JP2018173481A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting a driving force of a first coupling to a developing coupling and further transmitting a driving force of a second coupling to a drum coupling. An image forming apparatus can be connected to a first coupling that can be connected to a developing coupling 41 that rotates together with a developing roller of a developing cartridge 1 and a drum coupling 72 that can be connected to a drum coupling 72 that rotates together with a photosensitive drum 71 of a drum cartridge 2. It has a second coupling. When the drum cartridge 2 is located in the first position, the first coupling faces the developing coupling 41 and the second coupling faces the drum coupling 72. When the drum cartridge 2 is located in the second position, the first coupling faces the first surface portion 731 of the drum flange 73, and the second coupling faces the second surface portion 732 of the drum flange 73. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying toner. A conventional image forming apparatus is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

  Further, the developing cartridge of Patent Document 1 is attached to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller come into contact with each other. Then, the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge attached is attached to the housing of the image forming apparatus.

JP2013-54058A

  In this image forming apparatus, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing, the first coupling of the image forming apparatus is mounted on the developing coupling of the developing cartridge. When the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing, the second coupling of the image forming apparatus is mounted on the drum coupling of the drum cartridge. A driving force is applied to the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge through the first coupling and the second coupling.

  At this time, depending on the mounting state of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge with respect to the housing, the developing coupling and the first coupling may not face each other, and the drum coupling and the second coupling may not face each other. In this state, when the first coupling and the second coupling are rotated, the driving force is not stably applied to the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to attach the first coupling to the developing coupling when the first coupling faces the developing coupling, and further, the second coupling is a drum. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a second coupling to a drum coupling when facing the coupling.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first invention of the present application includes a developing roller extending in a first direction, and a developing coupling positioned at one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction and rotating together with the developing roller. A developing cartridge, a photosensitive drum extending in the first direction, a drum coupling positioned at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction and rotating together with the photosensitive drum, and the photosensitive drum in the first direction. A drum cartridge having a drum flange positioned at one end and positioned on an outer periphery of the drum coupling; and a housing in which the drum cartridge can be mounted in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge; With the drum cartridge mounted in the housing, the development coupling and An image forming apparatus comprising: a first connectable coupling; and a second coupling connectable to the photosensitive drum via the drum coupling in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing. The drum cartridge moves between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing, and when the drum cartridge is in the first position, the first coupling is the first coupling in the first direction. Facing the development coupling, and further, the second coupling faces the drum coupling in the first direction, and when the drum cartridge is in the second position, the first coupling is in the first direction. It faces a first surface portion that is at least a part of the outer surface of the drum flange, and the second coupling is A second surface portion which is at least part of the outer surface of the drum flange in a first direction, opposite the second face located on the opposite side of the first face to the drum coupling.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the drum cartridge is provided on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum when the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing. The surface portion which is a portion moves between the first position where the surface portion contacts the transfer belt and the second position where the surface portion and the transfer belt are separated from each other.

  A third invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the first invention or the second invention, wherein the first coupling is connectable to the developing coupling when the drum cartridge is located at the first position. Thus, the second coupling can be connected to the drum coupling.

  A fourth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein when the drum cartridge is located at the second position, the first coupling is the developing coupling. And the second coupling is not connectable to the drum coupling.

  A fifth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the developing cartridge has a first storage medium having a first electrical contact surface, and the housing has The electrical contact surface is in contact with the electrical terminal when the drum cartridge is in the first position, and the electrical contact surface is in the second position when the drum cartridge is in the second position. The contact surface and the electrical terminal are not in contact with each other.

  A sixth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a control unit that controls rotation of the first coupling and the second coupling, and the control unit Detects whether the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact, and detects that the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact, the first coupling and the first When two couplings are driven and it is detected that the electrical contact surface is not in contact with the electrical contacts, the first coupling and the second coupling are not driven.

  A seventh invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the sixth invention, comprising a motor that rotates the first coupling and the second coupling, and the control unit is a substrate that controls the rotation of the motor. Have

  An eighth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the sixth invention or the seventh invention, wherein the control unit has a substrate for detecting whether the electrical contact surface is in contact with the electrical contact.

  A ninth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the first coupling is the developing coupling in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing. And a first separation position separated from the developing coupling in the first direction. The second coupling is configured such that the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing. In a state where the first coupling is movable to a second connection position connected to the drum coupling and a second separation position separated from the drum coupling in the first direction. The first surface of the drum flange in a state where the cartridge is located at the first position and the first coupling is located at the first connection position. The second coupling contacts the second surface portion of the drum flange in a state where the drum cartridge is located at the first position and the second coupling is located at the second connection position. To do.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the housing is movable between an open position for opening the drum cartridge and a closed position for closing the opening. The first coupling is located in the first spaced position when the cover is in the open position, and the first connection is located when the cover is in the closed position. The second coupling is located in the second separated position when the cover is in the open position, and is in the second connection position when the cover is in the closed position. To position.

