AU2022200676B2 - Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member - Google Patents
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS,
DEVELOPING APPARATUS, AND COUPLING MEMBER
ABSTRACT
An image forming apparatus cartridge is described. The image forming apparatus
cartridge comprises: a casing; a developer roller having an axis Li, the developer roller being
rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis Ll; a first gear connected to
the developer roller; a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear; and a coupling
member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to
the second gear and operatively connected with the developer roller so as to be capable of
transmitting a rotational force to the developer roller via the first and second gears, (ii) a
second end portion having a recess formed therein and including at least two projections
provided at diametrically opposed positions, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the
first end portion and the second end portion. The coupling member is movable between a
first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and
offset from the axis Li of the developer roller, and a second position in which the axis L2 of
the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis Li of the developer roller. A
maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 of the coupling member with respect to the axis
Li of the developer roller is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
11737249_1
Description
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2020205222, a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2018205167, in turn a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2017221846 filed 1 September 2017. Australian Patent Application No. 2017221846 is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2016225943 filed 12 September 2016. Australian Patent Application No. 2016225943 is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2015203402 filed 19 June 2015. Australian Patent Application No. 2015203402 is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2012200941 filed 17 February 2012. Application No. 2012200941 is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2008230339 filed 24 March 2008. The content of each of Australian Patent Application No. 2017221846, Australian Patent Application No. 2020205222, Australian Patent Application No. 2016225943, Australian Patent Application No. 2015203402, Australian Patent Application No. 2012200941 and Australian Patent Application No. 2008230339 and Australian Patent Application No. 2018205167 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
[0002] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a developing apparatus used in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a coupling member used in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0003] Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), and the like.
[0004] The developing apparatus (developing device) is mounted to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member.
[0005] The developing device includes a developing device of a fixed type used in a state in which it is mounted and fixed to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a developing device of a developing cartridge type in which a user can mount it to the main assembly and can demount it from the main assembly.
[0006] With respect to the developing device of the fixed
type, maintenance is performed by a service person. On the
other hand, with respect to the developing device of the
developing cartridge type, maintenance is performed by the user
by replacing a developing cartridge with another one.
[0007] In a conventional electrophotographic image forming
apparatus, the following constitution is known when an
electrostatic latent image formed on a drum-shaped
electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred
to as a "photosensitive drum") is developed.
[0008] In a Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (JP-A)
2003-202727, a gear (gear 42Y) is provided to a developing
device and is engaged with a gear provided to a main assembly of
the image forming apparatus. Then, a rotating force of a motor
provided to the main assembly is transmitted to a developing
roller through the gear provided to the main assembly and the
gear provided to the main assembly. In this way, a method of
rotating the developing roller is known.
[0009] Further, a color electrophotographic image forming
apparatus in which a developing rotary rotatable in state in
which a plurality of developing devices is mounted to the
developing rotary is provided to a main assembly of the
apparatus (JP-A Hei 11-015265). In this apparatus, the
following cartridge for transmitting a rotating force from the
apparatus main assembly to the developing devices is known.
Specifically, a main assembly-side coupling (coupling 71) provided to the apparatus main assembly and a developing device-side coupling (coupling gear 65) of developing devices (developing devices 6Y, 6M, 6C) mounted to a developing rotary (multi-color developing device 6) are connected, whereby a rotating force is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly to the developing devices. When the main assembly-side coupling and the developing device-side coupling are connected, the main assembly-side coupling is once retracted into the apparatus (by spring 74) so as not to hinder movement of the developing rotary. Then, the developing rotary is moved, so that a predetermined developing device is moved in a direction in which the main assembly-side coupling is provided. Thereafter, the retracted main assembly-side coupling is moved toward the developing device-side coupling by using a moving mechanism such as a solenoid and the like (solenoid 75, arm 76). In this manner, both of the couplings are connected to each other. Then, a rotating force of a motor provided to the main assembly is transmitted to a developing roller through the main assembly-side coupling and the developing device-side coupling. As a result, the developing roller is rotated. Such a method is known.
[0010] However, in the conventional cartridge described in JP-A 2003-202727, a driving connection portion between the main assembly and the developing device constitutes an engaging portion for a gear (gear 35) and a gear (gear 42Y). For this reason, it is difficult to prevent rotation non-uniformity of the developing roller.
[0011] In the conventional cartridge described in JP-A Hei 11-015265, as described above, the main assembly-side coupling (coupling 71) is once retracted into the apparatus so as not to hinder the movement of the developing device. Further, during the transmission of the rotating force, it is necessary to move the retracted main assembly-side coupling toward the developing device-side coupling. Thus, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the main assembly-side coupling toward the developing device-side to the apparatus main assembly. Further, for image formation, a time required for movement of the main assembly-side coupling must be considered.
[0011a] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.
[001ib] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least two projections that are at least partly outside of the casing, each of the at least two projections being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis LI of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, and (iii) a third position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
[0011c] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least two projections that are at
4a
least partly outside of the casing, each of the at least two projections being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
[0011d] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least one projection that is at least partly outside of the casing, the at least one projection being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, and (iii) a third position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
[0011e] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion
4b
for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least one projection that is at least partly outside of the casing, the at least one projection being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
[0011f] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller removing the developer from the surface of the developer roller and supplying the developer to the surface of the developer roller; a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear; a third gear operatively connected to the developer supplying roller; and a coupling member operatively connected to the second gear, the coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least two projections that are at least partly outside of the casing, each of the at least two projections being open to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and operatively connected to the developer roller via the third gear in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, and (iii) a third position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
[0011g] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about
4c
the axis LI; a developer supplying roller removing the developer from the surface of the developer roller and supplying the developer to the surface of the developer roller; a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear; a third gear operatively connected to the developer supplying roller; and a coupling member operatively connected to the second gear, the coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least two projections that are at least partly outside of the casing, each of the at least two projections being open to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and operatively connected to the developer roller via the third gear in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
[0011h] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller removing the developer from the surface of the developer roller and supplying the developer to the surface of the developer roller; a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear; a third gear operatively connected to the developer supplying roller; and a coupling member operatively connected to the second gear, the coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least one projection that is at least partly outside of the casing, the at least one projection being open to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and operatively connected to the developer roller via the third gear in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, and (iii) a third position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the
4d
coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
[0011i] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller removing the developer from the surface of the developer roller and supplying the developer to the surface of the developer roller; a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear; a third gear operatively connected to the developer supplying roller; and a coupling member operatively connected to the second gear, the coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least one projection that is at least partly outside of the casing, the at least one projection being open to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and operatively connected to the developer roller via the third gear in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
[0012] Disclosed is a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) which seeks to address, or at least ameliorate, the above-described problems of the conventional cartridges, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus, and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0013] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of engaging a coupling member provided to the developing apparatus (developing cartridge) with a driving shaft by moving the developing apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft even in the case where a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a main assembly-side coupling member in the axial direction by a solenoid. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling member used in the developingapparatus.
[0014] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of engaging a driving shaft provided to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0015] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of smoothly rotating a developing roller compared with the case where driving connection of a main assembly and the developing apparatus is performed through gears. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0016] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of engaging with a driving shaft provided to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft and capable of smoothly rotating a developing roller. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0017] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus capable of mounting with and demounting from a driving shaft provided to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft by movement of a moving member in one direction. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0018] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus capable of mounting with and demounting from a driving shaft provided to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft by movement of a moving member in one direction and capable of smoothly rotating a developing roller. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0019] Also disclosed is a developing apparatus including a coupling member capable of taking a rotating force transmitting angular position for transmitting a rotating force from a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to a developing roller, a pre-engagement angular position at which the coupling member is inclined from the rotating force transmitting angular position and is in a state before being engaged with a rotating force applying portion, and a disengagement angular position at which the coupling member is inclined from the rotating force transmitting angular position in a direction opposite from the pre-engagement angular position to be disengaged from the driving shaft. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a developing apparatus capable of engaging a coupling member provided to the developing apparatus (developing cartridge) with a driving shaft by moving the developing apparatus (developing cartridge) in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft even in the case where a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a main assembly-side coupling member in the axial direction by a solenoid. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present
disclosure, there is provided a developing apparatus capable of
engaging a driving shaft provided to a main assembly of an
electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction
substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving
shaft. According to another aspect, there is provided the
electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing
apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing
apparatus.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present
disclosure, it is possible to smoothly rotate a developing
roller compared with the case where driving connection of an
apparatus main assembly and the developing apparatus is
performed through gears.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present
disclosure, there is provided a developing apparatus capable of
engaging with a driving shaft provided to a main assembly of an
electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction
substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving
shaft and capable of smoothly rotating a developing roller.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using
the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the
developing apparatus.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present
disclosure, there is provided a developing apparatus capable of
mounting with and demounting from a driving shaft provided to the apparatus main assembly from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft by movement of a moving member in one direction. According to another aspect, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a developing apparatus capable of mounting with and demounting from a driving shaft provided to the apparatus main assembly from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft by movement of a moving member in one direction and capable of smoothly rotating a developing roller. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling member used in the developing apparatus.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a developing apparatus including a coupling member capable of taking a rotating force transmitting angular position for transmitting a rotating force from the apparatus main assembly to a developing roller, a pre-engagement angular position at which the coupling member is inclined from the rotating force transmitting angular position and is in a state before being engaged with a rotating force applying portion, and a disengagement angular position at which the coupling member is inclined from the rotating force transmitting angular position in a direction opposite from the pre-engagement angular position to be disengaged from the driving shaft.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to engage and disengage a coupling member provided to a developing apparatus with respect to a driving shaft provided to an apparatus main assembly from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft by movement of a moving member in one direction.
[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to engage and disengage a coupling member provided to a developing apparatus with respect to a driving shaft provided to an apparatus main assembly from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft by movement of a moving member in one direction and also possible to smoothly rotate a developing roller.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, even when a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a main assembly-side coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to a developing roller in an axial direction of the coupling member by a solenoid, it is possible to engage a coupling member provided to a developing apparatus with a driving shaft by movement of a moving member. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize an improvement in image forming speed.
[0029a] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a driving shaft; a supporting member capable of linearly moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of said driving shaft; a cartridge dismountably mounted on said supporting member; a rotatable member provided in said cartridge, a coupling which is provided in said cartridge and which is engaged with said driving shaft and transmits a driving force received from said driving shaft to said rotatable member; and wherein linear movement of the supporting member causes said coupling to move between a first position in which an axis of the coupling is substantially parallel to the axis of the driving shaft and a second position in which the axis of said coupling is inclined relative to the axis of said driving shaft.
[0029b] According to another aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a cartridge dismountably mount double to an
image forming apparatus including a driving shaft, and a
supporting member capable of linearly moving in a direction
substantially perpendicular to an axis of said driving shaft,
said cartridge comprising: a cartridge dismountably mounted on
the supporting member; a rotatable member provided in said
cartridge, a coupling which is provided in said cartridge and
which is engaged with the driving shaft and transmits a driving
force received from the driving shaft to said rotatable member;
and wherein linear movement of the supporting member causes said
coupling to move between a first position in which an axis of
the coupling is substantially parallel to the axis of the
driving shaft and a second position in which the axis of the
coupling is inclined relative to the axis of the driving shaft.
[00301 According to another aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a
driving shaft, a supporting member capable of linearly moving in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the
driving shaft, wherein said supporting member supports (i) a
plurality of rotatable members and (ii) a plurality of couplings
engaged with said driving shaft to transmit a driving force
received from said driving shaft to said rotatable members,
respectively, wherein each of said couplings is movable by
linear movement of said supporting member between a first
position in which axes of said couplings are substantially
parallel to an axis of said driving shaft a second position in
which the axes of said couplings are inclined relative to the
axis of said driving shaft.
[0031] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon a consideration
of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
[0032] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a developing
cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing
cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the developing
cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[00351 Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a main
assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00361 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a developing
roller according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view and a
longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[00381 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a development
supporting member according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[00391 Figure 8 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a side of the
developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a coupling
member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of
the developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0043] Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of
the developing cartridge according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0044] Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of
the developing cartridge according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0045] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a rotary
member (hereinafter called "rotary") according to the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the rotary
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rotary
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] Figure 18 shows a view, as seen from a side, of
an apparatus main assembly according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0050] Figure 19 shows a view of the apparatus main
assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention,
as seen from a side.
[0051] Figure 20 shows a view of the apparatus main
assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention,
as seen from the side.
[0052] Figure 21 is the Figure of the apparatus main
assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention,
as seen from the side.
10156073 1 905731D2
[00531 Figure 22 is a longitudinal sectional view
showing the process of engagement between the drive shaft and
the coupling according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0054] Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the
drive shaft and the coupling according to the embodiment of
the present invention.
[00551 Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the
drive shaft and the coupling according to the embodiment of
the present invention.
[00561 Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the
process of disengagement of the coupling from drive shaft
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] Figure 26 is the timing chart of the operations
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[00581 Figure 27 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00591 Figure 28 is a perspective view of the coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[00601 Figure 29 is a perspective view of a drive shaft
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[00621 Figure 31 is a perspective view of the coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[00631 Figure 32 is a perspective view of a side of a
developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] Figure 33 is a partly sectional view of the
developing cartridge and a development shaft according to the
embodiment of the present invention.
[00651 Figure 34 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the take-out process of the developing cartridge
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[00661 Figure 35 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the process of engagement between the drive shaft
and the coupling according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0067] Figure 36 is a perspective view of a development
supporting member according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[00681 Figure 37 is a perspective view of a side of a
developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[00691 Figure 38 is a perspective view illustrating the
state of the engagement between the drive shaft and the
coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention,
and a longitudinal sectional view.
[0070] Figure 39 is a perspective view of a development
supporting member according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0071] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] Figure 41 is a perspective view of a side of a
developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0073] Figure 42 is a perspective view and a
longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state of the
engagement between the drive shaft and the coupling in the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating a state of mounting the coupling to the
development supporting member, in the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0075] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] Figure 45 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an engaged state between the development shaft
and the coupling according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0077] Figure 46 is a longitudinal sectional view
showing an engaged state between the drive shaft and the
coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] Figure 47 is a side view of a rotary flange
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] Figure 48 is a side view of the rotary flange
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[00801 Figure 49 illustrates a locus of the coupling
shown in Figure 47 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0081] Figure 50 is a sectional view of the drive shaft
and the coupling of Figure 38 according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0082] Figure 51 is an illustration of a coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00831 Figure 52 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating a state before the engagement between the drive
shaft and the coupling concerning an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0084] Figure 53 is a perspective view and a
longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[00851 Figure 54 is a perspective view of a coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00861 Figure 55 is a longitudinal sectional view
showing an engaged state between the drive shaft and the
coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] Figure 56 is a perspective view showing the
process of engagement between the drive shaft and the coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[00881 Figure 57 is a perspective view of a developing
cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[00891 Figure 58 is a perspective view of the
developing cartridge according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[00901 Figure 59 is a perspective view illustrating a
driving input gear according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0091] Figure 60 is a perspective view of a developing
cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] Figure 61 is a perspective view and a
longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[00931 Figure 62 is an exploded longitudinal section of
a coupling and a driving input gear according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0094] Figure 63 is an exploded perspective view of the
coupling and the bearing member according to the embodiment of
the present invention.
[00951 Figure 64 is a longitudinal sectional view of a
developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[00961 Figure 65 is a longitudinal sectional view of a
developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0097] Figure 66 is a perspective view showing an
engaged state of the developing roller gear and the coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[00981 Figure 67 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating process of engagement between the coupling and
the drive shaft according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[00991 Figure 68 is a perspective view of the drive
shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0100] Figure 69 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the process of the disengagement of the coupling
from the drive shaft according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0101] Figure 70 is a perspective view of a developing
cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[01021 Figure 71 is a perspective view of a side of a
developing cartridge according to the embodiment of the
present invention (the side plate of the cartridge is
omitted).
[0103] Figure 72 is a perspective view illustrating a
driving input gear according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0104] Figure 73 is a side view of the apparatus main
assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0105] Figure 74 is a side view of an apparatus main
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0106] Figure 75 is a sectional view of the apparatus
main assembly according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0107] Figure 76 is a perspective view and a
longitudinal sectional view illustrating the coupling
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0108] Figure 77 is a side view and a perspective view
of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0109] Figure 78 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the process of engagement and process of
disengagement between the drive shaft and the coupling
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0110] Hereinbelow, a developing cartridge, an
electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a coupling
member according to the present invention will be described
with reference to the drawings.
[0111] In the following embodiments, a developing
cartridge of the type in which a user can mount and demount
the developing cartridge with respect to an apparatus main
assembly. However, the present invention is also applicable
to a developing device which is used in a state in which it is
mounted and fixed to the main assembly.
[0112] Further, the present invention is specifically
applicable to a single coupling member (e.g., those shown in
Figures 6(a), 14(a3), 28(c), 30 and 77(b)), a developing
10156073 1 905731D2 device (developing cartridge) (e.g., those shown in Figures 2,
57 and 60), and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus
(e.g., those shown in Figures 5 and 75).
[Embodiment 1]
(1) Brief description of developing cartridge (developing
device)
[0113] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 4, a
developing cartridge B as a developing device to which an
embodiment of the present invention is applied (hereinafter
simply referred to as a "cartridge") will be described.
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the cartridge B. Figures 2
and 3 are perspective views of the cartridge B. Figure 4 is a
sectional view of a color electrophotographic image forming
apparatus main assembly A (hereinafter referred to as an
"apparatus main assembly").
[0114] This cartridge B can be mounted to and demounted
from a rotary C provided to the apparatus main assembly A by a
user.
[0115] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the cartridge B
includes a developing roller 110. The developing roller is
rotated by receiving a rotating force from the apparatus main
assembly A through a coupling mechanism described later during
a developing function. In a developer accommodating frame
114, a developer t of a predetermined color is accommodated.
This developer is fed to a developer chamber 113a in a
predetermined amount by rotation of a stirring member 116.
The fed developer is supplied to a surface of the developing
roller by rotation of a sponge-like developer supplying roller
115 in the developer chamber 113a. This developer is formed
10156073 1 905731D2 in a thin layer by being supplied with electric charges by triboelectric charge between a thin plate-like developing blade 112 and the developing roller 110. The developer formed in the thin layer on the developing roller 110 is fed to a developing position by rotation. By applying a predetermined developing bias to the developing roller 110, an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a "photosensitive drum")
107 is developed. That is, the electrostatic latent image is
developed by the developing roller 110.
[0116] Further, developer which does not contribute to
the development of the electrostatic latent image, i.e.,
residual developer removing on the surface of the developing
roller 110 is removed by the developer supplying roller 115.
At the same time, a fresh developer is supplied to the surface
of the developing roller 110 by the developer supplying roller
115. In this manner, a developing operation is successively
performed.
[0117] The cartridge B includes a developing unit 119.
The developing unit 119 includes a developing device frame 113
and the developer accommodating frame 114. The developing
unit 119 further includes the developing roller 110, the
developing blade 112, the developer supplying roller 115, the
developer chamber 113a, the developer accommodating frame 14,
and the stirring member 116.
[0118] The developing roller 110 is rotatable about an
axial line Li.
[0119] Here, the developing cartridge B is mounted by
the user to a developing cartridge accommodating portion 130A
provided to a rotation selecting mechanism (developing rotary)
10156073 1 905731D2
C of the apparatus main assembly A. At this time, as
described later, a driving shaft of the apparatus main
assembly A and a coupling member as a rotating driving force
transmitting part of the cartridge B are connected to each
other in interrelation with such an operation that the
cartridge B is positioned at a predetermined position
(opposing portion to the photosensitive drum) by the
developing rotary (rotation selecting mechanism) C. Thus, the
developing roller 110 and the like are rotated by receiving a
driving force from the apparatus main assembly A.
(2) Description of electrophotographic image forming
apparatus
[0120] With respect to Figure 4, a color
electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the
developing cartridge B described will be described. In the
following, description will be made by taking a color laser
beam printer as an example of the color electrophotographic
image forming apparatus.
[0121] As shown in Figure 4, a plurality of cartridges
B (B1, B2, B3, B4) accommodating developers (toners) different
in color is mounted to the rotary C. The mounting and
demounting of the cartridge B with respect to the rotary C are
performed by the user. By rotating the rotary C, a cartridge
B accommodating a developer of a predetermined color is
disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum 107. Then, an
electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum
107 is developed. The developed image is transferred onto a
recording material S. This developing and transferring
operation is performed for each of the colors. As a result, a
color image is obtained. Hereinbelow, specific description
will be made. The recording material S is a material on which
10156073 1 905731D2 an image can be formed and include, e.g., paper, an OHP sheet, and the like.
[0122] Referring to Figure 4, the photosensitive drum
107 is irradiated with light based on image information from
an optical means 101. By this irradiation, an electrostatic
latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 107. The
electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer by
the developing roller 110. The developer image formed on the
photosensitive drum 107 is transferred onto an intermediary
transfer member.
[0123] Next, the developer image transferred onto an
intermediary transfer belt 104a as the intermediary transfer
member is transferred onto the recording material S by a
second transfer means. Then, the recording material S onto
which the developer image is transferred is conveyed to a
fixing means 105 including a pressing roller 105a and a
heating roller 105b. The developer image transferred onto the
recording material S is fixed on the recording material S.
After the fixation, the recording material S is discharged on
a tray 106.
[0124] An image forming step will be described more
specifically.
[0125] In synchronism with rotation of the intermediary
transfer belt 104a, the photosensitive drum 107 is rotated
counterclockwisely (Figure 4). Then, a surface of the
photosensitive drum 107 is electrically charged uniformly by a
charging roller 108. The surface of the photosensitive drum
107 is irradiated with light depending on image information,
e.g., about a yellow image by the optical (exposure) means
10156073 1 905731D2
101. Thus, a yellow electrostatic latent image is formed on
the photosensitive drum 107.
[0126] The exposure means 101 is constituted as
follows. The exposure means 101 irradiates the photosensitive
drum 107 with high on the basis of the image information read
from an external device (not shown). As a result, the
electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive
drum 107. The exposure means 101 includes a laser diode, a
polygon mirror, a scanner motor, an imaging lens, and a
reflection mirror.
[0127] From the unshown external device, an image
signal is sent. By this operation, the laser diode emits
light depending on the image signal and the polygon mirror is
irradiated with the light (as image light). The polygon
mirror is rotated at a high speed by the scanner motor to
reflect the image light, so that the surface of the
photosensitive drum 107 is selectively exposed to the image
light through the imaging lens and the reflection mirror. As
a result, the electrostatic latent image depending on the
image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 107.
[0128] Simultaneously with this electrostatic latent
image formation, the rotary C is rotated, whereby a yellow
cartridge B1 is moved to a developing position. Then, a
predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing
roller 110. As a result, a yellow developer is deposited on
the electrostatic latent image, so that the electrostatic
latent image is developed with the yellow developer.
Thereafter, a bias voltage of an opposite polarity to that of
the developer is applied to a pressing roller (a primary
transfer roller) 104j for the intermediary transfer belt 104a,
so that the yellow developer image on the photosensitive drum
10156073 1 905731D2
107 is primary-transferred onto the intermediary transfer belt
104a.
[0129] As described above, after the primary transfer
of the yellow developer image is completed, the rotary C is
rotated. As a result, a subsequent cartridge B2 is moved to
be located at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum
107. The above-described process is performed with respect to
a magenta cartridge B2, a cyan cartridge B3, and a black
cartridge B4. In this way, by repeating the process for each
of magenta, cyan, and black, four color developer images are
superposed on the intermediary transfer belt 104a.
[0130] Incidentally, the yellow cartridge B1
accommodates the yellow developer and forms the yellow
developer image. The magenta cartridge B2 accommodates a
magenta developer and forms a magenta developer image. The
cyan cartridge B3 accommodates a cyan developer and forms a
cyan developer image. The black cartridge B4 accommodates a
black developer and forms a black developer image.
[0131] During the image formation described above, a
secondary transfer roller 104b is in a noncontact state with
the intermediary transfer belt 104a. A cleaning charging
roller 104f is also in a noncontact state with the
intermediary transfer belt 104a.
[0132] After the four color developer images are formed
on the intermediary transfer belt 104a, the secondary transfer
roller 104b is pressed against the intermediary transfer belt
104a (Figure 4). In synchronism with the press contact of the
secondary transfer roller 104b, the recording material S
waiting at a position in the neighborhood of a registration
roller pair 103e is sent to a nip between the transfer belt
10156073 1 905731D2
104a and the transfer roller 104b. At the same time, a
recording material S is fed from a cassette 103a by a feeding
roller 103b and a conveying roller pair 103c as a feeding
(conveying) means 103.
[0133] Immediately before the registration roller pair
103e, a sensor 99 is disposed. The sensor 99 detects a
leading end of the recording material S and stops the rotation
of the registration roller pair 103e, thus placing the
recording material S in a standby state at a predetermined
position.
