HK1201338B - Cartridge attachable to and detachable from electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body - Google Patents

Description

Cartridge detachably mountable to main assembly of electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an assembling method of a transmission device for a photosensitive drum, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Here, the cartridge is a device including an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process device, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

A representative example of a cartridge is a process cartridge, which is a unit integrated into a cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process device such as a developing device that can act on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and is detachably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an apparatus for forming an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming type process.

Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, and a word processor, among others.

Background Art

A device main component is known, which is not provided with the following mechanism, which is used to cause the main component side coupling part provided in the main component of the electronic photographic imaging device to transmit rotational force to a rotatable component such as an electronic photographic photosensitive drum to move along the rotation axis direction of the main component side coupling part in response to the opening and closing operation of the main component cover of the device main component.

Further, there is known a structure of a process cartridge which is detachable from the apparatus main assembly in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotatable member.

Further, there is known a structure for engaging a coupling member provided on a process cartridge with a main assembly side engaging portion.

As for the type of connection as such a rotational force transmission device, a structure is known in which a connecting member provided on an electronic photographic photosensitive drum unit can be pivoted relative to the rotation axis of the electronic photographic photosensitive drum unit so that the engaging and disengaging operations of the connecting member are accompanied by the installation and disassembly operations of the processing box relative to the main component of the device (Japanese Patent No. 4498407).

Summary of the Invention

Issues to be resolved

In the conventional structure disclosed in FIG. 103 of Japanese Patent No. 4498407, the coupling member is provided with a spherical portion for providing a pivot center and a flange having an opening with a diameter smaller than that of the spherical portion. The coupling member is prevented from detaching from the flange by contacting the inner edge of the opening with the spherical portion.

However, the inner edge of the opening may limit the pivotable angle of the coupling member.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improvement over the above-mentioned prior art structures.

An object of the present invention is to provide a transmission structure for a box, which can be removed from the main component of the device to the outside, and the main component of the device is not provided with the following mechanism, which is used to make the main component side coupling part move along the rotation axis direction of the main component side coupling part after moving along a predetermined direction basically perpendicular to the rotation axis of a rotatable member such as an electronic photographic photosensitive drum, wherein the inner edge of the opening provided in the flange is prevented from being disengaged without limiting the tiltable amount (pivotable amount) of the coupling member.

The object of the present invention is to provide a box adopting the transmission structure.

Ways to solve the problem

To achieve the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a main assembly-side rotatable engaging portion, wherein the cartridge is detachable to the outside of the apparatus main assembly after being moved in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the main assembly-side engaging portion, the cartridge comprising:

(i) a rotatable member that rotatably carries a developer;

(ii) a rotatable rotational force transmission member including an accommodating portion in an interior thereof and to which the rotational force to be transmitted to the rotatable member is transmitted;

(iii) a rotatable coupling member comprising,

(iii-i) a free end portion having a rotational force receiving portion configured to receive the rotational force from the main assembly side engaging portion,

(iii-ii) a connecting portion connected to the rotational force transmitting member and at least a portion of the connecting portion is accommodated in the accommodating portion so that the rotational axis of the coupling member can pivot relative to the rotational axis of the rotational force transmitting member to allow the rotational force receiving portion to disengage from the main assembly side engaging portion when the cartridge moves in a predetermined direction,

(iii-iii) a through hole penetrating the connecting portion;

(iv) a shaft portion capable of receiving a rotational force from the coupling member and penetrating the through hole, and supported at opposite ends thereof by the rotational force transmitting member so as to prevent the coupling member from being disengaged from the rotational force transmitting member while allowing the coupling member to pivot.

Effects of the present invention

According to the present invention, a transmission structure for a box is provided, which can be removed from the main component of the device to the outside, and the main component of the device is not provided with the following mechanism, which is used to make the main component side coupling part move along the rotation axis direction of the main component side coupling part after moving along a predetermined direction basically perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotatable member such as an electronic photographic photosensitive drum, wherein the inner edge of the opening provided in the flange is prevented from being disengaged without limiting the tiltable amount (pivotable amount) of the coupling member.

In addition, a box adopting the transmission structure is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a view showing an inclination (pivot) of a coupling member relative to a rotation axis of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a sectional view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing installation and removal of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a view of mounting and demounting of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and tilting (pivoting) movement of the coupling member according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a coupling member according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a view of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

9 is a view of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit assembled into a cleaning unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

10 is an exploded perspective view of a driving side flange unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

11 is a view of the structure of a driving side flange unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

12 is a view of an assembling method of a driving side flange unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG13 is a view showing an example of dimensions in the first embodiment of the present invention;

14 is a view of the structure of a driving side flange unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

15 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a coupling member according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG16 shows a state in which the coupling member is tilted (pivoted) about the axis of the pin in the third embodiment of the present invention;

17 shows a state in which the coupling member is tilted (pivoted) about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin in the third embodiment;

18 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a coupling member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

19 is a perspective view of a flange and a regulating member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG20 shows an assembling method for a drive-side flange unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

21 shows a method for regulating the pivotal movement of the coupling member in a state where the side flange unit is driven according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

22 is a perspective view of a driving portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

24 is a view of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit assembled into a cleaning unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG25 is a view showing an example of dimensions in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

26 is a perspective view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of a driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 29 is an enlarged sectional view of a driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to and positioned in the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 31 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to and positioned in the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to and positioned in the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 34 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 35 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 36 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 37 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 38 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 39 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 40 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 41 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 42 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 43 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 44 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 45 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 46 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 47 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 48 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 49 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 50 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 51 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 52 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 53 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 54 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 55 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 56 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion of the apparatus main assembly according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 57 is a view of the cartridge being mounted to the apparatus main assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 58 is a view of the box being installed to the main component of the device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A laser beam printer as an example of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge as an example of a cartridge usable with the laser beam printer will be described.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the process cartridge is mounted and removed from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is parallel to the rotational axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and intersects with the feeding direction of the recording material. In the longitudinal direction, the side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum that receives the rotational force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is the driving side (the coupling member 86 side in FIG. 4 ), and the non-driving side is the opposite side.

The reference numerals in the following description are used to refer to the drawings and do not limit the structures.

[Example 1]

(1) Description of the structure of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus and the imaging process:

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the main assembly A of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (apparatus main assembly A) and the process cartridge (cartridge B).

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B. FIG.

Here, the main assembly A is the portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge B.

2, the structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 2 is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology, and a cartridge B is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. When the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge B is positioned below the exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit).

In addition, below the cassette B, a sheet tray 4 that accommodates recording materials (sheets P) that are image forming subjects is provided.

Furthermore, in the main assembly A, a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a feed roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, a fixing device 9, a discharge roller 10, a discharge tray 11, and the like are provided in the following order along the feeding direction D of the sheet P. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

2 and 3 , the imaging process will be briefly described.

In response to the print start signal, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 (drum 62) as a rotatable member rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed).

The charging roller 66 supplied with a bias voltage contacts the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 .

The exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam corresponding to image information. The laser beam is projected onto the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 through an exposure window 74 in the upper surface of the cartridge B to perform scanning exposure on the outer peripheral surface.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 in accordance with the image information.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the developing unit 20 as the developing device, the developer (toner T) in the toner chamber 29 is stirred by the rotation of the feeding member 43 and fed into the toner supply chamber 28 .

The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet).

The toner T is applied to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 3 in a regulated layer thickness while being triboelectrically charged by the developing blade 42 .

The toner T is transferred onto the drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image and is visualized as a toner image. Thus, the drum rotates to carry the toner (toner image).

2, in temporal correlation with the output timing of the laser beam, the sheet P accommodated in the lower portion of the apparatus main assembly A is fed from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the feed roller pair 5b, and the feed roller pair 5c.

The sheet P is fed to a transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 by the transfer guide 6. In the transfer position, the toner images are sequentially transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet P.

The sheet P having the transferred toner image is separated from the drum 62 and fed to the fixing device 9 along the feeding guide 8. The sheet P passes through a nip formed between a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b constituting the fixing device 9.

The toner image is subjected to a pressurizing and heat fixing process by the nip portion and is fixed on the sheet P. The sheet P on which the toner image fixing process has been performed is fed to a discharge roller pair 10 and then fed to a discharge tray 11 .

3 , the drum 62 is cleaned by a cleaning blade 77 after transfer to remove residual toner from the peripheral surface in preparation for the next image forming process. The toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in a residual toner chamber 71 b of the cleaning unit 60 .

In the above, the charging roller 66 , the developing roller 32 , and the cleaning blade 77 are process members acting on the drum 62 .

(2) Description of the structure of box B:

3 and 4, the overall arrangement of the cartridge B will be described.

FIG4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge B. FIG.

The cartridge B includes a cleaning unit 60 and a developing unit 20 which are connected to each other.

The cleaning unit 60 includes a cleaning frame 71 , a drum 62 , a charging roller 66 , a cleaning blade 77 , and the like.

A coupling member 86 is provided at the drive-side end portion of the drum 62. Here, the drum 62 is rotatable about a rotation axis L1 (axis L1), which serves as the drum axis. Furthermore, the coupling member 86 is rotatable about a rotation axis L2 (axis L2), which serves as the coupling axis. The coupling member 86 is tiltable (pivotable) relative to the drum 62. In other words, the axis L2 is tiltable relative to the axis L1 (described in detail below).

On the other hand, the developing unit 20 includes a toner accommodating container 21, a closing member 22, a developing container 23, a first side member 26L, a second side member 26R, a developing blade 42, a developing roller 32, a magnetic roller 34, a feeding member 43, toner T, an urging member 46, and the like.

The cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are connected by a coupling member 75 so as to be rotatable relative to each other, thereby constituting a cartridge B.

More specifically, the developing container 23 is provided with arm portions 23aL, 23aR at two opposite ends relative to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20 (the axial direction of the developing roller 32), and the free ends of the arm portions 23aL, 23aR are provided with rotation holes 23bL, 23bR extending parallel to the developing roller 32.

Longitudinally opposite end portions of the cleaning frame 71 are provided with corresponding fitting holes 71 a for receiving the coupling members 75 .

The arm portions 23aL and 23aR are aligned with predetermined positions of the cleaning frame 71 , and the coupling member 75 is inserted into the rotation holes 23bL, 23bR and the fitting hole 71 a , whereby the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are rotatably connected around the coupling member 75 .

At this time, the urging members 46 mounted to the base portions of the arm portions 23 aL and 23 aR abut against the cleaning frame 71 , whereby the developing unit 20 is urged to the cleaning unit 60 around the coupling member 75 .