  According to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, when the first coupling faces the development coupling in the first direction, the driving force of the first coupling is transmitted to the development coupling. Further, when the second coupling faces the drum coupling in the first direction, the driving force of the second coupling is transmitted to the drum coupling. Therefore, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum can be rotated stably.

  In particular, according to the sixth invention of the present application, it is possible to prevent the first coupling and the second coupling from being driven in a state where the electrical contact and the electrical contact surface are not in contact with each other.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus. It is a perspective view of a process cartridge. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a top view of a process cartridge seen from the 1st direction. It is a perspective view of the housing | casing with which a process cartridge is mounted | worn. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a process cartridge is mounted on a housing. It is the figure which showed the state in which mounting | wearing to the housing | casing of a process cartridge is inadequate. It is a figure for demonstrating the state which the projection part of a 1st coupling, a cover part, and a 2nd surface part contact. It is a figure for demonstrating the state which the projection part of a 1st coupling, a cover part, and a 2nd surface part contact. It is a figure for demonstrating the state which the projection part of a 1st coupling, a cover part, and a 2nd surface part contact. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed after mounting | wearing of a process cartridge.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus 100 include a laser printer or an LED printer.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes four developing cartridges 1, four drum cartridges 2, and a housing 90.

  The four developing cartridges 1 store developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of developing cartridges 1 may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

  The developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2. In the following description, a unit in which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2 is referred to as a “process cartridge 10”. The process cartridge 10 is attached to the housing 90.

  The housing 90 includes four slots 91. Each slot 91 has an opening 911. The process cartridge 10 is inserted into each slot 91 from the opening 911. As a result, the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the housing 90. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the recording surface of the printing paper with the developer supplied from each of the developing cartridges 1 of the four process cartridges 10 mounted on the casing 90.

  The housing 90 has a cover 90A. The cover 90A is movable between an open position where the opening 911 of the slot 91 is opened and a closed position where the opening 911 is closed. The open position is the position of the cover 90A indicated by the solid line in FIG. The closed position is the position of the cover 90A indicated by the broken line in FIG. The process cartridge 10 can be attached to the housing 90 when the cover 90A is in the open position.

  The housing 90 has a cover sensor 95. The cover sensor 95 detects the cover 90A in the closed position. Cover sensor 95 is electrically connected to control unit 80. The control unit 80 detects opening / closing of the cover 90 </ b> A based on a signal from the cover sensor 95. The cover sensor 95 is constituted by, for example, a pressure sensor. When the cover 90A is located at the closed position, the cover sensor 95 contacts the cover 90A. At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the cover 90A is in the closed position. On the other hand, when the cover 90A is located at the open position, the cover sensor 95 is separated from the cover 90A. At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the cover 90A is located at the open position.

  Each of the four developing cartridges 1 has an IC chip 51. The IC chip 51 is a storage medium that can read and write information. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 80. When the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the housing 90, the IC chip 51 of each developing cartridge 1 and the control unit 80 are electrically connected to each other. The control unit 80 is configured by a circuit board, for example. The control unit 80 includes a processor such as a CPU and various memories. The control unit 80 executes various processes in the image forming apparatus 100 when the processor operates according to a program.

<2. About Process Cartridge>
Hereinafter, the process cartridge 10 attached to the housing 90 will be described using the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 10. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the process cartridge 10 as viewed from the first direction. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the housing 90 to which the process cartridge 10 is mounted.

  The process cartridge 10 has a developing cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing cartridge 1 includes a casing 11, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear unit 40, and an IC chip assembly 50.

  The casing 11 is a casing main body extending in one direction and accommodates a developer. Hereinafter, the direction in which the casing 11 extends is referred to as a “first direction”. This first direction is also a direction in which the rotation shaft of the developing roller 30 extends. The direction in which the developing roller 30 and the agitator 20 are arranged is referred to as a “second direction”. The developing roller 30 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect (preferably orthogonal). Further, a direction intersecting with an electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 described later is referred to as a “third direction”. The third direction intersects (preferably orthogonally) each of the first direction and the second direction.

  A housing chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 11. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13. The casing 11 has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the second direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2, the opening 14 is attached toward the drum cartridge 2. The storage chamber 13 communicates with the outside through the opening 14.

  The agitator 20 includes an agitator shaft 21 and a stirring blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along the first direction. The stirring blade 22 extends from the agitator shaft 21 toward the radially outer side. At least a part of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 are disposed inside the storage chamber 13. An agitator gear is attached to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. The agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 rotate together with the agitator gear. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is stirred.

  The developing roller 30 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the second direction. This second direction is also the direction in which the process cartridge 10 is inserted into the slot 91 of the housing 90. The developing roller 30 is a roller that is rotatable about a rotation shaft that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 14 of the casing 11.