[0134] To the transfer roller 104b, a bias voltage of
an opposite polarity to that of the developer is applied, so
that the developer images on the transfer belt 104a are
simultaneously secondary-transferred onto the conveyed
recording material S.
[0135] The recording material S onto which the
developer images are transferred and conveyed to the fixing
means 105 through a conveying belt unit 103f. By the fixing
means 105, fixation of the developer images is performed. The
recording material S subjected to the fixation is discharged
on a discharging tray 106 disposed at an upper portion of the
apparatus main assembly by a discharging roller pair 103g. In
this way, formation of an image o the recording material S is
completed.
[0136] After completion of the secondary transfer, the
charging roller 104f is pressed against the transfer belt
104a, so that the surface of the belt 104a and the developer
remaining on the surface of the belt 104a are supplied with
the predetermined bias voltage. As a result, a residual
electric charge is removed.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0137] The residual developer subjected to the charge
removal is electrostatically re-transferred from the belt 104a
onto the photosensitive drum 107 through a primary transfer
nip. As a result, the surface of the belt 104a is cleaned.
The residual developer re-transferred onto the photosensitive
drum 107 after the secondary transfer is removed by a cleaning
blade 117a contacting the photosensitive drum 107. The
removed developer is collected din a residual developer box
107d through a conveying passage (not shown).
[0138] Incidentally, an accommodating portion 130a is a
chamber in which the above-descried cartridge B is
accommodated and is provided to the rotary C at a plurality of
positions. The rotary C is rotated in one direction in a
state in which the cartridge B is mounted in the chamber. As
a result, a coupling member (described later) of the cartridge
B is connected to a driving shaft 180 provided to the
apparatus main assembly A and disconnected from the driving
shaft 180. The cartridge B (developing roller 110) is moved
in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial line L3
direction of the driving shaft 180 depending on the movement
of the rotary C in one direction.
(3) Constitution of developing roller
[0139] Next, with reference to Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a
constitution of the developing roller 110 will be described.
Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of the developing roller 110
as seen from a receiving side of a driving force from the main
assembly A to the developing roller 110 (hereinafter simply
referred to as a "driving side"). Figure 5(b) is a
perspective view of the developing roller 110 as seen from a
side opposite from the driving side with respect to the axial
10156073 1 905731D2 direction of the developing roller 110 (hereinafter referred to as a "non-driving side").
[0140] The developing roller 110 includes a developing
shaft 153 and a rubber portion 110a. The developing shaft 153
is formed of an electroconductive material such as iron or the
like in an elongated shaft shape and is covered with the
rubber portion 110a at a portion except for both end portions
with respect to the axial direction. The developing shaft 153
is rotatably supported by the developing device frame 113
through bearings (not shown) at both end engaging portions
153dl and 153d2. Further, a cartridge 150 described later is
positioned at an end portion 153b on the driving side. The
cartridge 150 is engaged with a rotating force transmitting
pin 155 described later to transmit a driving force. The
rubber portion 110 coaxially covers the developing shaft 153.
The rubber portion 110 carries the developer and develops the
electrostatic latent image by application of a bias to the
developing shaft 153.
[0141] Nip width regulating members 136 and 137 are
members for regulating a nip width of the developing roller
110 with respect to the photosensitive drum 107 at a constant
value.
[0142] The unshown bearings are disposed at the both
end portions 153dl and 153d2 of the developing roller 110 so
as to support rotatably the developing roller 110 on the
developing device frame 113 (Figure 1).
[0143] A developing gear (not shown) is disposed at the
driving-side end portion 153dl of the developing roller 110
and fixed to the developing shaft 153. The unshown developing
gear transmits the rotating force received from the apparatus
10156073 1 905731D2 main assembly A to the developing roller 110 to other rotating members (e.g., the developer supplying roller 115, the stirring member, and the like) of the developing cartridge B.
[0144] Next, the driving-side end portion of the
developing shaft 153 at which the cartridge 150 is movably
(pivotably, swingably) mounted will be described more
specifically. The end portion 153b has a spherical shape so
that the axial line L2 of the cartridge 150 (described later)
can be inclined smoothly. In the neighborhood of an end of
the developing shaft 153, the driving force transmitting pin
155 for receiving the rotating force from the cartridge 150 is
disposed in a direction crossing the axial line Li of the
developing shaft 153.
[0145] The pin 155 as the rotating force transmitting
portion is formed of metal and fixed to the developing shaft
153 by a method such as press fitting, bonding, or the like.
The fixing position may be any position at which a driving
force (rotating force) can be transmitted, i.e., a direction
crossing the axial line Li of the developing shaft (developing
roller). It is desirable that the pin 155 passes through a
spherical center P2 (Figure 10b) of the end portion 153b of
the developing shaft 153. This is because a transmission
diameter of the rotating force is always kept at a constant
level even in the case where the axial line Li of the
developing shaft 153 and the axial line L2 of the cartridge
150 are somewhat deviated from each other. For this reason,
it is possible to realize stable rotating force transmission.
The rotating force transmitting point may be provided at any
positions. However, in order to transmit a driving torque
(rotating force) with reliability and improve an assembly
property, a single pin 155 is employed in this embodiment.
The pin 155 is passed through the center P2 of the end
10156073 1 905731D2 spherical surface 153b. As a result, the pin 155 (155al and
155a2) is disposed so as to be projected at positions
180-degree opposite from each other at a peripheral surface of
the driving shaft. That is, the rotating force is transmitted
a two points. In this embodiment, the pin 155 is fixed at the
end portion side within 5 mm from the end of the drum shaft
153. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0146] Incidentally, a main assembly-side developing
electric contact (not shown) is disposed in the apparatus main
assembly A so as to contact a non-driving-side end portion
153c of the electroconductive developing shaft 153. An
electric contact (not shown) of the developing cartridge and
the main assembly-side developing electric contact are brought
into contact with each other. In this way, a high-voltage
bias is supplied from the apparatus main assembly A to the
developing roller 110.
(4) Description of rotating driving force transmitting part
(coupling, coupling member)
[0147] An embodiment of the coupling (coupling member)
which is a rotating driving force transmitting part as a
principal constituent-element of the present invention will be
described with reference to Figures 6(a) to 6(f). Figure 6(a)
is a perspective view of the coupling as seen from the
apparatus main assembly side and Figure 6(b) is a perspective
view of the coupling as seen from the photosensitive drum
side. Figure 6(c) is a view of the coupling as seen from a
direction perpendicular to a direction of a coupling rotating
axis L2. Figure 6(d) is a side view of the coupling as seen
from the apparatus main assembly side and Figure 6(e) is a
view of the coupling as seen from the photosensitive drum
10156073 1 905731D2 side. Figure 6(f) is a sectional view of the coupling taken along S3 - S3 line shown in Figure 6(d).
[0148] The developing cartridge B is detachably mounted
to the cartridge accommodating portion 130a in the rotary C
provided in the apparatus main assembly A. This mounting is
performed by the user. The rotary C is rotationally driven
and stopped at a position at which the cartridge B reaches a
predetermined position (developing position at which the
cartridge B is located opposite to the photosensitive drum
107). By this operation, the coupling (coupling member) 150
is engaged with a driving shaft 180 provided to the apparatus
main assembly A. Further, the rotary C is rotated in one
direction to move the cartridge B from the predetermined
position (developing position). That is, the cartridge B is
retracted from the predetermined position. As a result, the
coupling 150 is moved apart from the driving shaft 180. The
coupling 150 receives the rotating force from a motor 64
(Figure 17) provided to the apparatus main assembly A in a
state of engagement with the driving shaft 180. The coupling
150 transmits the rotating force to the developing roller 110.
As a result, the developing roller 110 is rotated by the
rotating force received from the apparatus main assembly A.
[0149] As described above, the driving shaft 180 has a
pin 182 (rotating force applying portion) and is rotated by
the motor 64.
[0150] A material for the coupling 150 is a resin
material such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, or the like. In
order to enhance rigidity of the coupling 150, it is also
possible to enhance the rigidity by incorporating glass fiber
or the like into the resin material depending on a load
torque. Further, it is also possible to employ a metal
10156073 1 905731D2 material. Thus, the material for the coupling 150 may be appropriately selectable. However, the resin-made coupling can be easily processed, so that the respective cartridges in this embodiment are formed of the resin material.
[0151] The coupling 150 mainly comprises three
portions.
[0152] The first portion is engageable with the drive
shaft 180 (which will be described hereinafter) as shown in
Figure 6(c), and it is a driven portion 150a for receiving the
rotational force from the rotational force transmitting pin
182 which is a rotational force applying portion (main
assembly side rotational force transmitting portion) provided
on the drive shaft 180. In addition, the second portion is
engageable with the pin 155 provided to the developing device
shaft 153, and it is a driving portion 150b for transmitting
the rotational force to the developing roller 110. In
addition, the third portion is an intermediate portion 150c
for connecting the driven portion 150a and the driving portion
150b with each other (Figure 8 (c) and (f)).
[0153] As shown in Figure 6(f) the driven portion 150a
is provided with a drive shaft insertion opening portion 150m
which expands toward the rotation axis L2. The driving
portion 150b has a developing device shaft insertion opening
portion 1501.
[0154] The opening 150m is defined by a conical driving
shaft receiving surface 150f which expands toward the drive
shaft 180 (Figures 9 to 13) side. The receiving surface 150f
constitutes a recess 150z as shown in Figure 6 (f). The
recess 150z includes the opening 150m at a position opposite
10156073 1 905731D2 from the developing roller 110 with respect to the direction of the axis L2.
[0155] By this, regardless of rotation phase of the
developing roller 110 in the cartridge B, the coupling 150 can
move (pivot) among a pre-engagement angular position (Figure
22(a)), a rotational force transmitting angular position
(Figure 22(d)), and a disengaging angular position (Figures
25(a) (d)) relative to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180
without being prevented by the free end portion 182a of the
drive shaft 180. The details thereof will be described
hereinafter.
[0156] A plurality of projections (the engaging
portions) 150d (150dl - 150d4) are provided at equal intervals
on a circumference about the axis L2 on an end surface of the
recess 150z. Between the adjacent projections 150d, entrance
portions 150k (150k1, 150k2, 150k3, 150k4) are provided. An
interval between the adjacent projections 150dl - 150d4 is
larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182, so that the
rotational force transmitting pins provided to the drive shaft
180 (rotational force applying portions) 182 are received. The
pins are the rotational force applying portions. The recesses
between the adjacent projections are the entrance portions
150k1-150k4. When the rotational force is transmitted to the
coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180, the pins 182 are
received by any of the entrance portions 150k1-150k4. In
addition, in Figure 6 (d), the rotational force reception
surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) 150e (150el
150e4) are provided in the upstream with respect to the
clockwise direction (Xl) of each projection 150d. The
receiving surface 150el-150e4 is extended in the direction
crossing with the rotational direction of the coupling 150.
More particularly, the projection 150dl has a receiving
10156073 1 905731D2 surface 150el, the projection 150d2 has a receiving surface
150e2, the projection 150d3 has a receiving surface 150e3,
and, a projection 150d4 has a receiving surface 150e4. In the
state where the drive shaft 180 rotates, the pin 182al, 182a2
contacts to any of the receiving surfaces 150e. By doing so,
the receiving surface 150e contacted by the pin 182al, 182a2
is pushed by the pin 182. By this, the coupling 150 rotates
about the axis L2.
[0157] In order to stabilize the transmission torque
transmitted to the coupling 150 as much as possible, it is
desirable to dispose the rotational force receiving surfaces
150e on a phantom circle(the same circumference) that has a
center 0 on the axis L2(Figure 6(d)). By this, the rotational
force transmission radius is constant and the torque
transmitted to the coupling 150 is stabilized. In addition,
as for the projections 150d, it is preferable that the
position of the coupling 150 is stabilized by the balance of
the forces which the coupling 150 receives. For that reason,
in this embodiment, the receiving surfaces 150e are disposed
at the diametrically opposed positions (180 degrees). More
particularly, in this embodiment, the receiving surface 150el
and the receiving surface 150e3 are diametrically opposed
relative to each other, and the receiving surface 150e2 and
the surface 150e4 are diametrically opposed relative to each
other. By this arrangement, the forces which the coupling 150
receives constitute a force couple. Therefore, the coupling
150 can continue rotary motion only by receiving the force
couple. For this reason, the coupling 150 can rotate without
the necessity of being specified in the position of the
rotation axis L2 thereof. In addition, as for the number
thereof, as long as the pins 182 of the drive shaft 180 (the
rotational force applying portion) can enter the entrance
portions 150k(150k1-150k2), it is possible to select suitably.
10156073 1 905731D2
In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the four receiving
surfaces are provided. This embodiment is not limited to this
example. For example, the receiving surfaces 150e
(projections 150d1-150d4) do not need to be disposed on the
same circumference (the phantom circle Cl and Figure 6(d)).
Or, it is not necessary to dispose at the diametrically
opposed positions. However, the effects described above can
be provided by disposing the receiving surfaces 150e as
described above.
[0158] Here, in this embodiment, the diameter of the
pin is approximately 2 mm, and a circumferential length of the
entrance portion 150k is approximately 8 mm. The
circumferential length of the entrance portion 150k is an
interval between adjacent projections 150d (on the phantom
circle). The dimensions are not limiting to the present
invention.
[0159] Similarly to the opening 150m, a developing
device shaft insertion opening portion 1501 has a conical
rotational force receiving surface 150i of an as an expanded
part which expands toward the developing device shaft 153.
The receiving surface 150i constitutes a recess 150q, as shown
in Figure 6 (f).
[0160] By this, irrespective of the rotation phase of
the developing roller 110 in the cartridge B, the coupling 150
can move(pivot, swing) among a rotational force transmitting
angular position, a pre-engagement angular position, and a
disengaging angular position to the axis Li without being
prevented by the free end portion of the developing device
shaft 153. The recess 150q is constituted in the illustrated
example by a conical receiving surface 150i which it has
centering on the axis L2. The standby openings 150g 1 or
10156073 1 905731D2
150g2 ("opening") are provided in the receiving surface 150i
(Figure 6(b)). As for the coupling 150, the pins 155 can be
inserted into the inside of this opening 150g 1 or 150g2 so
that it may be mounted to the developing device shaft 153.
And, the size of the openings 150g 1 or 150g2 is larger than
the outer diameter of the pin 155. By doing so, irrespective
of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110 in the
cartridge B, the coupling 150 is movable(pivotable, swingable)
among the rotational force transmitting angular position and
the pre-engagement angular position (or disengaging angular
position) as will be described hereinafter without being
prevented by the pin 155.
[0161] More particularly, the projection 150d is provided
adjacent to the free end of the recess 150z. And, the
projections (projection portions) 150d project in the
intersection direction crossing with the rotational direction
in which the coupling 150 rotates, and are provided with the
intervals along the rotational direction. And, in the state
where the cartridge B is mounted to the rotary C, the
receiving surfaces 150e engage to or abutted to the pin 182,
and are pushed by the pin 182 receiving the force from the
rotating drive shaft.
[0162] By this, the receiving surfaces 150e receive the
rotational force from the drive shaft 180. In addition, the
receiving surfaces 150e are disposed in equidistant from the
axis L2, and constitute a pair interposing the axis L2 they
are constituted by the surface in the intersection direction
in the projections 150d. In addition, the entrance portions
(recesses) 150k are provided along the rotational direction,
and they are depressed in the direction of the axis L2.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0163] The entrance portion 150k is formed as a space
between the adjacent projections 150d. In the state where the
cartridge B is mounted to the rotary C in the case where the
drive axis stops its rotation, the pin 182 enters the entrance
portion 150k when the coupling engages with the drive shaft
180. And, the pin 182 of the rotating drive shaft 180 pushes
the receiving surface 150e. Or, in the case where the drive
shaft 180 has already rotated when the coupling engages with
the drive shaft 180, the pin 182 enters the entrance portion
150k and pushes the receiving portion 150e.
[0164] By this, the coupling 150 rotates.
[0165] The rotational force receiving surface
(rotational force receiving member (portion)) 150e may be
disposed inside of the driving shaft receiving surface 150f.
Or, the receiving surface 150e may be provided in the portion
outwardly projected from the receiving surface 150f with
respect to the direction of the axis L2. When the receiving
surface 150e is disposed inside of the receiving surface 150f,
the entrance portion 150k is disposed inside of the receiving
surface 150f
[0166] More particularly, the entrance portion 150k is
the recess provided between the projections 150d in the inside
of the arc part of the receiving surface 150f. In addition,
when the receiving surface 150e is disposed at the position
which outwardly projects, the entrance portion 150k is the
recess positioned between the projections 150d. Here, the
recess may be a through hole extended in the direction of the
axis L2, or it may be closed at one end thereof. More
particularly, the recess is provided by the space region
provided between the projection 150d. And, what is necessary
10156073 1 905731D2 is just to be able to enter the pin 182 into the region in the state where the cartridge B is mounted to the rotary C.
[0167] These structures of the standing-by portion
apply similarly to the embodiments as will be described
hereinafter.
[0168] In Figure 6 (e), the rotational force
transmission surfaces (the rotational force transmitting
portions) 150h and (150h 1 or 150h2) are provided in the
upstream, with respect to the counterclockwise direction (X2),
of the opening 150g 1 or 150g2. And, the rotational force is
transmitted to the developing roller 110 from the coupling 150
by the convection sections 150h 1 or 150h2 contacting to the
pins 155al, 155a2. More particularly, the transmitting
surfaces 150h 1 or 150h2 push the side surface of the pin 155.
By this, the coupling 150 rotates with the center thereof
aligned with the axis L2. The transmitting surface 150hl or
150h2 is extended in the direction crossing with the
rotational direction of the coupling 150.
[0169] Similarly to the projection 150d, it is
desirable to dispose the transmitting surfaces 150hl or 150h2
diametrically opposed relative to each other on the same
circumference.
[0170] At the time of manufacturing the drum coupling
member 150 with an injection molding, the intermediate portion
150c may become thin. This is because the coupling is
manufactured so that the driving force receiving portion 150a,
the driving portion 150b and the intermediate portion 150c
have a substantially uniform thickness. When the rigidity of
the intermediate portion 150c is insufficient, therefore, it
is possible to make the intermediate portion 150c thick so
10156073 1 905731D2 that driven portion 150a, the driving portion 150b, and the intermediate portion 150c have the substantially equivalent thickness.
(6) shape of supporting member
[0171] The description will be made, referring to Figure
7, about a supporting member (mounting member) 157. Figure 7
(a) is a perspective view, as seen from a drive shaft side,
and Figure 7 (b) is a perspective view, as seen from the
developing roller side.
[0172] The supporting member 157 has functions of
holding the coupling 150 and positioning the cartridge B in
the rotary C. Further, it has the function of supporting the
coupling 150 so that the rotational force can be transmitted
to the developing roller 110.
[0173] More particularly, the supporting member 157
mounts the cartridge 150 to the cartridge 150.
[0174] As shown in Figure 7 the supporting member includes
a guide 140L2 during mounting and demounting of the cartridge
B with respect to an accommodating portion 130a provided to
the rotary C and a cylinder 140L1 for positioning the
cartridge B in the accommodating portion 130a. And, the
coupling 150 described above is disposed in an inner space
157b of a cylinder portion 157c provided coaxially with the
developing roller (not shown). At an inner peripheral surface
157i constituting the space 157b, ribs 157el and 157e2 for
retaining the coupling 150 in the cartridge B are provided.
The ribs 157el and 157e2 are provided opposite to each other
with respect to a movement direction X4 of the cartridge B
(rotational direction of the rotary C). The supporting member
10156073 1 905731D2
157 is provided with positioning portions 157dl and 157d2 for
fixing it to the developing device frame 113 and provided with
holes 157gl or 157g2 which penetrate the fixing screw.
(6) Supporting constitution of coupling with respect to
cartridge frame
[0175] Referring to Figure 8 - Figure 13, the description
will be made as to the supporting constitution(mounting
constitution) of the developing roller 110 and the coupling
150 with respect to the developing device frame(cartridge
frame)113. Figure 8 is an enlarged view, as seen from the
driving side, of the major part around the developing roller
of the cartridge. Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along
S4-S4 of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a sectional view, taken along
a developing axis Li, which illustrate the state before
mounting of the coupling and supporting member. Figure 11 is
a sectional view which illustrates a state after the mounting.
Figure 12 is a sectional view when the axis L2 of the coupling
is substantially coaxially aligned with the axis Li of the
developing roller. Figure 13 is a sectional view which
illustrates a state after rotating the coupling through 90
degrees from the state of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a
perspective view which illustrates the combined state of the
developing roller shaft and the coupling. Figure 14(bl)-(b5)
are perspective views, and Figure 15(al)-(a5) are views as
seen from the axis Li direction.
[0176] As shown in Figure 14 the coupling 150 is
mounted so that the axis L2 thereof can incline in any
direction relative to the axis Li of the developing roller
shaft 153 (developing roller).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0177] In Figure 14 (al) and Figure 14 (b1), the axis
L2 of the coupling 150 is co-axial with the axis Li of the
developing roller 153. The state when the coupling 150 is
inclined upward from this state is illustrated in Figure 14
(a2) and Figure 14 (b2). As shown in these figures, when the
axis L2 is inclined toward the opening 150g side, the pin
moves within the opening 150g when these members are
relatively viewed on the basis of the coupling. As a result,
the coupling 150 is inclined about an axis AX (Figure 12 (a2))
perpendicular to the opening 150a.
[0178] In Figure 14 (b3), the state where the coupling
150 is inclined rightward is shown. As shown in this Figure,
when the axis L2 inclines in the orthogonality direction of
the opening 150g, the pin rotates within the opening 150g when
these members are relatively viewed on the basis of the
coupling. The axis of rotation is the axis AY (Figure 14(a3))
of the transmission pin 155.
[0179] The states where the coupling 150 is inclined
downward and leftward are shown in Figures 14(a4) and (b4) and
Figures 14 (a5) and (b5), respectively. The coupling 150
inclined about each of the axes AX and AY.
[0180] In the directions different from the inclining
direction described in the foregoing, for example, at an
intermediate position in the inclination direction in Figures
14 (a2) and 14 (a3), and at each of intermediate positions in
the inclination directions in Figures 14 (a3) and 14 (a4) and
Figure 14 (a5) and 14 (a2), the inclination is made by
combining the rotations in the directions of the rotational
axes AX and AY. Thus, the axis L2 can be pivoted in any
direction relative to the axis Li. At this time, the pin 155
is provided to the developing roller shaft 153.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0181] More particularly, the pin 155 projects from a
peripheral surface of the developing roller shaft 153. The
coupling 150 disposed opposite to the pin 155 is provided with
the opening 150g. A size of the opening 150g is set so that
the pin does not interfere with the pin when the axis L2
inclined relative to the axis Li.
[0182] More particularly, the transmitting surface
(rotational force transmitting portion) 150h is movable
relative to the pin (rotational force receiving portion)
155(figure 14). The pin 155 has the transmitting surface 150
in the movable condition. And, the transmitting surface 150h
and the pin 155 are engaged to each other in the rotational
direction of the coupling 150. Further, the gap is provided
between the transmitting surface 150h and the pin 155. By
this, the coupling 150 is movable (pivotable, swingable) in
all directions substantially relative to the axis Li.
[0183] It has been mentioned that the axis L2 is
slantable or inclinable in any direction relative to the axis
Li. However, the axis L2 does not necessarily need to be
linearly slantable to the predetermined angle in the full
range of 360-degree direction in the coupling 150. For
example, the opening 150g can be selected to be slightly wider
in the circumferential direction. By doing so, the time of
the axis L2 inclining relative to the axis Li, even if it is
the case where it cannot incline to the predetermined angle
linearly, the coupling 150 can rotate to a slight degree
around the axis L2. Therefore, it can be inclined to the
predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of the play
in the rotational direction of the opening 150g is selected
properly if necessary.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0184] In this manner, the coupling 150 is revolvable or swingable over the full-circumference substantially relative to the axis Li of the developing roller 110. More particularly, the coupling 150 is pivotable over the full circumference thereof substantially relative to the drum shaft 153.
[0185] Furthermore, as will be understood from the foregoing explanation, the coupling 150 is capable of whirling in and substantially over the circumferential direction of the drum shaft 153. Here, the whirling motion is not a motion with which the coupling itself rotates about the axis L2, but the inclined axis L2 rotates about the axis Li of the developing roller although the whirling here does not preclude the rotation of the coupling per se about the axis L2 of the coupling 150.
