BR122018074830B1 - MOUNTABLE CARTRIDGE THE MAIN ASSEMBLY OF AN ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE MAKING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

In a cartridge structure employing a tiltable coupling member engaging with a rotational force transmitting portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the coupling member is unable to engage with the rotational force transmitting portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the assembly and disassembly direction and the development/spacing direction relative to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are different from each other. Under the circumstances, a coupling lever (55) contacting and retracting relative to the coupling member (180) in interrelationship with the assembly and disassembly operation of a developing cartridge (B1), and a coupling spring (56) for the coupling lever (55) to apply a pushing force to the coupling member (180) are provided.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) and a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0002] Here, the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the image-forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer or similar), a facsimile machine and a word processor, for example.

[0003] A cartridge contains a photosensitive electrophotographic drum (photosensitive drum) as a photosensitive member that is an image-bearing member, and at least one process medium (developer-bearing member (developer roller) for example) actuable on the drum photosensitive, which are unified in a detachably mountable unit to a main assembly of the image-forming apparatus. In examples of the cartridge, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are unified into one cartridge, or the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are unified into respective cartridges. The former comprising the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is called a process cartridge. One of the rear comprising the photosensitive drum is called a drum cartridge, and the other comprising the developing roller is called a developing cartridge.

[0004] The main assembly of the image-forming apparatus is the part of the image-forming apparatus excluding the cartridge or cartridges.

FOUNDATION TECHNIQUE

[0005] In a conventional image forming apparatus, a type of process cartridge is employed in which the photosensitive drum and process medium actuable on the photosensitive drum and developing roller are unified in a cartridge that is detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image-forming device.

[0006] With the process cartridge type, a maintenance operation for the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user without relying on a service person, and therefore, operability is improved remarkably.

[0007] For this reason, the process cartridge type is used extensively in image forming apparatus.

[0008] Japanese Open Patent Application 2008-233867, for example, discloses a process cartridge that is usable in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the electrophotographic image forming type and that is capable of being assembled and disassembled relative to an assembly main part of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a geometric axis of the drive shaft. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] The present invention provides an improvement on the prior art and provides a cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a developer-bearing member is capable of being contacted and spaced from the photosensitive member.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge in which a coupling member is engageable with a main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly and when the developer-carrying member is moved from a retracted position. to a revealing position.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a cartridge in which a coupling member is disengageable from a main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is disassembled from a main assembly and when the developer-carrying member is moved from a position of revelation to a retracted position.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cartridge in which a coupling member is engageable with a main assembly drive shaft when the developer-bearing member moves from a retracted position to a developing position, and in which the coupling member is disengageable from the main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly.

Means to solve the problem

[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of being formed and including a main assembly drive shaft, wherein said cartridge is movable in the main assembly between a developing position at a terminal end of said mounting path and a retracted position retracted from the developing position in a direction other than the path assembly, said cartridge comprising: a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image while contacting the photosensitive member when said cartridge is in the developing position; and a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which a drive transmission is capable of the main assembly drive shaft for said developer-carrying member when said cartridge is in the developing position, an inclined mounting attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to engage with the main assembly drive shaft when said cartridge moves along the path of assembly, and an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction different from that in the assembly attitude.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a main assembly drive shaft, said cartridge comprising: a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of being formed; a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image and movable between a developing position contacting said photosensitive member to develop the latent image and a retracted position retracted from the contact position; and a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which the drive transmission is capable of mounting drive shaft principal for said developer-carrying member when said developer-carrying member is in the developing position in a state wherein said cartridge is mounted to a terminal end of the mounting path, an inclined mounting attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member developer to engage with the main assembly drive shaft when said cartridge moves along the mounting path, an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction different from that in the mounting attitude to engage with the main mounting side drive shaft when said developer-bearing member moves from the retracted position to the developing position in the state in which said cartridge is mounted on the end portion of the mounting path.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said cartridge comprising: a rotating developer-bearing member; a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to said developer-bearing member and capable of taking a reference attitude parallel to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member and offset therefrom, a first inclined tilt attitude to said developer-bearing member revealing, and a second tilt attitude tilted in a different direction than that in the first tilt attitude; a driving portion for driving said coupling member to tilt the rotational axis of said coupling member relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member; and a movable portion capable of taking a first moving position to cause said coupling member to take the first tilt attitude and a second moving position to make said coupling member take the second tilt attitude.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said cartridge comprising: a rotating developer-bearing member; a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to said developer-bearing member and capable of taking a reference position parallel to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, a first inclined tilt attitude of the reference position in a predetermined direction , a second pitch attitude inclined in a direction different from the predetermined direction of said first pitch attitude; a driving portion for driving said coupling member to tilt the rotational axis of said coupling member relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member; and a movable portion capable of taking a first moving position to cause said coupling member to take the first tilt attitude and a second moving position to make said coupling member take the second tilt attitude.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said cartridge comprising: a rotating developer-bearing member; a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to said developer-bearing member and capable of taking a reference attitude parallel to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member and offset therefrom, a first inclined tilt attitude to said developer-bearing member revealing, and a second tilt attitude tilted in a different direction than that in the first tilt attitude; a driving member for driving said coupling member to tilt it to the first tilt attitude; and a movable member movable to cause said coupling member to take the first tilt attitude or the second tilt attitude.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said apparatus comprising: a main assembly including a photosensitive member and which a latent image is capable of be formed, and including a main assembly drive shaft; and a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to the main assembly, wherein said cartridge is movable in the main assembly between a developing position at a terminal end of said mounting path and a retracted position, retracted from the mounting position. developing in a direction other than the mounting path, said cartridge including: ii-i) a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image while contacting the photosensitive member when said cartridge is in the developing position; and ii-ii) a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which a drive transmission is capable of main assembly drive for said developer-carrying member when said cartridge is in the developing position, an inclined mounting attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to engage with the main assembly drive axis when said cartridge is moved to the along the mounting path, and an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction different from that in the mounting attitude when said cartridge is moved from the retracted position to the developing position.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said apparatus comprising: a main assembly including a main assembly drive shaft; and a cartridge mountable to the main assembly along a predetermined mounting path; ii-i) a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of being formed; ii - ii) a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image and movable between a developing position in which said developer-bearing member contacts said photosensitive member to develop the latent image and a retracted position, retracted from the contact position, in a state that said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly; and ii-iii) a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which the drive transmission is capable of main assembly drive for said developer-carrying member when said developer-carrying member is in the developing position, an inclined mounting attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to engage with the main assembly drive axis side when said cartridge is moved along the mounting path, and an angled spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction other than that in the mounting attitude to engage with the main mounting side drive shaft when said member Developer carrier is moved from the retracted position to the developing position.

[0020] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of be formed and including a main assembly drive shaft, wherein said cartridge is movable in the main assembly between a developing position at a terminal end of said mounting path and a retracted position retracted from the developing position in a direction other than the mounting path, said cartridge comprising: a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image while contacting the photosensitive member when said cartridge is in the developing position; and a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which a drive transmission is capable of the main assembly drive shaft for said developer-carrying member when said cartridge is in the developing position, an inclined disassembly attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to disengage from the main assembly drive shaft side when said cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly being moved along the mounting path from the developing position in the opposite direction to that in mounting, and an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction different from that in the dismounting attitude to disengage from the side drive shaft of main assembly when said cartridge is moved from the developing position to the retracted position.

[0021] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a main assembly drive shaft, said cartridge comprising : a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of being formed; a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image and movable between a developing position contacting said photosensitive member to develop the latent image and a retracted position retracted from the contact position; and a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which a drive transmission is capable of the main assembly drive shaft for said developer-carrying member when said cartridge is in the developing position in a state wherein said cartridge is mounted to a terminal end of the mounting path, an inclined disassembly attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to disengage from the main mounting side drive shaft when said cartridge is disassembled from the main mounting being moved along the terminal end mounting path in the opposite direction to that in the mounting, and an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction other than that in the disassembly attitude for disengaging from the main mounting side drive shaft when said developer-bearing member is moved from the developing position to the retracted position in the state that said cartridge is mounted to the terminal end.

[0022] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of be formed and including a main assembly drive shaft, wherein said cartridge is movable in the main assembly between a developing position at a terminal end of said mounting path and a retracted position retracted from the developing position in a direction other than the mounting path, said cartridge comprising: a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image while contacting the photosensitive member when said cartridge is in the developing position; and a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which a drive transmission is capable of the main assembly drive shaft for said developer-carrying member when said cartridge is in the developing position, an inclined disassembly attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to disengage from the main mounting side drive shaft when said cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly being moved along the mounting path of the developing position in the opposite direction from that in the mounting, and an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction different from that in the dismounting attitude to engage with the development drive shaft. main mounting side when said cartridge is moved from the retracted position to the developing position.

[0023] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a main assembly drive shaft, said cartridge comprising : a photosensitive member in which a latent image is capable of being formed; a developer-bearing member capable of developing the latent image and movable between a developing position contacting said photosensitive member to develop the latent image and a retracted position retracted from the contact position; and a coupling member capable of tilting relative to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member, wherein said coupling member is capable of taking a reference attitude in which a drive transmission is capable of the main assembly drive shaft for said developer-carrying member when said cartridge is in the developing position in a state that said cartridge is mounted to a terminal end of the mounting path, an inclined disassembly attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member to disengage from the side of main assembly drive shaft when said cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly being moved along the terminal end assembly path in the opposite direction to that in the assembly, and an inclined spaced attitude relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member in a direction other than that in the disassembly attitude for engaging with the main mounting side drive shaft when said developer-bearing member is moved from the retracted position to the developing position in the state in which said cartridge is mounted to the terminal end.

Effect of the invention

[0024] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cartridge in which a coupling member is engageable with a main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly and when the developer-carrying member is moved from a retracted position to a revealing position.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge in which a coupling member is disengageable from a main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is disassembled from a main assembly and when the developer-carrying member is moved. from a revealing position to a retracted position.

[0026] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge in which a coupling member is engageable with a main assembly drive shaft when the developer-bearing member moves from a retracted position to a developing position. , and wherein the coupling member is disengageable from the main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a side view of a developing cartridge B1 per se (spontaneous state) according to a first embodiment of the present invention before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to a main assembly A1.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional side view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 and a drum cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the developing cartridge B1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a drive side.

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the developing cartridge B1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a non-drive side.

[0032] Part (a) of Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view as a drive side view in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is exploded, and part (b ) of Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view as seen from the non-drive side in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is exploded.

[0033] Part (a) of Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view as seen from the drive side, in which the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is exploded, and part (b) of Figure 7 is a perspective view schematic as seen from the non-drive side according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is exploded.

[0034] Part (a) of Figure 8 is an illustration of peripheral parts of a coupling member 180 in an embodiment of the present invention, part (b) of Figure 8 is an illustration of peripheral parts of the coupling member 180 in an embodiment of the present invention, part (c) of Figure 8 is an illustration of engagement between the coupling member 180 and a main mounting side drive member 100 in an embodiment of the present invention, and (d) is an illustration of the engagement between the coupling member 180 and the main mounting side drive member 100 in an embodiment of the present invention, and part (e) illustrates a state of engagement between the coupling member 180 and the main mounting side driving member 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view and a side view illustrating the assembly of a coupling lever 55 and a coupling lever spring 56 to a revealing side cover 34 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic perspective view and a side view illustrating the assembly of the revealing side cover 34 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 is an illustration of the developing cartridge B1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the state that the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the main assembly A1, and a photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart from each other (spaced state).

[0038] Figure 12 is an illustration of the developing cartridge B1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the state before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly A1, that is, the developing cartridge B1 per se is in the spontaneous state.

[0039] Figure 13 is a view as a longitudinal section view illustrating the state of engagement between the coupling member 180 and the main mounting side drive member 100, in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 14 is a sectional view illustrating attitudes of the coupling member until the coupling member 180 becomes coaxial with a main assembly drive member 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 15 is an illustration of a tilt attitude (reference attitude D0) of a developing coupling 180 when assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed, in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 16 illustrates a relationship between the coupling member 180, a drive input gear 27 and a drive side reveal bearing 36 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Part (a) of Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of the drum cartridge C as viewed from the non-drive side, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, and part (b) of Figure 17 is an end view. schematic perspective of the drum cartridge C with a drum frame 21, a drum shaft reception 30 and a drum shaft 54 and so on are omitted, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A1 as viewed from the non-drive side in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A1 as seen from the drive side, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 20 is an illustration of the assembly process of the development cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of peripheral configurations of a drive-side swing guide 80 and a drive-side thrust member 82 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 22 is a sectional view illustrating the operations of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling member 180 in the process of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 23 is an illustration of positions of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling member 180 when assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A is completed.

[0050] Figure 24 is a sectional view showing the relationship of forces around the coupling member 180 when an annular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 contacts the main mounting side drive member 100.

[0051] Figure 25 is an illustration of a drive side contact/spacing lever 70 and peripheral configurations thereof in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 26 is a front view of a developing cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a drive side side plate in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a non-drive side plate in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 29 is a side view of drive sides of the developing cartridge and a drive side swing guide in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 30 is a side view of drive sides of the developing cartridge and a drive side swing guide in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 31 is a side view of a non-drive side of the developing cartridge and a non-drive side swing guide in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 32 is an illustration of engagement states between the coupling member 180 and the main assembly drive member 100 in a contacted developing device state in the spaced developing device state in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 33 is an illustration of engagement states between the coupling member 180 and the main assembly drive member 100 in a contacted developing device state in the spaced developing device state in the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from a drive side side surface.

[0060] Figure 34 illustrates a coupling lever 955 and a coupling lever spring 956 mounted to a drive side drum bearing 930, in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 35 is a perspective view illustrating the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C unified into a combined process cartridge P, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 36 is a view of the developing cartridge B1 oscillating relative to the drum cartridge C, as seen from the drive side, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 37 shows the attitudes of the coupling lever 955 and the coupling member 180 in a P process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 38 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A1 viewed from the non-drive side in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 39 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A1 as viewed from the drive side, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 40 is an illustration of the process cartridge P according to the second embodiment of the present invention when it is being mounted to the main assembly A1.

[0067] Figure 41 is an illustration of the process cartridge P completely assembled to the main assembly A1, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 42 are views of the developing cartridge B1 of the process cartridge P and the photosensitive drum 10 in which the developing cartridge B1 is in a developing drive state and in a spaced developing device state.

[0069] Figure 43 is a schematic perspective view in the state for mounting a coupling spring 3185, a coupling lever 355 and a coupling lever spring 356 to a revealing side cover 334, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 44 is a schematic perspective view in the state that the coupling lever 355, the coupling lever spring 356 and the coupling spring 3185 are mounted to the reveal side cover 334, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 45 is a view of the developing cartridge B1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the drive side when the imaging operation can be performed on the main assembly A1.

[0072] Figure 46 shows a first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 47 shows a second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 48 is a schematic perspective view of the state for mounting a coupling lever spring 456, a coupling lever 455 and a coupling spring 4185 to a revealing side cover 434 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 49 is a view of the coupling lever 455, the coupling lever spring 456 and the coupling spring 4185 mounted to the revealing side cover 434 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 50 is a view of the developing cartridge B1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the drive side in the state that image formation can be performed on the main assembly A1.

[0077] Figure 51 shows a first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 52 shows a second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 53 is a schematic perspective view in the state before a spring 5185 and a spring 555 are mounted to a revealing side cover 534 in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 54 is a view of spring 555 and spring 5185 mounted to the reveal side cover 534 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the drive side.

[0081] Figure 55 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for image formation in the main assembly A1, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 56 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 57 shows the second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 58 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state for mounting a spring 6185 and a spring 555 to a revealing side cover 634 in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 59 is a view of a spring 655, a rotatable member 656 and the spring 6185 mounted to the side cover 634, as seen from the non-drive side, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 60 is a view of the developing cartridge B1 in the state that is capable of image formation operation in the main assembly A1 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 61 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 62 shows a state in which the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 63 is a schematic perspective view showing a state for mounting a coupling spring 7185, a coupling lever 755 and a coupling lever spring 756 to a revealing side cover 734 in a seventh embodiment of the present invention .

[0090] Figure 64 shows a state in which a lever 755, a spring 756 and a spring 7185 are mounted to a side cover 734, as seen from the non-drive side, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 65 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for image formation in the main assembly A1 in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 66 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 67 shows the state of the coupling member 180 taking the second tilt attitude D2 in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 68 shows a state for mounting a coupling spring 8185, a coupling lever 855 and a coupling spring lever 856 to a revealing side cover 834 in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 69 shows a state as seen from the drive side, in which a lever 855, a lever spring 856 and a coupling spring 8185 are mounted to the revealing side cover 834 in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 70 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for image formation in the main assembly A1, in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 71 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 72 shows a state in which the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 73 shows a state in which the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 in a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[00100] Part (a) of Figure 74 shows a coupling spring 10185 mounted to a reveal side cover 1034, part (b) of Figure 74 shows the second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180, and part (c ) of Figure 74 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180, in a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[00101] Part (a) of Figure 75 shows a coupling spring 11185 and a lever 1155 mounted to a revealing side cover 1134, part (b) of Figure 75 shows the second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180, and part (c) of Figure 75 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180, in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[00102] Part (a) of Figure 76 shows a coupling spring 12185 and a lever 1255 mounted to a revealing side cover 1234, part (b) of Figure 76 shows the second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180, and part (c) of Figure 76 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180, in a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF ACHIEVEMENTS

[00103] A cartridge and an image forming apparatus in accordance with the present invention will be described together with the accompanying drawings. The following description will be made of a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge that are detachably mountable to the above-described main assembly of the image forming apparatus. In the following description, a longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge or the developing cartridge is a direction of a rotational axis L1 of the photosensitive drum or a direction of a rotational axis L9 of the developing roller, respectively. The rotational axis L1 of the photosensitive drum and the rotational axis L9 of the developing roller are perpendicular to the feeding direction of the recording material. A transverse direction of the drum cartridge or developing cartridge is a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L1 of the photosensitive drum or a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L9 of the developing roller. In this embodiment, the direction in which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted and dismounted from the main assembly of the laser beam printer is a transverse direction of the cartridges. The reference numerals in the following description are for reference to the drawings and do not limit the structures.

Achievement 1 General arrangement of image forming apparatus:

[00104] Referring first to Figure 2, a general arrangement of the image forming apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the image forming apparatus.

[00105] The image forming apparatus shown in Figure 2 forms an image on a recording material 2 with a developer t by an electrophotographic image forming process according to image information provided from external equipment such as a personal computer. The image forming apparatus comprises a main assembly A1, a developing cartridge B1 and a drum cartridge C. The developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C are detachably mounted to the main assembly A1 by the user. That is to say, these cartridges are mountable and detachable from the A1 main assembly. Recording material 2 is recording paper, label paper, an OHP sheet, textile or the like, for example. The developing cartridge B1 comprises a developing roller 13 and so on, and the drum cartridge C comprises a photosensitive drum 10 and a charging roller 11 and so on.

[00106] A surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly loaded by the charging roller 11 provided with an electrical voltage from the main assembly A1. Then, a laser beam L modulated according to the image information is projected from an optical medium 1 onto the charged photosensitive drum 10 so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 according to the image information. The electrostatic latent image is developed with the developer t by means of development that will be described below. As a result, a developer image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

[00107] On the other hand, the recording material 2 accommodated in a sheet feed tray 4 is separated by the function of a sheet feed roller 3a and a separation block 3b pressure contacted thereto, in synchronism with the formation of the developer image. The recording material 2 is fed along a feed guide 3d to a transfer roller 6 as a transfer medium. The transfer roller 6 is pressed to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

[00108] Then, the recording material 2 passes through a transfer clamp 6a formed between the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 6. At this time, the transfer roller 6 is provided with an electrical voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer image, so that the developer image is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 onto the recording material 2.

[00109] The recording material 2 having the transferred developer image is fed into a clamping means 5 while being regulated by a feeding guide 3f. The clamping means 5 includes a drive roller 5a and a clamping roller 5c containing a heater 5b. While the recording material 2 passes through a clamp 5d between the drive roller 5a and the clamping roller 5c, the recording material 2 receives heat and pressure, whereby the developer image transferred onto the recording material 2 is fixed on the material recording material 2. In this way, the image is formed on the recording material 2.

[00110] After that, the recording material 2 is fed by a pair of discharge rollers 3g to be discharged to the discharge portion 3h. (2) Electrophotographic image formation process:

[00111] Referring to Figure 3, an electrophotographic image formation process used in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C.

[00112] As shown in Figure 3, the developing cartridge B1 includes a developing container 16 as a cartridge frame (or developing side support frame), the developing roller 13 as the developing means, a revelation 15 and so on. The drum cartridge C includes a drum frame 21 as a photosensitive member side support frame, the photosensitive drum 10, the charging roller 11 and so on.

