain degree of travel in order to tilt the axis L2. To this end, it is desirable that the urging member be made of a coil spring or the like that can provide this travel.

Next, a method of installing the connector 4150 will be described with reference to Figures 43(a) and 43(b).

As shown in Figures 43(a) and 43(b), the pin 155 is inserted into the standby space 4150g of the connector 4150. Then, a portion of the connector 4150 is inserted into the space 4157b of the developing device supporting member 4157. At this time, as described above, the pushing members 4159a and 4159b squeeze the predetermined portion of the flange portion 4157a through the contact members 4160a and 4160b. In addition, the supporting member 4157 is fixed to the developing device frame 118 with bolts or the like. Therefore, the pushing members 4159a and 4159b can obtain the force to push the connector 4150. In this way, the axis L2 is inclined relative to the axis L1 (the state of Figure 44).

Next, the operation of coupling 4150 engaging drive shaft 180 (as part of the cartridge installation operation) will be described with reference to FIG. 45 . FIG. 45( a) and FIG. 45( c) illustrate the state immediately before engagement, while FIG. 45( d ) illustrates the engaged state. In the state shown in FIG. 45( a ), axis L2 of coupling 4150 is pre-tilted relative to axis L1 in the installation direction X4 (angular position prior to engagement). Due to the inclination of coupling 4150, end position 4150A1 on the downstream side relative to installation direction X4 is positioned closer to developer roller 110 than end 180b3 in the direction of axis L1. Furthermore, end position 4150A2 on the upstream side relative to installation direction X4 is positioned closer to pin 182 than end 180b3. That is, as described above, flange portion 4150j of coupling 4150 is pushed by pushing member 4159. For this purpose, axis L2 is tilted relative to axis L1 by the thrust.

Therefore, by moving box B along the installation direction X4, the end face 180b or the end portion (main component side engaging portion) of the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 contacts the drive shaft receiving surface 4150f or the protrusion (box side contact portion) 4150d of the connector 4150. Figure 45(c) shows the state in which the pin 182 contacts the receiving surface 4150f. Then, by the contact force (the installation force of the box), the axis L2 approaches the direction parallel to the axis L1. At the same time, the pushing portion 4150j1 is pushed by the elastic force of the spring 4159 provided on the flange portion 4150j, thereby moving in the direction of compression of the compression spring 4159. Then, the axis L1 and the axis L2 are finally substantially in line with each other. Then, the box 4150 is placed in a standby state to perform the transmission of the rotational force (rotational force transmission angular position) (Figure 45(d)).

Thereafter, similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational force is transmitted from the motor 186 to the developing roller 110 via the drive shaft 180, the coupling 4150, the pin 155, and the developing shaft 4153. During the rotation, the thrust of the pushing member 4159 is applied to the coupling 4150. However, as described above,

The thrust of the pushing member 4159 is applied to the coupling 4150 via the contact member 4160. Therefore, the coupling 4150 can rotate without a large load. Furthermore, when the driving torque of the motor 186 is sufficient, the contact member 4160 can be omitted. In this case, the coupling 4150 can accurately transmit the rotational force even without the contact member.

In addition, when removing box B from the main component A of the device, the steps are opposite to the installation steps (Figure 45 (d) - Figure 45 (c) - Figure 45 (b) - Figure 45 (a)). That is, the pushing member 4159 is always used to push the box 4150 toward the downstream side relative to the installation direction X4. For this reason, in the process of removing box B, on the upstream side relative to the installation direction X4, the receiving surface 4150 contacts the end 182A of the pin 182 (in the state between Figures 45 (d) and 45 (d)). In addition, on the downstream side relative to the installation direction X4, a gap n50 is always formed between the transfer (receiving) surface 4150f and the end 180b of the drive shaft 180. In the above embodiment, in the process of removing the box, it is described that the receiving surface 4150f or the protrusion 4150d located on the downstream side of the box installation direction X4 at least contacts the end 180b of the drive shaft 180 (for example, Figure 19). However, in this embodiment, even when the receiving surface 4150f or the projection 4150d on the downstream side do not contact the end 180b of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 4150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180 as the box B is removed. Then, also after the coupling 4150 leaves the drive shaft 180, the thrust of the pushing member 4159 is utilized to tilt the axis L2 downward relative to the axis L1 along the installation direction X4 (removal angular position). That is to say, in this embodiment, the angle of the angular position relative to the axis L1 before engagement is equal to the angle of the angular position relative to the axis L1 when the angular position is removed. This is because the coupling 4150 is pushed by the elastic force of the spring.

The pushing member 4159 has the function of tilting the axis L2 and regulating the tilting direction of the coupling 4150. That is, the pushing member 4159 also serves as a regulating means for regulating the tilting direction of the coupling 4150.

As described above, in this embodiment, coupling 4150 is pushed by the thrust of pushing member 4159 provided on support member 4157. Therefore, axis L2 is tilted relative to axis L1. Accordingly, the tilted state of coupling 4150 is maintained. Therefore, coupling 4150 can be reliably engaged with drive shaft 180.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the pushing member 4159 is provided on the rib 4157e of the supporting member 4157, but is not limited thereto. For example, the pushing member 4159 may also be provided on other parts of the supporting member 4157, or on a member other than the supporting member, as long as the member is fixed to the cartridge B.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pushing direction of the pushing member 4159 is the direction of the axis L1. However, the pushing direction may be any direction that can tilt (move) the axis L2 toward the downstream side relative to the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange portion 4150j is located at the pushing position of the pushing member 4159. However, the pushing position may be any position of the coupling as long as the axis L2 can be tilted toward the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction.

(Example 5)

Embodiment 5 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 46 to 50. The structure of the coupling is as described above.

In this embodiment, another way for tilting the axis L2 relative to the axis L1 will be described.

Figures 46(a1), 46(a2), 46(b1), and 46(b2) are enlarged side views of the cartridge drive side. Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the drive side of the guide portion of the apparatus main assembly. Figures 48(a) and 48(b) are side views showing the relationship between the cartridge and the guide portion of the apparatus main assembly. Figures 49(a) and 49(b) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the guide portion of the apparatus main assembly and the coupling as viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction. Figures 50(a) to 50(f) are side views showing the installation process.

Figures 46(a1) and 46(b1) are side views of the box as viewed from the drive shaft side. Figures 46(a2) and 46(b2) are side views of the box as viewed from the side opposite to the drive shaft side. As shown in these figures, the coupling 7150 is mounted on the developing device support member 7157 in a state in which the coupling 7150 can be tilted toward the downstream side of the mounting direction X4. In addition, with respect to the tilting direction, the coupling 7150 can only be tilted toward the downstream side of the mounting direction X4. In addition, in the state of Figure 46(a1), the axis L2 of the coupling 7150 is tilted at an angle α60 relative to the horizontal line. The reason why the coupling 7150 is tilted at an angle α60 is as follows. The flange portion 7150j of the coupling 7150 is controlled by the control portions 7157h1 and 7157h2 (Figure 46(a2)) as control means. For this reason, the coupling 7150 can be tilted upward at an angle α60 relative to the downstream side of the mounting direction.

Next, with reference to Figure 47, the main assembly guide 7130R is described. The main assembly guide 7130R mainly comprises a guide rib 7130R1a for guiding the cartridge B through the coupling 7150 and cartridge positioning portions 7130R1e and 7130R1f. The rib 7130R1a is arranged on the installation route of the cartridge B. The rib 7130R1a extends to the portion in front of the drive shaft 180 along the installation direction X4. In addition, the height of the rib 7130R1b near the drive shaft 180 is such that the rib 7130R1b does not interfere with the coupling 7150 when the coupling 7150 engages the drive shaft 180. The main assembly guide 7130R2 mainly comprises a guide 7130R2a and a cartridge positioning portion 7130R2c, and the guide 7130R2a is used to guide a part of the cartridge frame to determine the posture of the cartridge when installed.