[0186] It has been mentioned that the axis L2 is slantable or inclinable in any direction relative to the axis Li. However, the axis L2 does not necessarily need to be linearly slantable to the predetermined angle in the full range of 360-degree direction in the coupling 150. For example and the opening 150g can be selected to be slightly wider in the circumferential direction. By doing so, the time of the axis L2 inclining relative to the axis Li, even if it is the case where it cannot incline to the<> predetermined angle linearly and the coupling 150 can rotate to a slight degree around the axis L2. Therefore, it can be inclined to the predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of the play in the rotational direction of the opening 150g is selected properly if necessary, in this manner and the coupling 150 is revolvable or swingable over the full circumference substantially relative to drum shaft (rotational force receiving member) 153. More particularly and the
10156073 1 905731D2 coupling 150 is pivotable over the full-circumference thereof substantially relative to the drum shaft 153, furthermore and as will be understood from the foregoing explanation, the coupling 150 is capable of whirling in and substantially over the circumferential direction of the drum shaft 153. Here and the whirling motion is not a motion with which the coupling itself rotates about the axis 12 and but the inclined axis L2 rotates about the axis Li of the photosensitive drum and although the whirling here does not preclude the rotation of the coupling per se about the axis L2 of the coupling 150.
[0187] In addition, the range movable in all directions
substantially is the range in which when the user mounts the
cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A, the coupling can
move to the rotational force transmitting angular position
irrespective of the phase of the drive shaft having the
rotational force applying portion. In addition, it is the
range in which, in disengaging the coupling from the drive
shaft, the coupling can move to the disengaging angular
position irrespective of the stop angle phase of the drive
shaft.
[0188] In addition, the coupling is provided with a gap
between the rotational force transmitting portion (rotational
force transmitting surface 150h, for example), and the
rotational force transmitting portion and the rotational force
receiving portion (pin 155, for example) to engage, so that
it is pivotable in all directions substantially relative to
the axis Li. In this manner, the coupling is mounted to the
end of the cartridge B. For this reason, the coupling is the
movable substantially in all directions relative to the axis
Li.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0189] This structure is similar in the embodiments of
the coupling as will be described hereinafter.
[0190] The assemblying processes will be described.
[0191] After mounting the developing roller 110
rotatably to the developing device frame 113, the pin 155 is
mounted to the development shaft 153. Thereafter, the
development gear 145 is assembled to the development shaft
153.
[0192] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 10, the coupling
150 and the supporting member 157 are inserted in the
direction X3. First, the driving portion 150b is inserted
toward the direction X3 downstream, while maintaining the axis
L2 of the coupling 150 in parallel with X3. At this time, the
phase of the pin 155 of the development shaft 153 and the
phase of the opening 150g of the coupling 150 are matched with
each other, and the pin 155 is made inserted into the openings
150gl or 150g2. And, the free end portion 153b of the
development shaft 153 is abutted to the receiving surface 150i
the coupling 150. The free end portion 153b of the
development shaft 153 is the spherical surface and the
receiving surface 150i the coupling 150 is a conic surface.
Therefore, the driving portion 150b side of the coupling 150
is positioned to the center (the center of the spherical
surface) of the free end portion 153b of the development shaft
153. As will be described hereinafter, when the coupling 150
rotates by the transmission of the driving force (rotational
force) from the apparatus main assembly A, the pin 155
positioned in the opening 150g will be contacted to the
rotational force transmission surfaces 150h 1 or 150h2 and
(Figure 6b). By this, the rotational force can be
transmitted. Thereafter, one 157w of the end of surfaces of
10156073 1 905731D2 the supporting member 157 is inserted downstream with respect to the direction X3. By this, a part of coupling 150 is received in the space portion 157b of the supporting member
157. And, the supporting member 157 is fixed in the
developing frame 113, thus, an integral developing cartridge B
is established.
[0193] The dimensions of the various portions of the
coupling 150 will be described. As shown in Figure 10 (c), a
maximum outer diameter of the driven portion 150a of the
coupling 150 is OD2, a maximum outer diameter of the driving
portion 150b is OD1, and a small diameter of the opening 150g
is OD3. In addition, a maximum outer diameter of the pin 155
is OD5, and an inner diameter of the retention rib 157e of the
supporting member 157 is OD4. Here, the maximum outer
diameter is the outer diameter of a maximum rotation locus
about the rotational axis Li of the developing roller 110.
The maximum outer diameters OD1, and OD3 relating to the
coupling 150 are the outer diameter of maximum rotation locus
about the axis L2. At this time, since OD5 < OD3 is
satisfied, the coupling 150 can be assembled to the
predetermined position by the straight mounting operation in
the direction X3 therefore, the assembling property is high.
The diameter of the inner surface OD4 of the retention rib
157e of the bearing member 157 is larger than OD2 of the
coupling 150, and smaller than OD1 (OD2 < OD4 < OD1). By
this, just the step attached to the direction X3 straight is
sufficient to assemble the supporting member 157 to the
predetermined position. For this reason, the assembling
property can be improved (the state after the assembly is
shown in Figure 11).
[0194] As shown in Figure 11, the retention rib 157e of
the supporting member 157 is disposed closely to a flange
10156073 1 905731D2 portion 150j of the coupling 150 in the direction of the axis
Li. More specifically, in the direction of the axis Li, the
distance from an end surface 150jl of the flange portion 150j
to the axis of the pin 155 is ni. In addition, the distance
from an end surface 157el of the rib 157e to the other end
surface 157j2 of the flange portion 150j is n2. The distance
n2 < distance nl is satisfied.
[0195] In addition, with respect to the direction
perpendicular to the axis Li, the flange portion 150j and the
ribs 157el, 157e2 are disposed so that they are overlapped
relative to each other. More specifically, the distance n4
(amount of the overlapping) from the inner surface 157e3 of
the rib 157e to the outer surface 150j3 of the flange portion
150j is the overlap amount n4 with respect to the
orthogonality direction of the axis Li.
[0196] By such settings, the pin 155 is prevented from
disengaging from the opening 150g. That is, the movement of
the coupling 150 is limited by the bearing member 157. Thus,
the coupling 150 does not disengage from the cartridge. The
prevention of disengagement can be accomplished without
additional parts. The dimensions described above are
desirable from the standpoint of reduction of manufacturing
and assemblying costs. However, the present invention is not
limited to these dimensions.
[0197] As described above Figure 9, 11 and 12, the
receiving surface 150i which is the recess 150q of the
coupling 150 is in contact with the free end surface 153b of
the development shaft 153 which is the projection. Therefore,
the coupling 150 is swung along the free end portion (the
spherical surface) 153b about the center P2 of the free end
portion (the spherical surface) 153b in other words, the axis
10156073 1 905731D2
L2 is movable substantially in all directions irrespective of
the phase of the drum shaft 153. The axis L2 of the coupling
150 is movable (pivotable, revolvable, movable) in all
directions substantially. As will be described hereinafter,
in order that the coupling 150 may engage with the drive shaft
180, the axis L2 is inclined toward the downstream with
respect to the rotating direction of the rotary C relative to
the axis Li, just before the engagement. In other words, as
shown in Figure 17, the axis L2 inclines so that the driven
portion 150a of the coupling 150 positions at the downstream
side with respect to the rotational direction X4 of the
rotary.
[0198] The still more detailed description will be
made.
[0199] As shown in Figure 12, a distance n3 between a
maximum outer diameter part and supporting member 157 of the
driving portion 150b the coupling 150 is selected so that a
slight gap is provided between them. By this, the coupling
150 is pivotable.
[0200] As shown in Figure 7, the ribs 157el and 157e2
are semi-circular ribs extending in parallel with the axis Li.
The ribs 157el and 157e2 are perpendicular to the rotational
direction X4.
[0201] In addition, a distance n2 (Figure 11) in the
direction of the axis Li from the rib 157e to the flange
portion 150j is shorter than a distance nl from the center of
the pin 155 to the driving portion 150b side edge. By this,
the pin 155 does not disengage from the openings 150gl and
150gl.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0202] Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the driven
portion 150a is greatly pivotable in the direction X4 relative
to the axis L2 the coupling 150. In other words, the driving
portion 150b is greatly pivotable toward the side not provided
with the rib 150e (perpendicular to the sheet of the drawing).
Figure 9 illustrates the state after the axis L2 is inclined.
In addition, the coupling 150 can also be movable to the state
substantially parallel to the axis Li as shown In Figure 12
from the state of the inclined axis L2 as shown in Figure 9.
In this manner, the ribs 157el and 157e2 are disposed. By
doing so, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be made
pivotable relative to the axis Li, and in addition, the
developing frame and 13 can be prevented from disengaging from
the coupling 150. Both of the effects can be provided.
[0203] The coupling 150 has a play (the distance n2) in
the direction of the axis Li relative to the development shaft
153. Therefore, the receiving surface 150i (the conic
surface) may not always contact snuggly the drum shaft free
end portion 153b (the spherical surface). In other words, the
center of the pivoting may deviate from the center of
curvature P2 of the spherical surface. However, even in such
a case, the axis L2 is rotatable or pivotable relative to the
axis Li. For this reason, the purpose of this embodiment can
be accomplished.
[0204] In addition, maximum possible inclination angle
a (Figure 9) between the axis Li and the axis L2 is limited to
one half of the taper angle (al, Figure 6(f)) between the axis
L2 and the receiving surface 150i. The apex angle of the
conical shape of the receiving surface 150i the coupling 150
can be properly selected. By doing so, the inclination angle
a4 of the coupling 150 are set to the optimal value. The
shape of the columnar portion 153a of the development shaft
10156073 1 905731D2
153 may be simply cylindrical. By this, the manufacturing
cost can be saved.
[0205] The width of the opening 150g in the standby
state is selected so that the pin 155 may not interfere when
the axis L2 inclines, as described hereinbefore.
[0206] The locus of the flange portion 150j when the
driven portion 150a side inclines in the direction X5 is
illustrated by the region Ti in Figure 13. As shown in the
Figure, even if the coupling 150 inclines, the interference
with the pin 155 does not occur, and therefore, the flange
portion 150j can be provided over the full-circumference of
the coupling 150 (Figure 6(b)). In other words, the shaft
receiving surface 150i has conical shape, and therefore, when
the coupling 150 inclines, the pin 155 does not enter in the
region Ti. For this reason, the cutting away range of the
coupling 150 is minimized. Therefore, the rigidity of the
coupling 150 can be assured.
(7) Description of constitution of rotary (moving member,
rotation selecting mechanism) of apparatus main assembly
[0207] Next, with reference to Figures 15 to 21, a
constitution of the rotary C as the moving member will be
described. Figures 15 and 16 are perspective views of the
rotary C in a state in which the developing cartridge B is not
mounted. Figure 17A is a perspective view showing a state in
which a single developing cartridge B is mounted to the rotary
C. Figures 18 to 21 are side views showing the rotary C, the
photosensitive drum 107, a driving train, and the developing
cartridge B.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0208] In the axial line Li direction, rotary flanges
50L and 50R are provided at both end portions. Outside the
rotary flanges 50L and 50R in the axial line Li direction,
rotary side plates 54L and 54R are provided, respectively.
The rotary flanges 50L and 50R and a central shaft 51 thereof
are rotatably supported by the side plates 54L and 54R located
outermostly in the axial line Li direction.
[0209] At opposing surfaces 50Lb and 50Rb of the pair
of flanges 50L and 50R, groove-like main assembly guides
130L1, 130L2, 130L3, 130L4, 130R1, 130R2, 130R3, and 130R4
used during mounting and demounting of the cartridge B with
respect to the rotary C (accommodating portion 130A) are
provided. Along these main assembly guides provided to the
apparatus main assembly A, cartridge-side guides 140R1, 140R2,
140L1, and 140L2 (Figures 2 and 3) of the cartridge B are
inserted. That is, the cartridge B is mountable to and
demountable from the rotary C. The cartridge B is detachably
mounted to the rotary C by the user.
[0210] More specifically, at one end of the cartridge B
(Bi) with respect to a longitudinal direction of the cartridge
B (Bi), the guides 140R1 and 140R2 are provided. Further, at
the other longitudinal end of the cartridge B (Bi), the guides
140L1 and 140L2 are provided. The user holds the cartridge B
and inserts the guides 140R1 and 140R2 into the guide 130R1
provided to the rotary C. Similarly, the user inserts the
guides 140L1 and 140L2 into the guide 130L1 provided to the
rotary C. In this way, the cartridge B is detachably mounted
to the accommodating portion 130A provided to the rotary C by
the user. That is, the cartridge B is guided by the
above-described guides and is mounted to and demounted from
the accommodating portion 130A with respect to a direction
crossing the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B
10156073 1 905731D2
(developing roller 110). The cartridge B is mounted in a
direction in which the longitudinal direction intersects a
rotational direction X4 of the rotary C. Therefore, the
cartridge B (coupling) provided at one longitudinal end of the
cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the driving shaft 180 by rotation of the
rotary C. The cartridge B mounted to the rotary C is liable
to rotate about arcuate guides 140R1 and 140L1 when a rotating
force is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly A to the
cartridge B. However, elongated guides 140R2 and 140L2
contact inner surfaces of grooves of the guides 130R1 and 130
Li, so that the cartridge B is positional with respect to the
rotary C. That is, the cartridge B is detachably accommodated
in the accommodating portion 130A.
[0211] Similarly, the cartridge B (B2) is guided by the
guides 130R2 and 130L2 provided to the rotary C and detachably
mounted to the accommodating portion 130A. The cartridge B
(B3) is guided by the guides 130R3 and 130L3 provided to the
rotary C and detachably mounted to the accommodating portion
130A. The cartridge B (B4) is guided by the guides 130R4 and
130L4 provided to the rotary C and detachably mounted to the
accommodating portion 130A.
[0212] That is, the cartridge B is detachably
accommodated by the user in the accommodating portion 130A
provided to the rotary C.
[0213] Figure 17 shows a state in which the developing
cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 4
(rotary C).
[0214] Each of the developing cartridges B is
positioned with respect to the rotary C and is rotated by
10156073 1 905731D2 rotation of the rotary C. At this time, the developing cartridge B is fixed to the rotary C by an urging spring, a lock, or the like (not shown) so that a position of the developing cartridge B is not deviated by the rotation of the rotary C.
[0215] To the other rotary side plate 54L, a driving
mechanism for rotating the developing roller (not shown) is
provided. That is, a developing device driving gear 181
engages with a pinion 65 fixed to a motor shaft of the motor
64. When the motor starts rotation, a rotating force is
transmitted to the gear 181. The driving shaft 180 coaxially
disposed with the gear 181 starts rotation. As a result, the
rotating force of the driving shaft 180 is transmitted to the
developing roller 110 and the like through the coupling 150.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the driving shaft 180 has
started rotation before the engagement of the coupling 150.
However, timing of the start of rotation of the driving shaft
180 can be appropriately selectable.
[0216] The cartridge B rotates together with the pair
of rotary flanges 50L and 50R. That is, the rotary C stops
its rotation when it is rotated a predetermined angle. As a
result, the cartridge B is positioned at a position
(developing position) opposite to the photosensitive drum 107
provided to the apparatus main assembly A. The coupling 150
engages with the driving shaft 180 substantially
simultaneously with the positioning and stop of the cartridge
B. That is, a recess 1502 covers an end of an end portion
180b of the driving shaft 180.
[0217] The driving shaft 180 has the substantially same
constitution as the above-described developing shaft. That
is, the driving shaft 180 includes a spherical end portion
10156073 1 905731D2
180b and a pin 182 penetrating an almost center of a principal
portion 180a of its cylindrical shape. By this pin 182, a
rotating force (driving force) is transmitted to the cartridge
B through the coupling 150.
[0218] To the rotary C, the four color cartridges B are
mounted. Here, pressure application of the cartridges B to
the photosensitive drum 107 is performed in the following
manner.
[0219] As described above, the flanges 50L and 50R are
rotatably supported by the rotary side plates 54L and 54R.
The rotary side plates 54L and 54R at both ends are positioned
and fixed to side plates (not shown of the apparatus main
assembly A through a swingable shaft 60 rotatably disposed
above the rotary side plates 54L and 54R. In other words, the
cartridge B, the rotary flanges 50, and the rotary side plates
54 are integrally swung about the swingable shaft 60. That
is, integral swinging movement of the cartridge B and the
rotary C is performed. As a result, the cartridge B is
pressed against or separated from the photosensitive drum 107.
[0220] This pressing and separating operation performed
by pressing up a rotary stay 66 disposed between the rotary
side plates 54L and 54R by rotation of a cam (not shown).
[0221] Further, as described with reference to Figure
15, the driving shaft 180 is positioned and mounted at a
predetermined position of the apparatus main assembly A with
respect to a radial direction and an axial substantially.
Further, the cartridge B is also positioned at a predetermined
position of the apparatus main assembly A by stop of the
rotation of the rotary C. These positioned driving shaft 180
and cartridge B are connected by the coupling 150. The
10156073 1 905731D2 coupling 150 is swingable (pivotable, movable) with respect to the cartridge B (frame). Accordingly, even between the driving shaft 180 positioned at the predetermined position and the cartridge B positioned at the predetermined position, the coupling 150 is capable of transmitting the rotating force smoothly. That is, even when there is some shaft (axis) deviation between the driving shaft 180 and the cartridge 150, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotating force.
[0222] This is one of remarkable effects of the
embodiment of the coupling to which the present invention is
applied.
(8) Switching constitution of developing cartridge
(developing device)
[0223] At each of the outer peripheral surfaces of the
flanges 50L and 50R, a gear 50a is integrally provided as
shown in Figures 15 to 17. A pair of idler gears 59L and 59R
engaged with these gears 50a is disposed at both longitudinal
end portions. These idler gears 59L and 59R are connected by
the swingable shaft 60. When the flange 50L disposed at one
of the longitudinal ends is rotated, the other flange 50R is
rotated in phase through the gears 59L and 59R. By employing
such a driving constitution, during the rotation of the rotary
C or the rotation of the developing roller 110, torsion of
either one of the flanges 50L and 50R is prevented.
[0224] With the gears 59L and 59R connected to the
swinging center of the rotary side plates 54L and 54R, i.e.,
the swingable shaft 60, a rotary driving gear 65 engages.
This gear 65 is connected to the motor 61. To a rotating
shaft of the motor 61, an encoder 62 is mounted. The encoder
62 detects an amount of rotation of the motor 61 and controls
10156073 1 905731D2 the number of rotation. Further, at an outer peripheral surface of one flange 50L, a flag 57 projected from the flange
50L in a radial direction is provided (Figure 16). The flange
50L and the flag 57 are rotated so as to pass through a photo
interruptor 58 fixed to the side plate 58. By detecting
blocking of the photo-interruptor with the flag 57, the rotary
C is controlled so as to rotate every predetermined angle.
That is, after the rotary C rotates a predetermined angle from
the time when the flag 57 blocks the photo-interruptor, the
first developing cartridge stops at a position opposite to the
photosensitive drum 107. The rotary C is further rotated a
predetermined angle in one direction and thereafter the second
developing cartridge stops at a position opposite to the
photosensitive drum 107. By repeating this operation four
times in total (stops of the four color developing
cartridges), a color image is formed.
[0225] That is, the cartridge B is moved in a direction
perpendicular to the axial line L3 of the driving shaft 180 by
the rotate of the rotary C in one direction in a state in
which the cartridge B is mounted to the rotary C.
[0226] At an upper surface of the apparatus main
assembly A, an opening for mounting and demounting the
developing cartridge B by the user and an openable/closable
cover 40 (Figure 4) for covering the opening are provided.
Further, a door switch (not shown) for detecting the
open/close of the cover 40 is provided. A rotation operation
of the rotary C is started during electric power on and when
the cover 40 is closed (when the door switch is turned on).
[0227] (9) Positioning constitution of developing
cartridge (developing device) during switching operation
10156073 1 905731D2
[0228] Operations of the rotary C and the cartridge B
will be described step by step with reference to Figures 18 to
21. For ease of description, only one cartridge in the rotary
is shown.
[0229] First, in a state shown in Figure 18, the
cartridge B does not reach a predetermined position (the
coupling member 150 is located at a pre-rotation angular
position). When the rotary C (is revolved in a direction of
X4, the flag 57 partially projected from the outer peripheral
surface of the rotary flange 50 described above reaches the
photo-interruptor 58, so that the rotary C stops at a
predetermined position (a state shown in Figure 19). At this
time, the driving shaft 180 and the coupling 150 of the
cartridge B are connected to each other (the coupling member
150 is located at a rotating force transmitting angular
position). The developing roller 110 is placed in a rotatable
state. In this embodiment, the driving shaft 180 has already
been rotated in a state in which the coupling 150 starts
engagement with the driving shaft 180. For this reason, the
developing roller 110 is rotated. However, in the case where
the driving shaft 180 is stopped in a state in which the
coupling 150 is engaged with the driving shaft 180, the
coupling 150 waits in the rotatable state. The engagement
(connection) of the coupling 150 with the driving shaft 180
will be described later in detail.
[0230] Then, as described above, the cam (not shown) is
actuated to contact the rotary stay 66, so that the rotary C
is moved counterclockwisely about the swingable shaft 60.
That is the developing roller 110 contacts the photosensitive
drum 107 by being moved in an Xl direction (a state of Figure
20). Then, a predetermined image forming operation is
performed.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0231] When the image forming operation is completed,
the rotary C is rotated in a clockwise direction about the
swingable shaft 60 by a force of a spring (not shown). Thus,
the rotary C is restored to the state shown in Figure 19.
That is, the developing roller 110 is moved apart from the
photosensitive drum 107 (the coupling member 150 is located at
a disengagement angular position).
[0232] Then, the rotary C is rotated about the central
shaft 51 in the X4 direction so that a subsequent cartridge B
can reach the developing position (a state of Figure 21). At
this time, the connection between the driving shaft 180 and
the coupling 150 is released. That is, the coupling 150 is
disconnected from the driving shaft 180. The operation at
this time will be specifically described later.
[0233] The above-described operations from the
operation described with reference to Figure 18 to the
operation described with reference to Figure 21 are repeated
four times in total for four colors, so that color image
formation is effected.
(10) Engaging operation / Rotational force transmission /
Disengaging operation, of the coupling.
[0234] As has been described in the foregoing, immediately
before the cartridge B stops at the predetermined position of
the apparatus main assembly A, or substantially simultaneously
therewith, the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft
180. (From Figure 18 to Figure 19). And, when the cartridge
B moves from the predetermined position of the apparatus main
assembly after the rotation during the predetermined period,
the coupling 150 is disengaged from the drive shaft 180
(from Figure 20 to Figure 21).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0235] Referring to Figure 22-Figure 25, the
description will be made with respect to the engaging
operation, the rotational force transmitting operation and the
disengaging operation of the coupling. Figure 22 is a
longitudinal sectional view illustrating the drive shaft, the
coupling, and the development shaft. Figure 23 is a
longitudinal sectional view illustrating the phase difference
among the drive shaft, the coupling, and the development
shaft. Figure 25 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the drive shaft, the coupling, and the
development shaft.
[0236] In the process in which the cartridge B moves to
the developing position by the rotation of the rotary C, the
coupling 150 is positioned at the pre-engagement angular
position. More particularly, the axis L2 of the coupling is
beforehand inclined relative to the axis Li of the development
shaft 153 so that the driven portion 150a positions downstream
of the rotary rotational direction X4. By this inclination of
the coupling 150, a downstream free end position 150Al of the
rotary C with respect to the rotational direction X4 thereof
is positioned at the development shaft 153 side beyond a drive
shaft free-end 180b3 with respect to the direction of the axis
Li. In addition, an upstream free end position 150A2 with
respect to the direction X4 is positioned at the pin 182 side
beyond the drive shaft free-end 180b3 in the direction of the
axis Li (Figure 22 (a), (b)). Here, the free end position is
the position nearest to the drive shaft with respect to the
direction of the axis L2 of the driven portion 150a of the
coupling 150 shown in Figure 6 (a) and (c), and it is the
remotest position from the axis L2. In other words, it is an
edge line of the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150, or
an edge line of the driven projection 150d depending on the
rotation phase of the coupling (150A in Figure 6 (a) and (c)).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0237] First, the downstream free end position 150Al
with respect to the rotary rotational direction (X4) passes by
the shaft free-end 180b3. And, after the coupling 150 passes
the drive shaft 180, the receiving surface 150f or the
projection 150d of conical shape of the coupling 150 contacts
to the free end portion 180b or the pin 182 of the drive shaft
180. And, it inclines in response to the rotation of the
rotary C so that the axis L2 becomes parallel to the axis Li
(Figure 22 (c)). And, finally, the position of the cartridge
B is determined relative to the apparatus main assembly A.
More particularly, the rotary C stops. Under the present
circumstances, the drive shaft 180 and the development shaft
153 are substantially co-axial with each other. More
particularly, the coupling 150 is moved from the pre
engagement angular position to the rotational force
transmitting angular position so as to permit the free end
position 150Al thereof to circumvent the drive shaft 180
(pivoting and swinging). And, the coupling 150 is inclined
from the pre-engagement angular position toward the rotational
force transmitting angular position where the axis L2 is
substantially co-axial with the axis Li. And, the coupling
150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each other
(Figure 22 (d)). More particularly, the recess 150z covers
the free end portion 180b. By this, the rotational force is
enabled to be stably transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to
the coupling 150. In addition, at this time, the pin 152 is
in the opening 150g (Figure 6 (b)), and the pin 182 is in the
entrance portion 150k.