Thereby, the developing roller 32 is reliably pressed toward the drum 62 .

A predetermined gap is maintained between the developing roller 32 and the drum 62 by a ring-structured spacer (not shown) mounted at each of the opposite end portions of the developing roller 32 .

(3) Instructions for installation and removal of box B:

5 and 6, the mounting and demounting of the cartridge B relative to the main assembly A will be described.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the mounting and demounting of the cartridge B relative to the main assembly A.

Figure 6 is a view of mounting and demounting of the cartridge B relative to the main assembly A with the coupling member 86 being tilted (pivoted) moved.

The opening and closing door 13 is rotatably mounted to the main assembly A.

5 shows a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is opened. The interior of the main assembly A is provided with a main assembly side engaging portion 14, a guide rail 12, and a slider 15 as a main assembly side coupling member.

The guide rail 12 is a main assembly side guide member for guiding the cartridge B into the main assembly A.

The main assembly side engaging portion 14 includes a rotational force applying portion 14b ( FIG. 6 ). The main assembly side engaging portion 14 engages with the coupling member 86 to transmit the rotational force to the coupling member 86. The main assembly side engaging portion 14 is rotatably supported by the main assembly A. The main assembly side engaging portion 14 is supported by the main assembly A so as not to move in the direction of its rotational axis or in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. This simplifies the structure of the main assembly A.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the slider 15 is provided with an inclined surface 15 a , an apex 15 b , and an inclined surface 15 c , and is urged in the direction of X1 by an urging member 16 serving as a spring.

6, the mounting and demounting of the cartridge B relative to the main assembly A while the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) will be described.

Along the guide rail 12, the cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly A in the direction of X2 (the direction of X2 is a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L3 of the main assembly-side engaging portion 14). Then, as shown in (a1) and (b1) of Figure 6, the slider 15 is retracted in the direction of X5 by contact between the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 and the inclined surface 15a.

At this time, the position of the coupling member 86 is restricted by the contact between the free end portion 86 a thereof, the support member 76 and the slider 15 .

With the cartridge B further inserted in the X2 direction, as shown in (a2) and (b2) of Figure 6 , the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 passes through the apex 15b and contacts the inclined surface 15c.

Then, as shown in (a3) and (b3) of FIG6 , the slider 15 moves in the direction of X1, and the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) toward the downstream relative to X2 along the guide portion 76b of the support member 76.

When the cartridge B is further inserted in the direction of X2, the coupling member 86 is brought into contact with the main assembly side engaging portion 14, as shown in (a4) and (b4) of Figure 6. By this contact, the position of the coupling member 86 is regulated so that the amount of inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 gradually decreases.

When the cartridge B is inserted into the mounting completion position, the axis L1 of the drum 62, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 and the axis of the main assembly side engaging portion 14 are substantially coaxial as shown in (a5) and (b5) of Figure 6 .

Thus, by the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly side engaging portion 14 , the rotational force can be transmitted.

When the cartridge B is demounted from the main assembly A, similarly to the case of the mounting operation, the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) relative to the axis L1, whereby the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the main assembly side engaging portion 14. More specifically, the cartridge B is moved in a direction opposite to the X2 direction (the opposite direction being a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L3 of the main assembly side engaging portion 14), so that the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

In this embodiment, the slider 15 is set so that when the cartridge B is in the installation completion position, there is a space between the slider 15 and the coupling member 86. By doing so, the coupling member 86 is prevented from contacting the slider 15 and causing an increase in rotational load.

It is sufficient as long as the movement of the cartridge B in the X2 direction or in the direction opposite to the X2 direction occurs only in the vicinity of the mounting completion position, and in other positions, the cartridge B can be moved in any direction. That is, it is necessary that the coupling member 86 moves in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L3 of the main assembly side engaging portion 14 when engaging and disengaging with respect to the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

(4) Description of the connecting member 86:

7 , the coupling member 86 will be described.

FIG7(a) is a perspective view of the coupling member, and FIG7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along plane S1 of FIG7(a). FIG7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along plane S2 of FIG7(a). FIG7(d) is a view of the coupling member viewed in a direction perpendicular to plane S1 of FIG7(a).

As shown in FIG. 7 , the coupling member 86 mainly includes three parts.

The first portion is a free end portion 86 a for engaging with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 to receive a rotational force from the main assembly side engaging portion 14 .

The second portion is a substantially spherical connecting portion 86c. The connecting portion 86c is connected to a driving side flange 87, which is a rotational force transmission member.

The third portion is a connecting portion 86g between the free end portion 86a and the connecting portion 86c.

7( b ), the free end portion 86a includes an opening 86m that expands relative to the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 86. The maximum rotation radius of the free end portion 86a is larger than that of the connecting portion 86g.

The opening 86m is provided with a conical receiving surface 86f as an extension portion, which extends toward the main assembly-side engaging portion 14 side when the coupling member 86 is mounted to the main assembly A. The receiving surface 86f constitutes a recessed portion 86z. The recessed portion 86z is provided with an opening 86m (opening) at a side opposite to the side having the drum 62 in the direction of the axis L2.

As shown in FIG7(a), a plurality of protrusions 86d1 to 86d4 are provided at regular intervals on the free end side of the free end portion 86a around the axis L2. Spare portions 86k1 to 86k4 are provided between adjacent protrusions 86d1 to 86d4. Recesses 86z are located within the protrusions 86d1 to 86d4 relative to the radial direction of the coupling member 86. Recesses 86z are located within the protrusions 86d1 to 86d4 relative to the axial direction of the coupling member 86.

The intervals between adjacent ones of the projections 86d1 to 86d4 are larger than the outer diameter of the rotational force applying portion 14b so that the intervals can receive the rotational force applying portion 14b.

When the coupling member 86 waits for the rotational force to be transmitted from the main assembly side engaging portion 14, the rotational force applying portion 14b is located in one of the standby portions 86k1 to 86k4. In addition, with respect to the X3 direction in FIG. 7(a), rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 are provided downstream of the protruding portions 86d1 to 86d4, intersecting the rotational movement direction of the coupling member 86.

When the coupling member 86 is engaged with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 and the main assembly side engaging portion 14 is rotated, the rotational force applying portion 14b comes into contact with the pair of rotational force receiving portions 86e1/86e3 or the pair of rotational force receiving portions 86e2/86e4. As a result, the rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly side engaging portion 14 to the coupling member 86.

In order to stabilize the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 as much as possible, the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 are preferably arranged on the same circumference whose center is on the axis L2. By doing so, the rotational force transmission radius is constant, and thus the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 is stabilized.

In order to stabilize the position of the connecting member 86 as much as possible when the connecting member 86 receives the rotational force, it is desirable to position the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 and 86e3 at diametrically opposite positions and to position the rotational force receiving portions 86e2 and 86e4 at diametrically opposite positions (180° opposite).

In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 86d1 to 86d4 is four, but as long as the rotational force applying portion 14b can enter the backup portions 86k1 to 86k4 as described above, the number of protrusions can be appropriately changed. Thus, the case of two protrusions 86d and the case of six protrusions are within the scope of this embodiment.

Alternatively, the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 may be provided within the drive shaft receiving surface 86f. Alternatively, the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 may be provided at positions outside the drive shaft receiving surface 86f relative to the direction of the axis L2. The rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 are disposed at positions farther from the maximum rotation radius of the connecting portion 86g than from the axis L2.

7, the connecting portion 86c has a spherical shape having its center substantially on the axis L2. The maximum rotation radius of the connecting portion 86c is larger than the maximum rotation radius of the connecting portion 86g.

The connecting portion 86c is provided with a hole portion 86b, which is a through-hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2. The hole portion 86b is open in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L2. The pin 88 penetrates the hole portion 86b. The clearance provided between the hole portion 86b and the pin 88 is sufficient to allow the coupling member 86 to pivot. The cross-sectional area of the hole portion 86b is smallest adjacent to the center of the connecting portion 86c (near the axis L2). The cross-sectional area of the hole portion 86b increases as the distance from the rotation axis of the connecting portion 86c increases. With this structure, the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) in any direction relative to the drive-side flange 87. Inside the hole portion 86b (inner wall), there is provided: a rotational force transmission portion 86b1 extending in a direction intersecting the rotational motion direction of the coupling member 86; and a first anti-disengagement portion 86p1, a second anti-disengagement portion 86p2, and a third anti-disengagement portion 86p3 as anti-disengagement portions. Here, the first anti-disengagement portion 86p1 and the third anti-disengagement portion 86p3 are closest to the rotation axis of the hole portion 86b. The first anti-disengagement portion 86p1 (the portion adjacent to the axis L2) contacts the pin 88 when the axis L2 and the axis L1 are aligned with each other. The second anti-disengagement portion 86p2 is a substantially flat surface that extends outward from the connecting portion 86c from the first anti-disengagement portion 86p1. By causing the pin 88 to contact the first anti-disengagement portion 86p1, the coupling member 86 is prevented from disengaging. However, when the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots), the second anti-disengagement portion 86p2 and/or the third anti-disengagement portion 86p3 prevent disengagement by contacting the pin 88. Alternatively, the structure can be such that the second anti-disengagement portion 86p2 and/or the third anti-disengagement portion 86p3 do not contact the pin 88, and the coupling member 86 is prevented from disengaging only by the first anti-disengagement portion 86p1. As shown in FIG. 7 , the connecting portion 86 g has a barrel (or cylindrical) shape, connects the free end portion 86 a and the connecting portion 86 c , and extends substantially along the axis L2 .

In order to suppress distortion of the coupling member 86 due to the rotational load, thereby improving the rotation transmission accuracy, it is desirable to make the connecting portion 86g short and thick.

In this embodiment, the coupling member 86 is made of a resin material, such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, or PPS. However, to increase the hardness of the coupling member 86, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like may be added to the resin material, depending on the load torque. In this case, the hardness of the coupling member 86 can be enhanced. Alternatively, a metal material may be inserted into the resin material, or the entire coupling member 86 may be made of metal or the like.

The free end portion 86a, the connecting portion 86c and the connecting portion 86g can be molded integrally or can be manufactured by connecting separate parts. In this embodiment, the coupling member 86 is molded integrally by a resin material. By doing so, the manufacturing ease of the coupling member 86 and the accuracy as a part are enhanced.

(5) Description of the structure of the electronic photographic photosensitive drum unit U1:

8 and 9 , the structure of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit U1 (drum unit U1 ) will be described.