  The developing roller 30 includes a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. As the material of the developing roller body 31, for example, elastic rubber is used. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller body 31 in the first direction. The material of the developing roller shaft 32 is a metal or a resin having conductivity. The developing roller body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate.

  A developing roller gear 42 is attached to one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is fixed to the developing roller gear 42 so as not to rotate. When the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller body 31 also rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

  The developing roller shaft 32 may not penetrate the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction.

  Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is located in the storage chamber 13 and is located between the developing roller 30 and the agitator 20. The supply roller is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force, the developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 11 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 via the supply roller. At that time, the developer is frictionally charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30. On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. For this reason, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.

  Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller body 31 to a constant thickness. Thereafter, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 71 of the drum cartridge 2 shown in FIG. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller body 31 to the photosensitive drum 71 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 71. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 71.

  The gear part 40 is located on the outer surface of one end of the casing 11 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the gear unit 40 includes a development coupling 41, a development roller gear 42, an idle gear and an agitator gear (not shown), and an inner cover 45. In FIG. 3, illustration of a plurality of gear teeth of each gear is omitted.

  The development coupling 41 is a gear that receives a driving force supplied from a motor included in the image forming apparatus 100. The development coupling 41 can rotate about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. The development coupling 41 includes a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412. The coupling part 411 is fitted into the collar 46 of the inner cover 45. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer periphery of the coupling gear 412 at equal intervals over the entire circumference.

  The coupling part 411 has a fastening hole 413 that is recessed in the first direction. When the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the housing 90 and the cover 90 </ b> A is closed, the first coupling 93 shown in FIG. 5 is inserted into the fastening hole 413. Thereby, the 1st coupling 93 and the coupling part 411 are connected so that relative rotation is impossible. The first coupling 93 is rotated by a motor that is driven and controlled by the control unit 80. As the first coupling 93 rotates, the coupling portion 411 also rotates. The coupling gear 412 rotates together with the coupling unit 411.

  The developing roller gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30. The developing roller gear 42 can rotate about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. On the outer peripheral portion of the developing roller gear 42, a plurality of gear teeth are provided at equal intervals over the entire periphery. A part of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the developing roller gear 42 mesh with each other. The developing roller gear 42 is fixed to the end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing roller gear 42.

  The idle gear is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the agitator gear. The agitator gear is a gear for rotating the agitator 20. The agitator gear can rotate about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. On the outer periphery of the agitator gear, a plurality of gear teeth are provided at equal intervals over the entire circumference. The agitator gear is attached to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. The agitator gear is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when power is transmitted from the developing coupling 41 to the agitator gear via the idle gear, the agitator gear rotates, and the agitator 20 also rotates together with the agitator gear.

  The inner cover 45 is fixed to the outer surface of one end of the casing 11 in the first direction, for example, by screwing. The inner cover 45 houses the coupling gear 412, the developing roller gear 42, the idle gear, and the agitator gear. The inner cover 45 has a cylindrical collar 46 extending in the first direction. The coupling part 411 is fitted into the collar 46. Further, the developing cartridge 1 has an outer cover 47. The outer cover 47 is fixed to the inner cover 45. The outer cover 47 is located on the opposite side of the casing 11 with respect to the inner cover 45 in the first direction.

  The IC chip assembly 50 includes an IC chip 51 that is a storage medium, and a holder 52 that holds the IC chip 51. The IC chip 51 has four electrical contact surfaces 511. The electrical contact surface 511 is made of a metal that is a conductor. Further, the IC chip 51 can store various information regarding the developing cartridge 1. However, the number of electrical contact surfaces 511 included in the IC chip 51 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

  The holder 52 has a first outer surface 52A and a second outer surface 52B. The first outer surface 52A is located at one end of the holder 52 in the third direction. The second outer surface 52B is located at the other end of the holder 52 in the third direction. The first outer surface 52A is movable in the third direction with respect to the second outer surface 52B.

  More specifically, the holder 52 includes a first holder member 521, a second holder member 522, and a coil spring 523 located therebetween. The first holder member 521 is made of resin, for example. The second holder member 522 is made of resin, for example. The first holder member 521 has a first outer surface 52A. The IC chip 51 is fixed to the holding surface 520 included in the first outer surface 52A. The second holder member 522 has a second outer surface 52B. In the assembled holder 52, the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B are separated in the third direction.

  The coil spring 523 is an elastic member that expands and contracts in the third direction. The coil spring 523 is disposed between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B in the third direction. The coil spring 523 may be directly connected to the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B, or may be indirectly connected via a connecting member. The coil spring 523 expands and contracts in the second direction at least between the first state and the second state contracted more than the first state. The length of the coil spring 523 in the first state in the third direction is longer than the length of the coil spring 523 in the second state in the third direction. Therefore, the distance in the third direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B in the first state is the third direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B in the second state. Longer than the distance. Further, the length of the coil spring 523 in the third direction at least in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 523.