[00113] The developer t is accommodated in a developer accommodation portion 16a of the developing container 16. A developer feeding member 17 rotatably supported by the developing container 16 rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow X17. Therefore, the developer t is discharged into a developing chamber 16c through the opening 16b of the developing container 16. The developing container 16 includes a developing roller 13 containing a magnet roller 12. More specifically, the developing roller 13 includes an axle portion 13e and a rubber portion 13d. The shaft portion 13e is made of electroconductive aluminum or the like and has a long cylindrical shape, and the longitudinally central portion is covered with the rubber portion 13d (Figure 6). The rubber portion 13d covers the shaft portion 13e such that the outer configuration thereof is coaxial with the shaft portion 13e. The developing roller 13 attracts the developer t onto the surface of the developing roller 13 in the developing chamber 16c by a magnetic force from the magnet roller 12. The developing blade 15 includes a metal plate support member 15a and a elastic 15b urethane rubber and SUS plate or similar. The elastic member 15b is elastically contacted with the developing roller 13 at a predetermined contact pressure. By the developing roller 13 rotating in a rotational movement direction X5, an amount of the developer t deposited on the surface of the developing roller 13 is regulated. Therefore, the developer t is triboelectrically charged. That is, a layer of developer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 13. The developing roller 13 provided with electrical voltage from the main assembly A1 is rotated in the direction of rotational movement X5 in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 to supply the developer t to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 10.

[00114] In the case of a contact type development system as in this embodiment, if the development roller 13 always comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 (Figure 3), there is a probability that the rubber portion 13b of the development roller revelation 13 becomes deformed. For this reason, it is preferable that the developing roller 13 is kept spaced away from the photosensitive drum 10 during the non-developing period.

[00115] At an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10, a loading roller 11 rotatably supported by a frame 21 is contacted and is urged onto the photosensitive drum 10. The loading roller 11 uniformly loads the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by a electrical voltage applied from main assembly A1. The electrical voltage applied to the charging roller 11 is selected so that a potential difference between the charging roller 11 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is not less than an electrical discharge starting voltage. In this embodiment, a DC electrical voltage of -1300 V is applied as the charging bias electrical voltage. Therefore, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged to the charged potential (dark portion potential) of -700 V. In this embodiment, the charging roller 11 is rotated independently of the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10, as will be described in detail in followed. By the laser beam L emitted from the optical medium 1, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10. Thereafter, the developer t is transferred correspondingly to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10, whereby the electrostatic latent image is visualized in a image developed on the photosensitive drum 10. (3) Wiperless system structure: The wiperless system employed in this embodiment will be described.

[00116] In this embodiment, no cleaning member for removing, from the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, residual untransferred developer t2 remaining in the photosensitive drum 10 without being transferred is provided.

[00117] As shown in Figure 3, the photosensitive drum 10 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow C5. The residual untransferred developer t2 remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after the image transfer step is charged to a negative polarity by discharging the charging roller into an upstream opening 11b, similarly to the photosensitive drum. The upstream opening 11b exists at a position upstream of a loading grip 11a, where the loading roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 are contacted with each other, with respect to the rotational direction C5 of the photosensitive drum 10. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is charged at -700 V. The residual untransferred developer t2 charged to negative polarity passes through the charging clamp 11a without depositing on the charging roller 11 because of the potential difference relationship (-700 V from the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, and -1300 V of the potential of the charging roller 11).

[00118] The untransferred residual developer t2 having passed through the loading clamp 11a reaches the laser projection position d. The amount of untransferred residual developer t2 is not so great as to block the laser beam L provided by the optical medium. Therefore, it does not influence the formation of the electrostatic latent image in the photosensitive drum 10. The untransferred residual developer t2 that has passed through the laser projection position d and that is in an unexposed portion (the portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 not exposed to the projection of laser) is collected on the developing roller 13 by an electrostatic force in the developing clamp 13k, which is a contact portion between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10. On the other hand, the untransferred residual developer t2 in exposed portion (the portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 exposed to the laser projection) is not collected electrostatically and remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. However, a portion of such untransferred residual developer t2 is collected by a physical force due to the difference of peripheral speed between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10.

[00119] In this way, the residual untransferred developer t2 remaining in the photosensitive drum 10 without being transferred onto the paper is mainly collected in the developing container 16. The residual untransferred developer t2 collected in the developing container 16 is mixed with the developer t existing in the developing container 16 and is reused for developing.

[00120] In this embodiment, in order to pass the untransferred residual developer t2 through the loading squeeze 11a without being deposited on the loading roller 11, the following two structures are employed.

[00121] The first is the provision of a light electrical discharge member 8 between the transfer roller 6 and the loading roller 11. The light electrical discharge member 8 is disposed upstream of the charging grip 11a with respect to a rotational direction (arrow C5) of the photosensitive drum 10. The light electrical discharge member 8 discharges, through light, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 10 after passing through the transfer clamp 6a to stably discharge into the upstream opening 11b described above. By the light electrical discharge member 8, the potential of the photosensitive drum 10 before charging becomes about -150 V across the length of the photosensitive drum 10. In this way, uniform discharge can be effected in the charging operation, so that residual untransferred developer t2 can be charged uniformly in negative polarity.

[00122] The second is the provision of a predetermined peripheral speed difference between the loading roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10. The reason for this is as follows. Most of the toner is charged to the negative polarity by the discharge described above, but a small amount of residual untransferred developer t2 is not charged to the negative polarity. Such untransferred residual developer t2 may be deposited on the loading roller 11 in the loading grip 11a. However, by providing the predetermined peripheral speed difference between the charging roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10, a sliding action is provided between the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11, whereby the untransferred residual developer t2 described above can be charged to negative polarity. Therefore, the deposition of the untransferred residual developer t2 on the loading roller 13 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, a loading roller gear 69 (Figure 17, detailed description will follow) is provided to a longitudinal end portion of the loading roller 11, and the gear 69 is engaged with a drive side flange 24 (Figure 17, the detailed description will be given below) provided therewith a longitudinal end portion of the photosensitive drum 10. Therefore, the charging roller 11 is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10. The peripheral speed of the surface of the charging roller 11 is 105 - 120% relative to the peripheral speed of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. (4) B1 developing cartridge structure: General arrangement of B1 developing cartridge

[00123] Referring to the drawings, the structure of the developing cartridge B1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, a side, with respect to the longitudinal direction, to which a rotational force is transmitted to the developing cartridge B1 of the main assembly A1 is called "drive side". The opposite side is called the "non-drive side". Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the drive side. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the non-drive side. Part (a) of Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the drive side, and part (b) is a schematic perspective view thereof as viewed from the non-drive side. Part (a) of Figure 7 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the non-drive side, and part (b) is a schematic perspective view thereof as viewed from the drive side.

[00124] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the developing cartridge B1 includes a developing roller 13 as a developer-bearing member and the developing blade 15 and so on. The developing blade 15 is fixed to the developing container 16 by a screw 51 and a screw 52 in the drive side end portion 15a1 and the non-drive side end portion 15a2 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the support member 15a. On opposite end portions of the developing container 16, a drive-side developing device bearing 36 and a non-drive-side developing device bearing 46, respectively, are provided. Each of the bearings (36, 46) is a part of the container or a frame in a broad sense, unless otherwise stated. The developing roller 13 is rotatably supported by a drive-side end portion 13a engaged with a bore 36a of the drive-side developing device bearing 36 and by a non-drive-side end portion 13c engaged with a support 46f of the non-drive side bearing 46. In the drive side end portion 13a of the developing roller 13 (outside the drive side developing device bearing 36 with respect to the longitudinal direction), a developing roller gear 29 is provided coaxially with the developing roller 13, and they are engaged with each other so that the developing roller 13 and the developing roller gear 29 can be rotated integrally (Figure 4).

[00125] The drive side developing device bearing 36 rotatably supports a drive input gear 27 to a position outside the developing container 16 with respect to the longitudinal direction. The drive input gear 27 is engaged with the developing roller gear 29. A coupling member 180 is provided coaxially with the drive input gear 27.

[00126] The drive side extreme tip of the developing cartridge B1 is provided with a developing side cover 34 as an end member. The revealing side cover 34 covers the drive input gear 27 and the outer longitudinal position. The coupling member 180 is projected in the longitudinal direction outwardly through hole 34a of the revealing side cover 34. The coupling member 180 is engageable with a main mounting side drive member 100 provided on the main mounting A1 for receiving the rotational force. Rotational force is transmitted to a rotational force receiving portion 27d1 (Figure 8) of the drive input gear 27 and to a rotational receiving portion 27d2 (not shown) by rotational force transmitting portions 180c1, 180c2 of the coupling member 180 As a result, the rotational force received by the coupling member 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 as a rotating member by the drive input gear 27 and the developing roller gear 29. Clearance is provided between the rotational force receiving portions 27d1, 27d2 and the rotational force transmitting portions 180c1, 180c2. That is to say, the coupling member 180 is rotatable without rotating the drive input gear 27. By structure, the coupling member 180 is movable (rotating, oscillating or pivoting) at any angle.

[00127] The drive side disclosure device bearing 36 is provided with a first movable member 120. The first movable member 120 includes a drive side spacing and contact lever 70 as a first main mounting portion and a spring. drive side revealing drive 71 as a first elastic portion. The non-drive side revealing device bearing 46 is provided with a second movable member 121. The second movable member 121 includes a non-drive side spacing and contact lever 72 as a second main mounting portion and a drive spring. non-drive side reveal 73 as a second elastic portion. The coupling member 180 and neighboring structures thereof will be described in detail.

[00128] As shown in Figure 6, on the driving side of the developing cartridge B1, the coupling member 180, the drive input gear 27, the elastic member (coupling spring 185) and a driving member are provided. In other words, spring 185 is an elastic push member. The coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 provided on the main mounting A1 to receive the rotational force.

[00129] More particularly, as shown in part (b) of Figure 8, the coupling member 180 includes a free end portion 180a as a first end portion, a connecting end portion (supported portion) )) 180b as a second end portion, a guide portion 180d as a connecting portion for connecting the free end portion 180a and the connecting end portion 180b. The free end portion 180a is provided with rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2, and an expansion portion having a conical portion 180g as a recess. The supported portion 180b includes rotational force transmitting portions 180c1 and 180c2.

[00130] On the one hand, the main mounting side drive member 100 as a main mounting side drive shaft includes a projection 100g provided with a free end portion with respect to axis L4 and rotational force applying portions 100a1 and 100a2 projecting in a direction perpendicular to the L3 axis to a rear side of the free end.

[00131] The free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is projected outwardly beyond a drive side end portion 27a of the drive input gear 27 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge of development B1. When the main mounting side drive member 100 rotates about the rotational axis L4 in a direction indicated by an arrow X6 (forward rotary direction), the rotational force applying portion 100a1 contacts the rotational force receiving portion 180a1, and the rotational force applicator 100a2 contacts the rotational force receiving portion 180a2. Therefore, the rotational force is transmitted from the main mounting side drive member 100 to the coupling member 180.

[00132] A maximum outer diameter of at least a portion of the connecting portion 180d in a cross section (in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coupling portion 180) is less than a distance between the rotational force receiving portion 180a1 and the rotational force receiving portion 180a2. In other words, a maximum radius of rotation of at least a portion of the connecting portion 180d in the cross section is less than a distance between a radially interior of the rotational force receiving portion 180a1 and the rotational axis of the coupling member.

[00133] As shown in part (b) of Figure 8 and part (e) of Figure 8, the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180 has a substantially spherical shape. The supported portion 180b is movably (pivotally, oscillatingly) supported by a supporting portion 27b of an inner surface of the drive input gear 27. The rotational force transmitting portion 180c1 contacts the rotational force receiving portion 27d1 of the drive input gear. drive 27. Similarly, the rotational force transmitting portion 180c2 contacts the rotational force receiving portion 27d2 of the drive input gear 27. Therefore, the drive input gear 27 is driven by the coupling member 180 receiving the drive force of the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft, so that the drive input gear 27 rotates in the forward direction X6 about the rotational axis L3.

[00134] As shown in part (c) of Figure 8, the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100 and the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 are coaxial with each other. However, as shown in part (d) of Figure 8, the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100 and the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 may be offset slightly parallel to the co-axis. In such a case, the rotational force may be transmitted from the main mounting side drive member 100 to the coupling member 180 with the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 inclined relative to the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. Furthermore, the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 may be offset slightly with a co-axis angle relative to the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100. In such a case, the rotational force may be transmitted from the main mounting side drive member 100 to the coupling member 180 with the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 inclined relative to the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100.

[00135] Furthermore, as shown in part (a) of Figure 8, the drive input gear 27 is provided integrally with the gear portion 27c which may be a helical gear or a spur gear coaxially with the rotational axis. L3 of the drive input gear 27. The gear portion 27c is engaged with the gear portion 29a of the developing roller gear 29. Because the developing roller gear 29 rotates integrally with the developing roller 13, the rotational force of the drive input gear 27 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 by the developing roller gear 29. Then, the developing roller 13 rotates in the rotational movement direction X5 about the rotational axis L9.

Side drive side cover assembly and peripheral parts

[00136] The description will be made of the developing side cover 34 and the movable member (coupling lever 55 and coupling lever spring 56) provided on the drive side end portion of the developing cartridge B1. Lever 55 is the narrow-sense movable member, and the combination of lever 55 and spring 56 is the wide-sense movable member. In other words, spring 55 is an elastic member for movement.

[00137] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view and a side view illustrating the assembly of the lever 55 and the spring 56 to the revealing side cover 34.

[00138] The lever 55 and the spring 56 are mounted inside the developing side cover 34 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. The lever 55 is movably supported relative to the cover 34. A cylindrical lever positioning projection 34m of the cover 34 is engaged with a hole portion 55c of the lever 55. As a result, the lever 55 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the cover. 34 on a rotational axis L11. Spring 56 is a helical spring having one end portion engaged with lever 55 and the other end engaged with cover 34. More particularly, an operating arm 56a of spring 56 is engaged with a spring hook portion 55b of the lever. 55, and a fixed arm 56c of spring 56 is engaged with a spring hook portion 34s of cover 34 (part (c) of Figure 9).

[00139] Outside the cover 34 of the developing cartridge B1 with respect to the longitudinal direction, a coupling spring 185 is mounted (part (b) of Figure 10).

[00140] The assembly of lever 55 and spring 56 on cover 34 will be described. First, the cylindrical projection 55a of the lever 55 and the cylindrical portion 56d of the spring 56 are engaged with each other (part (a) of Figure 9). At this time, the operating arm 56a of the spring 56 is engaged with the spring hook portion 55b of the lever 55. Furthermore, the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 is deformed in the direction of an arrow X11 about the rotational axis L11. Then, the hole portion 55c of the lever 55 is fitted around the lever positioning protrusion 34m of the cover 34 (parts (a) - (b) of Figure 9). In this snapping movement, the retaining portion 55d of the lever 55 does not interfere with the to-be-retained portion 34n of the cover 34. More particularly, as shown in part (b) of Figure 9, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1 , the retaining portion 55d of the lever 55 and the to-be-retained portion 34n of the developing side cover 34 are not overlapping each other.

[00141] In the state shown in part (b) of Figure 9, the fixed arm 56c of spring 56 is deformed in the direction of arrow X11, as described previously. When the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 is released, as shown in part (b) of Figure 9, the fixed arm 56c is engaged with the spring hook portion 34s of the revealing side cover 34, so that the force of The impulsion provided by the deformation of the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 is received by the spring hook portion 34s, as shown in part (c) of Figure 9. As a result, the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 receives a reaction force in the direction of arrow Therefore, the lever 55 rotates about the rotational axis L11 in the direction indicated by the arrow (parts (a) - (c) of Figure 9). Thus, the assembly of the lever 55 and the spring 56 to the cover 34 is completed.

[00142] At this time, the retaining portion 55d of the lever 55 is overlapping with the portion to be retained 34n of the cover 34, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. Thus, the movement of the lever 55 in the longitudinal direction is limited, and only rotation about the rotational axis X11 is permitted. Part (d) of Figure 9 is a sectional view of the retaining portion 55d of the coupling lever 55. Reveal side cover assembly 34

[00143] As shown in Figure 10, the movable member (coupling lever 55 and coupling lever spring 56) is mounted on the development side cover 34. The development side cover 34 is fixed to a position outside the bearing of drive side developing device 36 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. More particularly, a positioning portion 34r1 of the developing side cover 34 and a positioned portion (portion to be positioned) 36e1 of the drive side bearing 36 are engaged with each other, and a positioning portion 34r2 and a positioned portion (portion to be positioned) 36e2 are engaged with each other. Therefore, the position of the developing side cover 34 is determined relative to the drive side developing device bearing 36.

[00144] Fixing the developing side cover 34 to the drive side revealing device bearing 36 can be done using a screw, adhesive material or the like, and the fixing method is not limited to a particular one.

[00145] When the revealing side cover 34 is assembled, the rotational force receiving portion 180a1 of the coupling member 180, the rotational force receiving portion 180a2, the portion to be guided 180d and so on are exposed through the hole 34a from the developing side cover 34 to the outside with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1 (Figures 4 and 6). The portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 is contacted by a guide portion 55e, as the movable portion, of the coupling lever 55 as the movable member. As previously described, the coupling lever 55 is urged by the pushing force on the rotational axis L11 in the direction of arrow X11. Therefore, the coupling member 180 receives a pushing force F2 from the coupling lever 55 (Figure 7).

[00146] Furthermore, the coupling spring 185 is provided in the reveal side cover 34. The spring 185 is a helical spring, and has one end portion contacted to the reveal side cover 36 and the other end portion contacted to the coupling member 180. More particularly, a positioning portion 185a of the spring 185 is supported by a spring support portion 34h of the reveal side cover 34. The fixed arm 185b of the coupling spring 185 is attached to the coupling portion 180. spring 34j of the revealing side cover 34. Furthermore, the operating arm 185c of the coupling spring 185 is contacted to the to-be-guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. The operating arm 185c of the coupling spring 185 applies a pushing force about a rotational axis X12 of the positioning portion 185a in the direction indicated by an arrow L12. Therefore, the coupling member 180 receives the driving force F1b from the coupling spring 185 (Figure 10).

[00147] The coupling member 180 receiving the pushing force F2 from the coupling lever 55 and the pushing force F1b from the coupling spring 185 is retained in the attitude (rotational axis L2) inclined relative to the rotational axis L3 of the input gear. drive 27 (part (b) of Figure 10). The structure and function of the force with which the pitch attitude of the coupling member 180 is maintained at this time will be described in 'Relation of forces applied to the coupling member 180 at the second pitch attitude D2', below.

Basic Coupling Member Operation 180

[00148] Referring to Figure 16, the basic operation of the coupling member 180 in the state of the developing cartridge B1 will be described.

[00149] Part (a) of Figure 16 is an enlarged view illustrating the relationship between the coupling member 180, the drive input gear 27 and the drive side revealing device bearing 36 in the longitudinal section. Part (b) of Figure 16 is a perspective view of the drive side revealing device bearing 36. Part (c) of Figure 16 is a perspective view of the drive input gear 27.

[00150] The supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180 is provided in an interior 27t of the drive input gear 27. The supported portion 180b is sandwiched between a regulating portion 27s of the drive input gear 27 and a regulating coupling portion 36s of the drive side revealing device bearing 36. A diameter r180 of the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180 has the following relationship relative to a width r27 of the regulating portion 27s of the drive input gear 27 as measured in the direction X180 and a width r36 of the coupling regulating portion 36s of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 as measured in the direction X180.

[00151] The diameter r180 of the supported portion 180b > the width r27 of the regulating portion 27s of the drive input gear 27 as measured in the X180 direction.

[00152] The diameter r180 of the supported portion 180b > the width r36 of the coupling regulating portion 36s of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 as measured in the X180 direction.

[00153] With this structure, the coupling member 180 is limited in the longitudinal direction indicated by an arrow Y180 by the supported portion 180b contacting the regulating portion 27s of the drive input gear 27 or the regulating coupling portion 36s of the drive device bearing. drive side disclosure 36. In the perpendicular direction indicated by an arrow limited both in the longitudinal direction Y180 and in the direction perpendicular thereto X180, but may be inclined about the center 180s of the supported portion 180 in the direction R180. Tilting attitude of coupling member 180 A tilting operation of coupling member 180 will be described.

[00154] As previously described, the coupling member 180 receives the driving force from the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 and is rotatable about the axis of rotation L2. The rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 during drive transmission is fixed so as to be co-axial with the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. It has been described that depending on the variation or similar of part dimensions, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is not coaxial with the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27, that is, they may be deviated slightly.

[00155] With the structure of this embodiment, the coupling member (rotational axis L2 of) 180 is capable of taking a reference attitude D0, a first tilt attitude D1 and a second tilt attitude D2.

[00156] Referring to part (a) of Figure 8 and part (a) of Figure 16, the reference attitude D0 (transmissible drive attitude) will be described. At reference attitude D0, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is coaxial or parallel with the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. At this time, the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the main assembly A1 and is positioned at a developing position (contact position) capable of developing a latent image on the photosensitive drum.

[00157] In this embodiment, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 at the time of the reference attitude D0 taken is displaced (not co-axial) relative to the rotational axis of the developing roller 13. Therefore, the length of the developing cartridge B1 can be shortened. However, the rotational axis L2 and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 can be made coaxial without displacement.