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

As shown in Figure 48 (a), in the state that the middle part (force receiving part) 7150c contacts the surface of the guide rib (fixed part, contact part) 7130R1a, box B moves on the driving side. At this time, the box guide part 7157a of the supporting member 7157 is separated from the guide surface 7130R1c by a distance n59. For this reason, the dead weight of box B is applied to the coupling 7150. On the other hand, as described above, the coupling 7150 is arranged so that the downstream side part of its installation direction can be tilted upward at an angle α60 relative to the installation direction X4. For this reason, the coupling 7150 is tilted toward the downstream side relative to the installation direction X4 at the driven part 7150a (along the direction of the driven part 7150a tilted at an angle α6) (Figure 49 (a)).

The reason for tilting the coupling 7150 is as follows. The intermediate portion 7150c receives the reaction force of the weight of the cartridge B from the guide rib 7130R1a. This reaction force acts on the regulating portions 7157h1 and 7157h2 to regulate the tilting direction. As a result, the coupling tilts in a predetermined direction.

As the intermediate portion 7150c moves on the guide ribs 7130R1a, frictional forces are generated between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide ribs 7130R1a. Consequently, due to the frictional forces, the coupling 7150 is subjected to a force in the direction opposite to the installation direction X4. However, the frictional forces generated by the coefficient of friction between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide ribs 7130R1a are smaller than the forces that would cause the coupling 7150 to tilt downstream relative to the installation direction X5 due to the reaction forces. Consequently, by overcoming the frictional forces, the coupling 7150 tilts and moves downward relative to the installation direction X4.

Incidentally, the control portion 7157g (Figures 46(a1) and 46(b1)) of the support member 7157 can also serve as a control device for controlling the tilt. Therefore, the tilt direction of the connector is controlled by the control portions 7157h1 and 7157h2 (Figures 46(a2) and 46(b2)) and the control portion 7157g located at different positions relative to the direction of the axis L2. Therefore, the tilt direction of the connector 7150 can be reliably controlled. In addition, the connector 7150 can always be tilted at an angle α60. Other methods can also be used to control the tilt direction of the connector 7150.

The guide rib 7130R is disposed in a space 7150s defined by the driven portion 7150a, the driving portion 7150b, and the intermediate portion 7150c. Thus, during installation, the longitudinal position (relative to the direction of the axis L2) of the coupling 7150 in the apparatus main assembly A is regulated (Figures 48(a) and 48(b)). By regulating the longitudinal position of the coupling 7150, the coupling 7150 can reliably engage the drive shaft 180.

Next, the operation of engaging the coupling 7150 with the drive shaft 180 will be described. This engagement operation is substantially the same as that in Example 1 (Figure 19). In this embodiment, the relationship between the main component guide portion 7130R2 and the supporting member 7157 and the coupling 7150 during the engagement of the coupling 7150 with the drive shaft 180 will be described with reference to Figures 50(a) to 50(f). During the process in which the middle portion 7150c contacts the rib 7130R1a, the cartridge guide portion 7157a is in a state of separation from the guide surface 7130R1c. Therefore, the coupling 7150 is tilted (angular position between engagements) (Figures 50(a) and 50(d)). Then, when the end portion 7150A1 of the tilted coupling 7150 passes through the shaft end portion 180b3, the middle portion 7150c does not contact the guide rib 7130R1a (Figures 50(b) and 50(e)). In this case, the box guide portion 7157a passes through the guide surface 7130R1c and the inclined surface 7130R1d, and is in a state where the box guide portion 7157a begins to contact the positioning surface 7130R1e (Figure 50(b) and Figure 50(e)). Thereafter, the receiving surface 7150f or the protrusion 7150d contacts the end 180b or the pin 182. Then, as the box is installed, the axis L2 and the axis L1 approach the same straight line, and the center position of the developing shaft and the center position of the connector approach the coaxial straight line. Then, finally, as shown in Figure 50(c) and Figure 50(f), the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially in line with each other. Therefore, the connector 7150 is in a rotation standby state (rotational force transmission angular position).

In the process of removing box B from the main component A of the device, the steps are generally opposite to those of the engagement operation. Specifically, box B is moved in the removal direction. Therefore, the end 180b pushes the receiving surface 7150f. As a result, the axis L2 begins to tilt relative to the axis L1. Through the removal operation of the box, the upstream side end 7150A1 moves along the surface of the end 180b in the removal direction X6, so that the axis L2 tilts until the end A1 contacts the shaft end 180b3. In this state, the connector 7150 completely passes through the shaft end 180b3 (Figure 50 (b)). After that, the connector 7150 contacts the surface of the rib 7130R1a at the middle part 7150c. As a result, the connector 7150 is removed in a state where the connector 7150 is tilted toward the downstream side relative to the installation direction X4. That is, the connector 7150 tilts (sways) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the removal angular position.

As described above, the coupling is swung into engagement with the main assembly drive shaft by the user's mounting operation of the cartridge to the main assembly. Furthermore, a device for maintaining the coupling's posture is no longer particularly required. However, as shown in FIG4 , such a structure for maintaining the coupling's posture in advance may also be implemented in conjunction with the structure of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the coupling is tilted in the mounting direction X4 by applying its own weight to the guide ribs. However, in addition to its own weight, an elastic force of a spring or the like may be utilized.

In this embodiment, the middle portion of the coupling receives a force to tilt the coupling. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a portion other than the middle portion may contact the contact portion of the main assembly when receiving a force to tilt the coupling.

Furthermore, this embodiment can also be combined with any one of Embodiments 2 to 4. In this case, the coupling can be engaged with and disengaged from the drive shaft more reliably.

(Example 6)

Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to Figures 51-55. In the above embodiment, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is maintained at a predetermined distance from the photosensitive drum 107. In this state, the developing roller 6110 develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107. In the above embodiment, a cartridge employing the non-contact developing system was described. In this embodiment, in a cartridge employing a so-called contact developing system, development is performed while the surface of the developing roller is in contact with the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum. Specifically, the present invention will be described as being applied to a cartridge employing a contact developing system.

Figure 51 is a sectional view of the developing box of this embodiment. Figure 52 is a perspective view showing the developing device side of the box. Figure 53 is a sectional view of the box taken along line S24-S24 in Figure 52. Figures 54(a) and 54(b) are sectional views showing the developing box in a state in which development is possible and a state in which development is not possible, respectively. Figures 55(a) and 55(b) are longitudinal sectional views showing the drive connection in the states of Figures 54(a) and 54(b), respectively. The state in which development is not possible refers to a state in which the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

First, the structure of the developing box B6 adopting the contact developing system will be described with reference to Figures 51 and 52.

The cartridge B6 includes a developing roller 6110. During a developing action, the developing roller 6110 is rotated by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main assembly A by a coupling mechanism described later.

The developer t is contained in the developer holding frame (developer holding portion) 6114. The developer t is transported to the developing chamber 6113a by the rotation of the stirring member 6116. The transported 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 6113a. Then, the developer is charged by friction between the thin plate-like developing scraper 6112 and the developing roller 6110 to form a thin layer. The developer forming the thin layer is transported to the developing position by the rotation. Next, a predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing roller 6110. Therefore, when the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107, the developing roller 6110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107. In other words, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 6110.