  The second holder member 522 has a cylindrical spring holder 522A. The spring holder 522A protrudes from the second holder member 522 in the second direction. The coil spring 523 is inserted into the spring holder 522A. A cylindrical protrusion (not shown) is provided inside the spring holder 522A. This protrusion is inserted inside the coil spring 523 on the inside diameter. Thereby, the coil spring 523 is supported by the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the inner peripheral surface of the spring holder 522A.

  The second holder member 522 has a first claw portion 522B and a second claw portion 522C. The first claw portion 522B and the second claw portion 522C each protrude from the second holder member 522 in a direction intersecting the third direction. On the other hand, the first holder member 521 has a first opening 521A. The first claw portion 522B is inserted into the first opening 521A. The first holder member 521 has a second opening (not shown). The second opening is provided in the first holder member 521 opposite to the first opening 521A in the first direction. The second claw portion 522C is inserted into the second opening.

  In the first state, the first claw portion 522B contacts the first holder member 521 at the edge of the first opening 521A on the second outer surface 52B side. Further, in the first state, the second claw portion 522C contacts the first holder member 521 at the edge of the second opening on the second outer surface 52B side. This prevents the length of the coil spring 523 in the third direction from becoming longer than that in the first state. Further, the first holder member 521 is prevented from being removed from the second holder member 522. On the other hand, in the second state, the first claw portion 522B and the second claw portion 522C are separated from the first holder member 521.

  The IC chip 51 is fixed to the holding surface 520 included in the first outer surface 52A of the first holder member 521. That is, when the first holder member 521 moves in the third direction with respect to the second holder member 522, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 also moves in the third direction. The IC chip 51 is fixed at a position recessed in the third direction from the first outer surface 52A toward the second holder member 522.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first holder member 521 of the IC chip assembly 50 includes a boss 53A, a boss 53B, and a boss 53C. As shown in FIG. 4, the boss 53A, the boss 53B, and the boss 53C are provided on the outer surface of the first holder member 521 that intersects the first direction. The boss 53A and the boss 53B are provided on the outer surface of the first holder member 521 facing the inner cover 45. The boss 53A and the boss 53B extend in the first direction from the outer surface of the first holder member 521 toward the inner cover 45. On the other hand, the inner cover 45 has a through hole 45A and a through hole 45B. The through hole 45A and the through hole 45B penetrate the inner cover 45 in the first direction. The boss 53A is inserted into the through hole 45A. The boss 53B is inserted into the through hole 45B. The through hole 45A may be a recess into which the boss 53A can be inserted. Further, the through hole 45B may be a recess into which the boss 53B can be inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the boss 53 </ b> C is provided on the outer surface of the first holder member 521 that faces the outer cover 47. The boss 53 </ b> C extends in the first direction from the outer surface of the first holder member 521 toward the outer cover 47. On the other hand, the outer cover 47 has a through hole 47A. The through hole 47A penetrates the outer cover 47 in the first direction. The boss 53C is inserted into the through hole 47A. The through-hole 47A may be a recess into which the boss 53C can be inserted.

  The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 47A in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 53C in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 45A in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 53A in the second direction. Further, the size (inside dimension) of the through hole 45B in the second direction is larger than the size (outside dimension) of the boss 53B in the second direction. For this reason, the holder 52 can move in the second direction with respect to the inner cover 45 and the outer cover 47 together with the boss 53A, the boss 53B, and the boss 53C. When the holder 52 moves in the second direction, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 moves together with the holder 52 in the second direction.

  The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 47A in the third direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 53C in the third direction. The size (inner dimension) in the third direction of the through hole 45A is larger than the size (outer dimension) in the third direction of the boss 53A. Further, the size (inner dimension) of the through hole 45B in the third direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 53B in the third direction. For this reason, the holder 52 can move in the third direction with respect to the inner cover 45 and the outer cover 47 together with the boss 53A, the boss 53B, and the boss 53C. When the holder 52 moves in the third direction, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 moves together with the holder 52 in the third direction.

  The inner cover 45 may have bosses 53A and 53B, and the first holder member 521 may have through holes 45A and 45B. Further, the outer cover 47 may have a boss 53C, and the first holder member 521 may have a through hole 47A.

  The process cartridge 10 has a drum cartridge 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the drum cartridge 2 has a photosensitive drum 71. The photosensitive drum 71 is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 71.

  The drum cartridge 2 has a drum coupling 72 located at one end of the photosensitive drum 71 in the first direction. The drum coupling 72 is a gear that receives a driving force supplied from a motor included in the image forming apparatus 100. The drum coupling 72 can rotate about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. The drum coupling 72 rotates together with the photosensitive drum 71.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the drum coupling 72 includes a pair of recesses 721 and a pair of recesses 722. The pair of recesses 721 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the drum coupling 72. The pair of recesses 722 are positioned point-symmetrically with respect to the center portion of the drum coupling 72. The pair of recesses 721 and the pair of recesses 722 are in a positional relationship rotated 90 degrees with respect to the center portion of the drum coupling 72.