[00158] Referring to Figure 11, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) will be described. The first tilt attitude D1 is taken in the state that the developing cartridge B1 is in the main assembly A1 and that the developing roller 13 is in a retracted position (spaced position) retracted from the photosensitive drum 10, and in this attitude, the member coupling 180 is directed in a predetermined direction. More particularly, the coupling member is directed to the main assembly side drive member 100 as the main assembly drive shaft. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), the free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is driven to the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 (spaced state and contact state or similar will be described in detail below). In other words, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is substantially inclined toward the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10) in this attitude. The rotational axis of the coupling member 180 at this time is -5° (03) away in the clockwise direction (+) from a reference line connecting a center of rotation (pitch center) of the coupling member 180 and the rotational axis of the roller of development 13. In other words, the absolute value of angle 03 is approximately 5°. Angle 03 can be anywhere between approximately -30° and +20°. Therefore, the angle between the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 and the line connecting the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 is satisfactory if it is within approximately 30°.

[00159] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00160] Referring to Figure 12, the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) will be described. The second tilt attitude D2 is taken in the process of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 along a mounting path, and in this attitude, the free end portion 180a of the coupling member 180 is directed toward the main assembly side drive 100 (attitude or similar in assembly operation will be described in detail below). The rotational axis of the coupling member 180 at this time is -70° (θ4) away in the clockwise direction (+) from a reference line connecting a center of rotation of the coupling member 180 and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13. angle θ4 can be any between approximately 45° and 95°.

[00161] As seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the tilt directions of the coupling member (rotational axis) at the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) and the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) are substantially intersected. That is, attitudes D1 and D2 can be substantially the same or substantially opposite directions relative to the reference D0.

[00162] More particularly, the angle formed between the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) and the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is preferably a value in the range of approximately 20° to approximately 150°. Furthermore, the angle θ5 can be anything in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 120°. In this embodiment, the angle θ5 is substantially 75°. In this embodiment, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is inclined approximately to the opposite side of the developing blade 15. In other words, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller developing 13, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction towards the developing roller.

[00163] When the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 ) of the developing roller 13 is a value preferably in the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00164] An engagement relationship between the coupling member 180 and the drive side revealing device bearing 36 will be described. Figure 13 shows a relationship between the drive side revealing device bearing 36 and the coupling member 180.

[00165] Part (a) of Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the positions of a bearing 36 and the coupling member 180. Part (b) of Figure 13 is a view of the bearing 36 as viewed from a drive side. Part (c) of Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along a line KA of part (b) of Figure 13, and part (d) of Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along a line KB of part (b ) in Figure 13.

[00166] As shown in part (a) of Figure 13, the coupling member 180 is provided with a phase regulating protrusion 180e as a positioned portion (projected portion) coaxial with the rotational axis L2, to an opposite end portion of the free end portion 180a. On the other hand, bearing 36 is provided with a 36kb phase regulating portion in the form of a recess. Particularly, the phase regulator portion 36kb is provided with a first tilt regulator portion 36kb1 recessed in a direction of an arrow K1a from the center of the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27, and a second tilt regulator portion 36kb2 recessed in direction of an arrow K2a. The first pitch regulating portion 36kb1 functions as a spaced positioning portion to determine the position of the coupling member 180 in the spaced attitude. The second tilt-regulating portion 36kb2 functions as a mounting positioning portion to determine the position of the coupling member 180 in the mounting attitude. The phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 as the positioned portion is disposed on the phase regulating portion 36kb of the drive side revealing device bearing 36. That is, the position of the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the member The coupling member 180 is regulated by the phase regulating portion 36kb of the drive side revealing device bearing 36. In other words, the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 is movable in the phase regulating portion 36kb of the coupling member 180. drive side revealing device 36, and particularly for the first tilt-regulating portion 36kb1 and the second tilt-regulating portion 36kb2. When the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 is moved to the first pitch regulating portion 36kb1, the free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 and the portion to be guided 180d is tilted in the direction indicated by an arrow K1b, which is opposite to the direction of arrow K1a. Thus, at this time, the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1. When the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 has moved to the second tilt regulating portion 36kb2, the free end portion 180a of the coupling member 180 and the portion to be guided 180d such as the connecting portion are tilted in direction of an arrow K2b that is opposite to arrow K2a. Thus, the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2. The angle between arrow K1b and arrow K2b (the angle between the first tilt-regulating portion 36kb1 and the second tilt-regulating portion 36kb2) is preferably approximately 30° - approximately 120°. In this embodiment, it is approximately 75°. This second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is substantially the same as the dismounting attitude with which the coupling member 180 and the main drive side mounting member 100 are disengaged from each other when the developing cartridge B1 is dismounted. .

[00167] The assembly positioning portion described above also functions as a disassembly positioning portion.

[00168] Ratio of forces applied to coupling member 180 at reference attitude D0

[00169] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the reference attitude D0 of the coupling member 180 will be described.

[00170] Figure 23 shows the positions of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling member 180 when the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A is completed. That is to say, this figure shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 has been completely inserted end-to-end into the main assembly A. Part (a) of Figure 23 is a side view as seen on the drive side, part (b) of Figure 23 is a side view as seen in an arrow direction X20 of part (a) of Figure 23, and part (c) of Figure 23 is a side view of a section taken along a line X30 of part (b) of Figure 23 as a view of the direction from the non-drive side.

[00171] When the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main assembly side drive member 100. At this time, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180, the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100 and the rotational axis L3 of the developing input gear 27 are coaxial with each other. In other words, the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 and the rotational force applying portion 100a of the main mounting side drive member 100 are engageable with each other (Figure 8).

[00172] Referring to Figure 14, the movement of the coupling member 180 until the coupling member 180 becomes coaxial with the main mounting side drive member 100 will be described. Figure 14 are sectional views illustrating the attitudes of the coupling member until the coupling member 180 becomes coaxial with the main mounting side drive member 100. Part (a) of Figure 14 is a sectional view in the state that the member 180 is out of contact with the main assembly drive member 100, and part (b) of Figure 14 is a sectional view of the case when the coupling member contacts the main assembly drive member 100. Part (c) of Figure 14 is a sectional view in the state that the coupling member 180 is coaxial with the main mounting side drive member 100.

[00173] As shown in part (a) of Figure 14, in the state that the coupling member 180 is not contacted with the main mounting side drive member 100, it is inclined towards the main mounting side drive member 100 (the downstream with respect to the mounting direction) about the center 180s of the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180. With this attitude maintained, the coupling member 180 advances toward the main mounting drive member 100 in the direction of arrow X60 (Figure 14 ). Then, the recessed conical portion 180g within an annular portion 180f and the projection 100g of the free end of the main mounting side drive member 100 are engaged with each other. When the coupling member 180 further advances in the direction of arrow X60 (Figure 14), the inclination of the coupling member 180 decreases about the center 180s of the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180. coupling 180, the rotational shaft L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100 and the rotational shaft L3 of the input gear 27 become coaxial with each other. The force applied to the coupling member 180 in this series of movement herein will be described in detail below.

[00174] The state in which the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and the rotational axis L3 of the developing input gear 27 are coaxial to each other represents the reference attitude D0 of coupling member 180. The inclination angle θ2 of the coupling member 180 at this time is preferably 0°, but drive transmission is possible if the inclination angle θ2 is within substantially 15°. At this time, the phase-regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 separates from the second tilt-regulating portion 36kb2 of the drive-side revealing device bearing 36 and does not contact any part of the phase-regulating portion 36b of the device bearing. drive side reveal 36 (part (c) of Figure 23). The guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 as the movable portion is retained in the state that is completely retracted from the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 (part (a) of Figure 23). Thus, the coupling member 180 contacts the two parts, i.e. the coupling spring 185 and the main mounting side drive member 100, by which the tilt angle (02) is determined. In such a case, even in the case that the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed, the inclination angle (02) of the coupling member 180 may not be 02=0°.

[00175] Referring to Figure 15, the tilt attitude (reference attitude D0) of the developing coupling 180 at the time when the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed will be described.

[00176] Figure 15 shows the state of engagement between the coupling member 180 and the main mounting side drive member 100. Part (a) of Figure 15 and part (b) of Figure 15 are a side view and a side view. sectional in the state that the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100 are coaxial with each other, and with the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180.

[00177] The portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 receives a pushing force (part (d) of Figure 23) in the direction of an arrow F1 of the coupling spring 185. At this time, the conical portion 180g is in contact with 100g projection at 180g1 and 180g2 points. As a result, the attitude of the coupling member 180 relative to the main mounting side drive member 100 is regulated by points 180g1 and 180g2 of the conical portion 180g. That is, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is coaxial with the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100.

[00178] When the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 rotates in the state, the rotational force applying portion 100a of the main assembly A1 and the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 are engaged one by one. another, so that the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly A1 to the coupling member 180 (Figure 8).

[00179] In part (c) of Figure 15, the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100 are coaxial to each other, but the rotational axis L2 of the member coupling 180 is inclined. Depending on variations in the dimensions of the parts, the point 180g2 of the conical portion 180g does not contact the projection 100g of the main mounting side drive member 100, although the point 180g1 of the conical portion 180g contacts the projection 100g. That is, by the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 receiving the pushing force of the coupling spring 185 in the direction of arrow F1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 may tilt. Therefore, in part (c) of Figure 15, the point 180g1 of the conical portion 180g of the coupling member 180 contacts the projection 100g of the main mounting side drive member 100, so that the attitude of the coupling member 180 is regulated. . That is, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined relative to the rotational axis L4 of the main mounting side drive member 100. In other words, the inclination angle (02) of coupling member 180 is not 02= 0°.

[00180] Part (d) of Figure 15 shows the state in which the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is tilted when the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotational axis L4 of the drive member side of main assembly 100 are not coaxial with each other because of varying part dimensions. Also in this case, the guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives the coupling spring 185 as in the case shown in part (c) of Figure 15. Therefore, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 tilts slightly. That is to say, the inclination angle (02) of the coupling member 180 is not 02=0°. However, similar to the case of part (c) of Figure 15, the point 180g1 of the conical portion 180g of the coupling member 180 contacts the projection 100g of the main mounting side drive member 100, whereby the attitude of the coupling member 180 is regulated.

[00181] In any case of the states shown in parts (c) and (d) of Figure 15, when the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 is rotated, the rotational force-applying portion 100a of the main assembly A1 and the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 are engaged with each other. And, the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly A1 to the coupling member 180.

[00182] As described above, in the state that the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 may be coaxial or non-coaxial with the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. In any case, however, when the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 rotates, the rotational force applying portion 100a of the main assembly A1 is brought into engagement with the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the member coupling member 180, such that the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly A1 to the coupling member 180. The attitude in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed such that the coupling member 180 is capable receiving the driving force from the rotational force-applying portion 100a of the main assembly A1 is called the reference attitude D0. The tilt angle is selected so that the rotational force-applying portion 100a of the main mounting side drive member 100 is not disengaged from the rotational force-receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180. That is, the tilt angle 02 is within substantially 15°.

[00183] The first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 and the second tilt attitude D2 thereof will be described in detail.

[00184] Relationship of forces applied to coupling member 180 in the first tilt attitude D1

[00185] Referring to Figure 11, the relationship of forces applied to the coupling member 180 in the first tilt attitude D1 will be described.

[00186] Part (a) of Figure 11 is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 in the state that the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 is completed and the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart from each other. other.

[00187] Part (b) of Figure 11 is a sectional view showing the position of the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 on the phase regulating portion 36kb of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 as viewed in the direction from the non-drive side to the drive side of the B1 developing cartridge.

[00188] Part (c) of Figure 11 is a sectional view taken to the position of the portion to be guided 180d as the portion to be pressed of the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 and as viewed from the driving side in the longitudinal direction of the B1 developing cartridge.

[00189] The coupling lever 55 receives a pushing force by rotation in the direction of the arrow X11 about the rotational axis L11, from the coupling lever spring 56 (Figure 10). When the developing cartridge B1 is in the position mounted on the main assembly A1, movement in the direction of arrow X11 is limited by a limiting portion 80y provided on the main assembly A1. More particularly, by the contact between the limiting portion 80y and the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55, the position of the coupling lever 55 is limited against the pushing force of the coupling lever spring 56. The limiting portion 80y is integral with a drive side swing guide 80 (part (b) of Figure 21). At this time, the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is in the retracted position of the to-be-guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. In the first tilt attitude D1 in the embodiment, the guide portion 55e is spaced from the coupling member 180 and placed in a first movement position (retracted position). In other words, by the guide portion 55e placed in this position, the coupling member 180 is allowed to take the first tilt attitude D1 by the thrust portion 185d. However, the guide portion 55e at this time can be contacted with the coupling member 180. With respect to the contact between the coupling lever 55 and the limiting portion 80y, the detailed description will be made in the description of the assembly and disassembly process of the cartridge. B1 revelation next.

[00190] On the other hand, to the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180, a guide portion 185d as the driving portion of the coupling spring 185 as the driving member contacts, and a force F1a is applied (the portion guide 185d directly drives the portion to be guided 180d). Thus, the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 receives a force in the direction of inclination in the direction of arrow F1a (part (c) of Figure 11). In other words, the coupling member 18 receives the force almost tilting towards the developing roller 13. At this time, the phase adjustment protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 is guided by a guide portion 36kb1a, a guide portion 36kb1b and a guide portion 36kb1c of the drive side revealing device bearing 36. As a result, the protrusion 180e moves to the first tilt regulating portion 36kb1. That is, the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 tilts in the direction of arrow K1a (part (b) of Figure 11), but the free end portion 180a of the coupling member 180 and the portion to be guided 180d as the connecting portion slopes in the direction of arrow K1b (part (a) of Figure 11). The position of the movable member (lever 55) or the guide portion 55e as the movable portion is called the first moving position or retracted position (the retracted position from a reference position which will be described below). The attitude of the coupling member 180 at this time is the first tilt attitude (spaced attitude) D1 of the coupling member 180. When the position of the movable member (lever 55) or the guide portion 55e as the movable portion in the forming operation image (part (a) of Figure 16) is called a motion reference position, the first motion position and the motion reference position are the same in this embodiment.

[00191] The inclination direction of the guide portion 185d as the driving portion of the coupling spring 185 may be perpendicular to the inclination direction of the coupling member 180 (K1b in part (a) of Figure 11). The tilt direction of the coupling member 180 (K1b in Figure 11) is in the direction of making the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 contact the first tilt regulating portion 36kb1. By doing so, the pushing force of the coupling spring 185 required to retain the coupling member 180 in the first tilt attitude D1 can be reduced. However, this is not necessary if the coupling member 180 can be retained in the first tilt attitude D1 by correctly adjusting the pushing force of the coupling spring 185, for example.

[00192] Relationship of forces applied to coupling member 180 in the second tilt attitude D2

[00193] Referring to Figure 12, the relationship of forces applied to the coupling member 180 in the second tilt attitude D2 will be described.

[00194] Figure 12 shows a state before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly A1. Part (a) of Figure 12 is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 per se (spontaneous state). Part (b) of Figure 12 is a sectional view showing a position of the phase regulating protrusion 180 and the coupling member 180 on the phase regulating portion 36kb of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 as viewed from the non-drive side of the B1 developing cartridge. Part (c) of Figure 12 is a sectional view of the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 as viewed from the drive side in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. At this time, the guiding portion 180d of the coupling member 180, the guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 and the guiding portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 are contacted. In this state, the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 is not contacted with the limiting portion 80y (part (a) of Figure 11) of the main assembly A (part (a) of Figure 12). Therefore, the coupling lever 55 receives a pushing force from the coupling lever spring 56 in the direction of rotation about the rotational axis L11 in the direction of the arrow X11. As a result, the guiding portion 55e contacts the to-be-guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180.

[00195] As described previously, the portion to be guided 180d as the connecting portion of the coupling member 180 receives the force in the direction of inclination towards the direction of arrow F3. At this time, the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 in the form of a projection is guided by a guide portion 36kb2a, guide portion 36kb2b and a guide portion 36kb2c of the drive side developing device bearing 36 As a result, the 180e overhang moves to the second 36kb2 slope-regulating portion. That is, the projection 180e of the coupling member 180 is inclined in the direction of arrow K2a (part (b) of Figure 12). On the other hand, the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the guiding portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are inclined in the direction of arrow K2b (part (a) of Figure 12). The position of the guide portion 55e as the movable member (lever 55) or the movable portion is called a second movement position (thrust position or movement reference position). At this time, the guide portion 55e pushes the to-be-guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. In other words, the guide portion 55e tilts the coupling member downward against an elastic force of the spring 185. coupling 180 at this time is called the second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member. (5) C Drum Cartridge Overview:

[00196] Referring to Figure 17, the structure of the drum cartridge C will be described. Part (a) of Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of the drum cartridge C as viewed from the non-drive side. Part (b) of Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view with the frame 21, a drum shaft receiver 30 and a drum shaft 54 or the like (not shown) omitted, for the convenience of illustrating the peripheral portions of the photosensitive drum. 10 and a charging roller 11. As shown in Figure 17, the drum cartridge C includes the photosensitive drum 10, the charging roller 11 and so on. The charging roller 11 is rotatably supported by charging roller bearings 67a and 67b, and is driven onto the photosensitive drum 10 by charging roller drive members 68a and 68b.

[00197] To a drive-side end portion 10a of the photosensitive drum 10, the drive-side flange 24 is integrally attached, and to a non-drive-side end portion 10b of the photosensitive drum 10, a drive-side end portion 10b of the photosensitive drum 10, a drive-side end portion 10b of the photosensitive drum 10, a drive-side end portion 10b of the photosensitive drum 10, a drive 28 is fixed integrally. the drive side flange 24 and the non-drive side flange 28 are coaxially mounted with the photosensitive drum 10. In this embodiment, the drive side flange 24 and the non-drive side flange 28 are fixed to the photosensitive drum 10 by clamping , union or similar. The drive side end portion of the drum frame 21, the drum bearing 30 is fixed, and the non-drive side end portion, the drum shaft 54 is fixed, by means of screws, union, press fit or similar. The drive side flange 24 integrally attached to the photosensitive drum 10 is rotatably supported by the drum bearing reception 30. the non-drive side flange 28 integrally attached to the photosensitive drum 10 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 54.

[00198] A longitudinal end portion of the loading roller 11 is provided with the loading roller gear 69, which is engaged with the gear portion 24g of the drive side flange 24. A drive side end portion 24a of drum flange 24 is capable of receiving rotational force from main assembly A1 (not shown). Therefore, the charging roller 11 is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10. As described previously, the peripheral speed of the surface of the charging roller 11 is approximately 105 - 120% relative to the peripheral speed of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. (6 ) Assembly and disassembly structure of the development cartridge B1 relative to the main assembly A1:

[00199] Referring to the drawings, the method of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 will be described.

[00200] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A1 as seen from the non-drive side, and Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A1 as seen from the drive side. Figure 20 is an illustration of the process of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1, as viewed from the drive side.

[00201] As shown in Figure 18, the non-drive side developing bearing 46 is provided on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1. The non-drive side developing device bearing 46 is provided with a guiding portion 46d. The portion to be guided 46d includes a positioning portion 46b and a rotation prevention portion 46c.

[00202] As shown in Figure 19, the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is provided with a drive side side cover 34. The drive side side cover 34 is provided with a portion to be guided 34d. The portion to be guided 34d includes a positioning portion 34b and a rotation prevention portion 34c.

[00203] As shown in Figure 18, on the other hand, the drive side of the main assembly A1 is provided with a drive side side plate 90 constituting a part of a cover of the main assembly A1. The drive side side plate 90 is provided with the drive side guide member 92 and the drive side swing guide 80.

[00204] The drive side oscillation guide 80 is movable (oscillating) together with the developing cartridge B1 in the main assembly A1. Details of the drive side swing guide 80 will be described next.

[00205] The drive side guide member 92 includes a first guide portion 92a, a second guide portion 92b and a third guide portion 92c. The first guide portion 92a of the drive side guide member 92 includes a mounting and dismounting path X1a extending along a mounting and dismounting path of the developing cartridge B1. The second guide portion 92b of the drive side guide member 92 includes a groove-configuring portion of an assembly and disassembly path X1b extending along the assembly and disassembly path of the developing cartridge B1. The third guide portion 92c of the drive side guide member 92 includes a groove configuration portion of an assembly and disassembly path X3 extending along the assembly and disassembly path of the drum cartridge C.

[00206] The drive side swing guide 80 is provided with a first guide portion 80a and a second guide portion 80b. The first guide portion 80a of the drive side swing guide 80 includes a groove configuration extending along a mounting and dismounting path X2a of the developing cartridge B1 in an extension of the first guide portion 92a of the guide member. drive side swing guide 80. The second guide portion 80b of the drive side swing guide 80 includes a groove configuration portion extending along a mounting and dismounting path X2b of the developing cartridge B1 in an extension of the second guide portion 92b of the drive side guide member 92.