8 is a diagram of the structure of the drum unit U1 , wherein FIG8( a ) is a perspective view seen from the driving side, FIG8( b ) is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side, and FIG8( c ) is an exploded perspective view.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the drum unit U1 assembled into the cleaning unit 60 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the drum unit U1 includes a drum 62 , a driving side flange unit U2 , a non-driving side flange 64 , and a grounding plate 65 .

The drum 62 includes a conductive member made of aluminum or the like, which is coated with a surface photosensitive layer. The drum 62 may be hollow or solid.

The drive-side flange unit U2 is located at the drive-side end portion of the drum 62. More specifically, as shown in FIG8(c), in the drive-side flange unit U2, the fixed portion 87b of the drive-side flange 87 is a rotational force transmission member. This fixed portion 87b engages with the opening 62a1 at the end portion of the drum 62 and is fixed to the drum 62 by bonding and/or clamping, etc. When the drive-side flange 87 rotates, the drum 62 also rotates integrally. The drive-side flange 87 is fixed to the drum 62 so that the rotation axis, which is the flange axis of the drive-side flange 87, is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the drum 62.

Here, "substantially coaxial" covers both the case where the axes are completely aligned and the case where the axes deviate slightly due to manufacturing tolerances of components. This also applies to the following description.

Similarly, the non-drive side flange 64 is substantially coaxial with the drum 62 and is provided at the non-drive side end portion of the drum 62. The non-drive side flange 64 is made of a resin material and, as shown in FIG8(c), is fixed to the opening 62a2 of the end portion of the drum 62 by bonding and/or clamping. The non-drive side flange 64 is provided with a conductive (primarily metallic) grounding plate 65 to electrically ground the drum 62. The grounding plate 65 contacts the inner surface of the drum 62 to be electrically connected to the main assembly A.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the drum unit U1 is supported by the cleaning unit 60 .

In the driving side of the drum unit U1 , the to-be-supported portion 87 d of the driving-side flange 87 is rotatably supported by the supporting portion 76 a of the bearing member 76 as a supporting member.

The supporting member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by a screw 90. On the other hand, in the non-driving side of the drum unit U1, the bearing 64a ((b) of FIG. 8 ) of the non-driving side flange 64 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 78. The drum shaft 78 is fixed to a supporting portion 71b provided in the non-driving side of the cleaning frame 71 by press fitting.

In this embodiment, the support member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by the screws 90 , but bonding or welding using a molten resin material is also available.

The cleaning frame 71 and the supporting member 76 may be integrated with each other. In this case, the number of components can be reduced by one.

(6) Description of the drive side flange unit U2:

10 and 11 , the structure of the driving-side flange unit U2 will be described.

FIG10 is an exploded perspective view of the driving-side flange unit U2, wherein FIG10(a) is a view seen from the driving side, and FIG10(b) is a view seen from the non-driving side.

Figure 11 shows the structure of the driving side flange unit U2, wherein Figure 11 (a) is a perspective view of the driving side flange unit U2, Figure 11 (b) is a sectional view obtained along plane S2 of Figure 11 (a), and Figure 11 (c) is a sectional view obtained along plane S3 of Figure 11 (a).

FIG. 12 is a view showing an assembling method of the driving-side flange unit U2 .

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the drive-side flange unit U2 includes a coupling member 86, a pin 88, a drive-side flange 87, and a regulating member 89. The coupling member 86 engages with the main assembly-side engaging portion 14 to receive a rotational force. The pin 88 is a cylindrical or tubular shaft portion and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1. The pin 88 receives a rotational force from the coupling member 86 to transmit the rotational force to the drive-side flange 87. Furthermore, the drive-side flange 87 receives a rotational force from the pin 88 to transmit the rotational force to the drum 62. The regulating member 89 regulates and prevents the pin 88 from detaching from the drive-side flange 87.

10 , each constituent element will be described.

As described above, the coupling member 86 includes the free end portion 86a and the connecting portion 86c. The connecting portion 86c is provided with the hole portion 86b as a through hole, and the inner side or inner wall of the hole portion 86b defines: a rotational force transmission portion 86b1 for transmitting the rotational force to the pin 88; and a first separation prevention portion 86p1 that can contact the pin 88 to prevent the coupling member 86 from being separated from the driving side flange 87.

The drive-side flange 87 includes a fixing portion 87b, a receiving portion 87i, a gear portion (a helical gear or a spur gear) 87c, and a portion to be supported 87d. The fixing portion 87b is fixed to the drum 62. The receiving portion 87i is provided in the drive-side flange 87. The receiving portion 87i receives at least a portion of the connecting portion 86c of the coupling member 86. In this embodiment, the pin 88 is arranged in the receiving portion 87i. The gear portion 87c serves to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 32. The portion to be supported 87d is supported by the supporting portion 76a of the bearing member 76. These members are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62.

The driving-side flange 87 is provided with a coupling hole portion 87e extending in the direction of the axis L1 at a position offset approximately 180° about the axis L when viewed along the rotation axis L1. In other words, the hole portion 87e extends parallel to the axis L1 on the side opposite the axis L1. Furthermore, the driving-side flange 87 is provided with a pair of retaining portions 87f that project in a direction intersecting the axis L1 and covering at least a portion of the hole portion 87e when viewed along the axis L1 from the accommodating portion 87i. The driving-side flange 87 is provided with a pair of rotational force transmission portions 87g for receiving rotational force from the pin 88, as described below. The rotational force transmission portions 87g are arranged behind the retaining portions 87f when viewed along the axis L1 from the accommodating portion 87i.

Furthermore, the driving side flange 87 is provided with a longitudinal direction regulating portion 87 h for preventing the coupling member 86 from moving toward the non-driving side (longitudinally toward the inside of the drum 62 ).

In this embodiment, the driving side flange 87 is made of a resin material molded by injection molding, and the material is polyacetal, polycarbonate, etc. However, considering the load torque required for rotating the drum 62, the driving side flange 87 may be made of metal.

In this embodiment, the driving-side flange 87 is provided with a gear portion 87c for transmitting rotational force to the developing roller 32. However, the driving-side flange 87 does not necessarily rotate the developing roller 32. In this case, the gear portion 87c may be omitted. However, when the driving-side flange 87 is provided with the gear portion 87c as in this embodiment, the gear portion 87c may be molded integrally with the driving-side flange 87.

The regulating member 89 includes a disk-shaped base portion 89a and a pair of protruding portions 89b, which are arranged at positions offset by 180 degrees around the axis of the base portion and protrude from the base portion 89a substantially parallel to the axis L1. The regulating member 89 (the pair of protruding portions 89b) is inserted into the driving side flange along the direction of the axis L1 from the driven side toward the driving side.

Each of the protruding portions 89b is provided with a longitudinal direction regulating portion 89b1 and a rotation regulating portion 89b2.

11 , a supporting method and a connecting method of the constituent elements will be described.

The pin 88 is regulated in its position along the longitudinal direction (axis L1) of the drum 62 by the retaining portion 87f and the longitudinal direction regulating portion 89b1, and is regulated in its position relative to the rotational movement direction of the drum 62 by the rotational force transmitting portion 87g and the rotation regulating portion 89b2. In this manner, the pin 88 is supported (retained) by the driving-side flange 87 and the regulating member 89. In other words, the opposite ends of the pin 88 are retained by the protruding portion 89b, the retaining portion 87f, and the free end portion of the rotational force transmitting portion 87g.

The movement of the coupling member 86 in a direction perpendicular to the axis L1 of the drive-side flange 87 is restricted by the contact of the connecting portion 86c with the accommodating portion 87i. Movement from the drive side toward the non-drive side is restricted by the contact of the connecting portion 86c with the longitudinal direction regulating portion 87h. Movement of the coupling member 86 from the non-drive side toward the drive side is restricted by contact between the first anti-detachment portion 86p1 and the pin 88. In this manner, the coupling member 86 is connected to the drive-side flange 87 and the pin 88.

12 , an assembling method for the driving-side flange unit U2 will be described.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 12 , the pin 88 is inserted into a hole portion 86b that is a through hole of the coupling member 86. As shown in (a) of FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12( b ), opposite end portions (along the axis L1 ) of the pin 88 are inserted into the hole portions 87 e of the driving-side flange 87 .

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12( c ), the coupling member 86 and the pin 88 rotate about the axis L (X4 direction) of the driving side flange 87 , whereby opposite end portions of the pin 88 move to the rear of the retaining portion 87 f .

As shown in (d) of FIG. 12 , the protruding portions 89 b of the regulating member 89 are inserted into the corresponding hole portions 87 e , and in this state, the regulating member 89 is welded or bonded to the driving-side flange 87 .

(7) Description of the tilting (pivoting) action of the coupling member 86:

1 , the tilting (pivoting) action of the coupling member 86 will be described.

FIG1 is a view showing the coupling member 86 (including the axis L2) tilted (pivoted) relative to the axis L1. FIG1 (a1) and FIG1 (a2) are perspective views of the coupling member 86 in the tilted (pivoted) state, FIG1 (b1) is a cross-sectional view taken along plane S4 of FIG1 (a1), and FIG2 (b2) is a cross-sectional view taken along plane S5 of FIG1 (a2).

1 , the tilting (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 about the center of the connecting portion 86 c will be described.

As shown in (a1) and (b1) of Figure 1, the connecting member 86 can be tilted (pivoted) relative to the axis L1 around the center of the spherical shape of the connecting portion 86c and the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 86a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the supporting member 76.

In addition, as shown in (a2) and (b2) of Figure 1, the connecting member 86 can be tilted (pivoted) around the center of the spherical shape of the connecting portion 86c and an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 86a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the supporting member 76.

Furthermore, by combining tilting (pivoting) about the axis of the pin 88 and tilting (pivoting) about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 , the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) in a direction different from the above-described direction.

Thus, the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. Thus, the coupling member 86 can tilt (pivot) in any direction relative to the axis L1. Furthermore, the coupling member 86 can swing in any direction relative to the axis L1. Furthermore, the coupling member 86 can swivel in substantially all directions relative to the axis L1. Here, swivel of the coupling member 86 refers to the rotation of the tilted (pivoted) axis L2 about the axis L1.

13 , an example of the dimensions of the components in this embodiment will be described.

As shown in (a1) of FIG. 13 , the diameter of the free end portion 86a is , the ball diameter of the connecting portion 86c is , and the diameter of the connecting portion 86g is .

In addition, the diameter of the spherical shape of the free end portion of the main assembly side engaging portion 14 is Z5 and the length of the rotational force applying portion 14b is Z5.

As shown in (a2) of FIG. 13 , the diameter of the pin 88 is

As shown in (b1) and (b2) of FIG. 13 , the connecting member 86 can tilt (pivot) around the axis of the pin 88 by an angle of θ1 and can tilt (pivot) around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 by an angle of θ2.