  When the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the housing 90 and the cover 90A is closed, the second coupling 94 shown in FIG. 5 is inserted into the pair of recesses 721 or the pair of recesses 722. Specifically, the pair of protrusions 94 </ b> A of the second coupling 94 is inserted into the pair of recesses 721 or the pair of recesses 722. Thereby, the 2nd coupling 94 and the drum coupling 72 are connected so that relative rotation is impossible. The second coupling 94 is rotated by a motor that is driven and controlled by the control unit 80. As the second coupling 94 rotates, the drum coupling 72 also rotates. The photosensitive drum 71 rotates together with the drum coupling 72.

  The drum cartridge 2 has a drum flange 73. The drum flange 73 is located at one end of the photosensitive drum 71 in the first direction. The drum flange 73 is located on the outer periphery of the drum coupling 72. The drum flange 73 has a first surface portion 731 and a second surface portion 732. The first surface portion 731 and the second surface portion 732 are at least a part of the outer surface of the drum flange 73 in the first direction.

  The first surface portion 731 is located between the development coupling 41 and the drum coupling 72 in the second direction. The first surface portion 731 covers the space between the development coupling 41 and the drum coupling 72 from the first direction. As will be described in detail later, the first surface portion 731 prevents the first coupling 93 from being inserted between the development coupling 41 and the drum coupling 72.

  The second surface portion 732 is located on the opposite side of the first surface portion 731 with respect to the drum coupling 72. As will be described in detail later, the second surface portion 732 prevents the protrusion 94A of the second coupling 94 from being inserted at a position opposite to the first surface portion 731 with respect to the drum coupling 72.

  The second surface portion 732 has a notch 732A.

  The drum cartridge 2 has a lid 74. The center of rotation of the drum coupling 72 is recessed. The lid part 74 covers the hollow part from the first direction. The lid 74 prevents the protrusion 94 </ b> A of the second coupling 94 from being inserted into the recessed portion of the drum coupling 72.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 90 includes a metal frame 901, for example. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame 901.

  The frame 901 forms four slots 91. The process cartridge 10 is inserted into each slot 91. The four slots 91 hold both ends of the inserted process cartridge 10 in the first direction. The four slots 91 are arranged in the third direction. The four process cartridges 10 are inserted into the slots 91 from the second direction. The four process cartridges 10 inserted into the four slots 91 are arranged in the third direction with the rotation axes of the developing rollers 30 parallel to each other.

  Each slot 91 has a developing coupling hole 91A and a drum coupling hole 91B. The development coupling hole 91A and the drum coupling hole 91B penetrate the outer wall surface of the frame 901 at one end in the first direction in the first direction.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the housing 90. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a transfer belt 98 and a transfer roller 99. The transfer belt 98 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 71 in a state where the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the housing 90. The transfer belt 98 is configured to convey printing paper on which an image is formed. The transfer roller 99 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 70 with respect to the transfer belt 98 in a state where the transfer belt 98 is in contact with a part of the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70. At this time, the photosensitive drum 70 and the transfer roller 99 sandwich the transfer belt 98. The transfer roller 99 transfers the developer image formed on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70 with the printing paper on which the image is formed being sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 70 and the transfer belt 98 to the printing paper on which the image is formed. Configured to transfer to.

  The process cartridge 10 is inserted into the slot 91 of the housing 90 along the second direction. A guide portion 92 is disposed near the opening 991 of the slot 91. The guide portion 92 supports a metal electrical terminal 96. When the process cartridge 10 is completely inserted into the slot 91, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 of the developing cartridge 1 contacts the electrical terminal 96. The control unit 80 acquires necessary information from the IC chip 51 via the electrical contact surface 511 that is in contact with the electrical terminal 96. When the process cartridge 10 is completely inserted into the slot 91, a surface portion that is a part of the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 71 comes into contact with the transfer belt 98. The printing paper on which an image is formed is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 71 and the transfer belt 98 and conveyed. At this time, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 99, and the developer image formed on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70 is transferred to the printing paper on which the image is formed.

  During the insertion of the process cartridge 10, the first holder member 521 contacts the guide portion 92. The second holder member 522 is pressed toward the guide portion 92 in the third direction by the frame of the casing 90. Thereby, the 1st holder member 521 and the 2nd holder member 522 approach in the 3rd direction by guide part 92. That is, the coil spring 523 is in a state where it is compressed more than the natural length. When the insertion of the process cartridge 10 is completed and the electrical contact surface 511 contacts the electrical terminal 96, the first holder member 521 is moved to the guide portion 92 by the elastic force of the coil spring 523 which is shorter than the natural length. Moving in the third direction. Thereby, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 comes into contact with the electrical terminal 96.