[00207] As shown in Figure 19, the non-drive side of the main assembly A1 is provided with a non-drive side side plate 91 constituting a part of the cover of the main assembly A1. The non-drive side guide member 92 is provided with a non-drive side guide member 93 and a non-drive side swing guide 81. The non-drive side swing guide 81 is movable (oscillating) similarly to the non-drive side guide member 92. drive side swing 80. The non-drive side guide member 93 includes a first guide portion 93a and a second guide portion 93b.

[00208] The first guide portion 93a of the drive side guide member 93 is provided with a groove configuration portion of an assembly and disassembly path XH1a extending along the assembly and disassembly path of the developing cartridge B1 . The second guide portion 93b of the drive side guide member 93 includes a groove-configuring portion of a mounting and dismounting path XH3 extending along the mounting and dismounting path of the drum cartridge C. The side swing guide non-drive 81 includes a guide portion 81a. The guide portion 81a of the non-drive side swing guide 81 includes a groove configuration portion of a mounting and dismounting path XH2a extending along the mounting and dismounting path of the developing cartridge B1 in an extension of the first portion guide member 93a of the non-drive side guide member 93.

[00209] Details of the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 will be described next.

[00210] Mounting developing cartridge B1 to main mounting device A1

[00211] The method of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 will be described. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the opening and closing main assembly cover 94 provided to a top portion of the main assembly A1 is rotated in an opening direction D1, whereby the interior of the main assembly A1 is exposed.

[00212] Thereafter, the portion to be guided 46d (Figure 18) of the non-drive side bearing 46 of the developing cartridge B1 is brought into engagement with the first guide portion 93a (Figure 19) of the non-drive side guide member. drive 93 of the main assembly A1. Simultaneously, the portion to be guided 34d (Figure 19) of the developing side cover 34 of the developing cartridge B1 is brought into engagement with the first guiding portion 92a (Figure 18) of the drive side guide member 92 of the assembly. main A1. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the main assembly A1 along the assembly and disassembly path X1a and the assembly and disassembly path XH1a provided by the first guide portion 92a of the drive side guide member 92 and the first guide portion 93a of the non-drive side guide member 93.

[00213] When the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the main assembly A1, the coupling member 180 is in the second tilt attitude D2 described above, as previously described. The coupling member 180 is inserted into the second guide portion 92b of the drive side guide member 92 while maintaining the second tilt attitude D2. More particularly, there is an opening between the coupling member 180 and the second guide portion 92b of the drive side guide member 92, and the coupling member 180 maintains the second tilt attitude D2 in the process of the developing cartridge B1 being inserted into the main assembly A1 along the assembly and disassembly paths X1b, XH1b.

[00214] The developing cartridge B1 inserted into the main assembly A1 along the assembly and disassembly paths X1a, XH1a is further inserted into the main assembly A1 along the assembly and disassembly paths X2a, XH2a provided by the first guide portion 80a of the drive side swing guide 80 and the guide portion 81a of the non-drive side swing guide 81. In more detail, the portion to be guided 34d provided on the developing side cover 34 is in turn from the first guide portion 92a from the drive side guide member 92 to the first guide portion 80a of the drive side swing guide 80, with the assembly process. Similarly, on the non-drive side, the portion to be guided 46d provided in the non-drive side revealing device bearing 46 is rotated from the first guide portion 93a of the non-drive side guide member 93 to the guide portion 81a, with the assembly process.

[00215] The coupling member 180 provided on the drive side end portion of the developing cartridge B1 is rotated from the second guide portion 92b of the drive side guide member 92 to the second guide portion 80b of the swing guide drive side 80 maintaining the second tilt attitude D2. Similarly to the above, there is an opening between the coupling member 180 and the second guide portion 80b of the drive side swing guide 80. Positioning of developing cartridge B1

[00216] Description will be made of the positioning of the developing cartridge B1 by the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 within the main assembly A1. The drive side and the non-drive side have fundamentally the same structures, and therefore the drive side of the B1 developing cartridge will be described. Figure 20 shows the states of the developing cartridge B1 and the drive side swing guide 80 in the process of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1.

[00217] Part (a) of Figure 20 shows the state in which the portion to be guided 34d provided on the developing side cover 34 is guided by the first guide portion 80a of the drive side swing guide 80, and the cartridge developer B1 is on the assembly and disassembly path X2a.

[00218] Part (b) of Figure 20 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is further advanced from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 20, and in which the positioning portion 34b of the portion to be guided 34d of the reveal side cover 34 contacts, at a point P1, a positioning portion 82a of a drive side thrust member 82 provided on the drive side swing guide 80.

[00219] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a drive-side swing guide 80 and a peripheral configuration of the drive-side thrust member 82. Part (a) of Figure 21 is a perspective view as viewed from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 21 is a perspective view as seen from the non-drive side. Part (c) of Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the drive-side swing guide 80, the drive-side thrust member 82, and a drive-side thrust spring 83. Parts (d) and (e ) of Figure 21 are an enlarged detailed illustration around the drive side thrust member 82.

[00220] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 21, the drive side thrust member 82 additionally includes a bore portion 82b, a seat 82c and a regulating portion 82d in addition to the positioning portion 82a. As shown in part (c) of Figure 21, the hole portion 82b is engaged with a protrusion portion 80c of the drive side swing guide 80 and is rotatably supported on the protrusion portion 80c. Furthermore, to the seat 82c, an end portion 83c of the drive side push spring 83, which is a compression spring, is contacted. As shown in part (d) of Figure 21, the other end portion 83d of the drive-side thrust spring 83 contacts the seat 80d of the drive-side swing guide 80. Therefore, the drive-side thrust member drive 82 is applied by the driving force F82 in the rotational direction of an arrow Ra1 on the protrusion portion 80c of the drive side swing guide 80. The drive side pushing member 82 is limited in rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra1 by the regulating portion 82d thereof limiting the rotation regulating portion 80e provided on the drive side swing guide 80. As shown in part (e) of Figure 21, the drive side thrust member 82 rotatably supported by the drive side swing guide drive side 80 is rotatable in the direction of an arrow Ra2 against the pushing force F82 of the drive side drive spring 83. It is rotatable about the arrow Ra2 to a position where a top end portion 82e of the drive side push member drive side 82 does not project beyond a guide surface 80w of the drive side swing guide 80.

[00221] Part (c) of Figure 20 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is further advanced from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 20. In this state, the portion to be guided 34d of the developing side cover 34 integral with the positioning portion 34b and the rotation prevention portion 34c contacts a forward side inclined surface 82w of the drive side thrust member 82, such that the drive side thrust member 82 is clamped down on the direction indicated by an arrow Ra2. In more detail, the guiding portion 34d of the developing side cover 34 contacts the forward side inclined surface 82w of the drive side thrust member 82 to clamp the drive side thrust member 82, so that the drive side thrust member 82 rotate in the clockwise direction (direction arrow Ra2) about the protrusion portion 80c of the drive side swing guide 80 against the thrust force F82 of the drive side thrust spring 83. Part (c) of Figure 20 shows the state in which the positioning portion 34b of the drive side cover 34 contacts the top end portion 82e of the drive side thrust member 82. At this time, the regulating portion 82d of the drive side thrust member 82 is spaced from the rotation regulating portion 80 and the drive side swing guide 80.

[00222] Part (d) of Figure 20 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is further advanced from the position of part (c) of Figure 20, and in which the positioning portion 34b of the drive side cover 34 contacts a positioning portion 80f of the drive-side swing guide 80. As previously described, the drive-side thrust member 82 receives the thrust force F82 in the rotational direction of the arrow Ra1 on the protrusion portion 80c of the drive-side swing guide. drive side oscillation 80. Therefore, a rear side inclined surface 82s of the drive side pushing member 82 drives the positioning portion 34b of the drive side cover 34 by the pushing force F4. As a result, the positioning portion 34b contacts the positioning portion 80f of the drive side swing guide 80 at point P3 with no space between them. Therefore, the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is positioned to the drive side swing guide 80.

[00223] The positioning between the positioning portion 46d of the non-drive side revealing device bearing 46 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 is similar to the positioning on the drive side (therefore, the description will be omitted). Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned in place by the drive side rocker guide 80 and the non-drive side rocker guide 81.

[00224] Operation of coupling member 180 in the B1 developing cartridge assembly process

[00225] Referring to Figures 22, 23 and 24, the operation of the coupling member 180 in the process of assembling the developing cartridge B1 in the illustration will be described.

[00226] In the state before mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1, the coupling member 180 is in the second tilt attitude D2. The developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the main assembly A1 while the coupling member 180 maintains the second tilt attitude D2. Part (a) of Figure 22 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly A1, and is in the mounting and dismounting path X2a provided by the drive side swing guide 80 and the drive side swing guide no drive 81. Part (e) of Figure 22 is a view of the elements shown in part (a) of Figure 22, as viewed in one direction of an arrow X50. Also when the developing cartridge B1 is in the assembly and disassembly path X2a, the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2. At this time, the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main mounting side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 (developing cartridge mounting direction B1). In other words, in this embodiment, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is directed substantially opposite the developing blade 15. In other words, when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side to the along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, it will suffice if the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is within approximately 35° - approximately 125° away in the clockwise direction of a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 80°. More specifically, the second tilt-regulating portion 36kb2 of the drive side disclosure device bearing 36 is formed such that before the coupling member 180 contacts the main mounting side drive member 100, the coupling member 180 engages tilt the main mounting side drive member 100 over the center 180s of the supported portion 180b (Figures 13 and 16 and Figure 12).

[00227] Part (b) of Figure 22 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the assembly and disassembly path X2a from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 22. Part (f) of Figure 22 is a view of the elements shown in part (b) of Figure 22, as viewed in one direction of an arrow X50. At this time, the annular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 contacts the main mounting side drive member 100. From the state shown in part (a) of Figure 22 to the state shown in part (b) of Figure 22, the member coupling member 180 maintains the inclination towards the main mounting side drive member 100. Therefore, the coupling member 180 can easily engage with the main mounting side drive shaft 100. The coupling member 180 maintains the second attitude of inclination D2 by the portion to be guided 180d receiving the resultant force F3 from the coupling lever 55 and the coupling spring 185 (Figure 12).

[00228] For explanation, an angle formed between the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 (tilt angle) when the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 is θ2a (part (b) of Figure 22).

[00229] Part (c) of Figure 22 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the assembly and disassembly path X2a from the position shown in part (b) of Figure 22. Part (g) of Figure 22 is a view of the elements shown in part (c) of Figure 22, as viewed in one direction of an arrow X50. Figure 24 is a sectional view showing a force relationship for the coupling member 180 at the time when the annular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 contacts the main mounting side drive member 100.

[00230] In part (b) of Figure 22, the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 contacts the limiting portion 80y of the drive side swing guide 80. From the state shown in part (b) of Figure 22 to In the state shown in part (c) of Figure 22, the annular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 contacts the main mounting side drive member 100. As a result, the inclination angle of the coupling member 180 is θ2b (< θ2a) . In more detail, the coupling member 180 receives the force F100 at the contact position of the main mounting side drive member 100. When the force F100 is directed against the force F3 which is received by the coupling member 180 before, and is greater than the force F3, the inclination angle of the coupling member 180 decreases. That is, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 becomes relatively closer to a parallel line with the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. That is, the inclination angle of the coupling member 180 about the center 180s of the supported portion 180b changes to the arrow X181, and θ2b < θ2a (part (b) of Figures 16 and 22, part (c) of Figure 22, and part (a) of Figure 24). At this time, the coupling member 180 contacts the four parts, that is, the coupling lever 55, the coupling spring 185, the main mounting side drive member 100 and the phase regulating portion 36kb of the control device bearing. drive side disclosure 36, so that the tilt angle (θ2b) is determined.

[00231] As shown in part (b) of Figure 24, when the force received by the coupling member 180 from the main mounting side drive member 100 at the contact portion 180f is directed against the force F3, but is less than the force F3, or when the force is not directed against the force F3, the inclination angle of the coupling member 180 does not change. That is, θ2b = θ2a, and therefore, the main mounting side drive member 100 moves in the direction of the rotational axis L4 within the clearance range determined by the part dimension variation within the tolerance.

[00232] Part (d) of Figure 22 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is further inserted in the direction of the assembly and disassembly path X2a from the position shown in part (c) of Figure 22. Part (h) of Figure 22 is a view of the elements shown in part (d) of Figure 22, as viewed in a direction of an arrow X50. At this time, the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 contacts the limiting portion 80y of the drive side swing guide 80. Therefore, with the insertion of the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the assembly and disassembly path X2a, the Coupling lever 55 rotates relatively in a direction of an arrow X11b about the rotational axis L11 in the developing cartridge B1. At this time, the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 also rotates in the direction of arrow X11b about the rotational axis L11. As a result, the inclination angle of the coupling member 180 decreases along the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 when the coupling member 180 receives the pushing force of the coupling spring 185 (θ2c < θ2b). At this time, the coupling member 180 contacts the three parts, that is, the coupling spring 185, the main mounting side drive member 100 and the phase regulating portion 36kb of the drive side developing device bearing 36, so that the inclination angle (θ2c) is determined.

[00233] Figure 23 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is further inserted in the direction of the assembly and disassembly path X2a from the position shown in part (d) of Figure 22 and in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the assembly main A1 is completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is in engagement with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (inclination angle of coupling member 180 is θ2=0°).

[00234] At this time, the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 is disengaged from the second tilt regulating portion 36kb2 of the drive side revealing device bearing 36, and does not contact any part of the phase regulating portion 36b of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 (part (c) of Figure 23). The guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is maintained in the completely retracted state of the to-be-guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. Thus, the coupling member 180 contacts the two parts, i.e. the coupling spring 185 and the coupling member 180. main mounting side drive 100, by which the tilt angle (θ2) is determined (as previously described relative to the reference attitude D0 of the coupling member 180).

[00235] Operation of coupling member 180 in the process of disassembling developing cartridge B1

[00236] Description will be made of the operation of the coupling member 180 in the process of disassembling the developing cartridge B1 from the main assembly A1.

[00237] The operation in disassembling the developing cartridge B1 from the main assembly device A1 is the opposite of that in the assembly process.

[00238] First, the user rotates the main assembly cover 94 of the main assembly A1 in the opening direction D1 to expose the interior of the main assembly A1, similarly to the case of the assembly (Figures 18 and 19). At this time, the developing cartridge B1 is in the state that the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in contact with each other by the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 (not shown). .

[00239] The developing cartridge B1 is moved in the disassembly direction along the mounting and dismounting path XH2 of the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81.

[00240] With the movement of the developing cartridge B1, the limiting portion 80y of the drive side oscillation guide 80 being in contact with the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 moves (from the position shown in part (d ) of Figure 22 to the position shown in part (c) of Figure 22). With this operation, the coupling lever 55 rotates in the direction of the arrow X11 about the rotational axis L11. When the developing cartridge B1 is moved further, the coupling lever 55 rotates in the direction of the arrow (the state shown in part (c) of Figure 22). The coupling member 180 receiving the thrust forces of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling spring 185 begins to move to the second tilt attitude D2. Finally, the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 is regulated by the guide portion 36kb2a, the guide portion 36kb2b and the guide portion 36kb2c of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 so as to engage with the second tilt-regulating portion 36kb2. The coupling member 180 is maintained at the second tilt attitude D2.

[00241] Thereafter, the developing cartridge B1 is moved in the disassembly direction in the assembly and disassembly path XH1 provided by the drive side guide member 92 and the non-drive side guide member 93, and is withdrawn from the device of main assembly A1.

[00242] As described in the foregoing, in this embodiment, the developing cartridge B1 is provided with a movable member (coupling lever 55 and coupling lever spring 56) in the wide sense in order to apply the pushing force to the coupling member 180. Therefore, the coupling member 180 is capable of tilting to the second tilt attitude D2. That is to say, the tilting direction of the coupling member 180 caused by the coupling lever 55 may be the direction of the assembly and disassembly path X2a of the developing cartridge B1. Furthermore, the rotation of the coupling lever 55 is related to the assembly and disassembly operation of the developing cartridge B1 by the user.

[00243] As described in the foregoing, in this embodiment, the developing cartridge B1 is provided with the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 for applying the pushing force to the coupling member 180. With this structure, the member of coupling 180 is capable of taking the second tilt attitude D2 inclined by the pushing forces of the coupling lever 55 as the moving member in the narrow sense and the coupling spring 85 as the pushing member, and the first tilt attitude D1 inclined only by the pushing force of the coupling spring 85 as the driving member. Furthermore, the coupling member 180 is capable of engaging with the main mounting side drive member 100 of the developing cartridge B1 mounting process, making the tilt direction provided by the thrust forces of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling spring 85 equal to the mounting and dismounting direction of the developing cartridge. Furthermore, the rotation of the coupling lever 55 is related to the assembly and disassembly operation of the developing cartridge B1 by the user. (7) Contact and spacing lever as movable member:

[00244] Referring to part (a) of Figure 25, the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 as the drive side movable member will be described. Part (a) of Figure 25 is a sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the drive side, illustrating the contact lever and drive side spacing 70 and peripheral configuration thereof.

[00245] As shown in part (a) of Figure 25, the drive side spacing and contact lever 70 comprises a first contact surface 70a, a second contact surface 70b, a third contact surface 70c, a supported portion 70d, a drive side regulating boundary 70e and a first projected portion 70f. The supported portion 70d of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 is rotatably supported by a support portion 36c of the drive side disclosure device bearing 36. More particularly, by the engagement between the bore of the supported portion 70d of the lever drive side contact and spacing lever 70 with the projection of the support portion 36c of the drive side revealing device bearing 36, the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 is rotatably supported (arrow direction N9) on the projection of the support portion 36c. In this embodiment, the support portion 36c of the drive-side developing device bearing 36 is parallel with a rotational axis L0 of the developing roller 13. The drive-side contact and spacing lever 70 is rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis L0 of the developing roller 13.

[00246] The drive side contact and spacing lever 70 contacts an end portion 71d of the drive side reveal push spring 71 as a first elastic portion, which is a compression spring, to a third contact surface 70c . The other end portion 71e of the drive side developing push spring 71 contacts a contact surface 36d of the drive side developing device bearing 36. As a result, the driving side contact and spacing lever 70 receives the force in the direction of an arrow N16 of the drive side revealing push spring 71 on the third contact surface 70c. The direction of thrust of the drive side developing push spring 71 is such as to drive the first contact surface 70a of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 away from the developing roller 13 (N16). The spontaneous state of the developing cartridge B1, that is, the state before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly A1, the drive side regulating limit 70e comes into contact with a regulating portion 36b provided in the processing device bearing. drive side reveal 36.

[00247] Referring to part (b) of Figure 25, the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 as the non-drive side movable member will be described. The non-drive side and the drive side have similar structures.

[00248] Part (b) of Figure 25 is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the non-drive side. However, for the convenience of illustrating the contact lever and non-drive side spacing 72, some parts are omitted.

[00249] As shown in part (b) of Figure 25, the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 comprises a first non-drive side contact surface 72a, a second non-drive side contact surface 72b, a third non-drive side contact surface 72c, a supported portion 72d, a non-drive side regulating boundary 72e, and a first non-drive side projecting portion 72f. By the supporting portion 46f of the non-drive side revealing device bearing 46, the supported portion 72d of the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 is supported. More particularly, by engagement between the bore of the supported portion 72d of the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 and the projection of the support portion 46f of the non-drive side disclosure device bearing 46, the contact and side spacing lever non-drive side 72 is rotatably supported on the projection of the support portion 46f (arrow direction NH9). In this embodiment, the supporting portion 46f of the non-drive side developing device bearing 46 is parallel with the rotational axis L0 of the developing roller 13. That is, the non-driven side developing contact and spacing lever 72 is rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis L0 of the developing roller 13.

[00250] The non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 contacts an end portion 73e of the non-drive side reveal push spring 73 with the second elastic portion, which is a compression spring, on the third contact surface of non-drive side 72c. The other end portion 73d of the non-drive side development drive spring 73 contacts a contact surface 46g of the non-drive side development device bearing 46. As a result, the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 receives the force FH10 in the direction of an arrow NH16 of the non-drive side revealing push spring 73 on the third non-drive side contact surface 72c. The direction of the pushing force provided by the non-drive side developing push spring 73 is such that the first contact surface 72a of the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 is away from the developing roller 13 (arrow NH16). In the spontaneous state of the developing cartridge B1, that is, before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly A1, the non-drive side regulating limit 72e comes into contact with a regulating portion 46e provided in the developing device bearing. sideways without drive 46.

[00251] The pushing force F10 of the drive side reveal push spring 71 and the pushing force FH10 of the non-drive side reveal push spring 73 are different from each other. The third drive side contact surface 70c and the third non-drive side contact surface 72c are provided at different angles. They can be selected correctly in consideration of the properties of the peripheral structures such that a pushing force from the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10 is suitable, as will be described below. In this embodiment, the influence of the moment M6 (part (a) of Figure 29) applied to the developing cartridge 13 when the driving force is received from the main assembly A1 to rotate the developing roller 13 is taken into account, and the following is satisfied: F10 < FH10.