The developer that has not been used to develop the electrostatic latent image (i.e., the developer t remaining on the surface of the developing roller 6110) is removed by the developing roller supply roller 6115. Simultaneously, new developer t is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 6110 by the supply roller 6115. Thus, the developing operation is continuously performed.

The cartridge B6 includes a developing unit 6119. The developing unit 6119 includes a developing device frame 6113 and a developer accommodating frame 6114. Further, the developing unit 6119 includes a developing roller 6110, a developing blade 6112, a developer supplying roller 6115, a developing chamber 6113a, a developer accommodating frame 6114, and an agitating member 6116.

The developing roller 6110 rotates around the axis L1.

The structure of the main component A of the device is substantially the same as that in Example 1, so the description is omitted. However, for the main component A of the device applied to Example 6, in addition to the structure of the main component A described above, a rod (a force applying member shown in Figures 54(a) and 54(b)) 300 for making contact and separation between the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 and the surface of the developing roller 6110 is provided. Incidentally, the rod 300 will be described later. By guiding the box guide parts 6140L1, 6140R2, etc. into the main component A of the device, the user installs the developing box B described in Example 1 on the mounting part 130a (Figure 3). Incidentally, similar to the above-mentioned box, the box B6 is also installed on the mounting part 130a by moving it in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 180. In addition, the box B6 can be removed from the mounting part 130a.

Incidentally, when the box B6 is mounted on the mounting portion 130a as described above, the guide portion (projection) 6140R1 of the box B6 is subjected to the pressure exerted by the elastic force of the push spring (elastic member) 188R as shown in Figures 15 and 16. In addition, due to the elastic force of the push spring 188L, the guide portion (tenon) 6140L (Figure 52) of the box B6 is subjected to the pressure exerted. Therefore, the box B6 is held by the main assembly A of the device and can rotate around the guide portions 6140R1 and 6140L1. That is, the guide portion 6140R1 is rotatably supported by the main assembly guide portion 130R1, and the guide portion 6140L1 is rotatably supported by the main assembly guide portion 130L1. Then, when the door 109 (Figure 3) is closed, due to the elastic force of the push spring 192R (and the push spring 192L on the non-drive side shown in Figure 16) provided on the door 109, the push portion 6114a (Figures 51 and 52) of the box B6 is subjected to the applied pressure. Therefore, the box B6 is subjected to the rotational torque around the guide portion 6140. Next, the roller gap width control members (interval control members) 6136 and 6137 (Figure 52) arranged on the end of the developing roller 6110 of the box B6 contact the end of the photosensitive drum 107. For this reason, the developing roller 6110 and the photosensitive drum 107 maintain a constant contact roller gap. That is, the developing roller 6110 includes a developing shaft 6151 and a rubber portion (elastic member) 6110a (Figures 52 and 53). The developing roller 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 when the rubber portion 6110a is bent. In this state, the developing roller develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 with the toner t.

52 and 53, the structure of the developing roller 6110 and the mounting structure (support structure) of the connector 6150 will be described.

The developing shaft 6151 is an elongated member made of a conductive material such as iron or the like. The developing shaft 6151 is rotatably supported by the developing device frame 6113 through the shaft supporting member 6152. In addition, the developing gear 6150b is fixedly positioned on the developing shaft 6151 in a non-rotatable manner. The coupling 6150 is mounted on the developing gear 6150b in a tiltable manner, which is the same as the structure described in Example 1. That is, the coupling 6150 is installed so that the axis L2 can be tilted relative to the axis L1. The rotational force received by the coupling 6150 from the main component A of the device is transmitted to the developing roller 6110 through the drive transmission pin (rotational force transmission part) 6155, the developing gear 6153 and the developing shaft 6151. In this way, the developing roller 6110 rotates.

A rubber portion 6110a is coated on the developing shaft 6151 so as to be coaxial with the developing shaft 6151. The outer peripheral surface of the rubber portion 6110a carries developer (toner) t, and a bias voltage is applied to the developing shaft 6151. Therefore, the rubber portion 6110a develops the electrostatic latent image using the developer t carried thereon.

The regulating members 6136 and 6137 are members for regulating the nip width to a constant level when the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the regulating members 6136 and 6137 regulate the amount of depression of the surface of the developing roller 6110.

In the contact development system of this embodiment, when the developing roller 6110 is kept in contact with the photosensitive drum 107, the rubber portion 6110a of the developing roller 6110 may be deformed. For this reason, during the non-development period, it is preferable that the developing roller 6110 is moved away from the photosensitive drum 107. That is, as shown in Figures 54(a) and 54(b), it is preferable that the developing roller 6110 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 (Figure 54(a)) and the developing roller 6110 is moved away from the photosensitive drum 107 (Figure 54(b)).

When the cartridge B6 is mounted on the mounting portion 130a, the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the developer accommodating frame 6114 of the cartridge B6 is pushed by the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L. Thus, the cartridge B6 rotates (in the clockwise direction X67 in Figure 54(a)) about the guides (support points) 6140R and 6140L of the cartridge B6. Consequently, the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state shown in Figure 54(a)).

Then, in this embodiment, under the action of the force of the motor (not shown) rotated by the developing device separation signal, the rod (pushing member, force applying member) 300 provided on the main component A of the device rotates (i.e., rotates counterclockwise (the direction indicated by the arrow X45 in Figure 54 (b))). Then, the rod 300 pushes the bottom (force receiving portion) 6114a of the box B6 (developer accommodating frame 6114). Therefore, the box B6 rotates around the guide portion 6140 (i.e., rotates counterclockwise X47) against the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L. Therefore, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is in a state of being separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state shown in Figure 54 (b)). That is, the box B6 rotates around the guide portions (support points) 6140R and 6140L to move in the direction X66.

Under the force of the motor (not shown) that rotates in the opposite direction by the developing device contact signal, the lever 300 rotates (i.e., rotates in the clockwise direction (the direction indicated by the arrow X44 shown in Figure 54(b))) to the standby position. Then, the box B6 returns to the developing device contact portion (the state shown in Figure 54(a)) under the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L. That is, the box B6 rotates around the guide portions (support points) 6140R and 6140L to move in the direction X46.

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

According to this embodiment, while the developing roller 6110 is still rotating, the box B6 can be moved from the state of Figure 54(b) to the state of Figure 54(a) and from the state of Figure 54(a) to the state of Figure 54(b).

This operation will be described below. It is preferable to start rotating the developing roller 6110 immediately before the state of the cartridge B6 changes from the state of Figure 54(b) to the state of Figure 54(a). That is, the developing roller 6110 is preferably rotated while contacting the photosensitive drum 107. In this manner, rotating the developing roller 6110 while contacting the photosensitive drum 107 may damage the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110. The same applies when the developing roller 6110 moves away from the photosensitive drum 107, so it is preferable to separate the developing roller 6110 from the photosensitive drum 107.

55(a) and 55(b), an example of the drive input structure in this embodiment will be described.

The state shown in Figure 55(a) corresponds to the state shown in Figure 54(a), namely, the state in which the developing roller 6110 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 and can rotate. Specifically, the axis L1 of the developing roller 6110 and the axis L2 of the coupling 6150 are substantially collinear, enabling the coupling 6150 to receive rotational force from the drive shaft 180. Upon completion of development, the cartridge B6 moves in the direction X66 from this state (see Figure 54(a)). At this time, the developing shaft 6153 gradually moves in the direction X66, causing the axis L2 to gradually tilt. When the cartridge B6 reaches the state shown in Figure 55(b), the developing roller 6110 is completely removed from the photosensitive drum 107. Thereafter, the rotation of the motor 186 is stopped. That is, even in the state shown in Figure 55(b), the motor 186 rotates for a certain period of time. According to this embodiment, the cartridge B6 can transmit rotational force even when the axis L2 is tilted. Therefore, even in the state shown in Figure 55(b), the cartridge B5 can transmit rotational force to the developing roller 6110. Therefore, according to the present invention, the developing roller 6110 can be moved away from the photosensitive drum 107 even though the developing roller 6110 is rotating.