Then, for example, Z5 = 14.1 mm, θ1 = θ2 = 36.8°.

With these dimensions, it has been confirmed that the coupling member 86 can be engaged with the main assembly side engaging portion 14. It has also been confirmed that the coupling member 86 can be disengaged from the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

These dimensions are examples, and there are dimensions that can be used to achieve the same action, so the present invention is not limited to these dimensions.

As described above and shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the pin 88 is restricted in its position along the longitudinal direction by the retaining portion 87f and the longitudinal direction regulating portion 89b1, and is restricted in its position along the rotational movement direction by the rotational force transmission portion 87g and the rotation regulating portion 89b2 (Figure 10), and the pin 88 is supported by the driving side flange 87 and the regulating member 89.

In addition, the movement of the coupling member 86 is restricted in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the driving side flange 87 by the contact between the connecting portion 86c and the accommodating portion 87i. In addition, the movement of the coupling member 86 is restricted in the direction from the driving side toward the non-driving side by the contact between the connecting portion 86c and the longitudinal direction regulating portion 87h. In addition, the movement of the coupling member 86 is restricted in the direction from the non-driving side toward the driving side by the contact between the first disengagement preventing portion 86p1 and the pin 88.

In this way, the coupling member 86 is connected with the driving side flange 87 and the pin 88 .

By doing so, the coupling member 86 is prevented from being disengaged from the driving-side flange 87 by the inner edge of the opening of the rotational force transmission member 87 without limiting the tiltable (pivotable) angular range of the coupling member 86 .

In the structure of this embodiment, the configuration of the drive side flange 87 provides a relief for the connecting portion 86g of the coupling member 86 in the tilted (pivoted) state. Therefore, the tiltable (pivotable) angular range of the coupling member 86 can be increased compared to the conventional structure, and the design tolerance is enhanced.

In addition, since the tiltable (pivotable) angular range of the coupling member 86 can be increased, the length of the connecting portion 86g measured along the axis L2 can be reduced. This increases the rigidity or hardness of the coupling member 86, and thus, suppresses twisting of the coupling member 86, thereby enhancing the accuracy of rotation transmission.

Instead of increasing the tiltable (pivotable) angular range of the coupling member 86, the connecting portion 86g may be thickened by a corresponding amount. In this case, the rigidity of the coupling member 86 is high, and therefore, distortion can be suppressed and rotation transmission accuracy is enhanced.

In the above description, the functions, materials, structures, and relative positions of constituent elements of this embodiment do not limit the present invention.

[Example 2]

Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For this embodiment, the parts different from the above embodiment will be described in detail. The materials, constructions, etc. in this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified. For the common structures, the same reference numerals and characters are used, and their detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the structure for connecting the coupling member 86 with the driving side flange 287 and the pin 88 is similar to that in Embodiment 1.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the regulating member 89 is not employed, but the pin 88 is supported only by the driving-side flange 287 .

14 , the structure in which the pin 88 is supported by the driving-side flange 287 will be described.

FIG. 14( a ) is a perspective view of a state before the coupling 86 and the pin 88 are assembled to the driving-side flange 287 .

14( b ) is a perspective view of the drive-side flange unit after assembly, FIG. 14( c ) is a sectional view taken along plane S6 of FIG. 14( b ), and FIG. 14( d ) is a sectional view taken along plane S7 of FIG. 14( b ).

As shown in FIG14(a), the driving side flange 287 is provided with a pair of recessed portions 287k arranged 180 degrees out of phase about its rotation axis. In other words, the recessed portions 287k are recessed at positions opposite to each other along the axis L1 in the direction from the accommodating portion 287i toward the drum 62.

When the pin 88 is in the hole portion 86b of the connecting member 86, the opposite end portions of the pin 88 are inserted into the recess 287k and fixed to the entrance of the recess 287k by heat clamping and/or injecting resin material, etc. to establish a retaining portion 287m (Figure 14 (b)).

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14( b ), FIG. 14 ( c ), and FIG. 14 ( d ), the pin 88 is restricted in position by the recessed portion 287 k and the retaining portion 287 m , thereby being supported by the driving side flange 287 .

As described above, in this embodiment, the pin 88 is supported only by the driving side flange 287 without using the regulating member 89. This embodiment is effective for reducing the number of components, thereby reducing costs.

[Example 3]

Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For this embodiment, the parts different from the above embodiment will be described in detail. The materials, construction, etc. in this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified. For the common structure, the same reference numerals and characters are used, and their detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, similarly to the above embodiments, the coupling member is tiltable (pivotable) in substantially all directions relative to the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62 .

This embodiment differs from the above embodiments in the construction of the connecting member, wherein the center of the sphere of the connecting portion of the connecting member can move in the direction of the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62, and the maximum outer diameter circumference of the connecting portion can move from the inner side of the accommodating portion 87i of the drive side flange toward the outer side.

15 , the configuration of the coupling member 386 of this embodiment will be described.

FIG15(a) is a perspective view of the coupling member, and FIG15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane S1 of FIG15(a).

As shown in (b) of FIG. 15 , the coupling member 386 of this embodiment is provided with a first separation preventing portion 386 p 1 and a second separation preventing portion 386 p 2 at a position farther from the free end portion 386 a than in the above embodiment.

In addition, as shown in (a) of FIG. 15 , the third separation prevention portion 386 p 3 is a substantially flat surface, and is positioned at a greater distance from the center of the connection portion 386 c than in the above embodiment.

16 and 17 , the following movement will be described, wherein the coupling member 386 tilts (pivots) relative to the axis L1 while the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion 386c protrudes (disengages) from the accommodating portion 87i, and the coupling member 386 moves in the direction of the axis L1.

16 shows a state in which the coupling member 386 tilts (pivots) about the axis of the pin 88 relative to the axis L1 , and FIG. 17 shows a state in which the coupling member 386 tilts (pivots) about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 .

Referring first to FIG. 16 , the behavior of the coupling member 386 tilting (pivoting) about the axis of the pin 88 relative to the axis L1 will be described.

16 (a), similar to the above embodiment, when the coupling member 386 is pushed by the slider 15, the coupling member 386 tilts (pivots) around the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 386a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the support member 76.

At this time, the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion 386c is within the accommodating portion 87i, so the coupling member 386 cannot move in the direction perpendicular to the axis L1 due to contact between the connecting portion 386c and the accommodating portion 87i.

With the configuration of the coupling member 386 of this embodiment, there is a gap between the pin 88 and the third separation preventing portion 386 p 3 of the coupling member 386 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 16( b ), the coupling member 386 moves in the direction of the axis L1 (the X5 direction) until the third separation preventing portion 386 p 3 contacts the pin 88 .

Then, a gap is created between the free end portion 386 a and the rotation regulating portion 76 c of the support member 76 .

As shown in FIG. 16( c ), the coupling member 386 further tilts (pivots) about the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 386 a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76 c of the support member 76 .

In addition, by moving in the X5 direction, the position of the spherical center of the connecting portion 386c moves toward the driving side beyond the end portion of the accommodating portion 87i of the driving side flange 87. That is, the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion 386c protrudes (leaves) outside the accommodating portion 87i.

Then, the gap (play) between the connecting portion 386c and the accommodating portion 87i increases.

As shown in (d) of FIG. 16 , the coupling member 386 moves in the direction X6 until the connecting portion 386 c contacts the accommodating portion 87 i .

Then, a gap is again created between the free end portion 386a and the rotation regulating portion 76c of the support member 76. As a result, as shown in FIG16(e), the coupling member 386 further tilts (pivots) about the axis of the pin 88 relative to the axis L1 until the free end portion 386a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the support member 76.

17 , the behavior of the coupling member 386 tilting (pivoting) relative to the axis L1 about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 will be described.

As shown in (a) of Figure 17, similar to the above embodiment, when the connecting member 386 is pushed by the sliding member 15, the connecting member 386 tilts (pivots) around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 386a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the supporting member 76.

At this time, the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion 386c is within the accommodating portion 87i, so the coupling member 386 cannot move in the direction perpendicular to the axis L1 due to contact between the connecting portion 386c and the accommodating portion 87i.

With the configuration of the coupling member 386 of this embodiment, there is a gap between the pin 88 and the first separation prevention portion 386 p 1 of the coupling member 386 .

As shown in FIG. 17( b ) , the coupling member 386 moves in the direction of the axis L1 ( X7 direction) until the first regulating portion 386 p 1 contacts the pin 88 .

Then, a gap is created between the free end portion 386 a and the rotation regulating portion 76 c of the support member 76 .

As shown in FIG. 17C , the coupling member 386 tilts (pivots) relative to the axis L1 about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 386a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the support member 76.

Similar to the movement along the X5 direction shown in FIG16 , by the movement along the X7 direction, the position of the spherical center of the connecting portion 386 c moves toward the driving side beyond the end portion of the receiving portion 87 i of the driving side flange 87. That is, the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion 386 c protrudes (leaves) outside the receiving portion 87 i.

Then, similarly to (c) of Figure 16 , the gap (play) between the connecting portion 386c and the accommodating portion 87i increases. Since this gap (play) is behind the pin 88, this is not shown in Figure 17 .

As shown in (d) of FIG. 17 , the coupling member 386 moves in the direction X8 until the connecting portion 386 c contacts the accommodating portion 87 i .

Then, a gap is created between the free end portion 386a and the rotation regulating portion 76c of the support member 76 again.

17( e ), the coupling member 386 further tilts (pivots) relative to the axis L1 about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 386a contacts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the support member 76.

In short, it is sufficient that the connecting portion 386c is at least partially accommodated in the accommodation portion 87i with clearance (play) so that the coupling member 386 is movable in the direction of the axis L1.

By doing so, with the structure of this embodiment, the tiltable (pivotable) range of the coupling member 386 can be made larger than that in the above embodiments, and thus the design latitude is further enhanced.

Furthermore, since the tiltable (pivotable) angular range of the coupling member 386 is greater than that of the above embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 386g measured along the axis L32 can be further reduced. This further enhances the rigidity of the coupling member 386, thereby further suppressing twisting and further improving the accuracy of rotation transmission.

Instead of increasing the tiltable (pivotable) angular range of the coupling member 386, the connecting portion 386g may be thickened by a corresponding amount. In this case, the rigidity of the coupling member 386 is further enhanced, distortion is further suppressed, and rotation transmission accuracy is further improved.

[Example 4]

Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

For this embodiment, the parts different from the above embodiment will be described in detail. The materials, construction, etc. in this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified. For the common structure, the same reference numerals and characters are used, and their detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, similarly to the above embodiments, the coupling member is tiltable (pivotable) in substantially all directions relative to the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62 .