[00252] That is, the pushing force on the non-drive side is greater than the pushing force on the driving side.

[00253] The drive side contact and spacing lever 70 is arranged on a side opposite to the side where the photosensitive drum 10 is provided, with respect to a line Z30 passing through the center 13z of the developing roller 13 in parallel with the direction assembly X2 (Figure 18) from the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 (lower side in this embodiment). The first projected portion 70f of the drive-side contact and spacing lever 70 is designed in addition to outer configurations of the developing container 16, the drive-side developing device bearing 36, and the developing support cover 34 (Figure 10 ), as seen in the longitudinal direction. The projection direction (arrow M2) of the first projected portion 70f intersects with a movement direction (arrows N9, N10) of the contact lever and drive side spacing 70 and an arrow direction N6 (part (a) of Figure 29 ) in which the developing cartridge B1 is movable.

[00254] The first projected portion 70f has the first contact surface 70a on the opposite side of the developing roller 13 as seen from the supported portion 70d of the contact lever and drive side spacing 70. Although details will be described next, when the developing roller 13 is to be clamped against the photosensitive drum 10, a second contact surface 150b of the drive side device pushing member 150 and the first contact surface 70a of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 contact each other (part (a) of Figure 29).

[00255] The free end of the first projected portion 70f is provided with a spacing force receiving portion 70g projecting into the developing roller 13 and intersecting with the projection direction (arrow M2) of the first projected portion 70f. The spacing force receiving portion 70g has the second contact surface 70b. Although the details will be described next, when the developing roller 13 is to be spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 (Figure 30), a first contact surface 150a of the drive side device push member 150 and the contact surface 70b of contact lever and drive side spacing 70 are in contact with each other.

[00256] Referring to part (b) of Figure 25, the configuration of the contact lever and non-drive side spacing 72 will be described in detail. Similarly to the drive side described above, the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 is provided on a side opposite to the side where the photosensitive drum 10 is provided, with respect to a line Z30 crossing the center 13z of the developing roller 13 and parallel with the assembly direction X2 of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 (bottom side in this embodiment). A first projecting portion 72f of the non-drive side spacing and contact lever 72 projects beyond the outer configurations of the developing container 16 and the non-drive side developing device bearing 46 as viewed in the longitudinal direction. The projection direction (arrow MH2) of the first projected portion 72f intersects with the movement direction (arrows NH9, NH10) of the non-drive side spacing and contact lever 72 and an arrow M1 (part (a) of Figure 29), which is a direction of movement of the B1 developing cartridge.

[00257] The first projected portion 72f has the first contact surface 72a on an opposite side of the developing roller 13 as seen from the supported portion 72d of the contact lever and non-drive side spacing 72. Although details will be described next, When the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10, a second contact surface 151b of the non-drive side device pushing member 151 and the first contact surface 72a of the non-drive side spacing and contact lever 72 contact one to the other (Figure 31).

[00258] The free end of the first projected portion 72f is provided with a spacing force receiving portion 72g projecting into the developing roller 13 and intersecting with the projection direction (arrow M3) of the first projected portion 72f of the developing container 16. The spacing force receiving portion 72g has the second contact surface 72b. Although the details will be described next, when the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 (Figure 31), a first contact surface 151a of the drive member 151 and the second contact surface 72b of the contact lever and spacing of non-drive side 72 contact each other.

[00259] Referring to Figure 26, the positions of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 will be described. Figure 26 is a front view of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the developing roller 13. In this Figure, the parts in the vicinity of a supporting portion 36a of the drive side developing device bearing 36 supporting a supporting portion 36a of the drive side developing device bearing 36 drive 13a of the developing roller 13, the supporting portion 46f of the non-driven side developing device bearing 46 supporting a non-driven side supporting portion 13c of the developing roller 13 are shown in sectional view. As described in the foregoing, the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 is provided on the drive side end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. The non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 is provided on the non-drive side end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. The drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 are rotatable independently of each other (arrows N9 and N10 in part (a) of Figure 25, and arrows NH9 and NH10 in part (b) of Figure 25).

[00260] The drive-side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 is supported by the supporting portion 36a of the drive-side developing device bearing 36 in the position outside a drive-side end portion L13bk of the strip. image formation L13b with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. The non-driven side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 is supported by the supporting portion 46f of the non-driven side developing device bearing 46 in the position outside the non-drive side end portion L13bh of the imaging strip L13b, with respect to the longitudinal direction. The drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 are at least partially overlapping with a total length L13a of the developing roller 13. Furthermore, they are provided outside the forming range image L13b of developer roller 13.

[00261] In other words, the drive-side spacing and contact lever 70 and the drive-side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 are at least partially overlapping with an area L14k sandwiched between the drive-side end portion 13a of the developing roller 13. drive L13bk of the imaging region L13b and a drive side end portion L13ak of the full length L13a of the developing roller 13. Therefore, the drive side spacing and contact lever 70 and the drive side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 are placed close to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[00262] Furthermore, the non-drive side spacing and contact lever 72 and the driven side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 at least partially overlap with an area L14h sandwiched between the non-drive end end portion L13bh of the imaging region L13b and a non-drive side end portion L13ah of the overall length L13a of the developing roller 13. Therefore, the non-drive side spacing and contact lever 72 and the drive side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 are placed close to each other in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13.

[00263] In this embodiment, as the structure for contacting and spacing the developing roller 13, the rotary lever (70, 72) is used, but this structure is not restricted to the present invention, if it is capable of contacting and spacing the developing roller disclosure 13, and may be a sliding member, for example. In this embodiment, as the structure for contacting and spacing the developing roller 13, the spring (71, 73) is used, but another elastic member such as rubber or the like can be used. Furthermore, such an elastic member may not be used, if relative accuracy for the contact spacing mechanism of the main assembly is ensured. Contact structure and spacing

[00264] Clamping structure and spacing of developing device in the main assembly of the device

[00265] The clamping structure and spacing of developing device in the main assembly of the apparatus will be described.

[00266] Part (a) of Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side side plate 90 of the main assembly A1 as seen from the non-drive side, and part (b) of Figure 27 is a side view thereof as seen on the non-drive side. Part (a) of Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the non-drive side side plate 91 of the main assembly A1 as viewed from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 28 is a side view thereof as viewed from the drive side. drive.

[00267] As shown in Figure 27, the main assembly A1 includes the drive side guide member 92 and the drive side swing guide 80 for mounting and dismounting the developing cartridge B1 relative to the main assembly A1. The drive side guide member 92 and the drive side swing guide 80 guide the drive side guiding portion 34d of the developing cartridge B1 when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly (Figure 19). .

[00268] As shown in part (a) of Figure 27, a positioned portion (portion to be positioned) 92d and a rotationally regulated portion (portion to be rotated regulated) 92e are supported by a positioning portion 90a in the form of a hole provided in the drive side side plate 90 and a rotation regulating portion 90b, respectively. The drive side guide member 92 is positioned and secured relative to the drive side plate 90 by means of fastening such as a screw (not shown) or the like. Furthermore, the drive side swing guide 80 is supported by a cylindrical supported projection 80g engaging with a supporting portion 90c in the form of a hole provided in the drive side side plate 90. Therefore, the drive side swing guide drive side plate 90.

[00269] In the preceding description, the supporting portion 90c provided on the drive side plate 90 is in the form of the hole (recess), and correspondingly, the supported projection 80g provided on the drive side swing guide 80 is in the form of a a projection, but this is not limiting to the present invention, and the projection and recess may be interchanged.

[00270] Furthermore, between a projection 80h of the drive-side swing guide 80 and a projection 90d of the drive-side side plate 90, a drive-side pushing means 76 is provided, which is a tension spring. . The drive side swing guide 80 is urged by the drive side pushing means 76 in the direction of decreasing the distance between the projection 80h of the drive side swing guide 80 and the projection 90d of the drive side plate 90 (arrow direction N6).

[00271] Additionally, the main assembly A1 includes the drive-side device pushing member 150 for contacting and spacing the developing roller 13 relative to the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. The drive-side device pushing member 150 it is supported by a bottom plate (not shown) so as to be movable in directions indicated by arrow N7 and arrow N8.

[00272] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 28, the main assembly A1 includes the non-drive side guide member 93 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 for mounting and dismounting the developing cartridge B1 relative to the main assembly. TO 1. The non-drive side guide member 93 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 guide the non-drive side guided portion 46d of the developing cartridge B1 when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted in the main assembly (Figure 19). .

[00273] As shown in part (a) of Figure 28, a positioned portion 93d in the form of a projecting projection of the non-drive side guide member 93 and a rotationally regulated portion 93e are supported by a positioning portion 91a in the form of a hole provided in the non-drive side plate 91 and a rotation regulating portion 91b, respectively. By the structure, the non-drive side guide member 93 is supported by the non-drive side plate 91. The non-drive side guide member 93 is positioned and secured relative to the non-drive side plate 91 by means of fastening such like a screw (not shown). Furthermore, a cylindrical supported projection 81g of the non-drive side swing guide 81 is engaged with a supporting portion 91c in the form of a hole provided in the non-drive side plate 91. Therefore, the non-drive side swing guide drive 81 is supported by the non-drive side plate 91 rotatably (arrow N5 and arrow N6).

[00274] In the preceding description, the supporting portion 91c provided on the non-drive side side plate 91 is in the form of a hole (recess), and the supported projection 81g provided on the non-drive side swing guide 81 is in the form of a a projection. However, this structure of recess and projection is not limiting, and the recess and projection can be interchanged.

[00275] Furthermore, a non-drive side pushing means 77 in the form of a tension spring is provided between a projection 81h of the non-drive side swing guide 81 and a projection 91d of the non-drive side side plate 91. The non-driven side swing guide 81 is urged by the non-driven side pushing means 77 in the direction of decreasing the distance between the projection 81h of the non-driven side swing guide 81 and the projection 91d of the non-driven side guide member. drive 91 (arrow direction N6).

[00276] Similarly to the drive side, the main assembly A1 includes the non-drive side device pushing member 151 for contacting and spacing the developing roller 13 relative to the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. The side device pushing member no drive 151 is supported by the bottom plate (not shown) of the main assembly A so as to be movable in the directions indicated by arrow N7 and arrow N8.

[00277] Tightening and spacing of developing device relative to the photosensitive drum

[00278] The tightness and spacing of the developing roller 13 relative to the photosensitive drum 10 will be described. Drive mechanism The structure of the developing roller 13 will be described.

[00279] Part (a) of Figure 29 is a side view showing the state in which the developing roller 13 in the developing cartridge B1 supported by the drive side swing guide 80 is contacted with the photosensitive drum 10. Part (c) of Figure 29 is a detailed illustration of the parts around the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 shown in part (a) of Figure 29, in which the drive side swing guide 80 and the reveal side cover 34 are omitted for better illustration.

[00280] In this embodiment, a so-called contact type developing system is employed in which the developing roller 13 carrying the developer t is contacted directly to the photosensitive drum 10 to develop the electrostatic latent image in the photosensitive drum 10.

[00281] The developing roller 13 includes the shaft portion 13e and the rubber portion 13d. The shaft portion 13e is made of electroconductive aluminum or the like and has a long cylindrical shape, and the longitudinally central portion is covered with the rubber portion 13d (Figure 6). The rubber portion 13d covers the shaft portion 13e such that the outer configuration thereof is coaxial with the shaft portion 13e. In the cylinder of the shaft portion 13e, the magnet roller 12 is provided. The rubber portion 13d carries the developer t to the peripheral surface thereof, and the shaft portion 13e is provided with a polarizing electrical voltage. By contacting the rubber portion 13d carrying the developer t to the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, the electrostatic latent image is developed on the photosensitive drum 10.

[00282] A mechanism for clamping the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined contact pressure will be described.

[00283] As described above, the drive side swing guide 80 is oscilably supported relative to the drive side side plate 90 in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6. The non-drive side swing guide 81 is oscilably supported relative to the non-drive side side plate 91 in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6. As described above, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned relative to the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is swingable in the main assembly A1 in the directions indicated by the arrow. N5 and arrow N6 (Figure 31).

[00284] In such a state, as shown in part (a) of Figure 29 and part (c) of Figure 29, the second contact surface 150b of the thrust member 150 and the first contact surface 70a of the contact and spacing lever drive side 70 contact each other. Therefore, the lever 70 is rotated in the direction of arrow N9 in part (c) of Figure 29 against the pushing force of the drive side reveal thrust spring 71. The third contact surface 70c of the lever 70 compresses a spring 71 and receives a pushing force F10a from the spring 71. As a result, the lever 70 is applied by a moment M10 in a direction of an arrow N10. Because of the contact between the second contact surface 150b of the pushing member 150 and the first contact surface 70a of the lever 70, the first contact surface 70a of the lever 70 receives a force F11 from the second contact surface 150b of the pushing member of drive side device 150 so that a moment balancing with the moment M10 is applied to the lever 70. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 receives the external force F11. As described previously, between the projection 80h of the drive-side swing guide 80 and the projection 90d of the drive-side side plate 90, the drive-side pushing means 76 is provided, and a pushing force is applied in a direction of an arrow N12. Therefore, to the developing cartridge B1 positioned by the drive side swing guide 80, the external force F12 in the direction of arrow N12 is applied.

[00285] That is, the developing cartridge B1 receives the moment M6 in such a direction (arrow N5) that the developing roller 13 approaches the photosensitive drum 10 by the force F11 given by the drive side developing drive spring 71 and the force F12 given by the drive side pushing means 76. Therefore, the elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure.

[00286] Part (a) of Figure 31 is a side view showing the state in which the developing roller 13 of the developing cartridge B1 supported by the non-driven side swing guide 81 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. Part ( c) of Figure 31 shows the details of the parts in the vicinity of the contact lever and drive side spacing 72 of part (a) of Figure 31, in which the non-drive side swing guide 81 and the developing device bearing non-drive side 46 are partially omitted for better illustration.

[00287] The non-drive side has a similar structure to the drive side, and as shown in part (a) of Figure 31 and part (c) of Figure 31, the developing cartridge B1 receives the external force FH11 and FH12 by the spring non-drive side development drive 73 and non-drive side drive means 77. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 receives such a moment (M6) that the developing roller 13 approaches the photosensitive drum 10 (arrow N6 ). As a result, the elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 can be pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure.

[00288] As shown in part (b) of Figure 29, the third contact surface 70c of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 contacted to an end portion 70d of the drive side reveal push spring 71 is disposed between the supported portion 70d of the contact lever and drive side spacing 70 and the first contact surface 70a with respect to a projection direction M2. That is, the relationship between a distance W10 from the supported portion 70d to the third contact surface 70c and a distance W11 from the supported portion 70d to the first contact surface 70a is as follows: W10 < W11.

[00289] Therefore, if the movement distance of the first contact surface 70a is W12, a movement distance W13 of the third contact surface 70c satisfies, W13 < W12,

[00290] where W13=W12 ((W10/W11).

[00291] Therefore, if there is an error in the positional accuracy of the drive side device push member 150, the change in the amount of compression of the drive side reveal drive spring 71 is less than the error of the positional accuracy of the drive side device pushing member 150. As a result, the accuracy of the pushing force for pressure contacting the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10 can be improved. The structures on the non-drive side are similar, and therefore, similar effect can be provided.

[00292] As previously described, in the longitudinal direction, the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 are overlapped with at least the full length strip L13a of the developing roller 13 (Figure 26). Therefore, the positional difference in the longitudinal direction between the first contact surfaces 70a and 72a of the drive side spacing and contact lever 70 receiving the external force F11 (part (a) of Figure 29) and the side spacing lever without drive 72 receiving the external force FH11 (Figure 31) and the drive side supported portion 13a and the non-drive side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 can be reduced. As a result, the moment applied to the drive side developer bearing 36 and the non-drive side developer bearing 46 can be suppressed. Therefore, the developing roller 13 can be efficiently pressure-contacted with the photosensitive drum.

[00293] The rotational movements of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 (arrows N9 and N10 in part (a) of Figure 29, and arrows NH9, NH10 in Figure 31) can be done independently of each other. Therefore, the position of the drive-side device pushing member 150 in the direction of arrows N7, N8 and the position of the non-drive-side device pushing member 151 in the direction of arrows NH7, NH8 when the developing roller 13 is contacted by pressure to the photosensitive drum 10 can be determined independently. Furthermore, it is unnecessary for the directions of rotation of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 (arrows N9, N10 in part (a) of Figure 29, and arrows NH9 , NH10 in Figure 31) are the same. As a result, the magnitudes and directions of the driving forces F11 and FH11 for driving the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side and the non-drive side can be correctly fixed, respectively. Furthermore, even when there is a relative error between the positions of the drive-side device pushing member 150 and the non-drive-side device pushing member 151, the driving forces F11, FH11 are not influenced by this. As a result, the contact pressure between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be made accurate.

[00294] A position of the developing cartridge B1 with which the developing roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 10 and the electrostatic latent image in the photosensitive drum 10 can be developed is called the developing position (contact position). On the other hand, the position of the developing cartridge B1 with which the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 is called the retracted position (spaced position). The B1 development cartridge is capable of selecting the development position (contact position) and the retracted position (space position), through a mechanism that will be described below.

Spacing mechanism

[00295] Part (a) of Figure 30 is an illustration of the state of the developing cartridge B1 when the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 switch from the contact state to the spaced state. Part (c) of Figure 30 is a detailed illustration of the parts around the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 shown in part (a) of Figure 30, in which the drive side swing guide 80 and the cover developing side 34 are omitted for better illustration.

[00296] Part (b) of Figure 30 is an illustration of the spaced state of the developing cartridge B1, in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart from each other. Part (c) of Figure 30 is a detailed illustration of the parts around the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 shown in part (a) of Figure 30, in which the drive side swing guide 80 and the cover developing side 34 are omitted for better illustration.

[00297] In the case of a contact type development system as in this embodiment, if the development roller 13 is always in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 (Figure 29), there is a probability that the rubber portion 13b of the development roller revelation 13 becomes deformed. For this reason, it is preferable that the development roller 13 is kept spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 for the period without development. Therefore, it is preferred that the state in which the developing roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in Figure 29, and the state in which the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in part (b) of Figure 30 can be taken.

[00298] The drive side contact and spacing lever 70 is provided with a surface to be spaced 70g projecting towards the developing roller 13. The surface to be spaced 70g is engageable with the first 150a provided on a drive member of drive side device 82 of main assembly A1. The drive side thrust member 150 receives a driving force from a motor (not shown) to move in the directions of arrow N7 and arrow N8.

[00299] The description will be made of the operation of switching to the spaced state, in which the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10. In the contact state between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 shown in Figure 29, the first 150a and the surface to be spaced 70g are spaced from each other by an opening δ5.

[00300] On the other hand, part (a) of Figure 30 shows the state in which the drive side thrust member 150 has moved in the direction of arrow N8 by a distance δ6, in which the first 70a of the contact lever and spacing of drive side 70 and the second 150b of the drive side thrust member 150 are spaced apart. At this time, the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 receives the pushing force F10 from the drive side revealing push spring 71 and rotates about the supported portion 70d in the direction of arrow N10, so that a regulating limit 70e of the drive side spacing and contact lever 70 and the regulating portion 36b of the drive side bearing member 36 are contacted with each other. Therefore, the attitude of the contact lever and drive side spacing 70 is definitively determined.

[00301] Part (b) of Figure 30 shows the state in which the drive side thrust member 150 has moved in the direction of arrow N8 by a distance δ7. By moving the drive side thrust member 150 in the direction of arrow N8, the surface to be spaced 70g from the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the first 150a of the drive side thrust member 150 contact each other. other. At this time, the regulating limit 70e of the drive-side contact and spacing lever 70 and the regulating portion 36b of the drive-side bearing member 36 contact each other, and therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is moved in the direction of arrow N8. The position of the developing cartridge B1 is determined by the drive side oscillation guide 80 oscillatingly supported in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6. Therefore, by the drive side thrust member 150 moving in the direction of arrow N8, the developing cartridge B1 is moved in the direction of arrow N5. At this time, the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 by an opening δ8.

[00302] The structures on the non-drive side are the same as those described above, and as shown in parts (b) and (d) of Figure 31, the non-drive side thrust member 151 is moved in the direction of arrow N7 for a distance δh7 in the state that the non-drive side contact and spacing lever 72 and the non-drive side thrust member 151 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 rotates in the direction of arrow N5 on the supported projection 81g of an oscillating guide 81. As a result, the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 by the distance δ8.

[00303] As described above, depending on the positions of the drive side thrust member 150 and the non-drive side thrust member 151 provided in the main assembly A1, the contact state or the spaced state between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, that is, the developing position (contact position) and the retracted position (space position) of the developing cartridge B1 can be selected as desired.

[00304] When the position changes from the contact state between the developing roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 13 shown in part (a) of Figure 29 to the spaced state between the developing roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 13 shown in part ( b) of Figure 30, the drive side oscillation guide 80 and the developing cartridge B1 rotate integrally. Therefore, the guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is maintained in the retracted state of the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 (part (b) of Figure 30).