A similar operation is performed when the state of the cartridge B6 changes from the state of Figure 55(b) to the state of Figure 55(a). That is, the motor 186 is rotated from the state of Figure 55(b) so that the developing roller 6110 can rotate. That is, according to this embodiment, the developing roller 6110 can contact the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating.

Incidentally, the engaging operation and the disengaging operation of the coupling 6150 with respect to the drive shaft 180 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, and thus the description is omitted.

The structure described in Example 6 is as follows.

The apparatus main assembly A described in Embodiment 6 has a lever (urging member) 300 in addition to the above-described structure of the apparatus main assembly A.

The cartridge B6 in Embodiment 6 includes a bottom portion (force receiving portion) 6114b. The bottom portion 6114b receives an urging force for moving the developing roller 6110 away from the photosensitive drum 107 in a state where the cartridge B6 is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A.

The cartridge B6 is urged by the elastic forces of the springs 192R and 192L on the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the developer accommodating frame 6114. Consequently, the developing roller 6110 of the cartridge B6 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 107 rotatably positioned in the apparatus main assembly A. Thus, the cartridge B6 is placed in a contact state in which the developing roller 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107.

When the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114 a of the cartridge B6 is pushed by the lever 300 , the cartridge B6 is placed in a separated state in which the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107 .

Since the coupling 6150 is in the above-mentioned rotational force transmission angular position, the cartridge B6 in the contact state or the separated state can transmit the rotational force from the coupling 6150 to the developing roller 6110. When the cartridge B6 is removed from the apparatus main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 6150 moves from the above-mentioned rotational force transmission angular position to the above-mentioned separation angular position. Therefore, the coupling 6150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

Thus, even when the cartridge B6 is in the above-described separated state and the axis L3 and the axis L1 deviate from each other, the rotational force can be smoothly transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the developing roller 6110 by utilizing the coupling 6150 to which the present invention is applied.

Incidentally, the axis L1 represents the rotation axis of the developing roller 6110 , and the axis L3 represents the rotation axis of the driving shaft 180 .

In this way, in Example 6, the effects of applying the embodiment of the present invention are effectively utilized.

As mentioned above, even when the driving input position is not at the swing center, when the developing box moves away from the photosensitive drum, the rotational force can be transmitted to the developing roller. For this reason, it is possible to allow the driving input position to have a certain free range, thereby miniaturizing the box and the main assembly of the device.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the drive input position is coaxial with the developing roller. However, as described in the following embodiments, similar effects can be achieved even when the drive input position is not coaxial with the developing roller.

In this embodiment, the coupling engagement and disengagement during separation of the developing device has been described. However, the coupling engagement and disengagement in this embodiment can also be applied to Embodiment 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cartridge can be mounted/removed without providing a drive connection mechanism and a release mechanism to the main assembly of the apparatus. Furthermore, the drive connection and release can be achieved during contact/separation of the developing roller of the cartridge with respect to the photosensitive drum.

That is, according to the cartridge B6 to which this embodiment is applied, the cartridge B6 can be mounted on and removed from the apparatus main assembly A by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, according to the cartridge B6, the rotational force can be smoothly transmitted from the apparatus main assembly A to the developing roller 6110 even during separation of the developing device.

Here, "during separation of the developing device" means that the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110, whose surfaces have been in contact with each other, are separated (moved away) from each other.

6 is described taking a so-called developing cartridge as an example of the cartridge, but the present invention can also be applied to a so-called process cartridge as the cartridge.

The structure of the box is not limited to the structure in Example 6, and can also be appropriately changed to other structures.

Example 6 can also be applied to other examples.

(Example 7)

Embodiment 7 is described with reference to Figures 56 and 57.

The difference between Example 7 and Example 6 lies in the drive input position (coupling position) and structure for transmitting the rotational force from the coupling to the developing roller and the developer supply roller. Specifically, the coupling 8150 is not located on the axis L1 of the developing roller 8110, but is located at a position offset from the axis L1.

Figure 56 is a perspective view of the cartridge B8. Figure 57 is a perspective view showing a driving portion of the cartridge B8.

The developing roller gear 8145 and the developer supply roller gear 8146 are respectively arranged at the driving side end of the developing roller 8110 and the driving side end of the developer supply roller 6115 (Figure 51). Gears 8145 and 8146 are each fixed to a shaft (not shown). These gears transmit the rotational force received from the main assembly A of the device through the coupling 8150 to other rotatable components of the cartridge B8 (developing roller 8110, developer supply roller 6115, toner stirring member (not shown) and the like).

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

As shown in Figure 57, gear 8147 is rotatably fixed at a position where it engages with developing roller gear 8145 and developer supply roller gear 8146. Gear 8147 includes a coupling accommodating portion 8147j, similar to that of developing roller gear 151 described in Example 1. A coupling 8150 is tiltably mounted to gear 8147 via a retaining member 8156. That is, coupling 8150 is not positioned on axis L1 of developing roller 8110, but rather is positioned offset from axis L1. The rotational force received from drive shaft 180 via coupling 8150 is transmitted to developing roller 8110 via gears 8147 and 8145. The rotational force is further transmitted to developer supply roller 6115 via gears 8147 and 8146.

The support member 8157 has a hole defining an inner peripheral surface 8157i engageable with the gear 8147. The description of engaging, driving, and disengaging the coupling by the mounting and removing operations of the cartridge is the same as in Embodiment 1 and thus omitted.

Furthermore, as a structure for tilting the axis L2 of the coupling 8150 to the pre-engagement angular position immediately before the coupling 8150 engages the drive shaft, any one of Embodiments 2 to 5 may be employed.

As described above, the coupling 8150 does not need to be arranged at the end portion coaxial with the developing roller 8110. According to this embodiment, the freedom of design of the image forming apparatus main assembly and the cartridge can be improved.

(Example 8)

Embodiment 8 is described with reference to Figures 58 to 62.

Figure 58 is the main sectional view of the process box B9 of this embodiment, and Figure 59 is the perspective view of process box B9. Figure 60 is the main sectional view of the device main assembly, and Figure 61 is the perspective view of the installation guide (drive side) and the drive connecting portion showing the device main assembly. Figure 62 (a) to 62 (c) is a schematic diagram showing the process of the process box being installed in the device main assembly from the top of the device. The process box is the example of the above-mentioned box.

In this embodiment, the present invention is applicable to a process cartridge that is constructed by integrally supporting a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as a unit and that is removably mounted to a main assembly of an apparatus. Specifically, this embodiment relates to a process cartridge that can be mounted to and removed from an apparatus main assembly A having a drive shaft by moving the process cartridge 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) includes two parts for receiving a rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus.

That is, the cartridge to which the present invention is applied receives a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum from the apparatus main assembly and a rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the apparatus main assembly, respectively.

The present invention can also be applied to this structure, and the effects described later can be obtained. The charging roller 9108 in contact with the photosensitive drum 9107 serves as a charging member (processing member).

The cartridge B9 also includes a developing roller 9110 as a developing member (processing member). The developing roller 9110 supplies a developer t to a 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 magnetic roller (fixed magnet) 9111.