  Each slot 91 has a convex portion 91C at one end portion in the second direction. When the process cartridge 10 is inserted into the slot 91, a part of the drum flange 73 comes into contact with the convex portion 91C. As a result, the process cartridge 10 is positioned with respect to the slot 91.

  The state where the insertion of the process cartridge 10 into the slot 91 is completed is a state where a surface portion which is a part of the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is in contact with the transfer belt 98. Hereinafter, the position of the process cartridge 10 in this state is referred to as a “first position”. When the process cartridge 10 is in the first position, the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical terminal 96 are in contact with each other.

  When the process cartridge 10 is in the first position, the fastening hole 413 of the developing coupling 41 of the developing cartridge 1 and the developing coupling hole 91A overlap in the first direction. In the first direction, the photosensitive drum 71 of the drum cartridge 2 and the drum coupling hole 91B overlap.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first coupling 93 and a second coupling 94. The first coupling 93 is connected to a drive shaft (not shown). As the drive shaft rotates, the first coupling 93 also rotates. The second coupling 94 is connected to a drive shaft (not shown). And the 2nd coupling 94 also rotates because a drive shaft rotates.

  The first coupling 93 is disposed at a position overlapping the developing coupling hole 91A in the first direction. The first coupling 93 moves along the first direction. The first coupling 93 includes a protruding position (first connection position) protruding into the slot 91 from the developing coupling hole 91A, and a standby position (withdrawn in the opposite direction to the slot 91 from the developing coupling hole 91A). The first separation position). When the cover 90A is in the open position, the first coupling 93 is in the standby position. When the cover 90A moves from the open position to the closed position, the first coupling 93 moves to the protruding position accordingly.

  When the first coupling 93 is in the protruding position, the first coupling 93 can be connected to the developing coupling 41. Further, the first coupling 93 is not connectable to the development coupling 41 when in the standby position. When the process cartridge 10 is in the first position, the development coupling hole 91A and the fastening hole 413 of the development coupling 41 overlap in the first direction. For this reason, the first coupling 93 moved to the protruding position is inserted into the fastening hole 413 of the developing coupling 41. A driving force for rotating the developing roller 30 is applied to the developing roller 30 via the first coupling 93 and the developing coupling 41.

  The second coupling 94 is disposed at a position overlapping the drum coupling hole 91B in the first direction. The second coupling 94 moves along the first direction. The second coupling 94 includes a projecting position (second connection position) projecting into the slot 91 from the drum coupling hole 91B, and a standby position (retracted from the drum coupling hole 91B in the opposite direction to the slot 91). The second separation position). When the cover 90A is in the open position, the second coupling 94 is positioned in the standby position. When the cover 90A moves from the open position to the closed position, the second coupling 94 moves to the protruding position accordingly.

  When the second coupling 94 is in the protruding position, the second coupling 94 can be connected to the drum coupling 72. Further, the second coupling 94 is not connectable to the drum coupling 72 when in the standby position. The second coupling 94 has a pair of protrusions 94A. When the process cartridge 10 is in the first position, the drum coupling hole 91B and the drum coupling 72 overlap in the first direction. For this reason, the pair of protrusions 94 </ b> A of the second coupling 94 moved to the protruding position is inserted into the pair of recesses 721 or the pair of recesses 722 of the drum coupling 72. A driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 71 is applied to the photosensitive drum 71 via the second coupling 94 and the drum coupling 72.

  The movement of the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 to the protruding position may be realized by either a mechanical structure or an electrical structure. For example, the opening / closing mechanism of the cover 90A and the moving mechanisms of the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 may be mechanically linked. In this case, when the cover 90A moves from the open position to the closed position, the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 move to the protruding position in conjunction with the turning operation of the cover 90A. Alternatively, when the cover sensor 95 detects that the cover 90A is closed, the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 may be moved to the protruding position by an electric motor or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the process cartridge 10 is not sufficiently attached to the housing 90.

  When the process cartridge 10 is at the first position, the surface portion of the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is in contact with the transfer belt 98. The state in which the process cartridge 10 is not sufficiently attached to the housing 90 is a state in which a surface portion that is a part of the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is separated from the transfer belt 98. Hereinafter, the position of the process cartridge 10 that is insufficiently attached to the housing 90 is referred to as a “second position”. When the process cartridge 10 is in the second position, the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical terminal 96 are not in contact with each other.

  When the process cartridge 10 is in the second position, the developing coupling hole 91A and the fastening hole 413 of the developing coupling 41 do not overlap in the first direction. The development coupling hole 91 </ b> A faces at least a part of the first surface portion 731 in the first direction. That is, the first coupling 93 faces the first surface portion 731 in the first direction. In this state, when the first coupling 93 moves from the standby position to the protruding position, the first coupling 93 comes into contact with the first surface portion 731. This prevents the first coupling 93 from being inserted between the development coupling 41 and the drum coupling 72.