[0238] In this embodiment, when the coupling 150 starts
the engagement with the drive shaft 180, the drive shaft 180
is already rotating. For this reason, the coupling 150 begins
the rotation immediately. However, when the drive shaft 180
is at rest at the time of the engagement with the drive shaft
10156073 1 905731D2
180 of the coupling 150, the coupling member 150 stands by
with the rotatable state, when the pin 182 is present in the
entrance portion 150k.
[0239] As has been described hereinbefore, according to
this embodiment, the coupling 150 is pivotable relative to the
axis Li. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be engaged relative
to the drive shaft 180 correspondingly to the rotation of the
rotary C by the coupling 150 per se inclining, without
interfering with the drive shaft 180 (coupling).
[0240] Furthermore, the engaging operation of the
coupling 150 described above is possible regardless of the
phase difference between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling
150. Referring to Figure 14 and Figure 23, the description
will be made as to the phase difference between the coupling
and the drive shaft. Figure 23 illustrates the phases of the
coupling and the drive shaft. In Figure 23 (a), the pin 182
and the driving shaft receiving surface 150f of the coupling
150 oppose relative to each other in the upstream with respect
to the rotational direction X4 of the rotary. In Figure 23
(b), the pin 182 and the projection 150d of the coupling 150
oppose relative to each other. In Figure 23 (c), the free end
portion 180b of the drive shaft and the projection 150d of the
coupling 150 oppose relative to each other. In Figure 23 (d),
the free end portion 180b and the receiving surface 150f of
the coupling oppose relative to each other. As shown in
Figure 14, the coupling 150 is mounted pivotably in all the
directions relative to the development shaft 153. For this
reason, as shown in Figure 23, the coupling 150 is pivotable
in the mounting direction X4 irrespective of the phase of the
development shaft 153 with respect to the rotational direction
X4. In addition, the downstream free end position 150Al is
positioned in the developing roller 110 side from the drive
10156073 1 905731D2 shaft free-end 180b3 in the rotational direction not related irrespective of the phase difference between the drive shaft
180 and the coupling 150. In addition, the inclination angle
of the coupling 150 is set so that the upstream free end
position 150A2 positions in the pin 182 side beyond the drive
shaft free-end 180b3 in the rotational direction X4. With
such a setting, the downstream free end position 150Al in the
rotational direction X4 passes by the drive shaft free-end
180b3 in response to the rotating operation of the rotary C.
And, in the case of Figure 23 (a), the driving shaft receiving
surface 150f contacts to the pin 182. In the case of Figure
23 (b), the projection 150d contacts to the pin 182. In the
case of Figure 23 (c), the projection 150d contacts to the
free end portion 180b. In the case of Figure 23 (d), the
receiving surface 150f contacts to the free end portion 180b.
In addition, the axis L2 approaches to the position in
parallel with the axis Li by the contact force (urging force)
produced when the rotary C rotates, and they engage with each
other (coupling). For this reason, irrespective of the phase
difference between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 or
between the coupling 150 and the development shaft 153, they
can engage with each other.
[0241] Referring to Figure 24, the rotational force
transmitting operation in the case of the rotation of the
developing roller 110 will be described. The drive shaft 180
rotates together with the gear (helical gear) 181 in the
direction of X8 in the Figure by the rotational force received
from the motor 64. And, the pins 182 integral with the drive
shaft 180 contact to any of the rotational force receiving
surfaces 150el-150e4 of the coupling 150. By this, the
coupling 150 rotates. The coupling 150 further rotates. By
this, the rotational force transmitting surface 150h 1 or
150h2 of the coupling 150 contacts to the pin 155 integral
10156073 1 905731D2 with the development shaft 153. Then, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 rotates the developing roller 110 through the coupling 150 and the development shaft 153.
[0242] In addition, the free end portion 153b of the
development shaft 153 is contacted to the receiving surface
150i. The free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 is
contacted to the receiving surface 150f. By this, the
coupling 150 is positioned correctly (Figure 22d). More
particularly, the coupling 150 is positioned to the drive
shaft 180 by the recess 150z covering the free end portion
180. At this time, even if the axis L3 and the axis Li are
somewhat non-coaxial with each other, the coupling 150 can
rotate without applying the large load to the development
shaft 153 and the drive shaft 180 by the small inclination of
the coupling 150. For this reason, even if the drive shaft
180 and the development shaft 153 deviate from each other by
slight position deviation of the cartridge B due to the
rotation of the rotary C, the coupling 150 can transmit the
rotational force smoothly.
[0243] This is one of the remarkable effects according
to an embodiment of the coupling of the present invention.
[0244] Referring to Figure 25, the description will be
made about the disengaging operation of the coupling 150 from
the drive shaft 180 in response to the movement of the
cartridge B from the predetermined position (developing
position) by the rotary C rotating in the one direction.
[0245] First, the position of each of the pin 182 at
the time of the cartridge (B) moving from the predetermined
position will be described. After the image formation
finishes, as will be apparent from the foregoing description,
10156073 1 905731D2 the pin 182 is positioned at any two of the entering or entrance portions 150k1-150k4 (Figure 6). And, the pin 155 is positioned in the opening 150gl or 150g2.
[0246] The description will be made with respect to the
operation of disengaging the coupling 150 from the drive shaft
180 in interrelation with the operation of switching to the
next developing cartridge B after the image forming operation
using the cartridge is completed.
[0247] In the state where the rotation for the
development shaft 153 has stopped, the axis L2 is
substantially co-axial relative to the axis Li in the coupling
150 (rotational force transmitting angular position). And,
the development shaft 153 moves in the dismounting direction
X6 with the cartridge (B), and the receiving surface 150f or
the projection 150d in the upstream with respect to the
rotational direction of the rotary is brought into contact to
the free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 or the pin
182 (Figure 25a). And, the axis L2 begins to incline toward
the upstream with respect to the rotational direction X4
(Figure 25 (b)). This direction of inclination is the
opposite from that of the inclination of the coupling 150 at
the time of the engagement of the coupling 150 with the drive
shaft 180, with respect to the development axis 153. It
moves, while the upstream free end portion 150A2 with respect
to the rotational direction X4 is kept in contact with the
free end portion 180b by the rotational operation of the
rotary C. And, in the axis L2, the upstream free end portion
150 A3 inclines to the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft
(Figure 25 (c)). And, in this state, the coupling 150 is
passed by the drive shaft 180, contacting to the free end
180b3 (Figure 25 (d)).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0248] Thus, the coupling 150 moves from the rotation of
for transmitting angular position to the disengagement of
angular position, so that a part (upstream free-end portion
150A2) of the coupling 150 positioned upstream of the drive
shaft 180 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is
permitted to circumvent the drive shaft 180. Therefore, the
cartridge B moves in accordance with the rotation of the
rotary C to the position of shown in Figure 21. In addition,
before the completion of the one-full rotation of the rotary
C, the coupling 150 (the axis Li) inclines toward downstream
with respect to a rotational direction X4 by an unshown means.
In other words, the coupling 150 moves from the disengagement
angular position to the pre-engagement angular position. By
this, after the rotary C completes its one-full rotation, the
coupling 150 is in the state engageable with the drive shaft
180.
[0249] As will be apparent from the foregoing
description, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position
the coupling 150 relative to the axis Li is larger than the
angle of the disengaging angular position. This is because it
is preferable that the pre-engagement angular position is set
beforehand such that during the engagement operation of the
coupling, the distance between the upstream free-end the
position 150Al with respect to the rotational direction X4 and
the free-end 180b3 of the drive shaft is relatively longer
(Figure 22b). This is done in consideration of the
dimensional tolerance of the parts. On the contrary, at the
time of the coupling disengagement, the axis L2 inclines in
interrelation with the rotation of the rotary C position.
Therefore, the downstream pre-end portion 150A2 of the
coupling 150 A3 moves along the free end portion 180b3 the
drive shaft. In other words, the downstream free-end position
180A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4 and the free
10156073 1 905731D2 end portion 180b3 are substantially aligned with each other in a direction of the axis Li(Figure 25 (c)). In addition, when the coupling 150 disengages from the drive shaft 180, the disengagement is possible irrespective of the phase difference between the coupling 150 and the pin 182.
[0250] As shown in Figure 22, in the rotational force
transmitting angular position of the coupling 150, the angle
relative to the axis Li of the coupling 150 is such that in
the state where the cartridge (B) is mounted to the
predetermined position of the apparatus main assembly (A) (the
position opposed to the photosensitive drum), the coupling 150
receives the transmission of the rotational force from the
drive shaft 180, and it rotates.
[0251] In addition, the pre-engagement angular position of
the coupling 150 is the angular position immediately before
the coupling 150 is brought into engagement with the drive
shaft 180 in the process of mounting operation to the
predetermined position in accordance with the rotation of the
rotary C.
[0252] In addition, the disengaging angular position of the
coupling 150 is the angular position relative to the axis Li
of the coupling 150 at the time of the disengagement of the
cartridge (B) from the drive shaft 180, in the process of the
cartridge B moving from the predetermined position in
accordance with the rotation of the rotary C.
[0253] In the pre-engagement angular position or the
disengaging angular position, the angles beta2 and beta3 which
the axis L2 makes with the axis Li are larger than the angle
betal which the axis L2 makes with the axis Li in the
rotational force transmitting angular position. As for the
10156073 1 905731D2 angle theta 1, 0 degree is preferable. However, in this embodiment, if the angle betal is less than about 15 degrees, the smooth transmission of the rotational force is accomplished. This is also one of the effects of this embodiment. As for the angles beta2 and beta3, the range of about 20 - 60 degrees is preferable.
[0254] As has been described hereinbefore, the coupling
is pivotably mounted to the axis Li. And, the coupling 150
inclines in accordance with the rotation of the rotary C
without interfering with the drive shaft.
[0255] Here, according to the above-described
embodiment of the present invention, even if the cartridge B
(developing roller 110) moves in response to the movement of
the rotary C in one direction which is substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive
shaft 180, the drum coupling member 150 can accomplish the
coupling (engagement) and the disengagement relative to the
drive shaft 180. This is because the drum coupling member 150
according to an embodiment of the present invention can take
the rotational force transmitting angular position, the pre
engagement angular position, and the disengaging angular
position.
[0256] Here, as has been described hereinbefore, the
rotational force transmitting angular position is the angular
position of the drum coupling member 150 for transmitting the
rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110 to the
developing roller 110.
[0257] The pre-engagement angular position is the
position inclined from the rotational force transmitting
angular position, and which is the angular position of the
10156073 1 905731D2 drum coupling member 150 before the drum coupling member 150 engages with the rotational force applying portion.
[0258] The disengaging angular position is the position
which is inclined away from the pre-engagement angular
position from the rotational force transmitting angular
position and which is the angular position of the drum
coupling member 150 for the drum coupling member 150 to
disengage from the drive shaft 180.
[0259] In the above described description, at the time
of the disengagement, the upstream receiving surface 150f or
the upstream projection 150d contacts with the free end
portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 in interrelation with the
rotation of the rotary C. By this, it has been described that
the axis L2 inclines toward the upstream in the rotational
direction X4. However, in this embodiment, this is not
inevitable. For example, a toggle spring (elastic material)
is provided adjacent to the rotary fulcrum of the coupling.
And, the structure is such that at the time of the coupling
engagement, the urging force produces toward the downstream in
the rotational direction X4 relative to the coupling. At the
time of the disengagement of the coupling, corresponding to
the rotation of the rotary C, the urging force is produced
toward the upstream in the rotational direction X4 to the
coupling contrarily to the case of the engagement by the
function of this toggle spring. Therefore, at the time of the
coupling disengagement, the upstream receiving surface 150f or
the projection 150d in the rotational direction X4, and the
free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 are not contacted
to each other, and the coupling disengages from the drive
shaft. In other words, as long as the axis L2 of the coupling
150 inclines in response to the rotation of the rotary C, any
means is usable. In addition, by the time immediately before
10156073 1 905731D2 the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180, the coupling is inclined so that the driven portion 150a of the coupling faces toward the downstream in the rotational direction X4. In other words, the coupling is beforehand placed in the state of the pre-engagement angular position.
For this purpose, any means in Embodiment 2 et seqq is usable.
[0260] Here, referring to Figure 26, the description
will be made about reduction of the time which the image
formation (development) requires in the present embodiment.
Figure 26 is a timing chart showing the rotation of the
developing roller and so on.
[0261] Here, with reference to Figure 26, reduction in
time required for image formation (development) in this
embodiment will be described. Figure 26 is a timing chart for
illustrating rotation of the developing roller and the like.
[0262] In Figure 26, timings of rotation and stop of
the developing roller from a state in which the developing
apparatus (cartridge) is in a home position until the
developing roller receives an image formation start signal to
effect development for first color (yellow image formation)
and development for a second color (magenta image formation).
With respect to subsequent developments for third and fourth
colors (cyan image formation and black image formation),
illustration is omitted due to redundant explanation.
[0263] In this embodiment, as described above, the
engaging operation between the driving shaft 180 and the
coupling 150 is completed during the rotation of the rotary C
or immediately after the stop of the rotation of the rotary C.
During or immediately after the stop of the rotation of the
rotary C, the engaging operation of the coupling 150 with the
10156073 1 905731D2 driving shaft 180 is completed. Then, the developing roller 110 is placed in a rotatable state or is rotated.
[0264] That is, in the case where the driving shaft 180 has already been rotated before the coupling 150 goes into an engaging operation with the driving shaft 180, the coupling 150 starts rotation simultaneously with the engagement with the driving shaft 180. Then, the developing roller 110 starts rotation. Further, in the case where the driving shaft 180 is stopped, the coupling 150 is stopped without being rotated even when the engagement of the coupling 150 with the driving shaft 180 is completed. When the driving shaft 180 starts rotation, the coupling 150 starts rotation. Then, the developing roller 110 starts rotation.
[0265] In either case, according to this embodiment, a main assembly-side rotating force transmitting member (e.g., the main assembly-side coupling) is not required to be moved forward and back in the axial line direction.
[0266] In this embodiment, the driving shaft 180 has already been rotated before the coupling 150 goes into the engaging operation with the driving shaft 180. Accordingly, image formation can be started quickly. Therefore, compared with the case where the driving shaft 180 is stopped, the time required for image formation can be further reduced.
[0267] Further, in this embodiment, in the rotating state of the driving shaft 180, the coupling 150 can be disconnected from the driving shaft 180.
[0268] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the driving shaft 180 may also not be rotated or stopped in order that the
10156073 1 905731D2 coupling 150 is engaged with or disengaged from the driving shaft.
[0269] That is, according to the coupling 150 in this
embodiment, the coupling 150 can be engaged with and
disengaged from the driving shaft 180, irrespective of the
rotation or stop of the driving shaft 180. This is also one
of the remarkable effects of this embodiment.
[0270] Thereafter, steps of rotary (developing roller)
contact, yellow image formation, rotary (developing roller)
separation, and developing roller rotation stop are performed
in this order. Simultaneously with the start of rotation of
the rotary, a disengaging operation of the coupling of the
cartridge from the driving shaft of the apparatus main
assembly is performed to prepare for a developing operation
for the second color.
[0271] That is, in this embodiment, the engaging and
disengaging operation of the coupling can be performed in
interrelation with the rotation of the rotary. Accordingly,
it is possible to shorten a necessary time interval between
the first color development and the second color development.
Similarly, time intervals between the second color development
and the third color development, between the third color
development and the fourth color development, between the home
position and the first color development, and between the
fourth color development and the home position can also be
reduced. Accordingly, a time required for obtaining a color
image on a sheet can be reduced. This is also one of the
remarkable effects of this embodiment.
[0272] Referring to Figure 27 and Figure 28, a modified
example of the development shaft will be described. Figure 27
10156073 1 905731D2 is a perspective view of members around the development shaft.
Figure 28 illustrates a characteristic portion in Figure 27.
[0273] In the foregoing description, the free end of
the development shaft is a spherical surface, and the coupling
is contacted to the spherical surface thereof. However, as
shown in Figure 27 (a) and 28 (a), the free end 1153b of the
development shaft 1153 may be planate. An edge portion 1153c
of a peripheral surface thereof contacts to the coupling 150
to rotate the coupling 150. Even with such a structure, the
axis L2 is assuredly pivotable relative to the axis Li. In
addition, the processing to the spherical surface is
unnecessary. For this reason, the cost can be reduced.
[0274] In the foregoing description, another drive
transmission pin is fixed to the development shaft. However,
as shown in Figure 27 (b) and 28 (b), it may be separate
member from the elongated development shaft. A first
development shaft 1253A is a member for supporting a rubber
portion of the developing roller (unshown). In addition, a
second development shaft 1253B is provided co-axially with the
first development shaft 1253A, and has integrally a rib for
the drive transmissions for engaging with the coupling 150
1253Bc. In this case, geometrical latitude is enhanced by an
integral moldings using injection molding and so on. For this
reason, the rib part 1253Bc can be enlarged. Therefore, the
area of the drive transmitting portion 1253Bd can be
increased. Even if it is a development shaft made of resin
material, it can transmit the torque assuredly. In the
Figure, when the coupling 150 rotates in the direction of X8,
the drive transmission surface 150h of the coupling contacts
to the drive transmitting portion 1253Bd of the second drive
shaft. When the contact area is wide at this time, a stress
applied on the rib 1253Bc is small. Therefore, the liability
10156073 1 905731D2 of the damage of the coupling and so on is mitigable. In addition, the first development shaft may be the simple metal shaft, and the second development shaft may be an integrally molded product of the resin material. In this case, the cost reduction is accomplished.
[0275] As shown in Figure 27 (c) and 28 (c), the
opposite ends 1355al, 1355a2 of the rotational force
transmitting pin (rotational force receiving portion) 1355 are
fixed by press-fitting and so on beforehand into the drive
transmission holes 1350g 1 or 1350g2 of the coupling 1350.
Thereafter, the development shaft 1353 which has the free end
portion 1353c1, 1353c2 formed into the shape of a slot may be
inserted. At this time, it is preferable that, the engaging
portion 1355b of the pin 1355 relative to the free end portion
(unshown) of the development shaft 1353 is formed into a
spherical shape so that the coupling 1350 is pivotable. By
fixing the pin 1355 in this manner beforehand, it is not
necessary to increase the size of the standby hole 1350g of
the coupling 1350 more than needed. Therefore, the rigidity
of the coupling is enhanced.
[0276] In addition, in the foregoing description, the
inclination of the axis of the coupling follows the
development shaft free-end. However, as shown in Figures 27
(d), 27 (e), and 28 (d), it may follow the contact surface
1457a of the bearing member 1457 co-axially with the
development shaft 1453. In this case, the free end surface
1453b of the development shaft 1453 is at the level comparable
as the end surface of the bearing member. And, the rotational
force transmitting pin (rotational force receiving portion)
1453c projected from the free end surface 1453b is inserted
into the inside of the opening 1450g of the coupling 1450.
The rotational force is transmitted by this pin 1453c
10156073 1 905731D2 contacting to the rotational force transmitting surface
(rotational force transmitting portion) 1450h of the coupling.
In this manner, the contact surface 1457a at the time of the
inclination of the coupling 1450 is provided on the supporting
member 1457. By this, there is no necessity of processing the
development shaft directly, and the machining cost can be
reduced.
[0277] In addition, similarly, the spherical surface at
the free end may be a molded resin part which is a separate
member. In this case, the machining cost of the shaft can be
reduced. This is because the configuration of the shaft
processed by cutting and so on can be simplified. In
addition, a range of the spherical surface of the shaft free
end may be narrowed, and the machining cost may be reduced by
limiting the range which requires highly precise processing.
[0278] Referring to Figure 29, the description will be
made about a modified example of the drive shaft. Figure 29
is a perspective view of drive shaft and development driving
gear.
[0279] Similarly to the development shaft, it is
possible to form the free end of the drive shaft 1180 into a
flat surface 1180b as shown in Figure 29 (a). By this, the
configuration of the shaft is simple, and the machining cost
can be reduced. A pin (rotational force applying portion) is
designated by the reference numeral 1182.
[0280] In addition, similarly to the development shaft,
the drive transmitting portion 1280c1, 1280c2 may be
integrally molded with the drive shaft 1280 as shown in Figure
29 (b). When the drive shaft is a molded resin part, the
10156073 1 905731D2 drive transmitting portion can be molded as an integral part.
Therefore, the cost reduction can be accomplished.
[0281] As shown in Figure 29 (c), in order to narrow
the range of the free end portion 1380b of the drive shaft
1380, an outer diameter of the shaft free end 1380c may be
decreased than the outer diameter of a main part 1380a. The
free end portion 1380b requires degree of accuracy, in order
to determine the position of the coupling (unshown) as
described above. For this reason, the surface which requires
high degree of accuracy can be reduced by limiting the
spherical range only to the contact portion of the coupling.
By this, the machining cost can be lowered. In addition, the
unnecessary free end of the spherical surface may be cut
similarly.
[0282] In addition, in the foregoing embodiments, in
the direction of the axis Li, there is no play between the
developing roller and the apparatus main assembly. Here, the
positioning method of the developing roller will be described
with respect to the direction of the axis Li as to, when play
exists. In other words, the coupling 1550 is provided with a
tapered surface 1550e, 1550h. As for the drive shaft, a force
is produced in a thrust direction by the rotation. By this,
the coupling and the developing roller are positioned with
respect to the direction of the axis Li. Referring to Figure
30 and Figure 31, this will be described in detail. Figure 30
is a perspective view and a top plan view of the coupling
alone. Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of the drive
shaft, the development shaft, and the coupling.
[0283] As shown in Figure 30 (b), the rotational force
receiving surface 1550e forms an angle alpha 5 relative to the
axis L2. When the drive shaft 180 rotates in the Ti
10156073 1 905731D2 direction, the pin 182 and the receiving surface 1550e contact to each other. Then, a component force is applied in the T2 direction to the coupling 1550, and the coupling is moved in the T2 direction. In more detail, the coupling 1550 moves until the driving shaft receiving surface 1550f (Figure 31a) of the coupling 1550 contacts to the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180. By this, the position with respect to the direction of the axis L2 of the coupling 1550 is determined.
In addition, the free end 180b is a spherical surface, and the
driving shaft receiving surface 1550f of the coupling 1550 is
a conic surface. For this reason, in the direction
perpendicular to the axis L2, the position of the driven
portion 1550a of the coupling 1550 relative to the drive shaft
180 is determined.
[0284] In addition, as shown in Figure 30 (c), the
rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force
transmitting portion) 1550h forms the angle alpha 6 relative
to the axis L2. When the coupling 1550 rotates in the Ti
direction, the transmitting surface 1550h and the pin 155
contact to each other. Then, a component force is applied in
the T2 direction to the pin 155, and the pin is moved in the
T2 direction. And, the development shaft 153 moves until the
free end 153b of the development shaft 153 contacts to the
development bearing surface 1550i (Figure 31b) of the coupling
1550. By this, the position of the development shaft 153
(developing roller) with respect to the direction of the axis
L2 is determined.
[0285] In addition, the development bearing surface
1550i of the coupling 1550 is a conic surface, and the free
end 153b of the development shaft 153 is the spherical
surface. For this reason, with respect to the direction
perpendicular to the axis L2, the position of the driving
10156073 1 905731D2 portion 1550b of the coupling 1550 relative to development shaft 153 is determined.
[0286] The taper angles alpha 5 and alpha 6 are
selected so as to be sufficient for producing the force for
moving the coupling and the developing roller in the thrust
direction. And, the angles differ depending on the load.
However, if other means for determining the position of the
thrust direction is provided, the taper angles alpha 5 and
alpha 6 may be small.
[0287] For this reason, as has been described
hereinbefore, the coupling is provided with the taper for
producing the retracting force in the direction of the axis
L2, and with the conic surface for determining the position in
the direction perpendicular to the axis L2. By this, the
position in the direction of the axis L2 of the coupling and
the position in the direction perpendicular to the axis can be
determined simultaneously. In addition, further assured
transmission of the rotational force can be accomplished.
This will be described. When the rotational force receiving
surface or the rotational force transmitting surface of the
coupling is not given the taper angle which has been described
above, the rotational force transmitting surface or the
rotational force receiving surface of the coupling inclines
due to influence and so on of dimensional tolerance, and the
component force is produced in the direction (opposite
direction to T2 of Figure 30) of the axis L2. By this, the
contact between the rotational force receiving surface and the
rotational force transmitting surface of the drive
transmission pin and the coupling is disturbed. However, with
the above described structure, such the problem is avoidable.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0288] However, it is not inevitable that the coupling
is provided with both such the retracting taper and the
positioning conic surface. For example, in place of the taper
for pulling in the direction of the axis L2, a part for urging
in the direction of the axis L2 may be added. From now on, as
long as there is no particular description, the case where
both the tapered surface and the conic surface are formed will
be described.