A developing blade 9112 is provided that contacts the developing roller 9110. The developing blade 9112 determines the amount of the developer t to be deposited on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 9110.

The developer contained in the developer storage chamber 9114 is fed by the rotation of the stirring members 9115 and 9116. A developer layer charged by the developing blade 9112 is then formed on the surface of the developing roller 9110. Next, the developer t is transferred to the photosensitive drum 9107 in accordance with the latent image. Thus, the latent image is developed.

An elastic cleaning blade 9117a serving as a cleaning member (processing member) is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 9107. The blade 9117a removes the developer t remaining on the photosensitive drum 9107 after the developer image is transferred onto the recording material 9102. The developer t removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 9107 by the blade 9117a is collected in a removed developer container 9117b.

The box B9 includes a first frame unit 9119 and a second frame unit 9120, which are connected together so as to be swingable (rotatable).

The first frame unit (developing device) 9119 is composed of a first frame 9113 as a part of the cartridge frame. The first frame unit 9119 includes a developing roller 9110, a developing blade 9112, a developing chamber 9113a, a developer accommodating chamber (developer accommodating portion) 9114, and stirring members 9115 and 9116.

The second frame unit 9120 is composed of a second frame 9118 as a part of the cartridge frame. The second frame unit 9120 includes a photosensitive drum 9107, a cleaning blade 9117a, a removed developer container (removed developer accommodating portion) 9117b, and a charging roller 9108.

The first frame unit (developing device) 9119 and the second frame unit 9120 are rotatably connected by a pin P. 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 (developing device) 9119 determines the position of the second frame unit 9120.

The user grasps the handle T and mounts the cartridge B9 onto the cartridge mounting portion 9130a provided on the apparatus main assembly A9. At this time, as will be described later, during the mounting operation of the cartridge B9, the drive shaft 9108 provided on the apparatus main assembly A9 and the cartridge-side developing roller coupling (rotational force transmitting portion) 9150 of the cartridge B9 are connected to each other. The developing roller 9110 and the like rotate by receiving the rotational force from the apparatus main assembly A9.

After the box B9 is installed on the main component A9 of the device, the door 109 is closed. With the closing operation of the door 109, the main component side drum coupler 9190 and the box side drum coupler (rotational force transmitting portion) 9145 are connected to each other. In this way, the photosensitive drum 9107 rotates by receiving the rotational force from the main component A9 of the device. The main component side drum coupler 9190 is a non-circular twisted hole having a plurality of corners in a cross section. The coupler 9190 is arranged at the center of a rotatable driving member 9191. A gear (helical gear) 9191a is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable driving member 9191. The rotational force from the motor 196 is transmitted to the gear 9191a.

Furthermore, the cartridge-side drum coupling 9145 is a non-circular, twisted protrusion with multiple corners in cross section. Coupling 9145 engages coupling 9190 to receive rotational force from motor 186. Specifically, rotatable member 9191 rotates when the hole of coupling 9145 and the protrusion of coupling 9190 are engaged. Therefore, while the protrusion is subject to a pulling force entering the hole, the rotational force of rotatable drive member 9191 is transmitted via the protrusion to photosensitive drum 9107.

The shape of the protrusion can be appropriately changed as long as the protrusion is capable of receiving a rotational force from the hole while being engaged with the hole. In this embodiment, the shape of the hole is substantially an equilateral triangle, and the shape of the protrusion is substantially a twisted equilateral triangular prism. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to transmit a rotational force from the hole to the protrusion while the axis of the hole and the axis of the protrusion are aligned with each other (center alignment) and while the protrusion is subjected to a pulling force entering the hole. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 9107 can be rotated accurately and smoothly. In addition, the hole is arranged to be coaxial with the axis of the shaft portion 9107a of the photosensitive drum 9107. The shaft portion 9107a is provided at one end portion of the photosensitive drum 9107 and is rotatably supported by the unit 9120.

As described later, the main assembly side drum coupling 9190 (rotatable drive member 9191) is moved by the movable member (retractable mechanism) 9195 that is linked with the closing operation of the door 109. In other words, the coupling 9190 is moved along the direction of the rotation axis X70 of the coupling 9190 and along the direction X93 in which the coupling 9145 is provided by the movable member 9195. Therefore, the coupling 9190 and the coupling 9145 are engaged with each other. Then, the rotational force of the coupling 9190 is transmitted to the coupling 9145 (Figure 62 (b)).

The coupling 9190 (rotatable driving member 9191) is moved in the direction of the rotation axis X70 and in the direction X95 separating the coupling 9190 from the coupling 9145 by the moving member 9195 that is linked with the opening operation of the door 109. As a result, the coupling 9190 and the coupling 9145 are separated from each other (Figure 62(c)).

That is, as described later, the coupling 9190 is moved toward and away from the coupling 9145 along the direction of the rotation axis X70 (in the directions indicated by arrows X93 and X95 in Figures 62(b) and 62(c)) by the movable member (retractable member) 9195. Incidentally, since a known structure can be appropriately used as the structure of the movable member 9195, the description of the structural details of the movable member 9195 is omitted. For example, the structures of the coupling 9145, the coupling 9190, and the movable member 9195 are described in Japanese Patent No. 2875203.

As shown in Figure 61, the mounting member 9130 in this embodiment includes main assembly guides 9130R1 and 9130R2 provided in the apparatus main assembly A9.

These guide portions are relatively arranged in the cartridge mounting portion 9130a (cartridge mounting space) provided in the main assembly A9 of the apparatus. Figure 61 shows the driving side surface, and the non-driving side has a shape symmetrical with the driving side, so description is omitted. The guide portions 9130R1 and 9130R2 are provided along the mounting direction of the cartridge B9.

When installing the cartridge B9 into the device main assembly A9, the cartridge guides described later are inserted while being guided by guides 9130R1 and 9130R2. The cartridge B9 is installed into the device main assembly A9 with door 109 open about axis 9109a relative to the device main assembly A9. By closing door 109, installation of the cartridge B9 into the device main assembly A9 is complete. Incidentally, when removing the cartridge B9 from the device main assembly A9, this removal operation is also performed with door 109 open. These operations are performed by the user.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 59, the outer end peripheral portion 9159a of the shaft supporting member 9195 also serves as the cartridge guide 9140R1. That is, the shaft supporting member 9159 protrudes outward so that its outer peripheral surface has a guide function.

At the longitudinal end portion (driving side) of the second frame unit 9120, a cartridge guide 9140R2 is provided above the cartridge guide 9140R1.

When the box B9 is mounted on the main assembly A9 of the apparatus and when the box B9 is removed from the main assembly A9 of the apparatus, the guide portion 9140R1 is guided by the guide portion 9130R1, and the guide portion 9140R2 is guided by the guide portion 9130R2.

The guide structure on the other end side of the main assembly of the apparatus and the guide structure on the other end side of the cartridge are the same as those described above, and therefore description thereof is omitted here. In the above-described direction, the cartridge B9 is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 9180 to be mounted on and removed from the main assembly of the apparatus A9.

When the cartridge B9 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A9, similar to the above-described embodiment, the coupling 9150 engages the drive shaft 9180 of the apparatus main assembly A9. Then, by rotating the motor 186, the drive shaft 9180 rotates. The development roller 9110 rotates by the rotational force transmitted by the coupling 9150 to the development roller 9110. Incidentally, with respect to the drive transmission path in the cartridge, as described in Embodiment 1, the coupling may be arranged coaxially with the development roller 9110, or may be arranged at a position offset from the axis of the development roller 9110. The engagement and disengagement between the coupling 9150 and the drive shaft 9180 are the same as those described above, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

As the structure of the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 1950, the structure of the coupling described above can be appropriately adopted.