  When the process cartridge 10 is in the second position, the drum coupling hole 91B and the drum coupling 72 do not overlap in the first direction. The drum coupling hole 91B faces the lid portion 74 and the second surface portion 732 in the first direction. That is, the second coupling 94 faces the second surface portion 732 in the first direction. In this state, when the second coupling 94 moves from the standby position to the protruding position, the pair of protrusions 94 </ b> A of the second coupling 94 comes into contact with the lid 74 and the second surface portion 732. This prevents the pair of protrusions 94 </ b> A of the second coupling 94 from being inserted into positions other than the pair of recesses 721 or the pair of recesses 722 of the drum coupling 72.

  Hereinafter, the contact between the protruding portion 94A of the first coupling 93, the lid portion 74, and the second surface portion 732 will be described.

  8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams for explaining a state in which the protruding portion 94A of the first coupling 93, the lid portion 74, and the second surface portion 732 are in contact with each other. 8, 9, and 10, the drum flange 73 is indicated by a broken line.

  In FIG. 8, one of the pair of protrusions 94A contacts the lid 74, and the other faces the notch 732A in the first direction. In this case, the pair of protrusions 94 </ b> A is prevented from being inserted into the notch 732 </ b> A by the lid 74. Even if the positioning cutout portion 732A is provided on the second surface portion 732, the lid portion 74 prevents erroneous insertion of the second coupling 94. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, one of the pair of protrusions 94 </ b> A contacts the lid part 74, and the other contacts the second surface part 732. Also in this case, erroneous insertion of the second coupling 94 is prevented.

  As described above, when the process cartridge 10 is not sufficiently mounted on the housing 90, erroneous mounting of the first coupling 93 and the developing coupling 41 can be prevented. Further, erroneous mounting of the second coupling 94 and the drum coupling 72 can be prevented. Therefore, the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 can be prevented from being affected by being mounted at wrong positions and rotating in this state.

  Further, when the first coupling 93 faces the development coupling 41 in the first direction, the driving force of the first coupling 93 is transmitted to the development coupling 41. Further, when the second coupling 94 faces the drum coupling 72 in the first direction, the driving force of the second coupling 94 is transmitted to the drum coupling 72. Therefore, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 71 can be rotated stably.

<3. Configuration of control system>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 80, a display unit 81, an input unit 82, a network interface 83, a transport mechanism 84, an exposure unit 85, a motor 86, and a cover sensor 95.

  The display unit 81 displays information necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 100, the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like. For example, a liquid crystal display is used for the display unit 81. The input unit 82 has a plurality of operation buttons. The user of the image forming apparatus 100 inputs various commands such as execution of printing processing to the control unit 80 by operating the input unit 82 while confirming information displayed on the display unit 81. Can do. The network interface 83 is connected to an external information terminal via a wired or wireless communication unit. The user can also input various commands such as execution of print processing from the external information terminal to the control unit 80 via the network interface 83.

  The transport mechanism 84 transports printing paper. The exposure unit 85 exposes the photosensitive drum 71 in the process cartridge 10. The motor 86 rotates the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94.

  The control unit 80 includes, for example, a CPU 801, a ROM 802, and a RAM 803. The ROM 802 stores a program P for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 803 is a volatile memory that can write and read information. The CPU 801 executes arithmetic processing according to the program P read from the ROM 802 and stores data in the RAM 803 as appropriate. The CPU 801 controls operations of the transport mechanism 84, the exposure unit 85, and the motor 86. The CPU 801 reads information from the four IC chips 51. Further, the CPU 801 detects opening / closing of the cover 90 </ b> A based on a detection signal input from the cover sensor 95.

<4. Processing after mounting process cartridge>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed after the process cartridge 10 is mounted. The process in FIG. 12 is executed, for example, when a detection signal for the process cartridge 10 is output from a cartridge sensor that detects the presence or absence of the process cartridge 10.

  The controller 80 determines whether or not the cover 90A is in the closed position (step S1). Based on the signal from the cover sensor 95, the controller 80 determines whether or not the cover 90A is in the closed position. When the cover 90A is not in the closed position (step S1: NO), the control unit 80 re-executes the process of step S1.

  When the cover 90A is in the closed position (step S1: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 is in contact with the electrical terminal 96 (step S2). For example, the control unit 80 determines contact between the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical terminal 96 depending on whether or not information stored in the IC chip 51 can be read. When the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical terminal 96 are not in contact (step S2: NO), the control unit 80 re-executes the process of step S2.

  When the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical terminal 96 are in contact (step S2: YES), the control unit 80 drives the motor 86 (step S3). Thereby, the 1st coupling 93 and the 2nd coupling 94 rotate, respectively. As the first coupling 93 rotates, the development coupling 41 rotates. Then, the developing roller 30 also rotates. As the second coupling 94 rotates, the drum coupling 72 rotates. Then, the photosensitive drum 71 also rotates. Thereafter, the control unit 80 performs a printing process (step S4).