This embodiment is different from the above embodiments in the configuration of the coupling member, the configuration of the driving-side flange, and the configuration of the regulating member.

18 , the configuration of the coupling member 486 of this embodiment will be described.

Figure 18(a) is a perspective view of the connecting member 486, Figure 18(b) is a sectional view taken along plane S9 of Figure 18(a), and Figure 18(c) is a sectional view taken along plane S10 of Figure 18(a).

As shown in FIG. 18 , the coupling member 486 of this embodiment is provided with a hole portion 486i which is a through hole (first hole portion) penetrating from the rotational force receiving portions 486e1 to 486e4 side to the hole portion 486b (through hole) in the direction of the axis L42.

The coupling member 486 is provided with a rib 486n extending in a direction intersecting the axis L42 within the hole portion 486i.

In addition, the connecting member 486 is provided with a pivot regulating portion 486r at an end portion opposite to the rotational force receiving portions 486e1 to 486e4 in the direction relative to the axis L42. The pivot regulating portion 486r is a recessed portion of a substantially spherical shape formed in the connecting portion 486c.

The pivot regulating portion 486r is a flat surface.

19, the configuration of the driving side flange 487 and the configuration of the regulating member 489 of this embodiment will be described.

19( a ) and 19 ( b ) are perspective views of the driving side flange 487 and the regulating member 489 .

19, the driving side flange 487 is provided with a hole portion 487p which is a flange through hole (second hole portion) penetrating in the axial direction to the side opposite to the accommodation portion 487i. The regulating member 489 is provided with a hole portion 489c penetrating in the axial direction thereof.

20 , an assembling method for the driving-side flange unit U2 will be described.

FIG. 20( a ) to FIG. 20 ( c ) are views for an assembling method of the driving-side flange unit U 42 .

As shown in FIG20( a), as the coupling member 486 is indexed and rotated relative to the first assembly jig about the axis L42, the hole portion 486i of the coupling member 486 is inserted into the first assembly jig 91. Then, the phase regulating portion 91a and the rib 486n of the first assembly jig engage with each other so that the phase of the coupling member 486 relative to the first assembly jig can be regulated.

Then, as shown in FIG20( b ), the pin 88 penetrates the hole portion 486 b of the coupling member 486 (shaft portion insertion step). Then, the pin 88 is held by being clamped between the first anti-detachment portion 486 p 1 of the coupling member 486 and the holding portion 91 b of the first assembly jig (shaft portion supporting process).

20( c ), similarly to Embodiment 1, both the end portions of the coupling member 486 and the pin 88 are inserted into the receiving portion of the drive-side flange 487. At this time, the opposite end portions of the pin 88 are inserted into the hole portions 487 e of the drive-side flange 487.

With the structure of the present invention, in the step of penetrating the pin 88 through the hole portion 486b of the connecting member 486 shown in (b) of Figure 20, the phase of the connecting member 486 is determined, so that the pin 88 can reliably pass through the hole portion 486b in the same direction.

In the state shown in FIG20(c) where the pin 88 is held together with the coupling member 486 (coupling member insertion step), the opposite end portions of the pin 88 are inserted into the hole portions 487e of the drive-side flange 487, and the pin 88 is held by the first anti-detachment portion 486p1 and the retaining portion 91b. Therefore, the positional deviation and/or detachment of the pin 88 can be prevented.

The assembly performance of the driving side flange unit U42 is better than that of the above embodiments.

21 , a method of restricting the pivotal movement of the coupling member 486 of the driving-side flange unit U42 will be described.

FIG. 21( a ) is a cross-sectional view of the driving-side flange unit U42 , and FIG. 21( b ) and FIG. 21 ( c ) are cross-sectional views of modified examples of the driving-side flange unit U42 .

In the state of the driving side flange unit 1242, the second assembly jig 92 is inserted into the hole portion 487p, and the flat surface structure pressing portion 92a is pressed against the pivot regulating portion 486r, so that the axis L42 of the coupling member 486 and the axis of the driving side flange 487 can be kept aligned with each other. In other words, the pivotal movement of the coupling member 486 can be regulated.

Thus, with the driving-side flange unit U42 , during transportation, the coupling member 486 is prevented from being damaged due to positional changes caused by the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 486 by interference of the coupling member 486 with the assembling device.

The assembly performance of the driving side flange unit U42 is better than that of the above embodiments.

The configuration of the pivot regulating portion 486r and the configuration of the pushing portion 92a may be such that the pivot regulating portion 486r has a concave conical surface and the pushing portion 92a has a conical shape, as shown in (b) of FIG. 21 .

The configuration of the pivot regulating portion 486r and the configuration of the pushing portion 92a may be such that the pivot regulating portion 486r has a conical surface and the pushing portion 92a is a concave conical surface, as shown in (c) of FIG. 21 .

The configuration of the pivot regulating portion 486 r can be freely selected as long as the pivot regulating portion 486 r is more recessed than portions other than the substantially spherical connecting portion 486 c , and the pivotal movement of the coupling member 486 can be regulated by being pushed by the second assembling jig 92 .

[Example 5]

In Examples 1 to 4, during the installation operation of the process cartridge into the apparatus main assembly, the coupling member is held by an upper guide fixed to the process cartridge and a movable lower guide provided in the apparatus main assembly, so that the coupling member is tilted toward the downstream relative to the installation direction. This is the same as disclosed in FIG. 80 of Patent Specification 1.

With this configuration, during installation and removal, the position of the upper guide member fixed to the process cartridge may change depending on the posture of the cartridge. If this occurs, the tilting direction of the coupling member may deviate slightly.

Therefore, there is a need to enhance the dimensional accuracy of the constituent elements so that the coupling member can be engaged with the main assembly side engaging portion even when the cartridge is tilted during mounting and demounting.

This embodiment further improves this structure and provides an electronic photographic imaging device, in which the connecting member provided on the electronic photographic photosensitive drum is engaged with the main component side engaging portion provided in the main component while tilting the connecting member, and the connecting member and the main component side engaging portion can be further stably engaged with each other.

To achieve this, this embodiment provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, the apparatus comprising:

(i) an apparatus main assembly including a rotatable main assembly side engaging portion;

(ii) a cartridge mountable to the apparatus main assembly in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the main assembly side engaging portion, the cartridge comprising (ii-i) a rotatable member and (ii-ii) a coupling member rotatable to receive a rotational force for rotating the rotatable member from the main assembly side engaging portion, the coupling member being pivotable relative to the rotational axis of the rotatable member;

(iii) a first guide and a second guide, wherein the first guide and the second guide are arranged in the main component of the device, and during the installation operation of the box, by clamping the connecting member between the first guide and the second guide, at least one of the guides can be moved to pivot the connecting member toward the downstream relative to the installation direction of the box.

According to this embodiment, an electronic photographic imaging device can be provided, in which the connecting member provided on the electronic photographic photosensitive drum is engaged with the main component side engaging portion provided in the main component while tilting the connecting member, and the connecting member and the main component side engaging portion can be further stably engaged with each other.

This embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of box B according to this embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a view showing the drum unit U1 incorporated into the cleaning unit 60 according to this embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a view in which the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) relative to the axis L1 .

This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in part of the shape of the support member 76. More specifically, unlike Embodiment 1, the guide portion 76b is not provided, and the coupling member 86 can freely swing upward (pivot). This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1 in other respects. The support member 76 is provided with a cylindrical portion 76d coaxial with the drum unit U1.

The mounting and demounting of the cartridge B relative to the main assembly A in this embodiment will be described.

Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the installation and removal of the box B to the main component A.

As shown in Figure 26, the main assembly A is provided with a rotatable opening and closing door 13. When the door 13 is opened, a main assembly side engaging portion 14, a first guide rail 12a, a second guide rail 12b, a lower guide 300a as a first guide (fixed guide), and an upper guide 310 as a second guide (movable guide) are provided on the driving side.

The first guide rail 12a and the second guide rail 12b function to guide the cartridge B into the main assembly A. Specifically, the first guide rail 12a constitutes a movement path for the coupling member 86 when the cartridge B is mounted to or demounted from the apparatus main assembly.

In addition, the main assembly side engaging portion 14 is provided with a rotational force applying portion 14b (Figure 22) which engages with the coupling member 86 to transmit the rotational force to the coupling member 86. The main assembly side engaging portion 14 is rotatably supported by the main assembly A so that the main assembly side engaging portion 14 is immovable in the direction of the rotation axis and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

After the door 13 of the main assembly A is opened, the cartridge B can be mounted in the direction of arrow X1 in the figure.

22 and 27 to 29, the structure of the cartridge driving portion of the main assembly A will be described.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the driving portion of the main assembly A, Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of the driving portion, Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion, and Figure 29 is a sectional view taken along a plane S6 of Figure 28.

The cartridge driving portion includes the main assembly side engaging portion 14, the side plate 350, the holder 300, the driving gear 355, and the like.

As shown in Figure 29, the drive shaft 14a of the main assembly side engaging portion 14 is non-rotatably fixed to the drive gear 355 by means (not shown). Therefore, when the drive gear 355 rotates, the main assembly side engaging portion 14 also rotates. In addition, the opposite end portions of the drive shaft 14a are rotatably supported by the bearings 354 and the support portions 300d of the holder 300.

As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the motor 352 is provided on the second side plate 351, and its rotation shaft is provided with a pinion 353. The pinion 353 is engaged with the driving gear 355. Therefore, when the motor 352 rotates, the driving gear 355 rotates to rotate the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

The second side plate 351 and the retainer 300 are respectively fixed to the side plate 350 .

As shown in Figures 22 and 27, the guide member 320 is provided with a cartridge guide portion 320f and a coupling guide portion 320g constituting the first guide rail 12a, and the second guide rail 12b. The guide member 320 is also fixed to the side plate 350.

As shown in Figure 28, the retainer 300 is provided with a lower guide 300a as a first guide (fixed guide), a rotating shaft 300b, and a stopper 300c. The rotating shaft 300b is provided with a rotatable upper guide 310 as a second guide (movable guide), and the rotating shaft 300b is urged in the direction of arrow N in the figure (Figure 28) by a pressing spring 315 as a pressing member (elastic member). The upper guide 310 contacts the stopper 300c to determine its position relative to the direction of arrow N in the figure. At this time, the position of the upper guide 310 is the so-called "operating position." The lower guide 300a is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the upper guide 310.