[00305] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in part (b) of Figure 30, when the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10, the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 is out of contact with the lever 55, but comes into contact with the guide portion 185d of the coupling spring 185. Therefore, the coupling member 180 receives the force F1 to take the first tilt attitude D1 described above.

[00306] Movement of the coupling member in interrelationship with the operation from the contact state to the spaced state

[00307] Referring to Figure 32 and Figure 33, the description will be made about the movement of the coupling member 180 in interrelation with the contact operation and the spacing operation between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13.

[00308] First, the release operation between the coupling member 180 and the main mounting side drive member 100 at the time when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) changes from the spaced state to the contact state will be described.

[00309] Figure 32 illustrates an engagement state between the coupling member 180 and the main assembly drive member 100 in a contacted developing device state and a spaced developing device state.

[00310] Figure 33 is an illustration of the engagement states of the coupling member 180 and the main assembly drive member 100 in the contacted developing device state and the spaced developing device state.

33 The developing roller 13 of the developing cartridge B1 is in the contacted developing device state, in which it is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure. As shown in part (a) of Figure 32, the attitude of the coupling member 180 is the reference attitude D0. At this time, the developing cartridge B1 is in the engagement position in which a rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 is engaged with the rotational force applying portion 100a of the main mounting side drive member 100, and the drive transmission (engine rotation (not shown)) from the main mounting side drive member 100 to the coupling member 180 is enabled.

[00312] Furthermore, the guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is kept completely retracted from the portion to be guided 180d of the coupling member 180 (Figure 11). This is because, as described above, the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 contacts the limiting portion 80y of the drive side swing guide 80, and therefore, rotation in the direction of the arrow X11 about the rotational axis L11 of this is limited (Figure 11).

[00313] Then, the description will be made about the attitude of the coupling member 180 in the process of changing the developing cartridge B1 from the contacted developing device state to the spaced developing device state.

[00314] As shown in part (b) of Figure 33, when the imaging operation is completed, the drive side thrust member 150 and the non-drive side thrust member 151 (not shown) move in direction of arrow N8. When the drive side push member 150 moves in the direction of arrow N8, the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 rotates in the direction of arrow N10 by the pushing force of the drive side reveal drive spring 71 (part (b) of Figure 33). When the drive side thrust member 150 in the direction indicated by arrow N8 moves further from the state in which the contact regulating portion 70e of the drive side contact and spacing lever 70 and the positioning portion 36b of the device bearing drive-side developing cartridge 36 contact each other, the developing cartridge B1 and the drive-side rocking guide 80 move integrally in the direction indicated by arrow N5 over the supported projection 80g of the drive-side rocking guide 80 .

[00315] The description described above applies to the non-drive side, that is, the developing cartridge B1 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 move integrally in the direction of arrow N5 over the supported projection 81g of the swing guide drive side 81.

[00316] Therefore, the state of spaced developing device in which the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 is established. The developing cartridge B1 and the drive side swing guide 80 move integrally. Therefore, even in the state shown in part (b) of Figure 33, the guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is kept completely retracted from the to-be-guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. This is because, as described above, the limiting portion 80y is integral with the drive side swing guide 80 (Figure 21). And then on the one hand, the coupling member 180 receives the pushing force from the coupling spring 185. Therefore, as shown in part (b) of Figure 32, with the movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the spaced, the axis L2 of the coupling member 180 gradually tilts from the reference attitude D0 to the first tilt attitude D1. Then, the developing cartridge B1 further rotates in the direction indicated by arrow N5, and the tilting movement of the coupling member 180 is completed when the state shown in part (c) of Figure 33 is established. At this time, as previously described, the phase regulating protrusion 180e of the coupling member 180 engages with the first tilt regulating portion 36kb1 of the drive side revealing device bearing 36 (Figure 11), so that the axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is maintained at the first tilt attitude D1. As described in the foregoing, in the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180, the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A1. In other words, as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the coupling member 180 is inclined towards the developing roller 13. In the state shown in part (c) of Figure 33, the developing cartridge B1 is in the release position to disengage the rotational force receiving portion 180a from the rotational force applying portion 100a of the main mounting drive member 100. Therefore, motor force (not shown) is not transmitted from the main mounting drive member 100 to the coupling member.

[00317] In this embodiment, the state shown in part (a) of Figure 33 is the attitude of the developing cartridge B1 for the image formation operation. The coupling member 180 is engaged with the main assembly drive member 100, and the driving force can be applied from the main assembly A1. As previously described, in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 33, from the position shown in part (b) of Figure 33, and from the position shown in part (c) of Figure 33, the coupling member 180 is disengaged from the main assembly drive member 100. In other words, when the developing cartridge B1 moves from the contact state to the spaced state, the drive input from the main assembly A1 to the developing cartridge B1 is cut. While the developing roller 13 of the developing cartridge B1 is moving away from the photosensitive drum 10, the main assembly drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 continues to rotate. Therefore, the developing roller 13 can be spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 while rotating.

[00318] Movement of the coupling member in interrelationship with the operation from the spaced state to the contact state

[00319] The description will be made of an engagement operation between the coupling member 180 and the main mounting side drive member 100 when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) moves from the contact state to the spaced state .

[00320] The developing contact operation of the developing cartridge B1 is the opposite of the developing device spacing operation described above. In the state shown in part (b) of Figure 33, the developing cartridge B1 is in the release position in which the rotational force receiving portion 180a as the free end portion of the coupling member 180 is disengaged from the rotational force applying portion. 100a of the main assembly drive member 100. In the state shown in part (b) of Figure 33, the drive side thrust member 150 and the non-drive side thrust member 151 have moved to the direction indicated by arrow N7 , of the state shown in part (c) of Figure 33. By the pushing force of the drive-side pushing means 76 described above (Figure 32 and Figure 33), the developing cartridge B1 and the drive-side swing guide 80 rotate fully in the direction of arrow N6. The same applies to the non-drive side. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 changes from the spaced state to the contact state. Shown in part (b) of Figure 32 is the partial state of movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the spaced state to the contact state. Furthermore, the annular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 contacts the main mounting side drive member 100. More particularly, the conical portion 180g as the recess provided within the annular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 contacts the projection 100g provided to the free end of the axis of the main mounting side drive member 100. From the state shown in part (c) of Figure 32 to the state shown in part (b) of Figure 32, the rotational axis L2 of the side mounting member 100. coupling 180 remains inclined towards the main mounting side drive member 100, and therefore, the coupling member 180 can easily engage with the main mounting side drive shaft 100.

[00321] When the drive side thrust member 150 and the non-drive side thrust member 151 are further moved in the direction of arrow N7 from the state shown in part (b) of Figure 32, the engagement between the coupling member 180 and the main assembly drive member 100 is completed as shown in part (a) of Figure 32. At this time, the developing cartridge B1 is placed in the engagement position in which the rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2 of the portion free end portions 180a of the coupling member 180 are engaged with the rotational force-applying portions 100a1, 100a2 of the main assembly drive member 100, and the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0. The process of changing the attitude of the coupling member 180 from the first pitch attitude D1 to the reference attitude D0 is similar to the process of changing the attitude of the coupling member 180 from the second pitch attitude D2 to the reference attitude D0 at the time when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted to the main assembly A1 (Figure 22).

[00322] In this embodiment, before the state shown in part (b) of Figure 33 in which engagement between the coupling member 180 and the main assembly drive member 100 begins, the main assembly drive member 100 is started. rotating by a drive signal from the main assembly A1. Therefore, halfway through the movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the state shown in part (c) of Figure 33 to the state shown in part (b) of Figure 33 and part (a) of Figure 33, the coupling member 180 engages with the main assembly drive member 100 to receive the drive force. In other words, partially from the movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the spaced state to the contact state, the driving force is applied to the developing cartridge B1 of the main assembly A1. Before the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 contact each other, the main assembly drive member 100 of the main assembly A1 has already rotated. As a result, the already rotating developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

[00323] If only one motor is provided in the main assembly A1, it is necessary for the drive transmission mechanism to be provided with a clutch mechanism to selectively disconnect the drive transmission to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 13 of the motor, the in order to disconnect the transmission of rotational force to the developing roller 13 while transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum 10. However, according to this embodiment, the engagement and disengagement between the coupling member 180 and the side drive member main assembly 100 are established in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the spaced state and in the process of moving from the spaced state to the contact state. For this reason, it is unnecessary to provide a clutch mechanism in the A1 main assembly or the B1 developing cartridge, and therefore, low cost and space savings are realized in the B1 developing cartridge and the A1 main assembly.

[00324] According to this embodiment, even in the case that the assembly and disassembly directions relative to the main assembly A1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are different from the developing space/space directions, the coupling member is engageable both in the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 and in the operation of contacting the developer-bearing member with the photosensitive member in the main assembly A1. Or, changing the tilt attitude of the coupling member 180 is related to the assembly and disassembly operation by the user, whereby the utility property in assembly and disassembly of the developing cartridge B1 is not affected. With such structures, the latitude in the design of the A1 electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be improved, and the structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be simplified, reducing size and cost.

Implementation 2

[00325] In Embodiment 1, the developing cartridge B901 and the drum cartridge C901 are respective members, but such a structure is not restrictive to the present invention. For example, the present invention is applicable to a P process cartridge fully including the B901 developing cartridge and the C901 drum cartridge.

[00326] Referring to Figures 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42, the embodiment of the present invention using a process cartridge will be described. With respect to this embodiment, the description will be made about structures different from those of the preceding embodiment, and the detailed description is omitted using similar names of parts as in the preceding embodiment in the case that they have similar functions and structures. More particularly, in Embodiment 1, the coupling lever 955 and the coupling lever spring 956 are provided in the drive side side cover 34, but in Embodiment 2, they are provided in the drive side drum bearing 930. In addition Furthermore, the coupling spring 985 is provided in the drive side revealing device bearing 936 similarly to Embodiment 1.

[00327] Details will be described.

[00328] Figure 34 shows the coupling lever 955 and the coupling lever spring 956 provided in the drive side drum bearing 930.

[00329] Figure 35 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of the developing cartridge B901 and the drum cartridge C901 integrally with each other in a process cartridge P.

[00330] Figure 36 is a view illustrating an oscillating movement of the developing cartridge B901 relative to the drum cartridge C901, as seen from the drive side.

[00331] Figure 37 illustrates the attitudes of the coupling lever 955 and the coupling member 980 on the P process cartridge.

[00332] With respect to the developing cartridge B901, the drum cartridge C901 and the electrophotographic image forming process operations are the same with Embodiment 1, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

[00333] Assembly of coupling lever 955 and coupling lever spring 956 on drive side drum bearing 930

[00334] First, the description will be made of the structures of the drive side drum bearing 930, the coupling lever 955 and the coupling spring lever 956 provided in the drive side end portion of the drum frame 921.

[00335] As shown in Figure 34, the coupling lever 955 and the coupling lever spring 956 are provided on the inside of the drive side drum bearing 930 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. More particularly , a lever positioning projection 930m of the drive side drum bearing 930 is engaged with a bore portion 955c of the coupling lever 955, such that the coupling lever 955 is supported by the drive side drum bearing 930 rotatably about a rotational axis L911. Coupling lever spring 956 is a braided helical spring and has one end engaged with coupling lever 955 and the other end engaged with drive side drum bearing 930. More particularly, an operating arm 956a of spring 956 is engaged with a spring hook portion 955b of the lever 955. A fixed arm 956c of the spring 956 is engaged with a spring hook portion 930s of the drive side drum bearing 930 (part (c) of Figure 34).

[00336] Assembly of lever 955 and spring 956 to drive side drum bearing 930 will be described. First, a positioning portion 956d of the spring 956 is placed coaxially with the cylindrical projection 955a of the lever 955 (part (a) of Figure 34). At this time, the operating arm 956a of the spring 956 is engaged with the spring hook portion 955b of the lever 955. Furthermore, the fixed arm 956c of the spring 956 is deformed in the direction of an arrow X911 about the rotational axis L911. Then, the bore portion 955c of the lever 955 is provided around the lever positioning projection 930m of the drive side drum bearing 930 (parts (a) and (b) of Figure 34). In the fitting, a retaining portion 955d of the lever 955 and a to-be-retained portion 930n of the drive side drum bearing 930 are not interfered with each other by the positions thereof. More particularly, as shown in part (b) of Figure 34, as viewed in the longitudinal direction, the retaining portion 955d of the lever 955 and the to-be-retained portion 930n of the drive side drum bearing 930 are not overlapping each other.

[00337] In the state shown in part (b) of Figure 34, as described previously, the fixed arm 956c of spring 956 is deformed in the direction of arrow X911. From the state shown in part (b) of Figure 34, the deformation of the fixed arm 956c of the spring 956 is released whereby the fixed arm 956c is engaged with the spring hook portion 930s of the drive side drum bearing 930, as shown in part (c) of Figure 34 (parts (c) and (d) of Figure 34). By the foregoing, the assembly of the lever 955 and the spring 956 to the drive side drum bearing 930 is completed.

[00338] At this time, the retaining portion 955d of the lever 955 is overlapped with the to-be-retained portion 930n of the drive side drum bearing 930 as seen in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. That is, the lever 955 is prevented in movement in the longitudinal direction, but is permitted in rotation about the rotational axis X911.

[00339] Unification of the B901 developing cartridge and the C901 drum cartridge

[00340] The description will be made about the unification of the B901 developing cartridge and the C901 drum cartridge into the P process cartridge.

[00341] As shown in Figure 35, the drum cartridge C901 is provided with the photosensitive drum 910, the charging roller 911 and so on, the structures thereof and the support structures for this purpose are the same as with Embodiment 1 , and therefore the description is omitted.

[00342] The drive side end portion of the frame 921 is provided with the drive side drum bearing 930, and the non-drive side end portion thereof is provided with the non-drive side drum bearing 931, These bearings are secured by a screw, union, press fit or similar. A supported portion 992f of a drive-side flange 992 integrally attached to the photosensitive drum 910 is rotatably supported by a bore portion 930a of the drive-side drum bearing 930, and a supported portion 928f (not shown) of a non-drive side 928 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 954 coaxially with a bore portion 931a of the non-drive side drum bearing 931.

[00343] In the developing cartridge B901, a projection 936r provided on the drive-side developing device bearing 936 is rotatably supported by a hole 930r provided on the drive-side drum bearing 930. Furthermore, a projection 946r provided on the non-drive side developing device bearing 946 is rotatably supported by the bore 931r provided in the non-drive side drum bearing 931. By such structures, the developing cartridge B901 is pivoted relative to the drum cartridge C901 about the bearing projection 936r of drive side developer device 936 and the projection 946r of the non-drive side developer bearing 946 (Figure 36). The developing cartridge B901 in the spontaneous state is always pressed onto the drum cartridge C901 by a driving member (twisted helical spring, for example) so that the developing roller 913 is pressed in the direction of contacting or being close to the photosensitive drum 910 (not shown). The method for propelling the developing cartridge B901 may be such that a spring is provided between the drum cartridge C901 and the developing cartridge B901 or such that the weight of the developing cartridge B901 per se is used, but the method is not limited to to a particular method.

[00344] On the other hand, in the process cartridge state P, a guiding portion 955e of the coupling lever 955 is contacted with a to-be-guided portion 980d of the coupling member 980 by the pushing force of the coupling lever spring 956 With such a structure, in the process cartridge P, similarly to Embodiment 1, the position of the coupling member 980 is determined by contacting three members, i.e., the coupling lever 955, the coupling spring 985 and the pressure regulating portion. phase 936kb of the drive side revealing device bearing 936 (part (c) and (d) of Figure 37).

[00345] Similarly to Embodiment 1, the attitude of the coupling member 980 is capable of also taking three attitudes in this embodiment.

[00346] In other words, at a reference attitude D900 (transmissible drive attitude), the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 980 is coaxial with or in parallel with a rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27.

[00347] In a first tilt attitude D901 (spaced attitude), the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position (spaced position)) in the state that the process cartridge P is in the main assembly A1, in that the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft (part (a) of Figure 37).

[00348] In a second tilt attitude D902 (mounting attitude), the rotational force receiving portion 980a and the supported portion 980b of the coupling member 980 are directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A91 (part (c) of Figure 37), when the process cartridge P is mounted to the main assembly A91.

[00349] The structures and forces applied to the parts when the coupling member 980 takes the tilting attitudes are the same as with Embodiment 1. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

[00350] (6) Assembly and disassembly structure of process cartridge P relative to main assembly A91:

[00351] Referring to Figure 38, the method of mounting the process cartridge P to the main assembly A91 will be described.

[00352] Figure 38 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A91 as viewed from the non-drive side, and Figure 39 is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly A91 as viewed from the drive side. Figure 40 is an illustration of the P process cartridge when it is being mounted to the A91 main assembly. Figure 41 is an illustration of the process cartridge P when assembly to the main assembly A91 is completed.

[00353] As shown in Figure 38, a non-drive side bearing 931 is provided on the non-drive side of the process cartridge P. The non-drive side drum bearing 931 is provided with a portion to be guided 931d. The guiding portion 931d includes a positioning portion 931b and a rotation prevention portion 931c.

[00354] As shown in Figure 39, a drive side drum bearing 930 is provided with a portion to be guided 930d. The guiding portion 930d includes a positioning portion 930b and a rotation prevention portion 930c.

[00355] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 38 and 39, on the drive side of the main assembly A91, a drive side side plate 990 is provided constituting a part of the cover. The drive side side plate 990 is provided with a drive side guide member 992. A non-drive side side plate 991 is provided with a non-drive side guide member 993. The drive side guide member 992 includes a guide portion 992c, and the non-drive side guide member 993 includes a guide portion 993c. The guide portion 992c of the drive side guide member 992 and the guide portion 993c of the non-drive side guide member 993 are provided with grooves extending along an assembly and disassembly path X903 of the process cartridge P The drive side guide member 992 further includes a limiting portion 992y having a function similar to that of the limiting portion 80y of the drive side swing guide 80 in Embodiment 1.

[00356] Mounting process cartridge P to main mounting device A1

[00357] The method of mounting the process cartridge P to the main assembly A91 will be described. As shown in Figures 38 and 39, an opening and closing main assembly cover 941 provided to an upper portion of the main assembly A91 is rotated in an opening direction D91. Therefore, the interior of the A91 main assembly is exposed.

[00358] The non-drive side drum bearing 931 is provided on the non-drive side of the process cartridge P. The portion to be guided 931d of the non-drive side drum bearing 931 (Figure 36, 38) is engaged with the portion guide member 993c (Figures 36, 39) of the non-drive side guide member 993 of the main assembly A91, and the portion to be guided 930d (Figure 39) of the drive side drum bearing 930 of the process cartridge P is engaged with the guide portion 992c (Figure 38) of the drive side guide member 992 of the main assembly A91. Therefore, the process cartridge P is inserted into the main assembly A91 along an assembly and disassembly path X903 provided by the guide portion 992c in the drive side guide member 992 and the guide portion 993c of the drive side guide member. non-drive side 993. When the process cartridge P is mounted to the main assembly A91, the coupling member 980 is inserted into the main assembly A91 while maintaining the second tilt attitude D902, similarly to Embodiment 1. The positioning structure of the power cartridge process P relating to the main assembly A91 is fundamentally similar to that of Embodiment 1.

[00359] Detailed descriptions about the positioning step are omitted because they are similar to that of Embodiment 1, but it is pointed out that the positioning portion 930b of the drive side drum bearing 930 receives the pushing force from the side drive member of drive 982. Therefore, the positioning portion 930b contacts a positioning portion 992f of the drive side guide member 992 (Figure 41). A drive side thrust member 982 of this embodiment has the structure similar to that of the drive side thrust member 82 of Embodiment 1, and the function thereof is similar, too, and therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

[00360] On the non-drive side, similarly to the drive side, the non-drive side of the process cartridge P is positioned to the drive-side guide member 993. Therefore, the drive-side drum bearing 930 of the process cartridge P is positioned to the drive side guide member 992, and the non-drive side drum bearing 931 is positioned to the non-drive side guide member 993 (Figure 41).

[00361] Operation of coupling member 980 in process P process cartridge assembly process

[00362] The operation of coupling member 980 in the process of assembling process cartridge P will be described.

[00363] The operation of the coupling member 980 in the process cartridge assembly process P is similar to that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted, but the brief description will be given.

[00364] In the second tilt attitude D902 of the coupling member 980, the rotational force receiving portion 980a of the coupling member 980 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of the main assembly A91 (downstream in the direction of assembly) (Figure 40) when the process cartridge P is in the assembly and disassembly path X903.