[0289] Referring to Figure 32, the description will be
made about the means for regulating the direction of the
inclination of the coupling relative to the cartridge for the
engagement between the coupling, and the drive shaft of the
apparatus main assembly. Figure 32 is a side view
illustrating a major part of the driving side of the
cartridge, and Figure 33 is a sectional view taken along S7-S7
of Figure 32.
[0290] Here, in order to regulate the inclining
direction of the coupling 150 relative to the cartridge B, the
supporting member (mounting member) 1557 is provided with a
regulating portion 1557h 1 or 1557h2. This regulating portion
1557h 1 or 1557h2 is provided so that it becomes substantially
parallel to the rotational direction X4 immediately before the
coupling engages with the drive shaft 180. In addition, the
intervals D7 thereof is slightly larger than outer diameter of
the driving portion 150b of the coupling 150 phi D6. By this,
the coupling 150 is pivotable in the rotational direction X4.
In addition, the coupling is pivotable in all the directions
relative to the development shaft. For this reason,
irrespective of the phase of the development shaft, the
coupling can be inclined in the regulated direction.
Therefore, it becomes easy to insert the drive shaft (unshown)
into the insertion opening 150m for the drive shaft of the
10156073 1 905731D2 coupling 150 much more assuredly. Therefore, they are more assuredly engageable.
[0291] In addition, in the foregoing description, the
angle in the pre-engagement angular position of the coupling
150 relative to the axis Li is larger than the angle of the
disengaging angular position (Figure 22, Figure 25). However,
this is not inevitable. Referring to Figure 34, the
description will be made.
[0292] Figure 34 is a longitudinal sectional view
for illustrating the mounting process of the coupling. As
shown in Figure 35, in the state of (a) the mounting process
of the coupling in the direction of the axis Li, the
downstream free end position 1850A1 with respect to the
rotational direction X4 is closer to the direction of the
driving shaft 182 (the rotational force applying portion) than
the drive shaft free end 180b3. In the state of (b), the free
end position 1850A1 is contacted to the free end portion 180b.
At this time, the free end position 1850A1 moves toward the
development shaft 153 along the downstream free end portion
180b of the drive shaft 180 with respect to the rotational
direction X4 of the rotary. And, the free end position 1850A1
passes by the free end portion 180b3 of the drive shaft 180 at
this position, the coupling 150 takes the pre-engagement
angular position (Figure 34 (c)). And, finally the engagement
between the coupling 1850 and the drive shaft 180 is
established ((rotational force transmitting angular position)
Figure 34 (d)). When the free end portion 1850A1 passes by
the free end 180b3, the free end position 1850A1 is contacted
to the free end 180b3, or is positioned in the development
shaft (153) or developing roller side.
[0293] An example of this embodiment will be described.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0294] First, as shown in Figure 5, the shaft diameter
of the development shaft 153 is OZ1, the shaft diameter of the
pin 155 is OZ2, and the length is Z3. As shown in Figure 6
(d), (e) and (f), the maximum outer diameter of the driven
portion 150a of the coupling 150 is OZ4 the diameter of a
phantom circle Cl (Figure 6(d)) which forms the inner ends of
the projections 150d 1 or 150d 2 or 150d3, 150d4 is OZ5, and
the maximum outer diameter of the driving portion 150b is OZ6.
Referring to Figures 22 and 25, the angle formed between the
coupling 150 and the conic drive shaft receiving surface 150f
is a2, and the angle formed between the coupling 150 and the
shaft receiving surface 150i is al. A shaft diameter of the
drive shaft 180 is OZ7, the shaft diameter of the pin 182 is
OZ8, and the length is Z9). In addition, the angle relative
to the axis Li in the rotational force transmitting angular
position is B1, the angle in the pre-engagement angular
position is $2, and the angle in the disengaging angular
position is B3. In this example,
[0295] Z1= 8mm; Z2= 2mm; Z3= 12mm; Z4= 15mm; Z5= 10mm; Z6=
19mm; Z7= 8mm; Z8= 2mm; Z9= 14mm ; al= 70 degrees; a2= 120
degrees; B1= 0 degree; B2= 35 degrees; B3= 30 degrees.
[0296] It has been confirmed with these settings, the
devices of this embodiment works satisfactorily. However,
these settings do not limit the present invention.
[Embodiment 2]
[0297] Referring to Figure 36 - Figure 38, the second
embodiment to which applied the present invention will be
described.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0298] In this embodiment, a means for inclining the
axis of the coupling relative to the axis of the developing
roller.
[0299] In the description of this embodiment, the same
reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to the
elements having the corresponding functions in this
embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted
for simplicity. This applies also about the other embodiment
described in the below.
[0300] Figure 36 is a perspective view which
illustrates a coupling locking member (this is peculiar to the
present embodiment) pasted on the supporting member. Figure
37 is an enlarged perspective view of a major part of the
driving side of the cartridge. Figure 38 is a perspective
view and a longitudinal sectional view which illustrate an
engaged state between the drive shaft and the coupling.
[0301] As shown in Figure 36, the supporting member
3157 has a space 3157b which surrounds a part of coupling. A
coupling locking member 3159 as a maintaining member for
maintaining the inclination of the coupling 3150 is pasted on
a cylinder surface 3157i which constitutes the space thereof.
As will be described hereinafter, this locking member 3159 is
a member for maintaining temporarily the state where the axis
L2 inclines relative to the axis Li. In other words, as shown
in Figure 36, the flange portion 3150j of the coupling 3150
contacts to this locking member 3159. By this, the axis L2
maintains the state of inclining toward the downstream with
respect to the rotational direction (X4) of the cartridge
relative to the axis Li. Therefore, as shown in Figure 46,
the locking member 3159 is disposed on the upstream cylinder
surface 3157i of the bearing member 3157 with respect to the
10156073 1 905731D2 rotational direction X4. As the material of the locking member 3159, the material which has a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as the rubber and the elastomer, or the elastic materials, such as the sponge and the flat spring, are suitable. This is because, the inclination of the axis L2 can be maintained by the frictional force, the elastic force, and so on.
[0302] Referring to Figure 38, the engaging operation
(a part of mounting and dismounting operation of the
cartridge) for engaging the coupling 3150 with the drive shaft
180 will be described. Figures 38 (al) and (bl) illustrate
the state immediately before the engagement, and Figure 38
(a2) and (b2) illustrate the state of the completion of the
engagement.
[0303] As shown in Figure 38 (al) and Figure 38 (bl),
the axis L2 of the coupling 3150 inclines toward the
downstream (retracted position) with respect to the rotational
direction X4 relative to the axis Li beforehand by the force
of the locking member 3159 (pre-engagement angular position).
By this inclination of the coupling 3150, by, in the direction
of the axis Li, the downstream (with respect to the mounting
direction) free end portion 3150A1 is closer to the cartridge
(developing roller) side than the drive shaft free end 180b3.
And, the upstream (with respect to the mounting direction)
free end portion 3150A2 is closer to the pin 182 than the free
end 180b3 of the drive shaft 180. In addition, at this time,
as has been described in the foregoing, the flange portion
3150j of the coupling 150 is contacted to the locking member
3159. And, the inclined state of the axis L2 is maintained by
the frictional force thereof.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0304] Thereafter, the cartridge B moves to the
rotational direction X4. By this, the free end surface 180b
or the free end of the pin 182 contacts to the driving shaft
receiving surface 3150f of the coupling 3150. And, the axis
L2 approaches to the direction in parallel with the axis Li by
the contact force (force revolving the rotary) thereof. At
this time, the flange portion 3150j is departed from the
locking member 3159, and becomes into the non-contact state.
[0305] And, finally, the axis Li and the axis L2 are
substantially co-axial with each other.
[0306] And, the coupling 3150 is in the waiting (stand
by) state for transmitting the rotational force (Figure 38
(a2), (b2)) (rotational force transmitting angular position).
[0307] Similarly to embodiment 1, the rotary C swings
about a swing center axis and contacts the developing roller
110 to the photosensitive drum 107. And, the rotational force
of the motor 64 is transmitted to the coupling 3150, the pin
155, the development shaft 153, and the developing roller 110
through the drive shaft 180. The axis L2 is substantially co
axial with the axis Li during the rotation. For this reason,
the locking member 3159 is not contacted with the coupling
3150 and does not influence on the drive of the coupling 3150.
[0308] After the image formation finishes, the rotary C
swings in the opposite direction and the developing roller 110
spaces from the photosensitive drum 107. And then, in order
to carry out the image formation for the next color, the
rotary C begins the revolution. In that case, the coupling
3150 disengages from the drive shaft 180. In other words, the
coupling 3150 is moved to the disengaging angular position
from the rotational force transmitting angular position.
10156073 1 905731D2
Since the operation in that case is the same as that of
Embodiment 1 (Figure 25), the description is omitted for
simplicity.
[03091 In addition, by the time the rotary C carries
out one full revolution, the axis L2 of the coupling 3150
inclines toward the downstream in the rotational direction X4
by unshown means. In other words, the coupling 3150 is moved
from the disengaging angular position to the pre-engagement
angular position by way of the rotational force transmitting
angular position. By doing so, the flange portion 3150j
contacts to the locking member 3159, and the inclined state of
the coupling is maintained again.
[0310] As has been described hereinbefore, the inclined
state of the axis L2 is maintained by the locking member 3159
pasted on the supporting member 3157. By this, the engagement
between the coupling and the drive shaft is established much
more assuredly.
[0311] In the present embodiment, the locking member
3159 is pasted at the upstreammost side of the inner surface
3157i of the supporting member with respect to the rotational
direction X4. However, this is not inevitable. For example,
what is necessary is the position where the inclined state
thereof can be maintained when the axis L2 is inclined.
[0312] The locking member 3159 has been described as
contacting with the flange portion (Figure 38bl) 3150j (Figure
38bl). However, the contact position may be the driven
portion 3150a (Figure 38bl).
[0313] In this embodiment, although it has been
described that the locking member is a separate member, this
10156073 1 905731D2 is not inevitable. For example, it may be molded integrally with the supporting member 3157 (2 color molding, for example), and the supporting member 3157 may be directly contacted to the coupling 3150 in place of the locking member
3159. Or, the surface of the coupling may be roughened for
the increase of the coefficient of friction.
[0314] In addition, although it has been described that
the locking member 3159 is pasted on the development
supporting member 3157, it may be anything if it is a member
fixed on the cartridge B.
Embodiment 3:
[0315] Referring to Figure 39-Figure 42, a third
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0316] The description will be made as to means for
inclining the axis L2 relative to the axis Li.
[0317] As shown in Figure 39 (perspective view), a
coupling pressing member peculiar to the present embodiment is
mounted to the supporting member. Figure 40 is a perspective
view illustrating the coupling pressing member. Figure 41 is
an enlarged perspective view of the major part of the driving
side of the cartridge. Figure 42 is a perspective view
illustrating the engaging operation and a longitudinal
sectional view of the coupling.
[0318] As shown in Figure 39, spring supporting
portions 4157el, 4157e2 are provided on the inner surface
4157i of the supporting member (mounting member) 4157. In
addition, the coil parts 4159b, 4159c of torsion coil springs
(coupling urging members) 4159 are mounted to the supporting
10156073 1 905731D2 portions 4157el, 4157e2. And, as shown in Figure 40, a contact portion 4159a of the urging member 4159 contacts to the driven portion 4150a side of a flange portion 4150j of the coupling 4150. The spring 4159 is twisted to produce an elastic force. By this, the axis L2 of the coupling 4150 is inclined relative to the axis Li (Figure 41, pre-engagement angular position). The contact position of the urging member
4159 to the flange portion 4150j is set downstream of the
center of the development shaft 153 with respect to the
rotational direction X4. For this reason, the axis (L2) is
inclined relative to the axis (Li) so that the driven portion
4150a side is directed to the downstream with respect to the
rotational direction (X4).
[0319] In the present embodiment, although the torsion
coil spring is used as the urging member (elastic material),
this is not inevitable. The any means which can produce the
elastic forces, such as for example, leaf springs, rubber, and
sponge, is usable. However, in order to incline the axis L2,
a certain amount of stroke is required. Therefore, a member
which can provide the stroke is desirable.
[0320] In addition, the spring supporting portions
4157el, 4157e2 of the supporting member 4157 and the coil
parts 4159b, 4159c function as the retention rib for the
coupling described with respect to Embodiment 1 (Figure 9,
Figure 12).
[0321] Referring to Figure 42, the engaging operation
(a part of rotating operation of the rotary) between the
coupling 4150 and the drive shaft 180 will be described. (al)
and (bi) in Figure 42 are views immediately before the
engagement, and (a2) and (b2) in Figure 42 illustrate the
state where the engagement has completed. (a3) and (b3) in
10156073 1 905731D2
Figure 42 are views in the state where the engagement has been
released, and (a4) and (b4) in Figure 42 are views in the
state where the axis L2 inclines toward the downstream with
respect to the rotational direction X4 again.
[0322] In the state (retreating position of the
coupling 4150) of Figs. 42 (al) and 42 (bl), the axis L2
thereof is beforehand inclined toward the downstream with
respect to the rotational direction X4 relative to the axis Li
(pre-engagement angular position). Thus, the coupling 4150 is
inclined. By this, in the direction of the axis Li, the
downstream free end position 4150A1 with respect to the
rotational direction X4 is positioned in the cartridge
(developing roller) side beyond the drive shaft free-end
180b3. In addition, the upstream free end position 4150A2
with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned
beyond the pin 182 side from the drive shaft free-end 180b3.
In other words, as has been described hereinbefore, the flange
portion 4150j is pressed by the urging member 4159. For this
reason, the axis L2 is inclined relative to the axis Li by the
urging force.
[0323] Thereafter, the cartridge B moves in the
rotational direction X4. By this, the free end surface 180b
or the free end of the pin 182 contacts to the driving shaft
receiving surface 4150f of the coupling 4150. And, the axis
L2 approaches to the angle in parallel with the axis Li by the
contact force (force of rotating the rotary).
[0324] Simultaneously, the flange portion 4150j and the
urging spring 4159 contact with each other. By this, the
spring 4159 is twisted to increase the moment. Finally, the
axis Li and the axis L2 become substantially co-axial with
each other, and the coupling 4150 is in the rotation latency
10156073 1 905731D2 state (Figure 42 (a2), (b2)). (rotational force transmitting angular position).
[0325] Similarly to embodiment 1, the rotational force
is transmitted to the coupling 4150, the pin 155, the
development shaft 153, and the developing roller 110 through
the drive shaft 180 from the motor 64. The urging force of
the urging member 4159 applies to the coupling 4150 at the
time of the rotation. However, if the driving torque of the
motor 64 has a sufficient margin, the coupling 4150 will
rotate with high precision.
[0326] When the rotary further revolves, the coupling
4150 will separate from the drive shaft 180 as shown in
Figure 42 (a3) and (b3). In other words, the free end
spherical surface 180b of the drive shaft 180 pushes the
driving shaft receiving surface 4150f of the coupling. By
this, the axis L2 inclines toward the opposite direction
(opposite direction from the rotational direction X4) with
respect to the axis Li (disengaging angular position). By
doing so, the urging member 4159 is further twisted so that
the urging force (elastic force) further increases. For this
reason, after the coupling 4150 disengages from the drive
shaft 180, the axis L2 is again inclined in the rotational
direction X4 relative to the axis Li by the urging force of
the urging member 4159 (pre-engagement angular position,
Figure42 (a4), (b4)). By this, even if the means for
inclining the axis L2 toward the pre-engagement angular
position by the time the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 4150
are again coupled by the revolution of the rotary C with each
other is not provided particularly, the drive shaft 180 and
the coupling 4150 are connectable (engageable) with each
other.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0327] As has been described hereinbefore, the urging
is effected by the urging member 4159 provided on the
supporting member 4157. By this, the axis L2 is inclined
relative to the axis Li. Therefore, the inclined state of the
coupling 4150 is maintained assuredly and the engagement
(coupling) between the coupling 4150 and the drive shaft 180
is ensured.
[0328] The position of the urging member in the present
embodiment is not restrictive. For example, it may be another
position on the supporting member 4157, or may be a member
other than such a member.
[0329] In addition, the urging direction of the urging
member 4159 is the same as the direction of the axis Li, but
if the axis L2 inclines in the predetermined direction, it may
be any direction.
[0330] In addition, the energizing position of the
urging member 4159 is the position of the flange portion
4150j, but if the axis L2 inclines toward the predetermined
direction, it may be any position of the coupling.
Embodiment 4:
[0331] Referring to Figure 43-Figure 46, , the fourth
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0332] The means for inclining the axis L2 with respect
to the axis Li will be described.
[0333] Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating the state before the assembly of the major
members of the developing cartridge. Figure 44 is an enlarged
10156073 1 905731D2 side view of the driving side of the cartridge. Figure 45 is a longitudinal sectional view which schematically illustrates the structure for the axis L2 to incline. Figure 46 is the drive shaft and a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the engaging operation between the coupling.
[0334] As shown in Figure 43 and Figure 45, a coupling
locking member 5157k is provided on the supporting member
(mounting member) 5157. When the supporting member 5157 is
assembled in the direction of the axis Li, while a part of a
locking surface 5157k1 of an of the locking member 5157k
contacts with the inclined surface 5150m of the coupling 5150,
the part engages with the upper surface 5150jl of a flange
portion 5150j. At this time, the flange portion 5150j is
mounted with play (angle alpha 49) between locking surface
5157k1 and circular column portion of the development shaft
153 153a. Even when the dimensional tolerances of the
coupling 5150, the bearing member 5157, and the development
shaft 153 vary, the flange portion 5150jl can lock assuredly
to the locking portion 5157k1 of the bearing member 5157 by
providing this play (angle alpha 49).
[0335] And, as shown in Figure 45 (a), the axis L2 is
inclined so that the driven portion 5150a side faces the
downstream with respect to the rotational direction X4
relative to the axis Li. In addition, since the flange
portion 5150j extends over the full-circumference, it can be
mounted regardless of the phase of the coupling 5150.
Furthermore, as has been described with respect to Embodiment
1, the coupling is pivotable in the rotational direction X4 by
the regulating portion 5157h 1 or 5157h2. In addition, in
this embodiment, the locking member 5157k is provided at the
downstreammost position in the rotational direction X4.
10156073 1 905731D2
[03361 As will be described hereinafter, as shown in
Figure 45 (b), in the state of being in engagement with the
drive shaft 180, the flange portion 5150j is released from the
locking member 5157k. In addition, the coupling 5150 is free
from the locking portion 5157k. In assembling the supporting
member 5157, when the coupling 5150 is not able to be retained
in the inclined state, the driving portion 5150b of the
coupling is pushed by tool and so on (the direction of an
arrow X14 of Figure 45 (b)). By this, the coupling 5150 will
mount easily (Figure 45 (a)).
[0337] Referring to Figure 46, , the engaging operation
(a part of rotary rotating operation) between the coupling
5150 and the drive shaft 180 will be described. Figure 46 (a)
shows a view immediately before the engagement, and (b) is a
view after a part of coupling 5150 passes the drive shaft 180.
In addition, (c) illustrates the state where the inclination
of the coupling 5150 is released by the drive shaft 180, and
(d) illustrates the engaged state.
[03381 In the state of Figure 46 (a) and (b), the
coupling 5150 takes a retreating position, where the axis L2
thereof is inclined beforehand to the rotational direction X4
relative to the axis Li (pre-engagement angular position).
The downstream free end position 515OAl with respect to the
rotational direction X4 takes a position closer to the
cartridge B (developing roller) than the drive shaft free-end
180b3 by the inclination of the coupling 5150. In addition,
the upstream free end position 5150A2 with respect to the
rotational direction X4 is positioned in the pin 182 side from
the drive shaft free-end 180b3. At this time, as has been
described hereinbefore, the flange portion 5150j is contacted
to the locking surface 5157k1 of the locking portion 5157k,
and, as for the coupling, the inclined state is maintained.
10156073 1 905731D2
[03391 Thereafter, as shown in (c), the cartridge B
moves in the rotational direction X4. By this, tapered
driving shaft receiving surface 5150f of the coupling 5150 or
driven projection 5150d contacts to the free end portion 180b
of the drive shaft 180, or the pin 182. The flange portion
5150j separates from the locking surface 5157k1 by the force
by the contact. By this, the lock relative to the supporting
member 5157 of the coupling 5150 is released. And, in
response to the rotation of the rotary C, the coupling is
inclined so that the axis L2 becomes parallel to the axis Li.
After the passage of the flange portion 5150j, the locking
member 5157k returns to the previous position by the restoring
force. Then, the coupling 5150 becomes free from the locking
portion 5157k. And, finally, as shown in (d), the axis Li and
the axis L2 become substantially co-axial, and the rotation
latency state is established (rotational force transmitting
angular position).
[0340] And, after the image forming operation finishes,
the next cartridge B reaches the developing position. For
this purpose, the rotary C rotates again. In that case, the
coupling 5150 disengages from the drive shaft 180. In other
words, the coupling 5150 is moved to the disengaging angular
position from the rotational force transmitting angular
position. Since the detail of the operation in that case is
the same as Embodiment 1 (Figure 25), the description is
omitted for simplicity.
[0341] In addition, by the time the rotary C carries
out one-full revolution, the axis L2 of the coupling 5150
inclines to the downstream with respect to the rotational
direction X4 by an unshown means. In other words, the
coupling 5150 is moved from the disengaging angular position
to the pre-engagement angular position by way of the
10156073 1 905731D2 rotational force transmitting angular position. By doing so, the flange portion 5150j contacts to the locking member 3157k, and the inclined state of the coupling is maintained again.
[0342] As has been described hereinbefore, the
inclining direction of the coupling 5150 is regulated by the
locking portion 5157k of the supporting member 5157. By this,
the inclined state of the coupling 5150 is maintained even
more assuredly. And, the engagement between the coupling 5150
and the drive shaft 180 is established assuredly.
Furthermore, at the time of the rotation, the structure that
the locking portion 5157k does not contact to the coupling
5150 also contributes to the stabilized transmission of the
rotational force.
[0343] In this embodiment, the locking portion 5157k
has an elastic portion. However, the locking portion 5157k
may not have the elastic portion and it may be formed in the
shape of a rib by which the flange portion of the coupling is
made to deform. By this, the similar effects are provided.
[0344] In addition, the locking portion 5157k is
provided at the downstreammost side with respect to the
rotational direction X4. However, the locking portion 5157k
may be any position if the axis L2 can maintain the state of
inclining to the predetermined direction.
[0345] In this embodiment, the locking portion 5157k is
constituted by a part of supporting members. However, the
locking portion 5157k may be provided in another position of
the supporting member, or it may be a member other than the
supporting member. In addition, the locking portion may be a
separate member.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0346] In addition, the present embodiment, and
Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 may be implemented
simultaneously, and the engagement and the disengaging
operations of the coupling relative to the drive shaft are
carried out even more assuredly in this case.
Embodiment 5:
[0347] Referring to Figure 47-Figure 51,, the fifth
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0348] The means for inclining the axis L2 relative to
the axis Li will be described.
[0349] Figure 47 shows a view of supporting member and
rotary flange of the driving side, as seen in the direction of
the axis Li. Figure 48 shows a view of the members of the
apparatus main assembly, as seen in the direction of the axis
Li. Figure 49 is the same as Figure 48, however the locus of
the coupling is added. Figure 50 is a sectional view taken
along lines S10-Si0, S1l-Sl1, S12-S12, S13-S13, S14-S14 in
Figure 49.
[0350] First, referring to Figure 47, the structure for
regulating the inclining direction of the coupling 150 will be
described. The supporting member 7157 rotates integrally with
the rotary C. The member 7157 is provided with regulating
portions 7157h 1 or 7157h2 for permitting the inclination,
only in said one direction, of the coupling 7150. A distance
D6 between these regulating portions is slightly larger than
the outer diameter (unshown) of the driving portion 7150b of
the coupling 7150 to permit the rotation of the coupling 7150.
The regulating portions 7157hl and 7157h2 are inclined by
angle of alpha 7 relative to the rotational direction X4. By
10156073 1 905731D2 this, the coupling 7150 is pivotable to the alpha7 X5 direction with respect to the rotational direction X4.
[0351] Referring to Figure 48,, the method for
inclining the coupling 7150 will be described. In the present
embodiment, a regulation rib 1630R fixed to the driving side
180 is provided. The radius of the surface inside the radial
direction of the rib 1630R is gradually reduced toward the
downstream portion 1630Rb from the upstream part 1630Ra, R-2
with respect to the rotational direction X4. And, the radius
R-1 of this surface is selected so that it contacts and is
interfered by the outer periphery 7150cl of the intermediate
part 7150c of the coupling Figure 45.
[0352] When the coupling 7150 contacts with the
regulation rib 1630R, the coupling 7150 is pushed toward the
rotation axis of the rotary C. At this time, the coupling
7150 is regulated by the regulating portions 1557h 1 or 1557h2
in the movement direction. For this reason, the coupling 7150
is inclined to the X5 direction.