With reference to Figures 30 to 32, the installation and positioning of cartridge B with respect to the main assembly A will be described. For ease of understanding, Figures 30 and 31 show only the components necessary for positioning. While the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted), cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A. Figures 30 to 32 are views of the main assembly A as viewed from the outside, with cartridge B being mounted to the main assembly A.

As shown in FIG30 , the guide member 320 is provided with a pull spring 356. The pull spring 356 is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 320 c of the guide member 320, and its position is fixed by stoppers 320 d and 320 e. At this time, the operating portion 356 a of the pull spring 356 is urged in the direction of arrow J in the figure.

As shown in Figure 30, when the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A, the cylindrical portion 76d (Figure 24) of the cartridge B is along the first guide rail 12a, and the rotation stopper boss 71c (Figure 24) of the cartridge B is along the second guide rail 12b. At this time, the cartridge is mounted so that the cylindrical portion 76d of the cartridge B contacts the cartridge guide portion 320f of the guide member 320, and so that the coupling member 86 contacts the coupling guide member 320g.

31 , the cylindrical portion 76d of the cartridge B contacts the operating portion 356a of the pull spring 356. By doing so, the operating portion 356a is elastically deformed in the direction of arrow H in the figure.

After this, box B is installed to a predetermined position (installation completion position) (Figure 32). At this time, the cylindrical portion 76d of box B contacts the positioning portion 320a of the guide member 320. Similarly, the rotation stopper boss 71c of box B contacts the positioning surface 320b of the guide member 320. Like this, the position of box B is determined relative to the main assembly A.

At this time, the operating portion 356a of the pulling spring 356 pushes the cylindrical portion 76d of the cartridge B in the direction of arrow G in the figure, and ensures contact between the cylindrical portion 76d of the cartridge B and the positioning portion 320a of the guide member 320. By this, the cartridge B is correctly positioned relative to the main assembly A.

33 to 40, there will be described mounting of the cartridge B with the main assembly A while the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). For ease of understanding, only components necessary for tilting (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 are shown.

Figures 33 to 40 illustrate the process of mounting the cartridge B to the main assembly A. Figures 33 to 40(b) are schematic diagrams of the mounting process as viewed from the outside (side surface) of the main assembly A, and Figures 33 to 40(a) are schematic diagrams taken in the direction of arrow M in Figure 33(b). For better illustration, some parts are omitted.

Figure 33 shows the start state of mounting the cartridge B to the main assembly A. At this time, the coupling member 86 is tilted downward due to gravity. At this time, at least a portion of the upper guide 310 enters the movement path of the coupling member 86 (operating position).

Figure 34 shows a state thereafter, in which, when the cartridge B is inserted in the direction of arrow X2 in the figure, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 is brought into contact with the first guide portion 300a1 of the lower guide 300a of the holder 300. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) opposite to the mounting direction.

Figure 35 shows a state thereafter, wherein, when the box B is further inserted along the direction X2, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 contacts the second guide portion 300a2 of the lower guide 300a, whereby the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) along the arrow X3 direction in the figure. That is, the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) toward the upper guide 310.

At this time, the coupling member 86 performs a pivoting motion, and the axis L2 pivots to be substantially aligned with the axis L1 when viewed from the top ( FIG. 35( a ) ).

More specifically, in the movement from the state of FIG. 34 to the state of FIG. 35 , the coupling member 86 achieves a tilting (pivoting) movement along the X3 direction and also achieves a tilting (pivoting) movement toward the downstream relative to the direction X2.

Therefore, even when the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) upstream (opposite to the direction X2) relative to the mounting direction ( FIG. 34 ) due to friction with another member or the like, the coupling member 86 is tilted downstream relative to the direction X2 by contact with the second guide portion 300a2 of the lower guide 300a, thereby aligning the axis L2 with the axis L1. In other words, when viewed from the top, the coupling member 86 is moved by contact with the second guide portion 300a2, thereby reducing the amount of inclination of the axis L2 relative to the axis L1.

Figure 36 shows a state in which the cartridge B has been further inserted in the direction X2. In this state, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 contacts the upper guide 310. By this contact, the upper guide 310 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Q in the figure against the spring urging force in the direction of the arrow N in the figure. As a result, the upper guide 310 is in a retracted position in which it is away from the movement path of the coupling member 86.

Figure 37 shows a state in which box B has been further inserted along the direction X2. In this state, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is clamped between the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide 300a and the operating surface 310a of the upper guide 310. At this time, the free end portion 86a receives a pushing force at the operating surface 310a of the upper guide 310. Here, the component of the pushing force F1 along the direction parallel to the third guide portion 300a3 is the component force F12. By the component force F12, the connecting member 86 is completely tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream relative to the installation direction (X2). In other words, the upper guide 310 is restored to the operating position from the retracted position by the elastic force of the push spring 315, and the connecting member 86 is tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream relative to the installation direction (X2 direction).

Figure 39 shows a state in which the cartridge B has been further inserted in the direction X2. In this state, the opening 86m of the coupling member 86 is about to cover the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

Figure 40 shows a state in which the cartridge B reaches the mounting completion position due to further insertion of the cartridge B. At this time, the axis L1 of the drum 62, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, and the axis of the main assembly side engaging portion 14 are substantially coaxial with each other.

Thus, by the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly side engaging portion 14 , the rotational force can be transmitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the connecting member 86 is tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream relative to the installation direction (direction X2), force is applied to the connecting member 86 through the lower guide member 300a provided in the main component A and the upper guide member 310 provided in the main component A.

Therefore, even if the cartridge B moves in the guide rail in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction or the cartridge B rotates about the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62, the coupling member 86 is inclined in substantially the same direction relative to the main assembly A. In other words, the coupling member 86 tends to assume and maintain substantially the same proper posture relative to the main assembly A, regardless of the posture of the cartridge B during the mounting process.

Thus, stable engagement of the coupling member 86 with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 can be achieved.

In addition, during the mounting operation of the box B, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is pivoted upward (X3 direction) by contacting the lower guide 300a, and in addition, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is pivoted toward the downstream relative to the direction X2.

Thus, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 is pivoted in advance to approach the axis L1 of the drum 62 , and therefore, the amount of pivoting of the coupling member 86 from the upper guide 310 toward the downstream with respect to the direction X2 by the urging force F1 can be reduced.

That is, the upper guide 310 as a movable member may be reduced in size.

By doing so, design tolerances are improved, components can be reduced in size, and costs can be reduced.

When the cartridge B is demounted from the main assembly A, the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) in the opposite direction relative to the axis L1 so as to disengage the coupling member 86 from the main assembly side engaging portion 14 .

In this embodiment, when the cartridge B is in the mounting completion position, the upper guide 310 is spaced apart from the coupling member 86. By doing so, an increase in the rotational load of the coupling member 86 due to contact between the coupling member 86 and the upper guide 310 is prevented.

In the above description, the functions, materials, configurations, and relative positions of the components of this embodiment do not limit the present invention. The apparatus main assembly of this embodiment can be used together with the coupling members and rotational force transmission members of Embodiments 2 to 4.

[Example 6]

Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The parts different from Example 5 will be described in detail. The materials, configurations, etc. of this embodiment are similar to those of Example 5 unless otherwise specified. For the common structures, the same reference numerals and characters are used, and their detailed description is omitted.

This embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 41. Figure 41 is an enlarged view of a portion of the driving portion. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the structure of the main assembly A for tilting (pivoting) the coupling member 86.

As shown in Figure 41, the holder 340 includes an upper guide 340a, a rotating shaft 340b, and a stopper 340c. The rotating shaft 340b is provided with a rotatable lower guide 360 as a second guide (movable guide). This lower guide 360 is urged by a spring (not shown) in the direction indicated by arrow K in the figure. At this point, the lower guide 360 contacts the stopper 340c, thereby determining the position of the lower guide 360 relative to the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The upper guide 340a has a protrusion that projects toward the lower guide 360.

42 to 48 , the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A while the coupling member 86 is tilted. Figures 42 to 48 illustrate the process of mounting the cartridge B to the main assembly A. (b) of Figures 42 to 48 is a schematic diagram of the mounting process as viewed from the outside (side surface) of the main assembly A, and (a) of Figures 42 to 48 is a schematic diagram taken along the direction of arrow M in (b) of Figure 42 . For better illustration, some parts are omitted.

Figure 42 shows the start state of mounting the cartridge B to the main assembly A. At this time, the coupling member 86 is tilted downward. At this time, a portion of the lower guide 360 is in the movement path (operating position) of the coupling member 86.

Figure 43 shows a state after this, wherein the cartridge B is inserted in the direction of arrow X2 in the figure. That is, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 contacts the first guide portion 340a1 of the upper guide piece 340a of the retainer 340. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is tilted in the direction opposite to the installation direction.

Figure 44 shows a state after this, in which, when the cartridge B is further inserted in the direction X2, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 contacts the second guide portion 340a2 of the upper guide 340a, so that the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) in the direction indicated by the arrow X4 in the figure. That is, the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) toward the lower guide 360 (downward).

At this time, the coupling member 86 performs a pivoting motion, and the axis L2 is pivoted to be substantially aligned with the axis L1 when viewed from the top ( FIG. 44( a ) ).

More specifically, in the movement from the state of FIG. 43 to the state of FIG. 44 , the coupling member 86 achieves movement of tilting (pivoting) along the X4 direction, and also achieves movement of tilting (pivoting) toward the downstream relative to the direction X2.

Therefore, even when the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) upstream (opposite to the direction X2) relative to the mounting direction due to friction with another member, etc., the coupling member 86 is tilted downstream relative to the direction X2 by contact with the second guide portion 340a2 of the upper guide 340a, thereby aligning the axis L2 with the axis L1. In other words, when viewed from the top, the coupling member 86 moves by contact with the second guide portion 340a2, thereby reducing the amount of inclination of the axis L2 relative to the axis L1.

Figure 45 shows a state in which box B has been further inserted along direction X2. That is, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is clamped between the third guide portion 340a3 of the upper guide 340a and the operating surface 360a of the lower guide 360. At this time, the free end portion 86a receives the pushing force F2 from the operating surface 360a of the lower guide 360. At this time, the component of the pushing force F2 along the direction parallel to the third guide portion 340a3 is the component force F22. By the component force F22, the connecting member 86 is completely tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream relative to the installation direction (X2). In other words, the lower guide 360 is restored to the operating position from the retracted position by the elastic force, and the connecting member 86 is tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream relative to the installation direction (direction X2).

Figure 47 shows a state in which the cartridge B has been further inserted in the direction X2. In this state, the opening 86m of the coupling member 86 is about to cover the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

Figure 48 shows a state in which the cartridge B reaches the mounting completion position due to further insertion of the cartridge B. At this time, the axis L1 of the drum 62, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, and the axis of the main assembly side engaging portion 14 are substantially coaxial with each other.