Here, with reference to Figures 62(a) to 62(c), the process of mounting the above-mentioned processing box B9 on the mounting portion 9130a to establish the driving connection between the main component A9 of the apparatus and the box B9 will be described.

In Figure 62 (a), box B9 is installed on the main component A9 of the device. At this time, as described above, the axis L2 of the coupling 9150 is tilted toward the downstream side relative to the installation direction (X92). In addition, the main component side drum coupling 9190 of the device to be engaged with the drum coupling 9145 is retracted so as not to hinder the installation path of the box B9. In Figure 62 (a), the retraction amount is represented by X91. In this figure, the drive shaft 9180 looks like it is in the installation (removal) path of the box B9. However, as can be seen from Figure 61, the drum coupling 9145 and the developing roller coupling 9150 deviate from each other relative to the moving path in the cross-sectional direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the drive shaft 1980 does not hinder the installation and removal of the box B9.

Then, from this state, when the user inserts the cartridge B into the main assembly A9 of the apparatus, the cartridge B9 is mounted on the mounting portion 9130a. Similar to the above description, this operation causes the coupling 9150 to engage with the drive shaft 9180. Thus, the coupling 9150 is in a state capable of transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 9110.

Next, the drum coupling 9190 on the side of the main assembly A9 of the device is moved in the direction X93 (Figure 62(b)) by the moving member 9195 that moves as the user closes the door 109 (Figure 61). Then, the coupling 9190 engages the drum coupling 9145 of the box B9 to be placed in a rotational force transmittable state. Thereafter, through the imaging operation, the rotational force from the motor 186 is transmitted to the drum gear 9190 fixed to the drum coupling 9190. In addition, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing gear 9181 fixed to the drive shaft 9180 for receiving the rotational force from the coupling 9150. Therefore, the rotational force from the motor 196 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9107 through the drum coupling 9190 and the drum gear 9190. In addition, the rotational force from the motor 196 is transmitted to the developing roller 9110 through the coupling 9150, the rotational force receiving drive shaft 9180, and the developing gear 9181. Incidentally, the details of the transmission path from the coupling 9150 in the developing unit 9114 to the developing roller 9110 through the supporting member 9147 are the same as described above, so the description is omitted. When the box B9 is removed from the main assembly A9 of the device, the user opens the door 109 (Figure 61). By moving the moving member 9195 that moves with the opening operation of the door 109, the drum coupling 9190 on the side of the main assembly A9 of the device moves in the direction X95 opposite to the direction X93 (Figure 62 (c)). Therefore, the coupling 9190 is separated from the drum coupling 9145. In this way, the box B9 can be removed from the main assembly A9 of the device.

As described above, in addition to the above-mentioned structure of the device main component A, the device main component A9 in Example 8 also includes a moving member (retractable mechanism) 9195, which is used to move the main component side drum connector 9190 and the connector 9145 along their axial direction (rotational axis direction X70).

In Embodiment 8, the cartridge (process cartridge) B9 integrally includes a photosensitive drum 9107 and a developing roller 9110 .

In Embodiment 8, when the cartridge B9 is removed from the apparatus main assembly A9 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 9110, the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150 moves as follows. That is, the coupling 9150 moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position so as to separate from the drive shaft 9180. Then, the main assembly-side drum coupling 9190 is moved in the direction of its axis and in the direction in which the coupling 9190 separates from the cartridge-side drum coupling 9145 by the moving member 9185. As a result, the cartridge-side drum coupling 9145 separates from the main assembly-side drum coupling 9190.

According to Example 8, for a connector structure for transmitting a rotational force from the device main component A9 to the photosensitive drum 9107 and a connector structure for transmitting a rotational force from the device main component A9 to the developing roller 9110, the number of moving components can be reduced compared to cases where each structure requires one moving component.

Therefore, according to Embodiment 8, the apparatus main assembly can be miniaturized. In addition, when designing the apparatus main assembly, an increased range of design freedom can be allowed.

Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to the case of the contact developing system as described in Embodiment 6. In this case, this embodiment can be applied not only to the mounting and removal of the cartridge but also to the drive connection when the developing device is separated.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the driving connection of the photosensitive drum is not carried out in the manner of this embodiment, but a coupling as in this embodiment may be arranged.

As described above, according to this embodiment, by applying the present invention to a case where at least the developing roller is rotated (i.e., the rotational force is transmitted to the developing device), the number of movable members (retractable mechanisms) can be reduced by at least one. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the size of the main assembly of the apparatus can be reduced and the design freedom can be increased.

Incidentally, in Example 8, as a cartridge side drum coupling for receiving a rotational force from the main component of the device to rotate the photosensitive drum, a twisted protrusion is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be appropriately applied to a coupling structure that allows the main component side drum coupling to move (retract) along the rotation direction of the cartridge side drum coupling. That is, in the present invention, this coupling structure is such that the main component side drum coupling approaches the cartridge side drum coupling along the above-mentioned moving direction so as to engage therewith, and leaves the cartridge side drum coupling along the above-mentioned moving direction. For an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, for example, a so-called pin-driven coupling structure can be applied.

According to Example 8, in a structure in which the rotational forces for rotating the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are transmitted from the main assembly of the apparatus respectively, the number of movable structures for moving (retracting) the coupling relative to its rotational direction can be reduced. In other words, as the movable structure, only the structure for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum can be used.

Therefore, according to Embodiment 8, compared with a case where both the structure for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum and the structure for transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller require a movable structure, the effect of simplifying the structure of the main assembly of the apparatus can be achieved.

(Example 9)

Example 9 is described with reference to FIG63.

In Embodiment 9, the present invention is applied to both a coupling which receives a rotational force from the apparatus main assembly to rotate the photosensitive drum and a coupling which receives a rotational force from the apparatus main assembly to rotate the developing roller.

That is, the box B10 to which the present invention is applied is different from the box B9 described in Example 8 in that: by using a coupling structure similar to that of Example 8, the photosensitive drum 9107 also receives rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus.

According to Example 9, without using the moving member (retractable mechanism) described in Example 8, the processing box B10 can be moved in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 to be installed on and removed from the main component of the device.

The box B10 in Example 9 is different from the box B9 in Example 8 only in the box side drum coupling structure and the structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the coupling to the photosensitive drum, and the other structures are the same.

Furthermore, as for the structure on the apparatus main assembly side, the two cartridges differ only in the structure of the drum coupling on the main assembly side.

The main assembly of the device to which embodiment 9 is applied is included in the drive shaft described in the aforementioned embodiment to replace the main assembly side drum coupling structure in embodiment 8, and therefore its description is omitted. For the main assembly of the device of this embodiment (embodiment 9), a drive shaft (first drive shaft) 180 and a drive shaft (second drive shaft) (not shown) having the same structure as the drive shaft 180 are provided. However, similar to embodiment 8, the moving paths of the box side drum coupling 10150 and the box side developer roller coupling 9150 deviate from each other along the cross-sectional direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the first drive shaft 180 and the second drive shaft (not shown) do not hinder the installation and removal of the box B10.

Similar to the case of the cartridge side developing roller coupling 9150, the cartridge side drum coupling 10150 of the cartridge B10 has the same structure as that of the above-described embodiment, and therefore will be described with reference to the above-described coupling structure.

According to Embodiment 9, the cartridge B10 is mounted on and removed from the apparatus main assembly by being moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the first drive shaft 180 and the second drive shaft (not shown).