[00365] In the process of assembling the process cartridge P, the coupling member 980 maintains the second tilt attitude D2 by the applied thrust force of the coupling lever 956 and the coupling spring 985. When the process cartridge P is inserted in the mounting direction contact with the limiting portion 992y of the drive side guide member 992. When the process cartridge P is further inserted in the mounting direction X903, the coupling lever 955 rotates in a direction of an arrow X912 about the axis of rotation X911, so that the guiding portion 955e is retracted completely from the portion to be guided 980d of the coupling member 980, similarly to Embodiment 1 (Figures 34 and 40). Then, the coupling member 980 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and becomes coaxial with a rotational axis of the developing input gear 27. In other words, the rotational force receiving portion 980a of the coupling 980 and the rotational force-applying portion 100a of the main mounting side drive member 100 are engageable with each other. The attitude of coupling member 980 at this time is the reference attitude D900. At this time, a phase regulating protrusion 980e of the coupling member 980 is disengaged from the second tilt regulating portion 936kb2 of the drive side revealing device bearing 936, and does not contact any part of the phase regulating portion 936b of the drive bearing. drive side revealing device 936 (part (c) of Figure 23 in Embodiment 1).

[00366] Operation of coupling member 980 in process P process cartridge disassembly process

[00367] The operation of the coupling member 980 in the process of disassembling the process cartridge P from the main assembly A91 will be described.

[00368] The operation of disassembling the process cartridge P from the main assembly device A1 is opposite to the assembly process described above, and the structures are similar to those of Embodiment 1, and therefore, only brief description will be made.

[00369] First, the user rotates the main assembly cover 94 of the main assembly A91 in the opening direction D91 (Figures 38 and 39) to expose the interior of the main assembly A91, similarly to the case of the assembly. At this time, the process cartridge P is maintained in the contact attitude in which the developing roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 10 by a structure (not shown).

[00370] The process cartridge P is moved in the disassembly direction along the assembly and disassembly path X903 provided by the drive side guide member 992 and the non-drive side guide member 993.

[00371] With the movement of the process cartridge P, the limiting portion 992y of the drive side guide member 992 contacting the rotation regulating portion 955y of the coupling lever 955 is moved. With this operation, the coupling lever 955 rotates in the direction of the arrow X911 about the rotational axis phase regulating protrusion 980e of the coupling member 980 is regulated by the guide portion 936kb2a, the guide portion 936kb2b and the guide portion 936kb2c of the drive side revealing device bearing 936 to engage with the second tilt regulating portion 936kb2. Coupling member 980 is maintained at second tilt attitude D902.

[00372] Thereafter, process cartridge P is moved along path X903 until it is withdrawn from the main mounting device A1.

[00373] As described in the foregoing, in the process cartridge of this embodiment, the coupling member 980 can be tilted to the second tilt attitude D902, similarly to Embodiment 1. The effects of Embodiment 1 can also be provided.

[00374] Coupling member movement in interrelationship with contact and spacing operation

[00375] Description will be made of the movement of the coupling member in interrelation with the developing device spacing and developing clamping operations of the developing cartridge B901 relative to the photosensitive drum 10. The developing device spacing structures and developing grip and the developing mechanisms of developing spacing and developing clamping of the developing roller 13 relative to the photosensitive drum in this embodiment are similar to those of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

[00376] Figure 42 is a view as seen from the drive side in the developing device state of clamping and developing spacing of the developing cartridge B901 of the process cartridge P relative to the photosensitive drum 10.

[00377] When the contact state between the developing roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 13 shown in part (a) of Figure 42 changes to the spaced state between the developing roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 13 shown in part (b) of Figure 42, the developing cartridge B901 oscillates over the protrusion 930r of the drive-side developer bearing 930 and a protrusion 946r of the non-drive-side developing device bearing 946. At this time, the direction of the spacing operation of the developing cartridge B901 is such that it is away from the guide portion 955e and the coupling lever 955. As previously described, the drive side drum bearing 930 is positioned in the fixed position relative to the drive side guide member 992 For this reason, in contact and spacing operations, the 955 coupling lever maintains its state at the time of assembly completion. That is, the contacting and spacing operations of the developing cartridge B901 are carried out while the guide portion 955e of the coupling lever 95 is held retracted from the coupling member 980.

[00378] When the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in part (b) of Figure 42, the to-be-guided portion 980d of the coupling member 980 and the guiding portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 are in contact one to the other, similarly to Embodiment 1. Therefore, the coupling member 980 takes the first tilt attitude D901.

[00379] Therefore, also with the structure of this embodiment, the movement of the coupling member 980 in the contact and spacing operations allows engagement and disengagement relative to the main mounting side drive member 100 in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1. Therefore , the detailed description is omitted.

[00380] As described in the foregoing, the coupling member is engageable both when assembling the process cartridge P and when moving the developing roller 13 from the retracted position (spaced position) to the developing position (spacing position). contact) on the main assembly A91. Furthermore, changing the tilt attitude of the coupling member 980 is related to the assembly and disassembly operation by the user, and therefore, the utility property in assembly and disassembly of the process cartridge P is not adversely affected. Furthermore, the latitude in the design of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A1 is increased, and the structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be simplified, it can be reduced in size and cost.

Concretization 3

[00381] In this embodiment, the structure by which the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) or the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1 , as will be described along with Figure 43 to Figure 47. More particularly, the structures of the revealing side cover 34, the coupling lever 55, the coupling lever spring 56, the coupling spring 185 and the members concerned therewith. are different from those of Embodiment 1, as will be described. Regarding the other structures of Embodiment 1, they are also employed in this embodiment, and therefore, the detailed description of this is omitted.

[00382] Figure 43 is a schematic perspective view of a state of a coupling spring 3185 as the driving member (or the elastic member), a coupling lever 355 as the movable member (or the driving member) and a coupling lever spring 356 as the pushing member (or elastic member) for applying a pushing force to a lever 355 before it is mounted to a revealing side cover 334. In other words, it is a schematic perspective view exploded from the drive-side extreme tip of the developing cartridge B1 in this embodiment as seen from the drive side. The movable member in a broad sense includes the lever 355 and the lever spring 356, similarly to Embodiment 1.

[00383] The side cover 334 includes a projection 334s as a spring mounting portion for mounting one end of the lever spring 356. The side cover 334 also includes a projection 334h as a spring mounting portion for mounting a spring portion of coupling 3185. The side cover 334 includes a support portion 334m for movably (rotably) supporting a supported portion 355c of the lever 355. The support portion 334m is a substantially cylindrical surface. Support portion 355c is a substantially cylindrical surface provided to an outer periphery of one end of lever 355 and is slideable relative to support portion 334m.

[00384] A guide portion 355a as the movable portion provided at one end of the lever 355 as the movable member is for guiding the coupling member 180 as will be described next, and includes a narrow portion 355a1 having a relatively small width and a wide portion 355a2 having a relatively large width. The width of the narrow portion 355a1 is small in order to determine a tilting direction of the coupling member 180 with high accuracy. In other words, the narrow portion 355a1 is capable of functioning as the movable portion for determining the tilting direction of the coupling member 180. The reason why the width increases in the direction from the narrow portion 355a1 to the wide portion 355a2 is that the rotation of the coupling member 180 is not disturbed during the rotation transmission operation. In place of the 36kb phase regulating portion in Embodiment 1, the guide portion 355a may be used as a phase regulating means for the coupling member 180.

[00385] Figure 44 shows the state in which the coupling lever 355, the coupling lever spring 356 and the coupling spring 3185 are mounted to the reveal side cover 334. Part (a) of Figure 44 is an end view perspective as viewed from the non-drive side, and part (b) of Figure 44 is a front view as viewed from the non-drive side. Part (c) of Figure 44 is a front view as seen from the drive side.

[00386] As shown in Figure 44, the lever 355 is mounted to the side cover 334 movably (rotately) in the direction indicated by an arrow. The lever spring 356 is provided between the side cover 334 and the lever 355. As previously described, one end of the lever spring 356 is mounted to the projection 334s, and the other end of the spring 356 is mounted to the projection 355t as the spring assembly for lever 355. Lever 355 is urged by spring 356 in the counterclockwise direction (parts (a) and (b) of Figure 44 (clockwise direction in part (c) of Figure 44). As a result, the limiting portion 355n of the lever 355 limits the limiting portion 334n of the side cover 334 by which the position of the lever 355 relative to the side cover 334 is determined.

[00387] Furthermore, the projection 334h of the cover 334 as the spring support portion supports a supported portion 3185a of the coupling spring 3185 as the elastic member. One end 3185b of spring 3185 is locked in projection 334b as a locking portion. Spring 3185 includes free end portions (first free end portion 3185c and second free end portion 3185d) as a driving portion or guide portion. The free end portions (first free end portion 3185c and second free end portion 3185) are pivotable relative to the supported portion 3185a by the elastic thereof. The second free end portion 3185d is provided to a free end side of the first free end portion 3185c and is curved from the first free end portion 3185c.

[00388] Figure 45 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is fixed in the main assembly A1 and is capable of image forming operation. That is, it is the state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 has been completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (coupling member 180 inclination angle θ2=0°), similarly to Embodiment 1. At this time , a rotation regulating portion 355y of the coupling lever 355 is urged by the limiting portion 80y of the main assembly A1. Coupling lever 355 is in the position rotated counterclockwise from the position shown in Figure 47 which will be described next. As a result, as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the narrow portion 355a1 is between the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 and the wide portion 355a2 (Figure 45).

[00389] Figure 46 shows the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 46 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 46 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. In the first tilt attitude D1, the coupling member 180 is tilted toward the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft when the developing roller 13 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position (position spacing) of the developing cartridge B1) in the main assembly A1. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), a free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of main assembly A1. In other words, as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is approximately inclined towards the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10) (part (a) of Figure 46). An angular relationship of 03 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken in this embodiment similar to Embodiment 1. At this time , the coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 3185d as well as the first free end portion 3185c.

[00390] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00391] Figure 47 shows the state in which the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude). Part (a) of Figure 47 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 47 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. At this time, the narrow portion 355a1 is downstream of the wide portion 355a2 with respect to the mounting direction. The coupling member 180 is supported by the first free end portion 3185c. Therefore, the guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is positioned by the narrow portion 355a1. As a result, the coupling member 180 is inclined to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, the arm portion 3185c applies the force to tilt the coupling member 180 to the coupling member, and the guide portion 355a determines the tilt direction of the coupling member 180.

[00392] In this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 in the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is directed substantially opposite to the direction for the developing blade 15. In this embodiment, the angular relationship from angle 04 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side in the case of the second tilt attitude D1 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00393] Furthermore, angle 05 between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along of the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00394] Furthermore, the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27) at the time of the second tilt attitude D2 is preferably in the range between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and is approximately 35° in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1.

Concretization 4

[00395] In this embodiment, the structure by which the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) or the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1 , as will be described along with Figure 48 to Figure 52. With respect to the other structures of Embodiment 1, they are also employed in this embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted. In Embodiment 3, the coupling spring 3185 is provided on the revealing side cover 334, but in this embodiment, a coupling spring 4185 is provided on a coupling lever 455, as is different from Embodiment 3.

[00396] Figure 48 is a schematic perspective view of a state of a coupling lever spring 456 as a driving member (or elastic member), the coupling lever 455 as a movable member before being mounted to a cover. revealing side 434, and the state of coupling spring 4185 as the driving member (or elastic member) before being mounted to the coupling lever 455. In other words, it is a schematic exploded perspective view of the extreme end of the side of driving the developing cartridge B1 in this embodiment as seen from the driving side. The movable member in a broad sense includes the lever 455 and the lever spring 456, similarly to Embodiments 1 and 3.

[00397] The side cover 434 includes a projection 434s as a spring mounting portion for mounting an end of the lever spring 456. The side cover 434 also includes a projection 434h as a spring mounting portion for mounting a spring portion of coupling 4185. The side cover 434 includes a support portion 434m for movably (rotably) supporting a supported portion 455c of the lever 455. The support portion 434m is a substantially cylindrical surface. Support portion 455c is a substantially cylindrical surface provided to an outer periphery of one end of lever 455 and is slideable relative to support portion 434m.

[00398] A guide portion 455a as a movable portion provided to a lever end portion 455 has the same structure as in Embodiment 3. That is, it includes a narrow portion 455a1 and a wide portion 455a2 that function similarly to Embodiment 3 That is, the narrow portion 455a1 functions as the movable portion in the narrow sense.

[00399] Figure 49 shows the state in which the coupling lever 455 and the coupling spring lever 456 are mounted to the revealing side cover 434, and the coupling spring 4185 is mounted to the coupling lever 455. Part (a ) of Figure 49 is a perspective view as viewed from the non-drive side, and part (b) of Figure 49 is a front view as viewed from the non-drive side. Part (c) of Figure 49 is a front view as seen from the drive side.

[00400] As shown in Figure 49, the lever 455 is movably (rotarily) mounted to the side cover 434 similarly to Embodiment 3. The lever spring 456 is provided between the side cover 434 and the lever 455. As previously described, one end of the lever spring 456 is mounted to the projection 434s, and the other end of the spring 456 is mounted to the projection 455t as the spring mounting portion for the lever 455. The lever 455 is urged by the spring 456 in the counterclockwise direction (part (a) of Figure 49 (clockwise direction in part (c) of Figure 49). As a result, the limiting portion 455n of the lever 455 limits the limiting portion 434n of the side cover 434, whereby the position of the lever 455 relative to the side cover 434 is determined.

[00401] Furthermore, the projection 455h of the lever 455 as the spring support portion supports the portion 4185 of the coupling spring 4185a as the elastic member. One end 4185b of spring 4185 is locked in projection 445b as a locking portion. Spring 4185 includes free end portions (first free end portion 4185c and second free end portion 4185d) as a driving portion or guide portion. The free end portions (first free end portion 4185c and second free end portion 4185) are pivotable relative to the supported portion 4185a by the elastic thereof. The second free end portion 4185d is provided to a free end side of the first free end portion 4185c and is curved from the first free end portion 4185c.

[00402] Figure 50 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is fixed in the main assembly A1 and is capable of image forming operation. That is, it is the state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 has been completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (coupling member 180 inclination angle θ2=0°), similarly to Embodiment 1. At this time , a rotation regulating portion 455y of the coupling lever 455 is urged by the limiting portion 80y of the main assembly A1. Coupling lever 455 is in the position rotated counterclockwise from the position shown in Figure 52 which will be described next. As a result, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the narrow portion 455a1 is between the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 and the wide portion 455a2, similarly to Embodiment 3.

[00403] Figure 51 shows the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 51 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 51 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. In the first tilt attitude D1, the coupling member 180 is tilted toward the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft when the developing roller 13 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position). spacing) of the developing cartridge B1) in the main assembly A1. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), a free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portion 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of main assembly A1. In other words, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is approximately inclined towards the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10). An angular relationship of θ3 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken in this embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment At this time, the coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 4185d and the first free end portion 4185c.

[00404] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00405] Figure 52 shows the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 52 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 52 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. The narrow portion 455a1 is downstream of the wide portion 455a2 with respect to the mounting direction. The coupling member 180 is supported by the first free end portion 4185c. Therefore, the guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is positioned to the narrow portion 455a1. As a result, the coupling member 180 is inclined to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, the arm portion 4185c applies the force to tilt the coupling member 180 toward the coupling member, and the guide portion 455a determines the tilt direction of the coupling member 180.

[00406] In this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 in the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is directed substantially opposite to the direction for the developing blade 15. In this embodiment, the angular relationship of angle θ4 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side in the case of the second tilt attitude D1 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00407] Furthermore, the angle 05 between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller at the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00408] Furthermore, the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27) at the time of the second tilt attitude D2 is preferably in the range between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and is approximately 35° in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 5

[00409] In this embodiment, the structure by which the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) or the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that in Embodiment 1 , as will be described along with Figure 53 to Figure 57. More particularly, the structures of the revealing side cover 34, the coupling lever 55, the coupling lever spring 56, the coupling spring 185 and the members concerned therewith are different from those of Embodiment 1, as will be described. Regarding the other structures of Embodiment 1, they are also employed in this embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[00410] Figure 53 is a schematic perspective view of a state of a spring 5185 as a driving member (first elastic member) and a spring 555 as a movable member (second elastic member) before being mounted to a side cover developing cartridge 534. In other words, it is a schematic exploded perspective view of the drive-side extreme tip of the developing cartridge B1 in this embodiment as viewed from the drive side.

[00411] The side cover 534 includes a projection 534m as a support portion (spring mounting portion) for mounting the mounting portion 555a of the spring 555. The side cover 534 further includes a projection 534s as a locking portion for locking a portion to be locked 555b of the second spring 555. Furthermore, the side cover 534 includes a projection 534h as the support portion (spring mounting portion) for mounting a spring portion 5185. An arm portion 555c as the movable portion (drive portion) of spring 555 functions to drive (or guide) the coupling member 180. In other words, the arm portion 555c as the movable portion drives the coupling member 180 against the force by the arm portion 5185d as the driving portion for moving the coupling member 180 together with the arm portion 5185d. Therefore, the inclination direction of the coupling member 180 is changed.

[00412] Figure 54 shows the reveal side cover 534 to which spring 555 and spring 5185 are mounted, as viewed from the drive side.

[00413] As shown in Figure 54, the mounting portion 555a is mounted to the developing side cover 534 such that the arm portion 555c is movable (rotational). Furthermore, the projection 534h of the cover 534 as the spring support portion supports the projection 5185a as the mounting portion for the spring 5185. An end portion 5185b of the spring 5185 is locked in the locking portion 534b. Spring 5185 includes free end portions (first free end portion 5185c and second free end portion 5185d) as the driving portion. The free end portion (5185c and 5185d) of the spring 5185 as the driving portion is oscillatable about the projection 534h. The second free end portion 5185d is provided to a free end side of the first free end portion 5185c and is curved from the first free end portion 5185c.

[00414] Figure 55 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for the image formation operation, in the main assembly A1. That is, it is the state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 has been completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (coupling member 180 inclination angle θ2=0°), similarly to Embodiment 1. At this time , a rotation regulating portion 555y of the coupling lever 555 is urged by the limiting portion 80y of the main assembly A1, and by the pushing force, the arm portion 555c of the spring 555 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction about the support portion 555a together with the arm portion 555d and the rotation regulating portion 555y. As a result, in the completed assembly step, the arm portion 555c is away from the coupling member 180 as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller.

[00415] Figure 56 shows the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 56 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 56 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. In the first tilt attitude D1, the coupling member 180 is tilted toward the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft when the developing roller 13 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position (position spacing) of the developing cartridge B1) in the main assembly A1. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), a free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portion 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of main assembly A1. In other words, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is substantially inclined toward the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10) in this attitude. An angular relationship of 03 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken in this embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment At this time, the coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 5185d.

[00416] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00417] Figure 57 shows the state in which the coupling member 180 takes the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude). Part (a) of Figure 57 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 57 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. The coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 5185d. The guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is positioned by the arm portion 555c. As a result, the coupling member 180 is inclined to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is directed substantially in the direction away from the developing blade 15. That is, in this embodiment, the angular relationship of the angle 04 when the developing cartridge B1 is seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side in the case of the second tilt attitude D1 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00418] As shown in Figure 57, in this embodiment, the force applied by the arm portion 555c to the coupling member 180, that is, to the lower left is made greater than the force applied by the arm portion 5185d to the coupling member , that is, to the upper right.

[00419] Furthermore, the angle 05 between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 as the developing cartridge B1 along the axis rotational speed of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00420] Furthermore, the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27) at the time of the second tilt attitude D2 is preferably in the range between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and is approximately 35° in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1.

Concretization 6

[00421] In this embodiment, the structure by which the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) or the second tilt attitude D2 (riding attitude) is different from the beginning of Embodiment 1 , as will be described along with Figure 58 to Figure 62. More particularly, the structures of the revealing side cover 34, the coupling lever 55, the coupling lever spring 56, the coupling spring 185 and the members concerned therewith are different from those of Embodiment 1, as will be described. Regarding the other structures of Embodiment 1, they are also employed in this embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, a rotatable member 656 and a spring 655 are used in place of the spring 555 of Embodiment 5.

[00422] Figure 58 is a schematic perspective view of a state of a spring 6185 as a driving member (first elastic member) and a spring 655 as a moving member (second elastic member) before being mounted to a side cover developing cartridge 634. In other words, it is a schematic exploded perspective view of the drive-side extreme tip of the developing cartridge B1 in this embodiment as viewed from the drive side. The spring 6185 as the driving member (the elastic member) illustrated in Figures 60 - 62 is similar to the spring 5185 of Figure 54, and is omitted in Figure 58. The wide-sense movable member includes the spring 655 and the rotating member 656 .

[00423] A side cover 634 includes a support portion 634a for supporting the rotatable member 656 as a supported member. In more detail, the support portion 634a rotatably supports the supported portion 656a1 provided on the supported member 656. The support portion 634a has a substantially cylindrical surface, and the supported portion 656a1 has a substantially cylindrical surface corresponding to the support portion 634a. The rotatable member 656 includes a spring mounting portion 656a2 as a support portion for mounting a spring mounting portion 655a 655 as the movable member (elastic member). The side cover 634 includes a locking portion 634s for locking a to-be-locked portion 655b of the spring 655. Furthermore, an arm portion 655c as the movable portion (guide portion) of the coupling lever 655 is locked with a 656b of the rotating member 656, and drives (or guides) the coupling member 180. In other words, the arm portion 655c as the movable portion drives the coupling member 180 against the force by the arm portion 6185d as the moving portion. thrust so as to move the coupling member 180 together with the arm portion 6185d. Therefore, the inclination direction of the coupling member 180 is changed.