Thus, by the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly side engaging portion 14 , the rotational force can be transmitted.

As described above, with this structure, when the connecting member 86 is tilted (pivoted) downstream relative to the installation direction (direction X2), force is applied to the connecting member 86 through the upper guide member 340a provided in the main component A and the lower guide member 360 provided in the main component A.

Therefore, even if the cartridge B moves in the guide rail in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction or the cartridge B rotates about the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62, the coupling member 86 is inclined in substantially the same direction relative to the main assembly A. In other words, the coupling member 86 tends to assume and maintain substantially the same proper posture relative to the main assembly A, regardless of the posture of the cartridge B during the mounting process.

Thus, stable engagement of the coupling member 86 with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 can be achieved.

In addition, during the mounting operation of the box B, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 pivots downward (X3 direction) by contacting the upper guide 340a, and in addition, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 pivots toward the downstream relative to the direction X2.

Thus, the coupling member is tilted (pivoted) downstream relative to the direction in advance, thereby aligning the axis L2 with the axis L1. Therefore, the tilting (pivoting) angle of the coupling member 86 from the lower guide 360 toward the downstream relative to the X2 direction can be reduced by the urging force F2.

That is, the lower guide 360 as a movable member may be reduced in size.

By doing so, design tolerances are improved, components can be reduced in size, and costs can be reduced.

When the cartridge B is demounted from the main assembly A, the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted) in the opposite direction relative to the axis L1 , so that the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the main assembly side engaging portion 14 .

In this embodiment, when the cartridge B is in the mounting completion position, the lower guide 360 is spaced apart from the coupling member 86. By doing so, an increase in the rotational load of the coupling member 86 due to contact between the coupling member 86 and the lower guide 360 is prevented.

In the above description, the functions, materials, configurations, and relative positions of the components of this embodiment do not limit the present invention. The apparatus main assembly of this embodiment can be used together with the coupling members and rotational force transmission members of Embodiments 2 to 4.

[Example 7]

Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The parts different from Example 5 will be described in detail. The materials, configurations, etc. of this embodiment are similar to those of Example 5 unless otherwise specified. For the common structures, the same reference numerals and characters are used, and their detailed description is omitted.

This embodiment is different from Embodiment 5 in that the coupling member 86 of the main assembly A is tilted (pivoted).

FIG49(a) is a perspective view of the driving portion, and FIG49(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane S7 of FIG49(a).

As shown in (a) and (b) of Figure 49, the upper guide 310 serving as the second guide (movable guide) is provided with an inclined surface 310b so that the distance from the lower guide 300a increases toward the interior of the main component A (in the direction of arrow X5 in the figure).

The operation will be described when or after the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is clamped between the lower guide 300a and the upper guide 310 and the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is tilted (pivoted) beyond the axis L1 of the drum 62 (Figure 51) toward the downstream (direction X2) relative to the installation direction.

Figure 50(a) is a schematic diagram of the mounting cartridge B as viewed from the outside of the main assembly A, Figure 50(b) is a schematic sectional view taken along plane S8 of Figure 50(a), and Figure 51 is a schematic diagram as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow M of Figure 50(a). For better illustration, some parts are omitted.

As shown in Figure 50, the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is contacted by the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide member 300a and the inclined surface 310b of the upper guide member 310, and is clamped between the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide member 300a and the inclined surface 310b of the upper guide member 310.

At this time, as shown in FIG50( b ), the free end portion 86 a receives an urging force F1 in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 310 b of the upper guide 310. The figure shows a component F13 of the urging force F1 in the inward direction (direction X5) and a component F14 in a direction perpendicular to the inward direction.

(a) of FIG. 50 shows a component force F15 of the component force F14 applied to the free end portion 86a in a direction parallel to the third guide portion 300a3.

As shown in FIG. 51 , a resultant force F3 of the component force F15 and the component force F13 is applied to the free end portion 86 a , and the resultant force F3 tilts (pivots) the coupling member 86 toward the downstream relative to the mounting direction (direction X2 ).

Relative to the tilting (pivoting) of the connecting member 86, when the force applied to the free end portion 86a is directed perpendicularly to the axis L2 of the connecting member 86, the moment of tilting (pivoting) of the connecting member 86 around the rotation axis (Figure 11) is larger so as to properly achieve tilting (pivoting).

As shown in FIG51 , compared to the resultant force (F12, FIG37 and FIG38 ) in which the component force F13 is not applied, the resultant force F3 in this embodiment is closer to a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86. Thus, the coupling member 86 receives a larger moment for tilting (pivoting) about the rotation axis, and thus the coupling member 86 can be stably tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream relative to the installation direction (direction X2).

When the cartridge B is further inserted in the direction X2 , the coupling member 86 engages with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 .

As described hereinabove, with this structure, the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly-side engaging portion 14 is stabilized.

As shown in Figure 52, the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide 300a may be provided with an inclined surface 300e so that the distance from the upper guide 310 increases toward the inside of the main assembly A (in the direction indicated by arrow X5 in the figure).

FIG52(a) is a perspective view of the driving portion, and FIG52(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane S7 of FIG52(a).

The operation will be described when or after the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is clamped between the lower guide 300a and the upper guide 310 and the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is tilted (pivoted) beyond the axis L1 of the drum 62 (Figure 54) toward the downstream (direction X2) relative to the installation direction.

Figure 53(a) is a schematic diagram of the installation as viewed from the outside of the main assembly A, Figure 53(b) is a schematic sectional view taken along plane S10 of Figure 53(a), and Figure 54 is a schematic diagram taken along arrow M of Figure 53(a). For better illustration, some parts are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 53 , the free end portion 86 a of the coupling member 86 is clamped by the inclined surface 300 e of the third guide portion 300 a 3 of the lower guide 300 a and the operating surface 310 a of the upper guide 310 .

As shown in FIG53( a), the free end portion 86a receives a pushing force F1 from the operating surface 310a of the upper guide 310. In this figure, the component of the pushing force F1 in a direction parallel to the third guide portion 300a3 is a force component F12. The component of the pushing force F1 in a direction perpendicular to the third guide portion 300a3 is a force component F16.

As shown in (b) of Figure 53, a force F6 is applied perpendicularly to the inclined surface 300e of the lower guide 300a. The figure shows a component F62 of the force F6 directed toward the inside of the main assembly A and a component F61 perpendicular thereto.

Here, F61 is the reaction force corresponding to F16.

As shown in FIG. 54 , the free end portion 86 a receives a resultant force F4 of the component force F12 and the component force F62 , and the resultant force F4 tilts (pivots) the coupling member 86 toward the downstream relative to the mounting direction (direction X2 ).

As shown in FIG54 , the resultant force F4 in this embodiment is closer to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 than in the case where the component force F62 is not applied ( FIG37 and FIG38 , F12). Therefore, a larger moment causing the coupling member 86 to tilt (pivot) about the rotation axis is applied. Consequently, the coupling member 86 can be stably tilted (pivoted) downstream relative to the installation direction (direction X2).

When the cartridge B is further inserted in the direction X2 , the coupling member 86 engages with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 .

As described above, with this structure, further stable engagement is established between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 55 , both the inclined surface 310 b and the inclined surface 300 e may be provided.

FIG55(a) is a perspective view of the driving portion, and FIG55(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane S11 of FIG55(a).

With this configuration, the simultaneous application of the force component F13 from the inclined surface 310b and the force component F62 from the inclined surface 300e allows the coupling member 86 to be stably tilted (pivoted) downstream relative to the mounting direction (direction X2). Consequently, stable engagement can be achieved between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly-side engaging portion 14.

The forces applied are the same as those described previously herein, and description thereof is omitted.

In the above description, the functions, materials, configurations, and relative positions of the components of this embodiment do not limit the present invention. The apparatus main assembly of this embodiment can be used together with the coupling members and rotational force transmission members of Embodiments 2 to 4.

[Example 8]

Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For this embodiment, the parts different from the above embodiment will be described in detail. The materials, constructions, etc. in this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified. For the common structures, the same reference numerals and characters are used, and their detailed description is omitted.

This embodiment differs from Embodiment 7 in the structure of the inclined surface.

56( a ) is a perspective view of the driving portion, FIG56( b ) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along plane S12 of FIG56( a ), and FIG56( c ) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along plane S13 of FIG56( a ).

As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 56 , the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined surface 310c of FIG. 56 (b) and the inclination angle θ2 of the inclined surface 310c of FIG. 56 (c) satisfy θ1<θ2.

In other words, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 310c of the upper guide 310 expands toward the interior of the main assembly A (direction X5) along the cartridge mounting direction toward the downstream side.

Figure 57 shows the following state, in which the free end portion 86a of the connecting member 86 is clamped between the lower guide 300a and the upper guide 310 and tilted (pivoted) toward the downstream beyond the axis L1 of the drum 62 relative to the installation direction (direction X2).

Figure 58 shows the state in which box B moves further downstream into the main component of the device.

With this structure, as shown in Figures 57 and 58, in the case where the cartridge B moves downward, the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) toward X2.

Similarly, in the case where the cartridge B is moved downward, the component force F13 applied to the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 in the direction toward the interior of the apparatus main assembly (direction X5) gradually increases.

In other words, with this structure, when the cartridge B moves downstream with respect to the mounting direction, the component force F13 toward the interior of the main assembly A increases as the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) toward X2.

FIG. 57 shows a resultant force F5 of the component force F13 and the component force F15 applied to the free end portion 86 a with respect to the amount of inclination (pivoting) of the coupling 86 toward the X2 side at this point in time.

In Fig. 58, which shows a state in which the cartridge B has further moved toward the mounting position, the amount of inclination (pivoting) of the coupling 86 in the X2 direction is greater than that in Fig. 57. Furthermore, the force component F13 directed toward the interior of the apparatus main assembly is greater than that in Fig. 57. The resultant force F5 of the force component F13 and the force component F15 at this time is shown.

As described above, in the tilting (pivoting) movement of the connecting member 86, when the force applied to the free end portion 86a is in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 of the connecting member 86, the tilting (pivoting) moment is larger, and thus appropriate tilting (pivoting) is achieved.

57 and 58 , the direction of the force component F5 changes according to the amount of tilt (pivot) of the coupling 86 toward X2 , so as to become closer to a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 .

Thus, the direction of the resultant force F5 further changes toward a state preferred for tilting (pivoting) according to the tilting (pivoting) amount of the coupling 86 that changes with the mounting movement of the cartridge B. Therefore, the coupling 86 can be tilted (pivoted) stably in the direction of X2.