[0353] An increase of the degree of the interference
will also increase the inclination of the coupling 7150. The
configuration of the regulation rib 1630R is such that before
the coupling 7150 engages with the drive shaft 180, the amount
of interferences is increased until the inclination angle of
the coupling 7150 becomes the engageable angle. In the
present embodiment, the section from the position 1630Rb to
the position 1630Rc is located on the same radius positions
from the rotation axis of the rotary C. The radius is
indicated by R-1.
[0354] Figure 49 illustrates the locus until the
coupling 7150 engages with the drive shaft 180 along the guide
10156073 1 905731D2
1630R with the rotation of the rotary C. A section taken
along lines S10-S10-S14-S14 in Figure 49 is shown in Figure
50(a)-(e).
[03551 The coupling 7150 enters the region of the
regulation rib 1630R in the direction of X4. At this time,
the coupling is faced in the direction of X6 which is the
substantially advancing direction, is faced in the reverse
direction of X7, or is faced in the inbetween direction
thereof. Here, the case where the coupling 7150 faces the
direction of X7 will be described.
[03561 The inclining direction X5 (Figure 47) of the
coupling 7150 is angle alpha 7 relative to the rotational
direction X4. In view of this, when the coupling 7150
inclines toward the X7 direction, the driven portion 7150a of
the coupling outwardly inclines with respect to the radial
direction of the rotary C (Figure 47). The gap Gl is provided
between the coupling 7150 and the regulation rib 1630R in the
place where it enters the range of the regulation member
1630R.
[0357] When the rotation of the rotary C advances to
the Sl-Sl section, the coupling 7150 and the regulation rib
1630R contact to each other (Figure 50b). The radius of the
regulation rib 1630R is reduced gradually. Therefore, a
degree of the interference increases with the advancement of
the coupling 7150.
[03581 In the position of the section S12-S12, the
regulation rib 1630R pushes up the coupling 7150, and it is
co-axial with the development shaft (Figure 50c). At this
time, the motion of the coupling 7150 is regulated by the
regulation rib 1630R. In view of this, the coupling 7150 is
10156073 1 905731D2 pivotable only in the X8 direction (only in X6 direction in the cross-sectional position of S10-S10), and cannot be inclined toward the opposite direction X8 thereto.
[03591 In the cross-sectional S13-S13 position, the
degree of the interference of the coupling relative to the
regulation rib 1630R increases. In view of this, the coupling
7150 is pushed up by the rib 1630R, and is forcedly inclined
in the direction of X9 (X8 direction in the section S12-S12)
(Figure 50 (d)). (pre-engagement angular position).
[03601 In this state, the rotary C is rotated until the
coupling becomes co-axial with the drive shaft 180 (S14-S14
section position). By this, the coupling 7150 can be engaged
with the drive shaft 180 through the operation similar to
Embodiment 1 (rotational force transmitting angular position).
[03611 Thereafter, after the image formation finishes,
the coupling 7150 is disengaged from the drive shaft 180, so
that, it is a series of operations are finished (since the
disengaging operation is the same as those of the foregoing
embodiments, the description is omitted for simplicity). This
operation is repeated for every image formation.
[03621 In order for the coupling to interfere with the
regulation rib, the coupling is contacted to it from the
outside with respect to the radial direction, and inclines the
coupling thereby. However, it is regulated such that the
angle alpha 7 (in Figure 47 the X5 direction) of the
regulating portions 1557h 1 or 1557h2 are line-symmetrical
with respect the tangential direction (the X4 direction). By
this, the same operation is carried out when the regulation
rib 1630R is contacted from the radial inside.
10156073 1 905731D2
[03631 The cartridge does not need to be provided with
the mechanism for inclining the coupling by the orientation of
the coupling 7150 being regulated by the regulation rib 1630R.
By this, the cost reduction of the cartridge can be
accomplished.
[0364] In this embodiment, the coupling may be
assuredly slid along the rib by applying the force to the
coupling with the spring and so on.
[03651 In addition, it is moved on the guide rib
through an intermediate part 7150c of the coupling. However,
if the inclination of the coupling is possible, it may move on
the guide rib through the position other than the intermediate
part.
[03661 In addition, the present embodiment, Embodiment
2 or Embodiment 3, or Embodiment 4 may be implemented
simultaneously, and in such a case, Engagement and
disengagement operations of the coupling can be ensured.
Embodiment 6:
[0367] Referring to Figure 51-Figure 52,, the sixth
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[03681 In this embodiment, the configuration of another
coupling is employed.
[03691 Figure 51 is an illustration of the coupling
which is the main constituent-elements of the present
embodiment. Figure 52 is a longitudinal sectional view
illustrating engaged state and state before the engagement
10156073 1 905731D2 between drive shaft of the apparatus main assembly and the coupling.
[0370] First, referring to Figure 51,, the
configuration of the coupling per se will be described.
Figure 51 (a) shows a view of the coupling, as seen from the
apparatus main assembly side, Figure 51 (b) shows a view of
the coupling, as seen from the developing roller side, and
Figure 51 (c) is a sectional view taken along S4-S4 in Figure
51 (a).
[0371] The coupling 8150 is generally cylindrical. As
shown in Figure 51 (c) the coupling 8150 has a drive shaft
insertion opening portion 8150m and a development shaft
insertion opening portion 8150p for receiving the rotational
force from the drive shaft of the apparatus main assembly.
The opening 8150m is provided with a tapered driving shaft
receiving surface 8150f. On the cylindrical inner surface, a
plurality of driven projections 8150d (8150d 1 or 8150d 2 or
8150d3, 8150d4) in the form of ribs are disposed. In
addition, in Figure 51 (a), a rotational force transmitting
surface (rotational force receiving portion) 8150el-e4 is
provided downstream of the projection 8150d with respect to
the clockwise direction. And, the rotational force (driving
force) is transmitted by the contact of the pin 182 of the
drive shaft 180 to the transmitting surface 8150el-e4 to the
coupling 8150.
[0372] The opening 8150p is provided with a tapered
development bearing surface 8150i similarly. In addition, the
cylindrical inner surface is provided with the rib-like
projections 8150g 1 or 8150g2. In addition, in Figure 50 (b)
a transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion)
8150h 1 or 8150h2 is provided in an upstream position of the
10156073 1 905731D2 development drive standby opening 8150g 1 or 8150g2 with respect to clockwise direction.
[0373] Referring to Figure 52, the description will be
made about the engaging operation of the coupling.
[0374] Figure 52 (a) is a sectional view illustrating a
state before engaging with the drive shaft 180 after the
movements of the development shaft 180 and the coupling 8150
in the rotational direction X4. The axis L2 inclines to the
angle alpha 7 so that a downstream free end position 8150A1
with respect to the rotational direction X4 can pass the free
end portion 180b. At this time, The upstream 182a and the
downstream 182b of the pin 182 maintain the engaged state with
the transmitting surface (rotational force receiving portion)
8150h 1 or 8150h2 (Figure 51c) of the coupling 8150.
[0375] Figure 52 (b) illustrates the coupling 150
having been described with respect to Embodiment 1, in the
orientation the same as Figure 52 (a). As will be understood
from Figure 52 (b), the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is
inclined by the angle alpha 7 similarly to Figure 52 (a). By
this, the engagement between upstream pin 155 and the upstream
drive transmission surface 8150hl is not established with
respect to rotational direction X4. In other words, there is
a gap of G7 between the pin 155 and the transmitting surface
150hl. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the
coupling 8150 has the contact portions for the rotational
force transmission at the two places as shown in Figure
52(a). For this reason, the orientation of the coupling is
further stabilized.
[0376] As has been described hereinbefore, the coupling
has a cylindrical shape. By this, even if it is necessary to
10156073 1 905731D2 increase the inclination angle (pre-engagement angular position) of the coupling, the contact portions for the rotational force transmission in the two places are assured.
Therefore, the inclination operation of the stabilized
coupling can be accomplished.
[0377] Since the co-axial rotational force transmission
between the drive shaft 180 and the development shaft 153 and
the engagement releasing operation between them are the same
as that of Embodiment 1, those descriptions are omitted for
simplicity.
[Embodiment 7]
[0378] Referring to Figure 53, the seventh embodiment of
the present invention will be described.
[0379] The present embodiment is different from
Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the coupling. Figure
53(a) is a perspective view of a coupling which has a
generally cylindrical shape, and Figure 53 (b) is a sectional
view when the coupling mounted to the cartridge engages with a
drive shaft.
[0380] In Figures 53(a) and 53(b), the rotational force
is inputted from the main assembly at the righthand side, and
the developing roller at the lefthand is driven.
[0381] An input side edge of the coupling 9150 is
provided with a plurality of driven projections (rotational
force receiving portions) 9150d. In this embodiment, they are
provided at two positions. Entering portions or entrances
9150k is provided between the drive receiving projections
9150d. The projection 9150d is provided with a rotational
10156073 1 905731D2 force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion)
9150e. A rotational force transmitting pin (rotational force
applying portion) 9182 of the drive shaft 9180 as will be
described hereinafter contacts to the rotational force
receiving surface 9150e. By this, a rotational force is
transmitted to the coupling 9150.
[0382] In order to stabilize the torque transmitted to
the coupling, a plurality of rotational force receiving
surfaces 150e are desirably disposed on the same circumference
(on a common circle). By the disposition in this manner, the
rotational force transmission radius is constant and the
torque transmitted is stabilized. A sudden increase of the
torque can be avoided. In addition, from the viewpoint of the
stabilization of the drive transmission, the receiving
surfaces 9150e are desirably provided on the opposed positions
(180 degrees) diametrically. In addition, the number of the
receiving surfaces 9150e may be any if the pin 9182 of the
drive shaft 9180 can be received by the standing-by portion
9150k. In the present embodiment, the number is two. The
rotational force receiving surfaces 9150e may not be on the
same circumference, or they may not be disposed diametrically
opposed positions.
[0383] In addition, the cylinder surface of the
coupling 9150 is provided with the standby opening 9150g. In
addition, an opening 9150g is provided with the rotational
force transmission surface (rotational force transmitting
portion) 9150h. The drive transmission pin (rotational force
receiving member) 9155 (Figure 53 (b)) of the development
shaft 9153 contacts to this rotational force transmission
surface 9150h. By this, the rotational force is transmitted
to the developing roller 110 from the main assembly A.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0384] Similarly to the projection 9150d, the rotational force transmission surface 9150h is desirably disposed diametrically opposed on the same circumference.
[0385] The configurations of the development shaft 9153 and the drive shaft 9180 will be described (Figure 53(b)). In Embodiment 1, the cylindrical end is a spherical surface. In this embodiment, however, a diameter of a spherical free end portion 9153b of the end portion is larger than a diameter of a main part 9153a. With this configuration, the left end portion of the coupling 9150 can incline without interference with the major part 9150a. The configuration of the drive shaft 9180 is the same as that of the development shaft 9150 substantially. In other words, the configuration of the free end portion 9180b is the spherical surface, and the diameter thereof is larger than the diameter of the main part 9180a of the cylindrical shape portion. In addition, the pin (rotational force applying portion) 9182 which pierces through the substantial center of the free end portion 9180b which is the spherical surface is provided. The pin 9182 transmits the rotational force to the transmitting surface or rotational force receiving surface 9150e of the coupling 9150.
[0386] The development shaft 9150 and the spherical surface of the drive shaft 9180 are in engagement with the inner surface 9150p of the coupling 9150. By this, the relative position between the development shaft 9150 and the coupling 9150 of the drive shaft 9180 is determined. The operation with respect to the mounting and demounting of the coupling 9150 relative to the drive shaft 9180 is the same as Embodiment 1, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted for simplicity.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0387] As has been described hereinbefore, the coupling
has the cylindrical shape, and therefore, the position with
respect to the direction perpendicular to the direction of the
axis L2 of the coupling 9150 can be determined if the coupling
is engaged with the shaft.
[0388] A modified example of the coupling will be
described further. In the configuration of the coupling 9250
shown in Figure 53 (c), a cylindrical shape and a conical
shape are put together. Figure 53 (d) is a sectional view of
the coupling of this modified example. A driven portion 9250a
of the coupling 9250 (righthand side in the Figure) has a
cylindrical shape, and an inner surface 9250p thereof engages
with the spherical surface of the drive shaft 9180.
Furthermore, it has the abutment surface 9250q and can effect
the positioning with respect to the axial direction between
the coupling 9250 and the drive shaft 180. The driving
portion 9250b has a conical shape (lefthand side of the
Figure), and, similarly to Embodiment 1, the position relative
to the development shaft 153 is determined by the development
shaft receiving surface 9250i.
[0389] The configuration of the coupling 9350 shown in
Figure 53 (e) is a combination of a cylindrical shape and a
conical shape. Figure 53 (f) is a sectional view of this
modified example. The driven portion 9350a of the coupling
9350 has a cylindrical shape (righthand side), and the inner
surface 9350p thereof engages with the spherical surface of
the drive shaft 9180. The positioning in the axial direction
of the drive shaft 9180 is effected by abutting the spherical
surface 9180c of the drive shaft 9180 to the edge portion
9350q formed between the cylindrical portions having different
diameters.
10156073 1 905731D2
[03901 The configuration of the coupling 9450 shown in
Figure 53 (g) is a combination of a spherical surface, a
cylindrical shape, and a conical shape. Figure 53 (h) is a
sectional view of this modified example, wherein a driven
portion 9450a of the coupling 9450 (righthand side) has a
cylindrical shape, and the inner surface 9450p thereof engages
with the spherical surface 9450q of the drive shaft. A
spherical surface of the drive shaft 180 is contacted to a
spherical surface 9450q which is a part of the spherical
surface. By this, the position can be determined with respect
to the direction of the axis L2. Designated by 9250d, 9350d,
9450d are projections. Designated by 9250e, 9350e and 9450e
are rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force
receiving portion).
[Embodiment 8]
[0391] Referring to Figure 54 - Figure 56, the eighth
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0392] The present embodiment is different from
Embodiment 1 in the mounting operation relative to the drive
shaft of the coupling, and the structure with respect to it.
Figure 54 is a perspective view which illustrates a
configuration of a coupling 10150 of the present embodiment.
The configuration of the coupling 10150 is a combination of
the cylindrical shape and conical shape which have been
described in Embodiment 7. In addition, a tapered surface
10150r is provided on the free end side of a coupling 10150.
In addition, the surface of an opposite side of the drive
receiving projection 10150d with respect to the direction of
the axis Li is provided with an urging force receiving surface
10150s.
10156073 1 905731D2
[03931 Referring to Figure 55, the structure of the coupling will be described.
[0394] An inner surface 10150p and a spherical surface 10153b of a development shaft 10153 of the coupling 10150 are in engagement with each other. An urging member 10634 is interposed between an urging force receiving surface 10150s described in the foregoing and a bottom surface 10151b of a development flange 10151. By this, the coupling 10150 is urged toward the drive shaft 180 when the rotary C is stopped at the predetermined position. In addition, similarly to the foregoing embodiments, a retention rib (unshown) is provided adjacent to the drive shaft 180 on the flange portion 10150j with respect to the direction of the axis Li. By this, the disengagement of the coupling 10150 from the cartridge is prevented. The inner surface 10150p of the coupling 10150 is cylindrical. Therefore, the coupling is mounted to the cartridge B so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L2.
[03951 Figure 56 is for illustrating the orientation of the coupling in the case that the coupling engages with the drive shaft. Figure 56 (a) is a sectional view of the coupling 150 of Embodiment 1, and Figure 56 (c) is a sectional view of a coupling 10150 of the present embodiment. And, Figure 56 (b) is a sectional view before reaching the state of Figure 56 (c) the rotational direction is shown by X4 and the chain line L5 is a line drawn in parallel with the mounting direction from the free end of the drive shaft 180.
[03961 In order for the coupling to engage with the drive shaft 180, the downstream free end position 10150Al with respect to the rotational X4 direction needs to pass the free end portion 180b3 of the drive shaft 180. In the case of
10156073 1 905731D2
Embodiment 1, the axis L2 inclines by more than angle a104.
By this, the coupling moves to the position where the free end
position 150Al does not interfere with the free end portion
180b3 (Figure 56 (a), pre-engagement angular position).
[0397] On the other hand, in the coupling 10150 of the
present embodiment, it in the state where it does not be in
engagement with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 10150 takes
the position nearest to the drive shaft 180 by a restoring
(elastic) force of an urging member (elastic member) 10634.
In this state, when it moves in the rotational direction X4, a
part of the tapered surface 10150r of the coupling 10150
contacts the drive shaft (Figure 56 (b)). At this time, the
force is applied to the tapered surface 10150r in the
direction X4, and therefore, the coupling 10150 is retracted
in the longitudinal direction Xl by a component force
thereof. And, the free end portion 10153b of the development
shaft 10153 abuts to an abutting portion 10150t of the
coupling 10150. In addition, the coupling 10150 rotates
clockwisely about the center P1 of the free end portion 10153b
(pre-engagement angular position) of the development shaft.
By this, the downstream free end position 10150Al of the
coupling with respect to the rotational direction X4 passes by
the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 (Figure 56 (c)).
When the drive shaft 180 and the development shaft 10153
becomes substantially co-axial, a driving shaft receiving
surface 10150f of the coupling 10150 contacts to the free end
portion 180b by the elastic force of the urging spring 10634.
By this, the coupling becomes in the rotation latency state
(Figure 55). In consideration of an amount of retraction of
the coupling 10150, the degree of inclination of the axis L2
can be reduced to a106 (Figure 56(c)).
10156073 1 905731D2
[03981 At the time of the rotary resume the rotation in
said one direction after completion of the image forming
operation, the free end portion 180b is forced on the conical
shape driving shaft receiving surface 10150f of the coupling
10150 by rotation force of the rotary. The coupling 10150 is
pivoted by this force, while retracting toward the direction
(opposite to Xl direction) of the axis L2 by this. The
coupling 10150 is disengaged (disconnected) from the drive
shaft 180.
Embodiment 9:
[03991 Referring to Figure 57, Figure 58, and Figure 59,,
embodiment 9 will be described.
[0400] The present embodiment is different from
Embodiment 1 in position (position of the coupling) for
inputting the rotational force, and structure for transmitting
the rotational force to developing roller and developer supply
roller from coupling.
[0401] Figure 57 is a perspective view of the cartridge
B. In addition, Figure 58 is a perspective view illustrating
a driving portion of the cartridge B without the side plate.
Figure 59 (a) is a perspective view of a driving input gear,
as seen from the driving side. Figure 59 (b) is a perspective
view of a driving input gear, as seen from the non-driving
side.
[0402] A development gear 145 is provided to the one
longitudinal end of a developing roller 110. In addition, a
developer supply roller gear 146 is provided to the one
longitudinal end of the developer supply roller 115 (Figure
1). Both the gears are fixed on the roller shafts. By this,
10156073 1 905731D2 the rotational force received by the coupling 150 from the apparatus main assembly A is transmitted to the pin
(rotational force receiving portion) 155 and the gear 147. In
addition, the rotational force received by the gear 147 is
transmitted to the developing roller 110 and the developer
supply roller 115 through the gear 145 and the gear 146. The
rotational force may be transmitted to the developer stirring
member and so on. In addition, the member for transmitting
the rotational force may not be a gear, but may be a toothed
belt and so on. The driving force transmitting members, such
as the gear or the toothed belt, are usable properly.
[0403] Referring to Figure 59,, the driving input gear
147 which mounts the coupling 150 swingably will be described.
A gear shaft 11153 is fixed by the press-fitting, the bonding,
and so on to the inside of the gear. The end 11153b thereof
has a spherical configuration, so that it can incline smoothly
when the axis L2 inclines. In this embodiment, although the
gear shaft 11153 is made of metal, it may be made of resin
material integral with the gear 147. In addition, The
rotational force transmitting pin (rotational force receiving
portion) 155 for receiving the rotational force from the
coupling 150 is provided at the free end side of the gear
shaft 11153, and it is extended in the direction crossing with
the axis of the gear shaft 11153.
[0404] The pin 155 is made of the metal and is fixed by
the press-fitting, the bonding, and so on to the gear shaft
11153. If the transmission of the rotational force is
possible, the position of the pin 155 is satisfactory
anywhere. Preferably, the pin 155 penetrates the spherical
surface center of the free end portion 11153b of the gear
shaft 11153. This is because, with such a structure, even
when the angle of deviation exists between the gear shaft
10156073 1 905731D2
11153 and the axis L2, the rotational force transmission
radius is always constant. By this, constant transmission of
the rotational force is accomplished. The number of
rotational force transmission points may be any, and the
person skilled in the art can select it properly. However, in
this embodiment, the single pin 155 is employed from the
viewpoint of assured transmission of driving torque, and
assembling property. And, the pin 155 penetrates the center
of the free end spherical surface 11153b. By this, the pin
155 projects in the diametrically opposite-directions from the
peripheral surface of the gear shaft 11153. In other words,
the rotational force is transmitted at the two places. Here,
in this embodiment, although the pin 155 is metal, it may be a
product made of resin material integral with the gear shaft
11153 and the gear 147. The gears 145, 146, and 147 are
helical gears.
[0405] In addition, since the mounting method of the
coupling 150 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the
description is omitted.
[0406] The gear 147 is provided with a space 147a for
receiving the coupling 150 partially, so that it does not
interfere with the gear 147, when the coupling 150 swings (the
movement, pivoting). The space 147a is provided at the center
portion of the gear 147. By this, it is possible to shorten
the length of the coupling 150. Furthermore, as for the
mounting method of the gear 147, a hole 147b (Figure 59 (b))
is rotatably supported by the supporting shaft (unshown) of
the development bearing 11151 (Figure 58). In addition, the
cylindrical portion 147c is rotatably supported by the inner
surface 11157i of the supporting member 11157.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0407] Since the engagement, drive, and disengagement
of the coupling by the rotating operation of the rotary C are
the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description is omitted.
[0408] The means for inclining the axis L2 to the pre
engagement angular position just before the engagement of the
coupling to the drive shaft may employ a method of any of the
embodiment 2 - embodiment 5 described heretofore.
[0409] As has been described with respect to the
present embodiment, it is not necessary to dispose the
coupling 150 to the end co-axial with the developing roller
110. More particularly, according to the embodiment described
above, the coupling 150 is provided at the position remote
from the axis Li of the developing roller 110 in the direction
perpendicular to the axis Li of the developing roller 110.
And, in the direction of the rotation axis L2, the rotational
force transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting
portion, and the cartridge side rotational force transmitting
portion) 150h are provided in the opposite side from the
rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving
portion) 150e. And, the rotational force received by the
rotational force transmitting surface 150h is transmitted to
the developing roller 110 through the transmission pin 155
(rotational force receiving portion) and the gears 145 and 147
(driving force transmitting member). By this, the developing
roller 110 is rotated by the rotational force received from
the main assembly A by the coupling 150.
[0410] According to this embodiment, the latitude of
the design of the apparatus main assembly A and the cartridge
B is improved. This is because, in the cartridge B, the
position of the coupling can be properly selected irrespective
of the position of the developing roller 110.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0411] In addition, in the apparatus main assembly A,
the position of the drive shaft 180 can be properly selected
irrespective of the position of the developing roller 110 in
the state of the cartridge B mounted to the rotary C.
[0412] This is effective in development of commercial
products.
Embodiment 10:
[0413] Referring to Figure 60-Figure 69, the tenth
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0414] Figure 60 is a perspective view of the cartridge
using a coupling 12150 according to the present embodiment.
An outer periphery of an outside end of a development
supporting member 12157 provided in the driving side functions
as the cartridge guides 140L1, 140L2.
[0415] The developing cartridge is dismountably mounted
to the rotary C by these cartridge guides 140L1, 140L2 and
cartridge guide (unshown) provided in the non-driving side.
[0416] In this embodiment, the coupling can be
integrally handled with the development shaft end member.
Here, the development shaft end member is the member mounted
to the end of the developing roller, and it has the function
of transmitting the rotational force to the other member in
the cartridge B.
[0417] Figure 61 (a) is a perspective view of the
coupling, as seen from the driving side. It is a perspective
view, as seen from the developing roller side of Figure 61 (b)
coupling. Figure 61 (c) is a side view of the coupling as
10156073 1 905731D2 seen in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis L2. In addition, Figure 61 (d) is a side view of the coupling, as seen from the driving side. Figure 61 (e) shows a view of the coupling, as seen from the developing roller side. In addition, Figure 61 (f) is a sectional view taken along a line S21-S21 of Figure 61 (d).
[0418] The coupling 12150 of the present embodiment is
engaged with the drive shaft 180 similarly to the coupling
150. To receive the rotational force for rotating the
developing roller. In addition, it is disengaged from the
drive shaft 180.
[0419] The coupling side driven portion 12150a of the
present embodiment has the function and structure similar to
those of the member 150a, and the coupling side driving
portion 12150b has the function and structure similar to the
member 150b. In this embodiment, the driving portion 12150b
has the spherical driving shaft receiving surface 12150i so as
to be able to move among said three angular positions
irrespective of the rotation phase of the developing roller
110 (Figure 61 (a), (b), (c), (f)).