  As described above, the control unit 80 rotationally drives the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 after detecting that the process cartridge 10 is securely attached to the housing 90. As a result, a rotational driving force is reliably applied to the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 71. That is, it is possible to prevent the first coupling 93 and the second coupling 94 from being driven in a state where the electrical contact 96 and the electrical contact surface 511 are not in contact with each other.

<5. Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Hereinafter, various modifications will be described focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the second coupling 94 has a pair of protrusions 94A, but is not limited to this configuration. The second coupling 94 may have the same configuration as the first coupling 93. Moreover, although the 2nd surface part 732 of the drum flange 73 has the notch part 732A, it does not need to have this. In this case, the drum cartridge 2 may not have the lid portion 74.

  In the above embodiment, the cover sensor 95 is a pressure sensor, but is not limited to this configuration. The cover sensor 95 may be an optical sensor.

  Further, the detailed shape of each part constituting the image forming apparatus may be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. Moreover, you may combine suitably each element which appeared in said embodiment and modification in the range which does not produce inconsistency.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Developing cartridge 2 Drum cartridge 10 Process cartridge 11 Casing 41 Coupling 50 IC chip assembly 51 IC chip 52 Holder 71 Photosensitive drum 72 Drum coupling 73 Drum flange 731 1st surface part 732 2nd surface part 74 Cover part 80 Control part 86 Motor 90 Case 90A Cover 91 Slot 91A Development coupling hole 91B Drum coupling hole 92 Guide part 93 First coupling 94 Second coupling 94A Projection part 95 Cover sensor 96 Electrical terminal 98 Transfer belt 99 Transfer roller 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (10)

A developing roller extending in a first direction;
A developing coupling positioned at one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction and rotating together with the developing roller;
A developing cartridge having
A photosensitive drum extending in the first direction;
A drum coupling located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction and rotating together with the photosensitive drum;
A drum flange located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction and located on the outer periphery of the drum coupling;
A drum cartridge having
A housing in which the drum cartridge can be mounted in a state in which the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge;
A first coupling connectable to the development coupling in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing;
A second coupling connectable to the photosensitive drum via the drum coupling in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing;
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
The drum cartridge moves between a first position and a second position relative to the housing;
When the drum cartridge is in the first position, the first coupling faces the developing coupling in the first direction, and the second coupling faces the drum coupling in the first direction. ,
When the drum cartridge is in the second position, the first coupling faces a first surface portion that is at least a part of the outer surface of the drum flange in the first direction, and the second coupling is A second surface portion that is at least part of the outer surface of the drum flange in the first direction, and faces a second surface portion that is located on the opposite side of the first surface portion with respect to the drum coupling. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Equipped with a transfer belt,
In a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing,
The drum cartridge moves between a first position where a surface portion which is a part of an outer surface of the photosensitive drum contacts the transfer belt and a second position where the surface portion and the transfer belt are separated from each other.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
When the drum cartridge is located at the first position,
The first coupling is connected to the developing coupling,
The second coupling is connected to the drum coupling.
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the drum cartridge is located at the second position,
The first coupling is not connectable to the development coupling;
The second coupling is not connectable to the drum coupling;
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The developer cartridge has a storage medium having an electrical contact surface,
The housing has electrical terminals;
When the drum cartridge is in the first position, the electrical contact surface and the electrical terminal are in contact with each other,
The image forming apparatus, wherein when the drum cartridge is in the second position, the electrical contact surface and the electrical terminal are not in contact with each other. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A controller for controlling rotation of the first coupling and the second coupling;
The controller is
Detecting whether the electrical contact surface is in contact with the electrical contact;
When it is detected that the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact, the first coupling and the second coupling are driven,
When it is detected that the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are not in contact, the first coupling and the second coupling are not driven.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6,
A motor for rotating the first coupling and the second coupling;
The control unit includes a circuit board that controls rotation of the motor.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit includes a circuit board that detects whether the electrical contact surface is in contact with the electrical contact. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The first coupling is:
In a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing,
Movable to a first connection position connected to the development coupling and a first separation position spaced from the development coupling in the first direction;
The second coupling is:
In a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing,
It is movable to a second connection position that connects to the drum coupling and a second separation position that separates from the drum coupling in the first direction,
The first coupling is:
In a state where the drum cartridge is located at the first position and the first coupling is located at the first connection position, the drum cartridge is in contact with the first surface portion of the drum flange;
The second coupling is:
The drum cartridge contacts the second surface portion of the drum flange in a state where the drum cartridge is located at the first position and the second coupling is located at the second connection position;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
The housing is
A cover movable to an open position for opening the opening for mounting the drum cartridge and a closed position for closing the opening;
The first coupling is:
When the cover is located in the open position, located in the first separated position, and when the cover is located in the closed position, located in the first connection position;
The second coupling is:
When the cover is located in the open position, it is located in the second separated position, and when the cover is located in the closed position, it is located in the second connection position;
An image forming apparatus.

Images