When the cartridge B is further inserted in the direction X2 , the coupling member 86 engages with the main assembly side engaging portion 14 .

As described above, with this structure, further stable engagement is established between the coupling member 86 and the main assembly side engaging portion 14.

In the above description, the functions, materials, configurations, and relative positions of the components of this embodiment do not limit the present invention. The apparatus main assembly of this embodiment can be used together with the coupling members and rotational force transmission members of Embodiments 2 to 4.

[Other embodiments]

In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the process cartridge.

However, the present invention may suitably be used with a drum unit that has no processing device.

In addition, the present invention can be suitably applied to a developing cartridge without an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, in which the rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly side engaging portion to a developing roller (the developing roller rotates and carries the toner). In this case, the coupling member 86 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 32 as a rotatable member, rather than to the photosensitive drum.

In the above embodiment, the driving side flanges 87 and 287 as the rotational force transmission member are fixed to the longitudinal ends of the rotatable drum 62. However, they may be independent members that are not fixed to the drum. For example, the rotational force transmission member may be a gear member that transmits the rotational force to the drum 62 or the developing roller 32 by means of gear engagement.

In addition, the cartridges in the above embodiments are for monochrome imaging. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. The present invention can be suitably applied to one or more cartridges including a developing device for forming images of different colors (two colors, three colors, or full color).

The installation and removal path of box B relative to the main component A may be a straight line, a combination of straight lines, or may include curves to appropriately implement the present invention.

The present invention is applicable to a cartridge and an actuator for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

【Industrial Applicability】

According to the present invention, a transmission structure for a box is provided, which can be removed from the main component of the device to the outside, and the main component of the device is not provided with the following mechanism, which is used to make the main component side coupling part move along the rotation axis direction of the main component side coupling part after moving along a predetermined direction basically perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotatable member such as an electronic photographic photosensitive drum, wherein the inner edge of the opening provided in the flange is prevented from being disengaged without limiting the tiltable amount (pivotable amount) of the coupling member.

In addition, a box adopting the transmission structure is provided.

Reference numerals

3: Exposure device (laser scanner unit)

4: Sheet tray

5a: Pickup roller

5b: A pair of feed rollers

5c: A pair of feed rollers

6: Transfer guide

7: Transfer roller

8: Feed guide

9: Fixing device

9a: Heating roller

9b: Pressure roller

10: Discharge roller

11: Eject tray

12: Guide rail

12a: First rail

12b: Second rail

13: Open and close doors

14: Main assembly side joint part

14a: Drive shaft

14b: Rotational force application part

15: Sliding parts

15a: Inclined surface

15b: Vertex

16: Pushing member

20: Development unit

21: Toner container

22: Close component

23: Development container

23aL: Arm part

23aR: Arm part

23bL: Rotation hole

23bR: Rotation hole

26: Side member

26L: First side member

26R: Second side member

28: Toner supply chamber

29: Toner Room

32: Developing roller

34: Magnetic roller

38: Spacer

42: Developing scraper

43: Feed component

60: Cleaning unit

62: Electrophotographic photosensitive drum (drum)

64: Non-drive side flange

64a: hole

66: Charging roller

71: Cleaning the frame

71a: Matching hole

71b: Residual toner chamber

71c: Rotation stop boss

74: Exposure Window

75: Connecting components

76: Supporting member

76b: Introductory section

76d: cylindrical part

77: Cleaning scraper

78: Drum shaft

86, 386, 486: Connecting components

86a: Free end portion

86b: Through hole (hole part)

86b1: Rotational force transmission part

86p1: First anti-detachment part

86c: Connecting part

86d1 to 86d4: protrusion

86e1 to 86e4: Rotational force receiving part

86f: Receiving surface

86g: Connecting part

86h: Longitudinal direction control part

86k1 to k4: spare part

86m: Opening

86z: Depression

87, 287, 487: Rotational force transmission member (drive side flange)

87b: Fixed part

87d: Part to be supported

87e: hole part

87f: Keep part

87g: Rotational force transmission part

87h: Longitudinal direction control part

87i: Accommodation

88: Shaft part (pin)

89,489: Control components

89a: base part

89b: protruding part

89b1: Longitudinal direction control part

89b2: Rotation control part

90: Screw

287: Depression

287m: Maintaining part

300a: Lower guide

300a1: First introductory section

300a2: Second introductory section

300a3: Third introductory section

300b: Rotation axis

300c: Stopper

300d: Support part

300e: inclined surface

310: Upper guide

310a: Operation surface

310b: inclined surface

310c: inclined surface

315: Push spring

320: Guide member

320a: Positioning part

320b: Positioning surface

320c: Rotation axis

320c: Stopper

320d: Stopper

320e: Stopper

320f: Box guide part

320g: connection guide part

340: Retainer

340a: Upper guide

340a1: First introductory section

340a2: Second introductory section

340a3: Third introductory section

340b: Rotation axis

340c: Stopper

350: Side panels

351: Second side panel

352: Motor

353: Small gear

354: Bearings

355: Drive gear

356: traction spring

356a: Operation section

360: Lower guide

360a: Operation surface

A: Main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (apparatus main assembly)

B: Processing box (box)

D: Feed direction

L: Laser beam

T: Toner (developer)

P: Sheet (recording material)

R: Rotational direction

U1: Electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit (drum unit)

U2, U42: Drive side flange unit

L1: Rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum

L2, L32, L42: Rotation axis of the connecting member

θ1: tilt angle

θ2: tilt angle

Claims (29)

1. A housing, the housing being detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus including a rotatable main assembly-side engagement portion, wherein the housing is detachable from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus after being moved along a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the main assembly-side engagement portion, the housing comprising: (i) A rotatable component, said rotatable component being able to rotate and carry developer; (ii) A rotatable power transmission member, the power transmission member including a receiving portion therein, and a power to be transmitted to the rotatable member is transmitted to the power transmission member. (iii) A rotatable connecting member, including: (iii-i) A free end portion having a rotational force receiving portion configured to receive rotational force from the main component-side engagement portion; (iii-ii) a connecting portion connected to the rotational force transmission member, with at least a portion of the connecting portion accommodated in the accommodating portion such that the rotational axis of the connecting member can be tilted relative to the rotational axis of the rotational force transmission member, allowing the rotational force receiving portion to disengage from the main component-side engagement portion as the housing moves in a predetermined direction. (iii-iii) Through hole, the through hole penetrating the connecting portion; (iv) A shaft portion capable of receiving rotational force from the connecting member and passing through the through hole, and the shaft portion being supported by the rotational force transmission member at its opposite end portions. The connecting member is prevented from disengaging from the power transmission member, and The connecting member is capable of tilting relative to the shaft portion. 2. The box according to claim 1, wherein the shaft portion is disposed in the receiving portion. 3. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is prevented from disengaging from the rotational power transmission member by contacting the shaft portion with the interior of the through hole. 4. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein rotational force is transmitted from the connecting member to the shaft portion by contacting the shaft portion with the interior of the through hole. 5. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotational power transmission member. 6. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through hole opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the connecting member. 7. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of the through hole is minimized at the point adjacent to the axis of rotation of the connecting member. 8. The box according to claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional area of the through hole increases as the distance of the through hole from the rotation axis of the connecting member increases. 9. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, with the rotation axis of the connecting member and the rotation axis of the power transmission member aligned with each other, the connecting member is prevented from disengaging from the power transmission member by contacting the portion of the shaft portion adjacent to the rotation axis of the connecting member in the through hole. 10. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through hole has clearance relative to the shaft portion, allowing the connecting member to move along the rotation axis of the power transmission member. 11. The box according to claim 10, wherein the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion is movable from the interior to the exterior of the receiving portion. 12. The box according to claim 11, wherein, when the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion is outside the receiving portion, the connecting member can move in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the power transmission member, and wherein, when the maximum outer circumference of the connecting portion is inside the receiving portion, the connecting member cannot move in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the power transmission member. 13. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotational power transmission component comprises, i) A pair of holes that penetrate the rotation axis of the power transmission member at positions opposite to each other. ii) A pair of retaining portions, the pair of retaining portions protruding along a direction intersecting the rotational axis of the power transmission member, and, when viewed from the receiving portion along the rotational axis of the power transmission member, the retaining portions covering portions of corresponding holes, and iii) A pair of power transmission parts, each configured to receive power from the shaft portion and positioned behind the retaining portion. 14. The box of claim 13 further includes a control member having a pair of protrusions, wherein the protrusions are inserted into corresponding holes of the hole from a side opposite to the receiving portion along the rotation axis of the power transmission member to connect the control member and the power transmission member to each other. 15. The box according to claim 14, wherein the opposite end portions of the shaft portion are supported by the retaining portion, the rotational power transmission portion, and the free end of the protruding portion. 16. The box according to claim 14 or 15, wherein opposite end portions of the shaft portion are inserted into the hole, and the shaft portion rotates about the rotation axis of the power transmission member, thereby moving opposite end portions of the shaft portion to the rear of the retaining portion, and in this state, the protrusion is inserted into the hole, thereby the shaft portion is supported by the power transmission member. 17. The box according to claim 16, wherein, after the opposite end portion of the shaft portion is inserted into the receiving portion along the rotation axis of the power transmission member, the shaft portion rotates about the rotation axis of the power transmission member. 18. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power transmission member is provided with a pair of recesses, the pair of recesses being recessed at opposite positions relative to the rotation axis of the power transmission member in a direction from the receiving portion side toward the rotatable member side, and wherein, with the opposite end portions of the shaft portion respectively inserted into the recesses, the entrances of the recesses are closed by clamping or resin material injection, thereby the shaft portion is supported by the power transmission member. 19. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion has a generally spherical shape. 20. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion includes a tilt control portion that is recessed beyond the portion other than the tilt control portion. 21. The box according to claim 20, wherein the tilting control portion has a flat surface construction. 22. The box according to claim 20, wherein the tilting control portion has a concave conical surface. 23. The box according to claim 20, wherein the tilting control portion has a conical surface. 24. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member has a first hole portion that penetrates from the free end portion into the through hole along the direction of the rotation axis of the connecting member. 25. The box according to claim 24, wherein the connecting member is provided with a rib extending in the first hole portion along a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the connecting member. 26. The box according to claim 24, wherein the power transmission member has a second hole portion that penetrates along the rotation axis of the power transmission member. 27. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotational power transmission member is fixed to the end portion of the rotatable member. 28. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotatable component is a photosensitive drum. 29. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotatable component is a developing roller.