[0420] In addition, the intermediate part 12150c has
the function and structure similar to those of the member
150c. In addition, the material and so on is the same as that
of the member.
[0421] In addition, the opening 12150m has the function
and structure similar to those of the member 150m (Figure
61(f)).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0422] In addition, the projection 12150d (12150d1-d4)
has the function and structure similar to those of the element
150d (Figure 61 (a), (b), (c), (d)).
[0423] The entrance portion 12150k (12150kl-k4) has the
function and structure similar to those of the element 150k
(Figure 61 (a), (b), (c), (d)).
[0424] In addition, the driving portion 12150b has the
spherical surface so that, it can move between rotational
force transmitting angular position and pre-engagement angular
position (or disengaging angular position) relative to the
axis Li irrespective of the rotation phase of the developing
roller 110 in the cartridge B5. In the illustrated example,
the driving portion 12150b has a spherical retaining portion
12150i concentric with the axis L2. A fixing hole 12150g
penetrated by a transmission pin 12155 at a position passing
through the center of the driving portion 12150b is provided.
[0425] In this embodiment, the coupling 12150 comprises
a driven portion 12150a, an intermediate part 12150c, and a
driving portion 12150b. The connection method between them
will be described in the drum flange assembly process
hereinafter.
[0426] Referring to Figure 62, , an example of a
development shaft end member 12151 which supports the coupling
12150 will be described. Figure 62 (a) shows a view , as seen
from the drive shaft side, and Figure 62 (b) is a sectional
view taken along a line S22-S22 in Figure 62 (a).
[0427] The opening 12151g 1 or 12151g2 shown in Figure
62 (a) forms a groove extended in a rotational axis direction
of a development shaft end member 12151. At the time of
10156073 1 905731D2 mounting the coupling 12150, the rotational force transmitting pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 12155 enters this opening 12151g 1 or 12151g2.
[0428] The transmission pin 12155 moves inside of the
opening 12151g 1 or 12151g2. By this, irrespective of the
rotation phase of the developing roller 110 in the cartridge
B5, the coupling 12150 is movable between said three angular
positions.
[0429] In addition, in Figure 62 (a), rotational force
receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions)
12151h (12151h 1 or 12151h2) are provided in the clockwise
upstream of the opening 12151g 1 or 12151g2. A side of the
transmission pin 12155 of the coupling 12150 contacts to the
transmitting surface 12151h. By this, the rotational force is
transmitted to the developing roller 110. The transmitting
surfaces 12151hl - 12151h2 have the surfaces intersected by
the rotational direction of the end member 12151. By this,
the transmitting surface 12151h is pressed to the side of the
transmission pin 12155, and rotates about the axis Li (Figure
62b).
[0430] As shown in Figure 62 (b), the end member 12151
is provided with a coupling containing section 12151j for
accommodating the drive transmitting portion 12150b of the
coupling 12150.
[0431] Figure 62 (c) is a sectional view illustrating
the step of assembling the coupling 12150.
[0432] As for the driven portion 12150a and the
intermediate part 12150c of the coupling, the retaining member
12156 is inserted into the intermediate part 12150c. And, the
10156073 1 905731D2 driven portion 12150a and the intermediate part 12150c are capped in the direction of the arrow X32 by a positioning member 12150q (a driving portion 12150b) which has a retaining portion 12150i. The pin 12155 penetrates the fixing hole
12150g of the positioning member 12150q, and the fixing hole
12150r of the intermediate part 12150c. And, the pin 12155
fixes the positioning member 12150q to the intermediate part
12150c.
[0433] Figure 62 (d) is a sectional view illustrating
the step of fixing the coupling 12150 to the end member 12151.
[0434] The coupling 12150 is moved in the X33
direction, and the transmission part 12150b is inserted in the
accommodating portion 12151j. The retaining member 12156 is
inserted in the direction of an arrow X33 to fix it to the end
member 12151. The retaining member 12156 is fixed with play
to the positioning member 12150q. By this, the coupling 12150
can change the orientation. In this manner, a coupling unit
which has the coupling and the end member 12151 integrally is
provided.
[0435] The retaining portion 12156i mounts the coupling
12150 so that it is movable (pivotable) between the rotational
force transmitting angular position, the pre-engagement
angular position, and the disengaging angular position. In
addition, the retaining portion 12156i regulates the movement
of the coupling 12150 in the direction of the axis L2. In
other words, the opening 12156j has diameter phi D15 smaller
than the diameter of the retaining portion 12150i.
[0436] Similarly to the projection 12150d, the
rotational force transmitting surfaces (rotational force
10156073 1 905731D2 transmitting portions) 12150h 1 or 12150h2 are preferably disposed diametrically opposed on the same circumference.
[04371 The coupling and the end member can be
integrally treated by the structure as described above. By
this, the handling at the time of the assembly is easy, and
the improvement of the assembling property can be
accomplished.
[0438] Referring to Figure 63 and Figure 64, , the
mounting of the cartridge B will be described. Figure 63 (a)
is a perspective view of the major part of the cartridge , as
seen from the driving side, and Figure 63 (b) is a perspective
view thereof , as seen from the non-driving side. In
addition, Figure 64 is a sectional view taken along a line
S23-S23 in Figure 63 (a). The developing roller 110 is
rotatably mounted on the developing device frame 119.
[0439] In the description described above, the coupling
12150 and the end member 12151 are assembled to the coupling
unit. And, the unit U10 is mounted to the development shaft
12153 by the side of the end of the developing roller 110 so
that the transmission part 12150a is exposed. And, the
transmission part 12150a is assembled through an inner space
12157b of the supporting member 12157. By this, the
transmission part 12150a is exposed through the cartridge.
[0440] As shown in Figure 64, a positioning portion for
the developing roller 12110 12157e is provided on the
supporting member 12157. By this, the end member 12151 is
retained assuredly.
[0441] Here, as shown in Figure 66, the axis L2 of the
coupling 12150 can incline in any directions relative to the
10156073 1 905731D2 axis L1. Figure 66(al) - (a5) is a view , as seen from the drive shaft (180) side, and Figure 66(bl)- (b5) is the perspective view thereof. In Figure 66 (al) (bi), the axis L2 is co-axial with the axis Li. Figure 65 (a2) (b2) illustrates the coupling 12150 in the upward inclined state from this state. While the coupling inclines toward the position of the opening 12151g, the transmission pin 12155 is moved along the opening 12151g (Figure 66 (a2) (b2)). As a result, , the coupling 12150 is inclined about the axis AX perpendicular to the opening 12151g.
[0442] In Figure 66 (a3) (b3), the coupling 12150 is
inclined rightward. Thus, when the coupling inclines in the
orthogonal direction of the opening 12151g, the pin 12155
rotates inside of the opening 12151g. The axis of rotation is
the axis line AY of the transmission pin 12155.
[0443] The coupling 12150 inclined downward and the
coupling inclined leftward are shown in Figs. 66 (a4) (b4) and
66 (a5) (b5). The coupling 12150 is inclined about the
rotation axis AX, AY.
[0444] With respect to the direction different from the
inclining direction, and in the midrange, the rotation of the
circumference of the axis AX and the rotation of the
circumference of AY can combine with each other, so that the
inclination is permitted. For example, the directions
different from the inclining direction are Figures 66 (a2),
(a3), (a3), (a4), (a4), (a5), (a5), and (a2). In this manner,
the axis L2 can be inclined in any directions relative to the
axis Li.
[0445] However, the axis L2 does not need to be
necessarily pivotable relative to the axis Li linearly to the
10156073 1 905731D2 predetermined angle in any directions over 360 degrees. In that case, for example, the opening 12151g is set slightly wide in the circumferential direction. By such the setting, when the axis L2 inclines relative to the axis Li, the coupling 12150 rotates to a slight degree about the axis L2, even if it is the case where it cannot incline to the predetermined angle linearly. By this, the axis L2 can be inclined to the predetermined angle relative to the axis Li.
In other words, the play in the rotational direction of the
opening 150g can be selected properly by one skilled in the
art.
[0446] As has been described hereinbefore, (Figure 64),
the spherical surface 12150i contacts to the retaining portion
12156i. For this reason, the rotation axis of the coupling
12150 is on the center P2 of the spherical surface 12150i. In
other words, the axis L2 is pivotable irrespective of the
phase of the end member 12151. In addition, as will be
described hereinafter, in order for the coupling 12150 to
engage with the drive shaft 180, the axis L2 is inclined to
the downstream in the rotational direction X4 relative to the
axis Li just before the engagement. In other words, as shown
in Figure 67, the axis L2 inclines relative to the axis Li, so
that the driven portion 12150a is the downstream with respect
to the rotational direction X4.
[0447] Figure 60 shows the state where the axis L2 is
inclined relative to the axis Li. In addition, Figure 65 is a
sectional view taken along a line S24-S24 in Figure 60.
[0448] By the structure described heretofore, the axis
L2 in the inclined state shown in Figure 65 can also become
substantially parallel with the axis Li. In addition, the
maximum possible inclination angle alpha 4 (Figure 65) between
10156073 1 905731D2 the axis Li and the axis L2 is determined so that the range to the position where the driven portion 12150a and the intermediate part 12150c contact to the end member 12151 or the supporting member 12157 is covered. And, the angle alpha
4 is set to the value required for the mounting and demounting
to the apparatus main assembly.
[0449] Here, in the case of the present embodiment, the
maximum possible inclination angle alpha 4 is 20 degrees - 80
degrees.
[0450] As has been described with respect to Embodiment
1, immediately before Cartridge B (B5) is determined to the
predetermined position of the apparatus main assembly A, or,
substantially simultaneously with it being determined to the
predetermined position, the coupling 12150 and the drive shaft
180 engage with each other. More particularly, the coupling
12150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each other
immediately before or substantially simultaneously with the
stoppage of the rotary C.
[0451] Referring to Figure 67, the engaging operation
of this coupling 12150 will be described. Figure 67 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus main assembly A
as seen from the lower part.
[0452] In the moving process of the cartridge B7 by the
rotary C, the axis L2 of the coupling 12150 inclines
beforehand in the pre-engagement angular position to the
rotational direction X4 relative to the axis Li (Figure 67
(a)). In the direction of the axis Li, the downstream free
end position 12150A1 with respect to the rotational direction
X4 is positioned in the developing roller 12110 direction side
beyond the drive shaft free-end 180b3 by the inclination of
10156073 1 905731D2 the coupling 12150. In addition, the upstream free end position 12150A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned in the pin 182 direction side than the drive shaft free-end 180b3 (Figure 67 (a)).
[0453] First, the upstream free end position 12150A1
with respect to the rotational direction X4 of the coupling
12150 passes by the drive shaft free-end 180b3. A part of
coupling (receiving surface 12150f and/or projection 12150d)
which is the cartridge side contact portion contacts to the
main assembly side engaging portion (the drive shaft 180
and/or the pin 182), after the passage. The coupling is
inclined so that the axis L2 becomes parallel to the axis Li
in response to the rotation of the rotary C (Figure 67 (c)).
And, when the developing cartridge B7 finally stops at the
predetermined position (developing position) in the apparatus
main assembly A (stoppage of the rotation of the rotary), the
drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 12110 will become
substantially co-axial with each other. And, the coupling
12150 is moved from the pre-engagement angular position toward
the rotational force transmitting angular position where the
axis L2 is substantially co-axial with the axis Li. And, the
coupling 12150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each
other (Figure 67 (d)). The recess 12150z of the coupling
covers the free end portion 180b.
[0454] As has been described hereinbefore, the coupling
12150 is mounted for inclining motion relative to the axis Li.
More particularly, the coupling 12150 inclines without
interfering with the drive shaft 180 in response to the
rotating operation of the rotary C. By this, the coupling
12150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0455] Similarly to embodiment 1, the engaging
operation of the coupling 12150 described above can be carried
out irrespective of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the
coupling 12150.
[0456] In this manner, in this embodiment, the coupling
12150 is mounted to the cartridge B7 for substantial
revolvement relative to the developing roller 110.
[0457] Referring to Figure 68, the rotational force
transmitting operation at the time of rotating the developing
roller 110 will be described. The drive shaft 180 rotates
with the gear (helical gear) 181 in the direction of X8 in the
Figure by the rotational force received from the motor 64
(driving source). The transmission pin 182 integral with the
drive shaft 180 contacts to two of the four rotational force
receiving surfaces 150e of the coupling 12150 to rotate the
coupling 12150. Furthermore, as stated in the foregoing, the
coupling 12150 is coupled with the developing roller 110 for
drive transmission. For this reason, the rotation of the
coupling 12150 rotates the developing roller 110 through the
end member 12151.
[0458] In addition, even if the axis L3 and the axis Li
deviate from the co-axial relations somewhat, the coupling can
rotate without applying the large load to the developing
roller and the drive shaft because the coupling 12150 inclines
slightly.
[0459] This is one of the remarkable effects according
to an embodiment of the coupling of the present invention.
[0460] Referring to Figure 69, the description will be
made as to operation of the coupling 12150 and so on at the
10156073 1 905731D2 time of the cartridge B (B7) moving to another station by the rotation of the rotary C. Figure 69 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus main assembly A , as seen from the lower part. First, similarly to embodiment 1, whenever the cartridge B moves from the position (developing position) where opposes to the photosensitive drum, the pin 182 is positioned at any two of the entrance portions 12150kl-12150k4
(Figure 61).
[0461] In the state where the rotary C is at rest at
the developing position, the axis L2 of the coupling 12150 is
substantially co-axial relative to the axis Li (rotational
force transmitting angular position). When the rotary C
further starts the rotation to one direction after termination
of the development, The upstream receiving surface 12150f with
respect to the rotational direction X4 and/or the projection
12150d of the coupling 12150 contact to free end portion 180b
of the drive shaft 180, and/or the pin 182 (Figure 69a), in
response to the movement in the rotational direction X4 of the
cartridge B (developing roller 110).. And, the axis L2 begins
(Figure 69b) to incline toward the upstream in the rotational
direction X4. The inclining direction (pre-engagement angular
position) of the coupling at the time of the cartridge B
moving this direction to the developing position is the
substantially opposite relative to the axis Li. By the
rotating operation of this rotary C, the upstream free end
portion 12150A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4
moves, while it is in contact with the drive shaft 180 (free
end portion 180b). The axis L2 of the coupling 12150 inclines
to the position (disengaging angular position) where the
upstream free end portion 150A2 reaches to the drive shaft
free-end 180b3 (Figure 69c). And, in this state, the coupling
12150 is passed while it is in contact with the drive shaft
free-end 180b3 (Figure 69d). Thereafter, the cartridge B is
10156073 1 905731D2 completely retracted from the developing position by the rotating operation of the rotary C.
[0462] As has been described hereinbefore, the
coupling 12150 is mounted for inclining motion relative to the
axis Li to the cartridge B. And, the coupling 12150 is
inclined without interfering with the drive shaft in response
to the rotational movement of the rotary C. By this, the
coupling 12150 can be disengaged from the drive shaft 180.
[0463] The coupling 12150 can be integrally handled
with the end members (gear and so on) by the structure as
described above. For this reason, the assembly operation
property is improved.
[0464] The structure for inclining the axis L2 of the
coupling to the pre-engagement angular position, immediately
before the coupling engages with the drive shaft may employ
any of the embodiment 2-embodiment 5.
Embodiment 11:
[0465] Referring to Figure 70, Figure 71, and Figure 72,
embodiment 11 will be described.
[0466] The present embodiment is different from
Embodiment 10 in the position (position of the coupling) which
inputs the drive, and the structure which transmits the
rotational force to the developing roller and the developer
supply roller from the coupling.
[0467] Figure 70 is a perspective view of a cartridge
according to the present embodiment. Figure 71 is a
perspective view illustrating a driving portion of the
10156073 1 905731D2 cartridge. Figure 72 (a) is a perspective view of a driving input gear, as seen from the driving side. Figure 72 (b) is a perspective view of the driving input gear, as seen from the non-driving side.
[0468] The development gear 145 and the feed roller
gear 146 are disposed at the drive lateral end portions of the
developing roller 110 and the feed roller 115 (Figure 1),
respectively. The gears 145 and 146 are fixed to the shaft.
The rotational force received by the coupling 13150 from the
apparatus main assembly A is transmitted through the gear to
the other rotating members (the developing roller 110, the
developer supply roller 115, the toner stirring (unshown), and
so on) of cartridge B (B6).
[0469] A driving input gear 13147 which supports the
coupling 13150 will be described.
[0470] As shown in Figure 71, the gear 13147 is
rotatably provided at the position for engagement with the
development gear 145 and the feed roller gear 146. The gear
13147 has the coupling containing section 13147j similar to
the end member 12151 described in Embodiment 10 (Figure 72
(a)). The coupling 13150 is pivotably retained by a retaining
member 13156 on the gear 13147.
[0471] Further, the supporting member 13157 and the
inclination regulation member 13157i are mounted to the
cartridge B (Figure 70).
[0472] The supporting member 13157 is provided with the
hole and the inner surface 13157i thereof engages with the
gear 13147. Since the engagement, drive, and disengagement of
10156073 1 905731D2 the coupling by the rotating operation of the rotary are the same as that of Embodiment 10, the description is omitted for simplicity.
[0473] In addition, The structure for inclining the
axis L2 of the coupling to the pre-engagement angular
position, immediately before the coupling engages with the
drive shaft may employ any of that of the embodiment 2
embodiment 5.
[0474] As has been described hereinbefore, it is not
necessary to dispose the coupling at the end co-axial with the
developing roller. According to this embodiment, the latitude
in the design of the image forming device body and the
cartridge can be improved. According to this embodiment, the
effects similar to Embodiment 9 are provided.
Embodiment 12:
[0475] Embodiment 12 will be described with reference to
Figures 73 and 74.
[0476] In the above-described Embodiments, the case of
using the rotation selecting mechanism (rotary) as the moving
member for the developing device (cartridge B) is described.
In this embodiment, another moving member will be described.
[0477] Figures 73(a) and 73(b) are sectional views
showing a cartridge supporting member for supporting four
cartridges B (14B1 to 14B4). Figures 74(a) to 74(e) are
perspective views and side views showing processes for
engaging and disengaging a coupling with respect to a driving
shaft.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0478] Referring to Figures 73(a) and 73(b), the
respective cartridges B (14B1 to 14B4) are laterally arranged
in cross section in a cartridge supporting member 14190 and
are detachably mounted to the cartridge supporting member
14190. Figure 73(a) is a schematic view showing a state in
which a first color cartridge 14B1 is located at a portion
opposite to a photosensitive drum 107 and is capable of
performing development with respect to the photosensitive drum
107. When the cartridge 14B1 completes the development, the
supporting member 14190 moves in an X20 direction, so that an
adjacent (second) color cartridge 14B2 is located at the
opposing portion (developing position) with respect to the
photosensitive drum 107. Incidentally, a developer image
formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred onto a
transfer belt 104a. These operations are repeated for each of
the colors. Finally, as shown in Figure 73(b), a fourth color
cartridge 14B4 is moved to the opposing portion with respect
to the photosensitive drum 107, so that four color developer
images are transferred onto the transfer belt. Then, the
developer images are transferred from the transfer belt onto a
recording material S and are fixed on the recording material
[0479] Incidentally, each of the cartridges 14 is moved
in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of
the axial line L3 of the driving shaft 180 by the movement of
the supporting member 14190 in one direction.
[0480] As a result, a color image is formed on the
recording material S.
[0481] When a series of the color image formation is
completed, the supporting member 14190 is moved in the X21
10156073 1 905731D2 direction to be returned to an initial position (the state of
Figure 73(a)).
[0482] Next, with reference to Figures 74(a) to 74(e),
steps of connecting and disconnecting the coupling with
respect to the driving shaft by the movement of the supporting
member will be described. Representatively, connection and
disconnection of the cartridge 14B3 with respect to a coupling
14150C will be described. Figure 74(a) is a perspective view
showing a state of the coupling 14150C immediately before
connection to the driving shaft 180 and Figure 74(b) is a side
view thereof. Figure 74(c) is a perspective view showing a
state in which the coupling is connected to the driving shaft
and placed in a driving force transmittable condition. Figure
74(d) is a perspective view showing a disconnected state of
the coupling from the driving shaft and Figure 74(e) is a side
view thereof.
[0483] In this embodiment, as a means for including the
axial line L2, the constitution described in Embodiment 5 is
used. That is, a regulation rib 14191 provided to the
apparatus main assembly is disposed along a lower side of a
line L20 through which a coupling 14150C passes and upstream
from the driving shaft 180 with respect to a movement
direction X20. Further, similarly as in Embodiment 6, a
distance between a top surface 14191a of the regulation rib
and the coupling 14150C is set to be smaller when the coupling
14150C comes closer to the driving shaft 180. Further, as
shown in Figure 74(b), an inclination direction of an axial
line L is regulated so that a driven portion (portion to be
driven) 14150Ca is directed upwardly with respect to the line
L20 (the inclination direction is indicated by a line L30).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0484] Here, when development with the cartridge 14B2
is completed, the supporting member is horizontally moved in
one direction. By this movement, the cartridge 14B3 is moved
toward a predetermined position. During its process, an
intermediate portion 14150Cc contacts the top surface 14191a.
At this time, as described in Embodiment 6, the driven portion
14150Ca is directed toward the driving shaft 180 (the
pre-engagement angular position) (the state of Figure 74(a)).
Thereafter, similarly as in the above-mentioned description,
the coupling 14150C engages with the driving shaft 180 (the
rotating force transmitting angular position) (the state of
Figure 74(c)). Then, when image formation with the cartridge
14B3 is completed, the cartridge 14B3 is moved in the X20
direction. The coupling 14150C is disengaged from the driving
shaft 180 (disengagement angular position) (the state of
Figure 74(d)). Details are the same as those described above,
thus being omitted.
[0485] As described above, the developments with all
the couplings are completed, the supporting member 14190 is
returned to the initial position (the state of Figure 74(b)).
An operation during a process thereof will be described. The
coupling of each of the cartridges is required to pass through
the driving shaft 180. For this reason, the coupling is,
similarly as during the development, moved from the
pre-engagement angular position to the disengagement angular
position through the rotating force transmitting angular
position. For this purpose, it is necessary to employ a
constitution for inclining the axial line L2. As shown in
Figure 74(d), a regulation rib 14192 similar to that descried
in Embodiment 6 is disposed along the upper side of the line
L20 through which the coupling 14150C passes. The rib 14192
is disposed upstream from the driving shaft 180 with respect
to the movement direction X21. Further, the distance between
10156073 1 905731D2 the regulation rib 14192 and the line L20 is set similarly as in the case of the regulation rib 14192. That is, the regulation rib 14191 and the regulation rib 14192 are set in a point-symmetry relationship with respect to the center of the driving shaft 180. Incidentally, as shown in Figure 74(e), a regulation direction of the coupling 14150C is not changed.
For this reason, the coupling 14150C is also moved, at the
initial stage (X21 direction), from the pre-engagement angular
position to the disengagement angular position through the
rotating force transmitting angular position by the same
operation as during the image formation (development) (during
the movement in the X20 direction). During this operation,
the coupling 14150C passes through the driving shaft 180 and
then is returned to the initial position.
[0486] In this embodiment, the cartridge is detachably
supported with respect to the image forming apparatus. During
replacement of the cartridge, as shown in Figure 74(a), the
supporting member 14190 is rotationally moved in the X30
direction. By this rotational movement, the user moves each
of the cartridges 14B1 to 14B4 to a replaceable position.
[0487] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the movement
direction of the developing cartridge is obliquely upward but
may also be an opposite direction and the developing cartridge
may be disposed so as to be movable in other directions.
[0488] In the foregoing description, the image
formation (development) is effected when the cartridge is
moved in one direction but is not effected when the cartridge
is moved other directions. However, the present invention is
not limited thereto. For example, when the cartridge is moved
in other directions, the image formation may be effected.
10156073 1 905731D2
[Embodiment 13]
[0489] Embodiment 13 will be described with reference to
Figure 75.
[0490] In the foregoing description, the cartridge
detachably mountable the apparatus main assembly A is
described. In this embodiment, such an image forming
apparatus that the developing device as the developing
apparatus is fixed to an apparatus main assembly and image
formation is effected by real time supply of the developer.
That is, the developing device in this embodiment is mounted
to the apparatus main assembly A by the user but is not
demounted. The developing device in this embodiment is a
fixed-type in which the developing device is fixed to the
apparatus main assembly A and is used in a fixed state.
Maintenance is performed by a service person.
[0491] Figure 75 is a sectional view of the apparatus
main assembly.
[0492] As shown in Figure 75, a rotary C2 includes four
color developing devices 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D mounted
therein. The rotary C2 further includes developer bottles
16A, 16B, 16C and 16D each for supplying a developer to an
associated developing device. These bottles 16A, 16B, 16C and
16D are detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly A in
a direction perpendicular to the drawing. When the developer
in the bottle empties, the bottle is replaced by the user.