Furthermore, in Embodiment 9, when the cartridge B10 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 130a, the first drive shaft 180 and the developing roller coupling 9150 engage with each other, so that the rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 9150. By the rotational force received by the coupling 9150, the developing roller 9110 rotates.

Furthermore, the second drive shaft and the drum coupling 10150 are engaged with each other, so that the rotational force is transmitted from the second drive shaft to the coupling 10150. By the rotational force received by the coupling 10150, the photosensitive drum 9107 is rotated.

For Embodiment 9, the structures described in the above embodiments can be appropriately applied.

According to this embodiment, without using the movable member (retractable mechanism) described in Example 8, the processing box B10 can be installed on and removed from the main component of the device by moving it in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the drive shaft axis.

Therefore, the structure of the apparatus main assembly can be simplified.

In the above embodiment, the main assembly of the apparatus includes a drive shaft (180, 1180, 9180) having a rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) 182. Furthermore, the cartridges (B, B2, B6, B8, B9, B10) are moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft to thereby be attached to and detached from the main assembly of the apparatus (A, A2, A9). Each of the above cartridges includes 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).

ii) The coupling engages the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) (182, 1182, 9182) to receive the rotational force that rotates the developing roller from the pin. The coupling can be one of couplings 150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 14150. The coupling can be in a rotational force transmission angle position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller to the developing roller. The coupling can be in a pre-engagement angle position that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angle position in a direction away from the developing roller axis L1 and a separation angle position that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angle position. When the box (B, b-2, b6, b8, b9, b10) is installed on the main assembly in a direction approximately perpendicular to the developing roller axis L1, the coupling moves from the pre-engagement angle position to the rotational force transmission angle position. In this way, the coupling is opposite to the drive shaft. When the cartridge is removed from the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the developing roller axis L1, the coupling moves from the rotational force transmitting angular position to the separating angular position. Thus, the coupling is separated from the drive shaft.

When the box is placed in the main component, a part of the connector is located behind the drive shaft when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6 (for example, Figure 19 (d)). A part of the connector is one of the free end positions 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, 14150A3. The removal direction X6 is the direction in which the box is removed from the main component. When the box B is removed from the main component A, as the box moves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, the connector performs the following actions. The connector moves (tilts) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position, so that the part of the connector bypasses the drive shaft.

When the cartridge is mounted on the main assembly, the coupling performs the following action. The coupling moves (tilts) from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmitting angular position so that the portion of the coupling on the downstream side relative to the mounting direction X4, which is the direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the main assembly, bypasses the drive shaft.

When the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, the portion or component of the coupling is located behind the drive shaft when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction X6 in which the cartridge is removed from the main assembly. When the coupling is removed from the main assembly, the coupling performs the following actions. When the cartridge is moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling moves (tilts) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position, causing the portion of the coupling to bypass the drive shaft.

In the above embodiment, the connector has a recess (150z, 1150z, 1350z, 4150z, 6150z, 7150z, 9150z, 12150z, 14150z) coaxial with the connector rotation axis L2. When the connector is in the rotational force transmission angle position, the recess covers the free end of the drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) engages the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) (182, 1182, 9182) along the rotation direction of the connector, and the above-mentioned rotational force transmission pin protrudes at the free end of the drive shaft in a direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis L3. The rotational force receiving surface is one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e, 1150e, 1350e, 4150e, 6150e, 7150e, 9150e, 12150e, 14150e. In this way, the connector receives the rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. When the cartridge is removed from the main assembly, the coupling performs the following actions. When the cartridge is moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developer roller, the coupling pivots (tilts) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position, allowing the portion of the recess to bypass the drive shaft. This allows the coupling to be separated from the drive shaft. This portion is one of the free end portions 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, or 14150A3.

As described above, the connector has a recess coaxial with its rotation axis L2. When the connector is in the rotational force transmission angle position, the recess covers the free end of the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) engages the rotational force transmission pin of the free end of the drive shaft along the rotation direction of the connector. In this way, the connector receives the rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. When the box is removed from the main assembly, the connector performs the following action. When the box is moved in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the connector pivots (moves) from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position so that the portion of the recess bypasses the drive shaft. In this way, the connector can be separated from the drive shaft.

The rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) are arranged so that they are positioned on a virtual circle C1 having a center S, which is on the rotation axis L2 of the coupling (e.g., FIG. 6( d) ). In this embodiment, four rotational force receiving surfaces are provided. Thus, according to this embodiment, the coupling can uniformly receive force from the main assembly. Therefore, the coupling can rotate smoothly.

When the coupling is in the rotational force transmission angular position, the coupling axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the developer roller axis L1. When the coupling is in the separation angular position, the coupling is tilted relative to axis L1 so that its upstream side passes over the free end of the drive shaft in the removal direction X6. This upstream side is one of the free end positions 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, and 14150A3.

The above-mentioned box is a developing box that does not include a photosensitive drum. Alternatively, the box is a processing box that includes a photosensitive drum as a unit. By applying the present invention to these boxes, the effects described above are provided.

(Other embodiments)

In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge is mounted or removed downwardly or angled upwardly relative to the drive shaft of the main assembly. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention can be suitably applied to a cartridge that can be mounted and removed in a direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis.

In the foregoing embodiment, the installation path is straight relative to the main assembly, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention can also be suitably applied to the case where the installation path includes a path provided in a combination of straight or curved paths.

The developing cartridge of each embodiment forms a monochrome image. However, the present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge having a plurality of developing members to form a color image (two-color image, three-color image, or four-color image).

The process cartridges of the embodiments form a monochrome image. However, the present invention can also be suitably applied to cartridges including a plurality of photosensitive drums, developing means, and charging means to form color images such as two-color images, three-color images, or four-color images.

The developing cartridge includes at least a developing roller (developing member).

A process cartridge includes, as a unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a processing unit that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and is detachably mounted on the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, a process cartridge includes at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing unit as a processing unit.

The cartridge (developing cartridge and process cartridge) is detachably mounted to the main assembly by the user, so that the user can efficiently perform maintenance on the main assembly.

According to the aforementioned embodiment, the coupling can be attached and detached relative to the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft without having a mechanism for moving the main assembly-side coupling member for transmitting the rotational force in the direction of its axis. The developing roller can be rotated smoothly.

According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be removed from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus having the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus having the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

According to the above-described embodiment, the developing box can be installed on and removed from the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft relative to the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device, and the main component of the imaging device has a drive shaft.

According to the above-described embodiment, the developing box can be moved in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft to be mounted on and removed from the main component, even if the drive motor (drive gear) provided in the main component does not move in the direction of its axis.

According to the above-described embodiment, the developing roller can be rotated smoothly as compared with the case where the gear-gear engagement is adopted between the main assembly and the cartridge.

According to the above-described embodiment, removal of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and smooth rotation of the developing roller can be performed simultaneously.

According to the above-described embodiment, mounting of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and smooth rotation of the developing roller can be performed simultaneously.

According to the above-described embodiment, mounting and removal of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and smooth rotation of the developing roller can be performed simultaneously.

According to the above-described embodiments, in the developing cartridge (or the developing device of the process cartridge) positioned relative to the photosensitive drum, it is possible to reliably apply drive to the developing roller and achieve smooth rotation.

[Industrial Applicability]

As described above, in the present invention, the axis of the coupling member can be positioned at different angular positions relative to the axis of the developing roller. With this structure of the present invention, the coupling member can engage the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft disposed in the main assembly. Furthermore, the coupling member can be separated from the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to a developer cartridge, an electrophotographic imaging device using a detachably mounted developer cartridge, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging device using a detachably mounted process cartridge.