[0493] By the rotation of the rotary C, each of the
developing devices 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D is successively moved
to a portion (developing position) opposite to the
photosensitive drum 107 and at the opposing portion, a latent
10156073 1 905731D2 image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is developed.
Depending on the movement of each of the developing devices to
the opposing portion, the coupling member (not shown) provided
to the developing device is engaged with the driving shaft
provided to the apparatus main assembly (not shown).
Thereafter, when the image formation is completed, the
cartridge (not shown) is disengaged from the driving shaft.
This operation is similar to that in Embodiment 1 and the
like, so that description thereof is omitted.
[0494] As described above, even in the case of drive
switching of the developing device fixed to the apparatus main
assembly, the operation can be performed similarly as in the
cases of Embodiments described above.
Embodiment 14:
[0495] Referring to Figure 76, Figure 77, and Figure 78,,
embodiment 14 will be described.
[0496] These embodiments differ from Embodiment 11 in
the configuration of the coupling, and provision of the
elastic material for maintaining the coupling at the pre
engagement angular position.
[0497] Figure 76 (a) is a perspective view illustrating
a part of cartridge B. Figure 76 (b) and Figure 76 (a) are
sectional views taken along a line extended in the inclining
direction of the axis of the coupling through the center of
the driving input gear (the member which mounts the driving
input gear is also illustrated). Figure 77 (a) is a side view
of the coupling alone. Figure 77 (b) is a perspective view of
the coupling alone. Figure 78 (a) is a sectional view
illustrating the state where the coupling (cartridge) is
10156073 1 905731D2 positioned at the pre-engagement angular position. Figure 78
(b) is a sectional view illustrating the state where the
coupling (cartridge) is positioned at the rotational force
transmitting angular position. Figure 78 (c) is a sectional
view illustrating the state where the coupling (cartridge) is
positioned at the disengaging angular position. Figure 78
(a), (b), and (c) illustrate the positional relations between
the coupling 15150 and the drive shaft 180.
[0498] As shown in Figure 76, the development gear 145
is disposed to the end of the developing roller 110. And, the
gear 145 is fixed to the shaft 155 of the developing roller
110.
[0499] A driving input gear 15147 which mounts the
coupling 15150 will be described.
[0500] As shown in Figure 76, the gear 15147 has the
gear portion for meshing engagement with the development gear
145 15147a, and the gear portion 15147b for meshing engagement
with the feed roller gear 146 (Figure 58). And, the gear
15147 is rotatably mounted to the cartridge B by a supporting
member 15170 and a supporting member 15157. The supporting
member 15170 functions also as the bearing member for the
developing roller 110.
[0501] By this, the rotational force received by the
coupling 15150 from the apparatus main assembly A is
transmitted to the developing roller 110 through the pin 15155
(rotational force transmitting portion), the rotational force
transmitting surface 12151h (Figure 62 (a), (b), rotational
force receiving portion), the gear 147, and gear 145.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0502] The coupling 15150 is pivotably mounted to the
gear 15147 by a retaining portion 15147m (movable among said
three angular positions). In addition, the coupling 15150 is
urged by an urging spring (elastic material) 15159 in order to
maintain the pre-engagement angular position. In this
embodiment, the spring 15159 is a torsion coil spring. A
supporting portion 15159a of the spring 15159 is locked by a
mounting portion (unshown) provided on the cartridge B. And,
an arm portion 15159b thereof elastically urges an
intermediate part 15150c of the coupling. By this, the axis
L2 of the coupling 15150 is maintained at the pre-engagement
angular position (Figure 78 (a)). In the present embodiment,
a spring force (elastic force) of the spring 15159 is 5g
100g. If it is below 5g, the coupling may not incline
correctly due to the frictional force and so on. If it is
more than 100g, the contact portion of the spring may be
shaved at the time of the rotation of the coupling. However,
the spring force other than this range may be employed
depending on the conditions, such as the wire diameter and the
material of spring, and configuration and material of the
coupling. In addition, it is not limited to the torsion coil
spring.
[0503] More particularly, the spring 15159 (elastic
material) elastically urges the coupling 15150. The elastic
force thereof is such that it can maintain the coupling 15150
at the pre-engagement angular position, while it permits
moving the coupling from the pre-engagement angular position
to the rotational force transmitting angular position (Figure
78 (b)), and it permits moving the coupling 15150 from the
rotational force transmitting angular position to the
disengaging angular position (Figure 78 (c)).
10156073 1 905731D2
[0504] This applies also to the spring (elastic
material) 4159 described by the embodiment of the embodiment 3
and so on.
[0505] Further, the cartridge B has the inclination
regulating portion for regulating the inclining direction of
the coupling. Since this structure is the same as that of
Embodiment 11, the description is omitted for simplicity.
[0506] As shown in Figure 77, the couplings 15150
differ from the coupling 12150 described in Embodiment 10 in
the configuration of the driven portion 15150a.
[0507] More particularly, an opening 15150m of the
driven portion 15150a is provided with the recess 15150z and
the flat portion 15150y. The recess 15150z is contacted to
the free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 (Figure 78
(b)). As shown in Figure 78, when the coupling 15150 reaches
the rotational force transmitting angular position (Figure 78
(b)) through the pre-engagement angular position (Figure 78
(a)), the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 will be
transmitted to the coupling 15150 through the pin 182. In
this embodiment, not the recess 15150z but the drive shaft 180
side is the flat portion 15150y. By this, the peripheral part
182d (Figure 78 (a), (b), (c)) and the flat portion 15150y of
the coupling of the pin 182 can be brought close to each other
(Figure 78 (b)).
[0508] By this, the lengths of the cartridge B and the
apparatus main assembly in the direction of the axis Li, L3
can be shortened. Therefore, the cartridge B and the
apparatus main assembly can be downsized.
10156073 1 905731D2
[05091 Here, an inner diameter Z1=phi of the flat
portion 15150y of the coupling used by this implementation is
about 5mm. In addition, an outer diameter Z2=phi thereof is
approx. 11mm. In addition, a depth Z3= of the flat portion is
approx. 0.6mm. In addition, a depth of the recess 15150z of
conical shape is approx. 1.5mm in the top part of conical
shape, and the diameter thereof is approx. 5mm. In addition,
a weight of the coupling 15150 is approx. 1.5g. In this
embodiment, the material of the coupling is polyacetal.
However, the values of the size and weight are not inevitable,
and the person skilled in the art can select them properly.
[0510] In addition, in the present embodiment, the
projection 15150d (15150d1, d2) of the coupling is disposed at
each of two places. By this, the width measured along the
circumference of the entrance portion 150k (150k1, k2) can be
enlarged. Therefore, the entrance of the pin 182 to the
entrance portion 150k can be smoothed. Although the number of
the projections can be selected properly, a plurality of
projections are desirable. This is because the rotational
force can be transmitted with high precision.
[0511] Since the configuration of the coupling other
than these and engagement, drive, and disengagement of the
coupling by the rotating operation of the rotary are the same
as that of those of Embodiment 10, the description is omitted
for simplicity.
[0512] In addition, the structure for inclining the
axis of the coupling to the pre-engagement angular position
may employ any of the embodiment 2-embodiment 5.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0513] In addition, in this embodiment, the coupling
15150 is provided at the position remote from the axis Li in
the direction perpendicular to the axis Li (Figure 76 (b)).
[0514] In this embodiment, the coupling is disposed at
such a position. For this reason, the latitude in the design
of the apparatus main assembly and the cartridge can be
improved. When the coupling is disposed co-axially with the
axis Li, the position of the coupling will approach the
photosensitive drum. For this reason, it is a constraint to
the disposition of the coupling, but in the present
embodiment, the constraint from the photosensitive drum is
mitigable.
[0515] As has been described hereinbefore, in this
embodiment, the coupling 15150 has a circular flat portion
15150y in the free end side. A recess 15150z is provided in
the center 0 of the flat portion 15150y (circular). The
recess 15150z has a conical shape which expands toward the
free end side thereof. In addition, projections (rotational
force receiving portions) 15150d are disposed at the edge of
the circular flat portion 15150y in the position diametrically
opposed interposing the center 0 (two positions). These
projections project in the direction of the rotation axis L2
of the coupling. In addition, the pins (rotational force
applying portions) 182 project in the directions perpendicular
to the axis L3. (-C) to provide the projections at the two
places opposed to each other, respectively. Any one of the
rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force
receiving portions) 15150e engages with one of the pin
projections 182. And, the other one of the rotational force
receiving surfaces 15150e engages with the other one of the
pin projections 182. By this, from the drive shaft 180, the
coupling 15150 receives the rotational force and rotates.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0516] Here, according to the embodiments described
above, in the structure of moving the cartridge B (developing
roller 110) in the direction substantially perpendicular to
the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 in
response to in the movement to the one direction of the rotary
C (supporting member 14190), the coupling 150 (1350, 3150,
4150, 5150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 13150, 15150 and so on) can accomplish the coupling, the engagement, and the
disengaging operation relative to the drive shaft 180. This
is accomplished because this coupling can take the next
positions as described above:
1. The rotational force transmitting angular position for
transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main
assembly A to the developing roller 110;
2. this pre-engagement angular position inclined from
this rotational force transmitting angular position before
this coupling engages with the rotational force applying
portion; and
3. The disengaging angular position inclined toward the
opposite side from the pre-engagement angular position from
the rotational force transmitting angular position for the
coupling to disengage from drive shaft.
[0517] Here, the rotational force transmitting angular
position is the angular position of the coupling for
transmitting the rotational force for rotating the developing
roller 110 to the developing roller 110.
[0518] In addition, the pre-engagement angular position
is the angular position which is inclined from the rotational
force transmitting angular position and which is taken before
the drum coupling member engages with the rotational force
applying portion.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0519] In addition, the disengaging angular position is the angular position which is inclined toward the opposite side from the pre-engagement angular position from the rotational force transmitting angular position and which permits the disengagement of the coupling from the drive shaft 180.
[0520] Here, the meaning "perpendicular substantially" will be described. Here, the description will be made about "perpendicular substantially". Between the cartridge b and the apparatus main assembly A and in order to mount and demount the cartridge B smoothly, small gaps are provided. More specifically and the small gaps are provided between the guide 140R1 and the guide 130R1 with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide 140R2 and the guide 130R2 with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide 140L1 and the guide 130L1 with respect to the longitudinal direction between , and the guide 140L2 and the guide 130L2 with respect to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, at the time of the mounting and demounting of the cartridge B relative to the apparatus main assembly A and the whole cartridge B can slightly incline within the limits of the gaps. For this reason and the perpendicularity is not meant strictly. However, even in such a case, the present invention is accomplished with the effects thereof. Therefore, the term" perpendicular substantially" covers the case where the cartridge slightly inclines.
[0521] Between the cartridge b and the cartridge accommodating portion 130A, small gaps are provided in order to mount and demount the cartridge B smoothly. more specifically and the small gaps are provided between the guide 140R1 or 140R2 and the guide 130R1 with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide 140L1 or 140L2
10156073 1 905731D2 and the guide 130L1 with respect to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, at the time of the mounting and demounting of the cartridge b relative to the accommodating portion 130A and the whole cartridge B can slightly incline within the limits of the gaps. In addition, a slight positional deviation may occur between the rotary member C
(movable member) and the driving shaft (180). For this
reason, the perpendicularity is not meant strictly. However,
even in such a case, the present invention is accomplished
with the effects thereof. Therefore, the term "perpendicular
substantially" covers the case where the cartridge slightly
inclines.
[0522] It has been described that the axis L2 is
slantable or inclinable in any direction relative to the axis
Li. However, the axis L2 does not necessarily need to be
linearly slantable to the predetermined angle in the full
range of 360-degree direction in the coupling 150. For
example, the opening 150g can be selected to be slightly wider
in the circumferential direction. By doing so, the time of
the axis L2 inclining relative to the axis Li, even if it is
the case where it cannot incline to the predetermined angle
linearly, the coupling 150 can rotate to a slight degree
around the axis L2. Therefore, it can be inclined to the
predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of the play
in the rotational direction of the opening 150g is selected
properly if necessary.
[0523] In this manner, the coupling 150 is revolvable
or swingable over the full-circumference substantially
relative to the axis Li of the developing roller 110. More
particularly, the coupling 150 is pivotable over the full
circumference thereof substantially relative to the drum shaft
153.
10156073 1 905731D2
[0524] Furthermore, as will be understood from the
foregoing explanation, the coupling 150 is capable of whirling
in and substantially over the circumferential direction of the
drum shaft 153. Here, the whirling motion is not a motion
with which the coupling itself rotates about the axis L2, but
the inclined axis L2 rotates about the axis Li of the
developing roller although the whirling here does not preclude
the rotation of the coupling per se about the axis L2 of the
coupling 150.
[0525] In addition, as has been described hereinbefore,
each coupling has the function of transmitting the rotational
force to the developing roller 110.
[0526] And, each coupling, it has the rotational force
reception surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e
(8150e, 9150e, 9250e, 9350e, 9450e, 15150e) for receiving the
rotational force from the drive shaft 180 (1180, 1280, 9180)
by engaging with the pin (rotational force applying portion)
182 (1182, 9182). In addition, it has the rotational force
transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion)
150h (1550h, 1450h, 8150h, 9150h, 12150h, 12151h, and so on)
which transmits the rotational force received through the
rotational force receiving portion 150e to the developing
roller 110. The rotational force received by the rotational
force transmitting surface 150h is transmitted to the
developing roller 110 through the pin (rotational force
receiving portion) 155 (1155, 1355, 12155).
[0527] And, this coupling moves from this pre
engagement angular position to this rotational force
transmitting angular position in response to the movement of
cartridge B at the time of the rotary C (supporting member
141190) (movable member) rotating in one direction (movement).
10156073 1 905731D2
By this, this coupling is opposed to this drive shaft. When
the rotary C further rotates in said one direction from the
position where the coupling opposes to the drive shaft
(movement), the coupling moves from the rotational force
transmitting angular position to the disengaging angular
position in response to the cartridge B moving. By this, the
coupling disengages from the drive shaft.
[0528] The coupling has the recess 150z (1450z, 1550z,
4150z, 515z0, 15150z, 15150z, and so on) on the rotation axis
L2. And, the cartridge B moves in the direction substantially
perpendicular to the axis Li of the developing roller 110 by
the rotation of the rotary C in said one direction. In
response to this, each coupling moves from the pre-engagement
angular position to the rotational force transmitting angular
position, so that a part of coupling (downstream free end
position 150A1, 1850A1, 4150A1, 515OA1, 8150A1, 12150A1 and so
on) which is the downstream portion with respect to the
rotational direction of the rotary C is permitted to
circumvent the drive shaft. By this, the recess covers the
free end of the drive shaft. And, the rotational force
receiving portion engages, in the rotational direction of the
coupling, with the rotational force applying portion which
projects in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the
drive shaft in the free end side of the drive shaft. By this,
from the drive shaft, the coupling receives the rotational
force and rotates. And, the rotary C further moves to said
one direction. By this, the cartridge B moves in the
direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Li. It
responds to this, the coupling is moved to the disengaging
angular position, in the rotational direction, from the
rotational force transmitting angular position, so that a
part of upstream drive shafts of this coupling member
(upstream free end position 150A2, 1750A2, 4150A2, 5150A2,
10156073 1 905731D2
12150A2 and so on) is permitted circumventing the drive
shaft. By this, the coupling disengages from the drive shaft.
[0529] The rotational force receiving portions (150e,
15150e, and so on) are disposed, respectively on a phantom
circle Cl which has a center 0 on the rotation axis Li of this
each coupling, at the positions diametrically opposed
interposing the center 0. The forces received by the
couplings by this disposition are force couples. For this
reason, the couplings can continue rotary motion only with the
force couple. In view of this, each coupling can rotate
without determining the position of the rotation axis.
[0530] The reference numerals in the drawing which do
not appear in the specification are the corresponding members
in the case that the alphabets thereof are the same.
The other embodiments:
[0531] In this embodiment, although the rotary rotates
in the clockwise direction on the drawing (Figure 17, for
example), it may rotate in the opposite direction.
[0532] In addition, the image forming position
(developing position) may be another position.
[0533] In addition, the rotary of the present
embodiment carries the four color developing cartridges.
However, the developing cartridge for the black may be fixed
and the cartridges for the other three colors may be carried
on the rotary.
[0534] In addition, in this embodiment, the developing
roller is a contact development type and uses an elastic
10156073 1 905731D2 roller, but it may be a metal sleeve which contains a magnet roller employed by the jumping development.
[05351 The developing cartridge and the developing
device are provided with the developing roller (or developing
means including the developing roller) at least. For this
reason, for example, the developing cartridge (developing
device) is the developing roller. Or, it may be a cartridge
which includes integrally the developing means including the
developing roller and the cleaning means and which is
detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly, in
addition to the type in the embodiment described above
further, it may be a cartridge which includes integrally the
developing roller (or developing means including the
developing roller) and the charging means and which is
detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly.
[05361 Further, in addition, in this embodiment,
although a laser beam printer is taken as an image forming
device, the present invention is not limited to this example.
For example, the present invention can be used to the other
image forming apparatuses, such as an electrophotographic
copying machine, a facsimile device, or a word processor.
according to the embodiments described above the engagement
and disengagement of the coupling are possible in the
direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive
shaft provided in the main assembly of the electrophotographic
image forming apparatus relative to the drive shaft by the
movement in one direction of the movable member (the rotary,
for example, the cartridge supporting member, cash drawer).
[0537] As has been described hereinbefore, the axis of
the coupling can take the different angular positions in the
present invention. More particularly, the axis of the
10156073 1 905731D2 coupling can take the pre-engagement angular position, the rotational force transmitting angular position, and the disengaging angular position. The coupling can be engaged with the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the providing-in the main assembly drive shaft by this structure. In addition, the coupling can be disengaged from the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to a developing device, a drum coupling member, and an electrophotographic image forming device.
[0538] According to the present invention, it is possible
to provide a developing apparatus capable of engaging a
coupling member provided to the developing apparatus
(developing cartridge) with a driving shaft by moving the
developing apparatus (developing cartridge) in a direction
substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the
driving shaft even in the case where a main assembly is not
provided with a mechanism for moving a main assembly-side
coupling member in the axial direction by a solenoid.
According to the present invention, it is also possible to
provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using
the developing apparatus and the coupling member used in the
developing apparatus.
[0539] While the invention has been described with
reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not
confined to the details set forth and this application is
intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come
within the purpose of the improvements or the scope of the
following claims.
10156073 1 905731D2
Claims (46)
- CLAIMS:-1. An image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least two projections that are at least partly outside of the casing, each of the at least two projections being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis LI of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, and (iii) a third position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
- 2. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 1, further comprising: a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; and a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear, wherein the coupling member is operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears.
- 3. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 2, wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially coaxial with an axis about which the second gear is rotatable.
- 4. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 2, wherein the second gear has a hollow portion, and at least part of the coupling member is positioned within the hollow portion of the second gear.
- 5. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 2, wherein the second gear is connected to the coupling member such that the coupling member can partially rotate about the axis L2 without transmitting a force to the second gear.
- 6. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 2, wherein each projection has a tip, and when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is the same distance from the second gear.
- 7. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 2, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and for at least part of the outermost surface, amaximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the second gear increases.
- 8. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 2, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and at least part of the outermost surface tapersinwardly toward the axis L2 as the distance along the axis L2 towards the second gear decreases.
- 9. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 1, wherein an angle at which the axis L2 is inclined when the coupling member is in the second position is different than an angle at which the axis L2 is inclined when the coupling member is in the third position.
- 10. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 1, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position or the third position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined between 20 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
- 11. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 1, wherein, in addition to being inclinable, the coupling member is retractable towards inside of the casing.
- 12. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 11, further comprising a spring biasing the coupling member towards outside of the casing.
- 13. An image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least two projections that are at least partly outside of the casing, each of the at least two projections being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
- 14. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 13, further comprising: a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; and a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear, wherein the coupling member is operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears.
- 15. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 14, wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially coaxial with an axis about which the second gear is rotatable.
- 16. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 14, wherein the second gear has a hollow portion, and at least part of the coupling member is positioned within the hollow portion of the second gear.
- 17. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 14, wherein the second gear is connected to the coupling member such that the coupling member can partially rotate about the axis L2 without transmitting a force to the second gear.
- 18. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 14, wherein each projection has a tip, and when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is the same distance from the second gear.
- 19. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 14, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and for at least part of the outermost surface, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the second gear increases.
- 20. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 14, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and at least part of the outermost surface tapers inwardly toward the axis L2 as the distance along the axis L2 towards the second gear decreases.
- 21. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 13, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined between 20 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the position of the axisL2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
- 22. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 13, wherein, in addition to being inclinable, the coupling member is retractable towards inside of the casing.
- 23. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 22, further comprising a spring biasing the coupling member towards outside of the casing.
- 24. An image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least one projection that is at least partly outside of the casing, the at least one projection being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, and (iii) a third position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
- 25. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, further comprising: a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; and a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear, wherein the coupling member is operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears.
- 26. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 25, wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially coaxial with an axis about which the second gear is rotatable.
- 27. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 25, wherein the second gear has a hollow portion, and at least part of the coupling member is positioned within the hollow portion of the second gear.
- 28. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 25, wherein the second gear is connected to the coupling member such that the coupling member can partially rotate about the axis L2 without transmitting a force to the second gear.
- 29. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, wherein the free end portion includes a recess facing outside of the casing.
- 30. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and for at least part of the outermost surface, amaximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the second gear increases.
- 31. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and at least part of the outermost surface tapersinwardly toward the axis L2 as the distance along the axis L2 towards the second gear decreases.
- 32. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, wherein an angle at which the axis L2 is inclined when the coupling member is in the second position is different than an angle at which the axis L2 is inclined when the coupling member is in the third position.
- 33. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position or the third position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined between 20 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
- 34. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 24, wherein, in addition to being inclinable, the coupling member is retractable towards inside of the casing.
- 35. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 34, further comprising a spring biasing the coupling member towards outside of the casing.
- 36. An image forming apparatus cartridge comprising: a casing; developer contained within the casing; a developer roller having an axis LI, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis LI; a developer supplying roller configured to remove developer from a surface of the developer roller and to supply developer to the surface of the developer roller; and a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable and a free end portion for receiving a rotational force, the free end portion including at least one projection that is at least partly outside of the casing, the at least one projection being open to the axis L2 and having a slanted surface with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis L2, the coupling member being operatively connected to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller in order to transmit the rotational force to the developer roller and the developer supplying roller, wherein the coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
- 37. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 36, further comprising: a first gear operatively connected to the developer roller; and a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear, wherein the coupling member is operatively connected to the developer roller via the first and second gears.
- 38. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 37, wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially coaxial with an axis about which the second gear is rotatable.
- 39. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 37, wherein the second gear has a hollow portion, and at least part of the coupling member is positioned within the hollow portion of the second gear.
- 40. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 37, wherein the second gear is connected to the coupling member such that the coupling member can partially rotate about the axis L2 without transmitting a force to the second gear.
- 41. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 36, wherein the free end portion includes a recess facing outside of the casing.
- 42. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 36, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and for at least part of the outermost surface, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the second gear increases.
- 43. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 36, wherein the coupling member has an outermost surface, and at least part of the outermost surface tapers inwardly toward the axis L2 as the distance along the axis L2 towards the second gear decreases.
- 44. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 36, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined between 20 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
- 45. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 36, wherein, in addition to being inclinable, the coupling member is retractable towards inside of the casing.
- 46. The image forming apparatus cartridge of Claim 45, further comprising a spring biasing the coupling member towards outside of the casing.Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON&FERGUSON
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2022200676A AU2022200676B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2022-02-02 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2024200580A AU2024200580A1 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2024-01-31 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
Applications Claiming Priority (9)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007-076771 | 2007-03-23 | ||
| JP2008-073685 | 2008-03-21 | ||
| AU2012200941A AU2012200941B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2012-02-17 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2015203402A AU2015203402B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2015-06-19 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2016225943A AU2016225943B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2016-09-12 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2017221846A AU2017221846B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2017-09-01 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2018205167A AU2018205167B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2018-07-12 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2020205222A AU2020205222B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2020-07-13 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2022200676A AU2022200676B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2022-02-02 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020205222A Division AU2020205222B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2020-07-13 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2024200580A Division AU2024200580A1 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2024-01-31 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2022200676A1 AU2022200676A1 (en) | 2022-02-24 |
| AU2022200676B2 true AU2022200676B2 (en) | 2024-02-08 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| AU2022200676A Active AU2022200676B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2022-02-02 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
| AU2024200580A Pending AU2024200580A1 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2024-01-31 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2024200580A Pending AU2024200580A1 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2024-01-31 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (2) | AU2022200676B2 (en) |
-
2022
- 2022-02-02 AU AU2022200676A patent/AU2022200676B2/en active Active
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| AU2024200580A1 (en) | 2024-02-15 |
| AU2022200676A1 (en) | 2022-02-24 |
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