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

The present invention can be applied to a so-called contact developing system in which an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed in a state in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing roller are separated from each other.

The developing roller can rotate smoothly.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the rotational force for rotating the developing roller can be received separately from the main assembly. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the structure for receiving the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum can adopt a structure for moving the coupling along its axial direction.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not to be limited to the details set forth, and this application is intended to cover modifications or variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

1. A processing box for an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, wherein a main component of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a first main component joint and a second main component joint, the first main component joint having a first drive shaft and a first rotational force application portion disposed on the first drive shaft, the second main component joint having a second drive shaft and a second rotational force application portion disposed on the second drive shaft, wherein the processing box is capable of being installed onto the main component in an installation direction and removed from the main component in a removal direction, the installation direction and the removal direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft, the processing box comprising: i) An electrophotographic drum, which is rotatable about its drum axis and is used to carry the latent image; and ii) A first connecting member, rotatable about a first connecting axis by a first rotational force received from the first main assembly engagement, the first connecting member including a first rotational force receiving portion and a first rotational force transmitting portion, the first rotational force receiving portion being capable of engaging with a first rotational force applying portion to receive the first rotational force transmitted from the first main assembly engagement to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the first rotational force transmitting portion being used to transmit the first rotational force from the first rotational force receiving portion to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and iii) A developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic drum, the developing roller being rotatable about its roller axis; and iv) A second connecting member, rotatable about a second connecting axis by a second rotational force received from the second main assembly engagement portion, the second connecting member including a second rotational force receiving portion and a second rotational force transmitting portion, the second rotational force receiving portion engaging with a second rotational force applying portion to receive the second rotational force transmitted from the second main assembly engagement portion to the developing roller, and the second rotational force transmitting portion for transmitting the second rotational force from the second rotational force receiving portion to the developing roller. The first connecting member is movable between a first rotational force transmission position and a first tilted position. In the first rotational force transmission position, the first connecting axis is parallel to the drum axis. In the first tilted position, the first rotational force receiving portion of the first connecting axis is located downstream of the first rotational force transmission portion of the first connecting axis relative to the mounting direction. The first connecting member can engage with the first main component engagement portion by moving from the first tilted position to the first rotational force transmission position, and disengage from the first main component engagement portion by moving from the first rotational force transmission position to the first tilted position. The second connecting member is movable between a second rotational force transmission position and a second tilting position. In the second rotational force transmission position, the second connecting axis is parallel to the drum axis. In the second tilting position, the second rotational force receiving portion of the second connecting axis is located downstream of the second rotational force transmission portion of the second connecting axis relative to the installation direction. The second connecting member is able to engage with the second main component engagement portion by moving from the second tilting position to the second rotational force transmission position, and to disengage from the second main component engagement portion by moving from the second rotational force transmission position to the second tilting position. 2. The processing box according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting member surrounds the first main component joint by moving from the first inclined position to the first rotational force transmission position relative to the downstream portion of the mounting direction, and the first connecting member surrounds the first main component joint by moving from the first rotational force transmission position to the first inclined position relative to the upstream portion of the removal direction, wherein the second connecting member surrounds the second main component joint by moving from the second inclined position to the second rotational force transmission position relative to the downstream portion of the mounting direction, and the second connecting member surrounds the second main component joint by moving from the second rotational force transmission position to the second inclined position relative to the upstream portion of the removal direction. 3. The processing box according to claim 1, wherein installing the processing box causes the first connecting member to move from the first inclined position to the first rotational force transmission position and the second connecting member to move from the second inclined position to the second rotational force transmission position, and removing the processing box causes the first connecting member to move from the first rotational force transmission position to the first inclined position and the second connecting member to move from the second rotational force transmission position to the second inclined position. 4. The processing box according to claim 1, further comprising a first rotational force receiving member for receiving a first rotational force from the first connecting member and a second rotational force receiving member for receiving a second rotational force from the second connecting member, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are pivotally connected to the first rotational force receiving member and the second rotational force receiving member, respectively. 5. The processing box according to claim 4, wherein the first rotation axis of the first rotational force receiving member is substantially coaxial with the drum axis, and the second rotation axis of the second rotational force receiving member is substantially coaxial with the roller axis. 6. The processing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the first rotational force receiving member is disposed on the longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum, and the second rotational force receiving member is disposed on the longitudinal end of the developing roller. 7. The processing box according to claim 4, wherein the first rotation axis of the first rotational force receiving member is substantially coaxial with the drum axis, and the second rotation axis of the second rotational force receiving member is offset from and substantially parallel to the roller axis. 8. The processing cartridge according to claim 7 further includes another second rotational force receiving member disposed on the longitudinal end of the developing roller, wherein rotational force is transmitted from the second rotational force receiving member to the developing roller through the other second rotational force receiving member, wherein the first rotational force receiving member is disposed on the longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum. 9. The processing box according to claim 8, wherein the second rotational force receiving member engages with the other second rotational force receiving member. 10. The processing box according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting member has a first recess, the second connecting member has a second recess, wherein when the first connecting member receives the first rotational force from the first main component joint, the first recess is pressed by the free end of the first main component joint, and when the second connecting member receives the second rotational force from the second main component joint, the second recess is pressed by the free end of the second main component joint. 11. The processing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the first recess is provided with a first enlargement portion, the first enlargement portion expanding away from the first connecting axis as the distance from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum increases along the first connecting axis, wherein the first enlargement portion is pressed against the free end of the first drive shaft, and the second recess is provided with a second enlargement portion, the second enlargement portion expanding away from the second connecting axis as the distance from the developing roller increases along the second connecting axis, wherein the second enlargement portion is pressed against the free end of the second drive shaft. 12. The processing box according to claim 2, wherein, when the processing box is installed onto the main component of the electrophotographic imaging device, the first connecting member moves from the first inclined position to the first rotational force transmission position by receiving a force from the first main component joint; and when the processing box is removed from the main component of the electrophotographic imaging device, the first connecting member moves from the first rotational force transmission position to the first inclined position by receiving a force from the first main component joint; wherein, when the processing box is installed onto the main component of the electrophotographic imaging device, the second connecting member moves from the second inclined position to the second rotational force transmission position by receiving a force from the second main component joint; and when the processing box is removed from the main component of the electrophotographic imaging device, the second connecting member moves from the second rotational force transmission position to the second inclined position by receiving a force from the second main component joint. 13. The processing box according to claim 1, further comprising a first pressing member for pressing the first connecting member toward the installation direction, and a second pressing member for pressing the second connecting member toward the installation direction. 14. The processing box according to claim 13, wherein the first pressing member and the second pressing member respectively comprise a first elastic member and a second elastic member. 15. The processing box according to claim 14, wherein the first elastic member and the second elastic member respectively comprise a first spring and a second spring. 16. The processing box of claim 1, further comprising a housing including a first protrusion disposed near the first connecting member. 17. The processing box of claim 16, wherein the first protrusion has a positioning force receiving portion to receive a force from the main component, thereby positioning the processing box relative to the main component. 18. The processing box according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first protrusion has a guide portion capable of guiding the first connecting member toward the mounting direction. 19. The processing box according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the first connecting member is tiltable relative to the drum axis such that the angle between the first connecting axis and the drum axis is 20-60 degrees. 20. The processing box according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the second connecting member is tiltable relative to the roller axis such that the angle between the second connecting axis and the roller axis is 20-60 degrees. 21. The processing box according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the second connecting member is offset from the first connecting member relative to a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction. 22. The processing box according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the second connecting member is located upstream of the first connecting member relative to the mounting direction.