[00424] Figure 59 shows the spring 655 as the driving member (elastic member), the rotating member 656 and the spring 6185 as the driving member (elastic member) that are mounted to the side cover 634, as seen from the non-drive side .

[00425] As shown in Figure 59, the supported member 656 is movably (rotably) mounted to the side cover 634. A projection 656a as the support portion for the rotatable member 656 supports the supported portion 655a of the spring 655. A portion of end 655b of spring 655 is locked with locking portion 634s of revealing side cover 634. Spring 655 includes a free end portion 655c as the movable portion. The free end portion 655c of the spring 655 is oscillatable about the projection 656a.

[00426] Figure 60 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for the image formation operation, in the main assembly A1. That is, it is the state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 has been completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (coupling member 180 inclination angle θ2=0°), similarly to Embodiment 1. At this time , a rotation regulating portion 656y of the rotating member 656 is urged by the limiting portion 80y of the main assembly A1, so that the arm portion 655c as the movable portion (drive portion) of the spring 655 and the rotating member 656 rotates in the direction counterclockwise on the support portion 634a. That is, as viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the arm portion 655c is spaced from the coupling member 180.

[00427] Figure 61 shows the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 61 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 46 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. In the first tilt attitude D1, the coupling member 180 is tilted toward the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft when the developing roller 13 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position (position spacing) of the developing cartridge B1) in the main assembly A1. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), a free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of main assembly A1. In other words, as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is approximately inclined towards the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10) (part (a) of Figure 61). An angular relationship of 03 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken in this embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment At this time, the coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 6185d as the driving portion or the guide portion.

[00428] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00429] Figure 62 shows the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 62 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 62 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. The coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 6185d as the driving portion (or guide portion). Therefore, a guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is positioned to the arm portion 655c as the thrust portion (or guide portion). As a result, the coupling member 180 is inclined to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is directed substantially in the direction away from the developing blade 15. In this embodiment, the angular relationship of the angle 04 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side in the case of the second tilt attitude D1 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00430] Furthermore, the angle 05 between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller at the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 as the developing cartridge B1 along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00431] As shown in Figure 62, in this embodiment, also, the lower left force applied to the coupling member 180 by the arm portion 655c is made greater than the upper right force applied to the coupling member by the arm portion 655c. arm 6185d.

[00432] Furthermore, the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27) at the time of the second tilt attitude D2 is preferably in the range between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and is approximately 35° in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1.

Concretization 7

[00433] In this embodiment, the structure by which the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) or the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1 , as will be described along with Figure 63 to Figure 67. More particularly, the structures of the revealing side cover 34, the coupling lever 55, the coupling lever spring 56, the coupling spring 185 and the members concerned therewith are different from those of Embodiment 1, as will be described. Regarding the other structures of Embodiment 1, they are also employed in this embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted. In Embodiment 1, lever 55 drives coupling member 180, but in this embodiment, a lever 755 drives a spring 7185, not coupling member 180.

[00434] Figure 63 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling spring 7185 as a driving member (or elastic member), a coupling lever 755 as a movable member or driving member (or movable member), and a lever of coupling spring 756 as a pushing member (or elastic member) to apply a pushing force to the lever 755, before being mounted to the revealing side cover 734. In other words, it is an exploded schematic perspective view of the extreme tip drive side of the B1 developing cartridge as seen from the non-drive side. The movable member in the broad sense includes the lever 755 and the spring 756.

[00435] The side cover 734 includes a support portion 734a for supporting the lever 755. In more detail, the support portion 734a rotatably supports a supported portion 755a1 provided on the lever 755. The support portion 734a is cylindrical, and a portion supported portion 755a is correspondingly cylindrical to the supporting portion 734a. The lever 755 includes a spring mounting portion 755a2 as a support portion for mounting a spring mounting portion 756a 756 as the elastic member. The side cover 734 includes a locking portion 734s for locking a to-be-locked portion 756b of the spring 756. An arm portion 755c as a driving portion (or guide portion) of the lever 755 functions to drive (guide) a portion of arm 7185d as a pushing portion of the spring 7185. In other words, the arm portion 755c moves the arm portion 7185d to change a tilting direction of the coupling member without contacting the coupling member 180.

[00436] Figure 64 shows the state in which the lever 755, the spring 756 and the spring 7185 have been mounted to the side cover 734, as seen from the non-drive side.

[00437] As shown in Figure 64, to the side cover 734, the lever 755 is movably (rotably) mounted. A spring supporting portion 755a of the lever 755 supports a supported portion 756a of the coupling spring lever 756 as the elastic member. An end portion 756b of the spring 756 is locked with the locking portion 734b of the reveal side cover 734. Another end portion 756c of the spring 756 is locked with a locking portion 755b of the lever 755. Therefore, the coupling lever 755 is pressed clockwise by spring 756.

[00438] Figure 65 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for the image formation operation, in the main assembly A1. That is, it is the state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 has been completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (coupling member 180 inclination angle θ2=0°), similarly to Embodiment 1. At this time , a rotation regulating portion 755y of the lever 755 is urged by the limiting portion 80y of the main assembly A1, so that the lever 755 (arm portion 755c) rotates in the clockwise direction about a support portion 734a. As a result, as viewed along a rotational axis of the developing roller, the arm portion 755c is spaced from the spring 7185.

[00439] Figure 66 shows the first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180 (spaced attitude) in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 66 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 66 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. In the first tilt attitude D1, the coupling member 180 is tilted toward the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft when the developing roller 13 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position (position spacing) of the developing cartridge B1) in the main assembly A1. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), a free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is directed towards the main assembly side drive member 100 of main assembly A1. In other words, as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is approximately inclined towards the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10) (part (a) of Figure 66). An angular relationship of 03 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken in this embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment At this time, the coupling member 180 is supported by the second free end portion 7185d as the driving portion.

[00440] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00441] Figure 67 shows the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 62 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 62 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. At this time, the second free end portion 7185d as the pushing portion is urged by the arm portion 755c as the movable portion. The coupling member 180 is positioned to the second free end portion 7185d urged downwardly to the arm portion 755c by the weight of itself. The guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is positioned by the arm portion 7185d. As a result, the coupling member 180 is inclined to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is directed substantially in the direction away from the developing blade 15. In this embodiment, the angular relationship of the angle θ4 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side in the case of the second tilt attitude D1 is the same as in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 in second tilt attitude D2 is contacted to the second free end portion 7185d, but may be spaced. In such a case, the attitude of the coupling member 180 at the second pitch attitude D2 is determined by the phase regulating protrusion 180e and the pitch regulating portion 36kb2b, as with Embodiment 1.

[00442] Furthermore, the angle θ5 between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 as the developing cartridge B1 along the axis rotational speed of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00443] In other words, when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 from the drive side to the non-drive side, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is tilted in the clockwise direction of line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 by an angle in the range between approximately 35° and approximately 125°. In this embodiment, the angle is substantially 80°.

[00444] In the state shown in Figure 67, the force by the lower left arm portion 755c is greater than the force applied by the arm portion 7185d to the upper right coupling member.

[00445] Furthermore, the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27) at the time of the second tilt attitude D2 is preferably in the range between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and is approximately 35° in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 8

[00446] In this embodiment, the structure by which the coupling member 180 takes the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) or the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1 , as will be described along with Figure 68 to Figure 72. The structures of the side cover 34, the coupling lever 55, the coupling lever spring 56, the coupling spring 185 and the members concerned therewith of Embodiment 1 are different from those of Realization 1, as will be described. More particularly, the 7185 spring is further improved. The other structures of Embodiment 7 are employed in this embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[00447] Figure 68 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the extreme drive side tip of the developing cartridge B1 in accordance with this embodiment, as viewed from the drive side. The description will be made about the different portions of Embodiment 7. More particularly, the description will be made about the coupling spring 8185 as the driving member (or elastic member). The structure for mounting the spring 8185 to the revealing side cover 834 is the same, but the structure of the free end portion side of the mounting portion 8185a is different. Spring 8185 includes a first connecting portion 8185c and a second connecting portion 8185d. A first mating contact portion 8185e is provided folded behind the second connecting portion 8185d. Furthermore, a second mating contact portion 8185f folded inversely from the first mating contact portion 8185e is provided. The first and second coupling contact portions 8185e and 8185f function as a thrust portion to tilt the coupling member 180.

[00448] Figure 69 shows a state in which a lever 855, a lever spring 856 and the coupling spring 8185 are mounted to the revealing side cover 834, as seen from the drive side. The movable member in the broad sense includes the lever 855 and the spring 856.

[00449] As shown in Figure 69, the lever 855 as the movable member or driving member (or rotating member) is movably (rotably) mounted to the side cover 834. A spring support portion 855a of the lever 855 supports a supported portion 856a of lever spring 856 as the elastic member. An end portion 856b of the spring 856 is locked with a locking portion 834b of the side cover 834. Another end portion 856c of the spring 856 is locked with a locking portion 855b of the lever 855. Therefore, the lever 855 is pressed in the direction counterclockwise by spring 856.

[00450] Figure 70 shows the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is operable for the image formation operation, in the main assembly A1. That is, it is the state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 to the main assembly A1 has been completed. At this time, the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main mounting side drive member 100 and takes the reference attitude D0 (coupling member 180 inclination angle θ2=0°), similarly to Embodiment 1. At this time , a rotation regulating portion 855y of the lever 855 is urged by the limiting portion 80y of the main assembly A1, so that the lever 855 (arm portion 855c as the moving portion (or driving portion) rotates in the counterclockwise direction about a support portion 834a. As a result, as viewed along a rotational axis of the developing roller, the arm portion 855c is spaced from the spring 7185.

[00451] Figure 71 shows the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 71 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 71 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. In the first tilt attitude D1, the coupling member 180 is tilted toward the main mounting side drive member 100 as the main mounting drive shaft when the developing roller 13 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 10 (retracted position (position spacing) of the developing cartridge B1) in the main assembly A1. That is, when the developing cartridge B1 (developing roller 13) is in the retracted position (spaced position), a free end portion 180a (rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2) of the coupling member 180 is driven to the main assembly side drive member 100 of main assembly A1. In other words, as seen along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13, the rotational axis of the coupling member 180 is approximately inclined towards the developing roller 13 (photosensitive drum 10) (part (a) of Figure 71). An angular relationship of 03 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken in this embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment At this time, the coupling member 180 is sandwiched between the first coupling contact portion 8185e and the second coupling contact portion 8185f.

[00452] When the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude), the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input 27) is preferably any within the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 35°.

[00453] Figure 72 shows the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) of the coupling member 180 in this embodiment. Part (a) of Figure 72 is a front view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of Figure 72 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side. At this time, the second coupling contact portion 8185f is urged by the arm portion 855c as the movable portion. The coupling member 180 is positioned in the first coupling contact portion 8185e by the second coupling contact portion 8185 formed downwardly by the arm portion 855c. The guide portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is positioned by the arm portion 8185d. As a result, the coupling member 180 is inclined to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction.

[00454] Similarly to Embodiment 1, the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is directed substantially opposite the developing blade 15 in this embodiment, too. In this embodiment, the angular relationship of the angle 04 when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side in the case of the second tilt attitude D1 is equal to in Completion 1.

[00455] Furthermore, the angle 05 between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and a line connecting the rotational axis of the developing roller and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 as the developing cartridge B1 along the axis rotational speed of the developing roller 13 in the direction from the drive side to the non-drive side is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[00456] Furthermore, the angle between the rotational axis L2 of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the developing roller 13 (or the rotational axis L3 of the drive input gear 27) at the time of the second tilt attitude is preferably in the ranges between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and is approximately 35° in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1.

Completion 9

[00457] In this embodiment, the structure for positioning the coupling member 180 at the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) and the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1, as will be described along with Figure 73. In this embodiment, the configuration of an arm portion 855 of Embodiment 8 is modified so that it is attached to a second connecting portion 9185d not the contact portion 9185f of the second coupling. Therefore, a first coupling contact portion 9185e and a second coupling contact portion 9185f function as a pushing portion by completely tilting the coupling member 180. An arm portion 955c as the pushing portion determines the tilting direction of the coupling. 180, similarly to the previous embodiment. The other structures are similar to those in Embodiment 8, and therefore the description is omitted.

Achievement 10

[00458] In this embodiment, the structure for positioning the coupling member 180 at the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) and the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1, as will be described along with Figure 74. In the preceding embodiment, the driving portion and the moving portion are separate members, but in this embodiment, the driving portion 10185e and the moving portion 10185g are provided as a single part (single spring). Part (a) of Figure 74 shows a coupling spring 10185 mounted to the reveal side cover 1034.

[00459] Part (b) of Figure 74 shows a second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180. In this state, a moving portion 10185f drives the coupling member 180, but the driving portion 10185e is spaced from the coupling member 180 However, the drive portion 10185e may also contact the coupling member 180.

[00460] Part (c) of Figure 74 shows a first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180. In this state, the driving portion 10185e drives the coupling member 180, but the moving portion 10185f is spaced from the coupling member 180 However, the movable portion 10185f may also contact the coupling member 180.

[00461] A mounting portion 10185a, a locking portion 10185b and a connecting portion 10185d are similar to those of Embodiment 9, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

[00462] A connecting portion 10185g connects the force receiving portion 10185h to receive force from the main assembly and the movable portion 10185f. Accomplishment 11

[00463] In this embodiment, the structure for positioning the coupling member 180 at the reference attitude D0, the first tilt attitude D1 (spaced attitude) and the second tilt attitude D2 (mounting attitude) is different from that of Embodiment 1, as will be described along with Figure 75. This embodiment is a modification of Embodiment 9. Part (a) of Figure 75 shows a coupling spring 11185 and a lever 1155 for a revealing side cover 1134.

[00464] Part (b) of Figure 75 shows a second tilt attitude D2 of the coupling member 180. In this state, a second movable portion 1155c2 drives the coupling member 180, but a driving portion 11185d is spaced from the coupling member 180. At this time, a first moving portion 1155c1 drives the driving portion 11185d. At this time, the driving portion 11185d can contact the coupling member 180.

[00465] Part (c) of Figure 75 shows a first tilt attitude D1 of the coupling member 180. In this state, the driving portion 11185d drives the coupling member 180, but a movable portion 1155c2 is spaced from the coupling member 180 However, the second movable portion 1155c2 may also contact the coupling member 180.

Achievement 12

[00466] In an alternative structure, a movable portion contacts at least one of a coupling member and a driving member when the first tilt attitude D1 is taken, and does not contact the coupling member when the second tilt attitude D2s is taken. outlet.

[00467] Part (a) of Figure 76 of Embodiment 12 shows a developing side cover 1234, and a lever 1255 as a movable member and a spring 12185 as the pushing member that is mounted to the developing side cover 1234.

[00468] As shown in part (b) of Figure 76 of Embodiment 12, in the second tilt attitude D2, the structure is such that a second movable portion 1255c2 such as the movable portion of the lever 1255 is not contacted with a lower part of the portion to be guided 180d from the coupling member 180.

[00469] At this time, a driving portion 12185c of a spring 121185 as the driving member drives the portion to be guided 180d.

[00470] Therefore, the coupling member 180 takes the second inclination attitude D2.

[00471] In other words, in the second tilt attitude D2, only the pushing portion 12185c contacts the portion to be guided 180d, but the second movable portion 1255c2 as the movable portion does not contact the portion to be guided 180d.

[00472] Part (c) of Figure 76 shows the state in which the force receiving portion 1255y of the levers 1255 has rotated from the position shown in part (b) of Figure 76 in a counterclockwise direction receiving the force from the main assembly of the apparatus.

[00473] At this time, a first movable portion 1255c1 drives the driving portion 12185c upwards, so that the driving portion 12185c is retracted from the portion to be guided 180d.

[00474] At this time, the second movable portion 1255c2 drives the portion to be guided 180d.

[00475] As a result, the coupling member 180 takes the first tilt attitude D1.

[00476] The structures of the mounting portion 12185a of the spring 12185 and the force receiving portion 1255y for receiving force from the main assembly and so on are similar to those of the embodiments, and therefore, the description is omitted. Other achievements

[00477] First, the structures of Embodiments 3 - 12 are usable with the Embodiment 2 process cartridge.

[00478] In all described embodiments, a part of the spring (185, 985, 3185, 4185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 8185, 9185, 10185) was used as the pushing portion. However, as described in the example of the movable member (55+56, 955+956, 355+356, 455+456, 655+656, 755+756, 855+866, 955), the pushing portion can be constituted by another member (resin material or similar). For example, a member of resin material is attached to a free end portion of the spring (185, 985, 3185, 4185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 8185, 9185, 10185, 11185, 12185) as the driving member and is used as the driving portion or the guiding portion to drive or guide the coupling member. Furthermore, as with the lever 656 of Embodiment 6, a basic portion is provided with a rotatable member for mounting the spring (185, 985, 3185, 4185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 8185, 9185) as the push member to the reveal side cover.

[00479] In all the embodiments described above, the elastic member was the torsion spring or the helical spring, but the present invention is not limited to such examples, and the use can be made with a resin material spring, a spring made of foil and/or rubber or similar.

[00480] The configuration of the coupling member 180 is not limited to the examples described above, but may be a barrel configuration not having a thin portion such as the connecting portion 180d. However, using the 180d connection portion can reduce cartridge size.

[00481] Furthermore, the coupling member 180 may be made movable in the axial direction of the developing roller 13 in which an elastic member (spring or similar) or the like is provided to the rear side of the coupling member 180. In such a case, the turning angle of the coupling member 180 can be reduced.

[00482] As shown in part (b) of Figure 11 and part (b) of Figure 12, the two left projecting parts are provided between the guide portion 36kb1b and the guide portion 36kb2b. However, such projections may not be provided, and the portion between the 36kb1b guide portion and the 36kb2b guide portion may be made linear or recessed. In such a case, the protrusion 180e can easily move between the guide portion 36kb1b and the guide portion 36kb2b. That is to say, the configuration of the hole portion 36a can be any if it is substantially triangular in shape. These modifications are applicable to other embodiments.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[00483] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cartridge in which a coupling member is engageable with a main assembly drive shaft when the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly and when the developer-carrying member is moved from a retracted position to a revealing position.

[00484] Reference numbers A1, A91: main apparatus assembly B1, B901: developing cartridge C, C901: drum cartridge P: process cartridge 1: optical media 2: recording material 3a: sheet feed roller 3b : separation block 3c: registration roller 3d: feed guide 3e: feed guide 3f: feed guide 3g: discharge roller 3h: discharge portion 4: sheet feed tray 5: clamping means 5a: roll drive 5b: heater 5c: clamping roller 6: transfer roller 6a: transfer clamping 7: pickup roller 8: feeding guide 9: pressure contact member transfer roller 10: photosensitive drum 11: charging roller 12 : magnet roller 13: developing roller 13a: drive side end portion 13c: non-drive side end portion 15: developing blade 15a: support member 15a1: drive side end portion 15a2: non-drive side end 15b: elastic member 16: developing container 16a: developer accommodation portion 16b: opening 16c: developing chamber 17: developer feeding member 21: drum frame 27: drive input gear 29: developing roller gear 34: 934: developing side cover 34a: hole 36: 936: drive side developing device bearing 36a: hole 936r: boss 46, 946: non-drive side developing device bearing 46f : support portion 946r: projection 51, 52: screw 70: moving member 71: thrust member 80: drive side swing guide 80y: limiting portion 81: non-drive side swing guide 90: drive side side plate drive 92: 992: drive side guide member 992y: limiting portion 93: 993: non-drive side guide member 94: main mounting cover 100, 900: main mounting side drive member 150: slider member 180, 980: coupling member 180c1, 980c1: rotational force transmitting portion 185, 985: coupling spring 55, 955: coupling lever 55e, 955e: guide portion 55b, 955b: spring hook portion 55y, 955y: rotation regulating portion 56, 956: coupling lever spring L: laser beam Y: engraving material t: developer X5: rotational direction of movement

Claims (35)

1. Cartridge (P) mountable, along a predetermined mounting path, to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (A91) including a main assembly drive shaft (100), said cartridge (P) comprising: a photosensitive member (910) in which a latent image is capable of being formed; a developer-bearing member (13) capable of developing the latent image; a coupling member (980) capable of tilting with respect to a rotational axis of said developer-bearing member (13), wherein said coupling member (980) is capable of taking a reference attitude in which the drive transmission is capable of main assembly drive shaft (100) for said developer-carrying member (13) when said developer-carrying member (13) is in the developing position in a state that said cartridge (P) is mounted to a terminal end of the mounting path, and an inclined mounting attitude with respect to the rotational axis of said developer-carrying member (13) to engage with the main mounting drive shaft (100) when said cartridge (P) moves along the path of mounting, and a pushing portion (185d, 3185c, 3185d, 4185c, 4185d, 5185d, 6185d, 7185d, 8185e, 9185e, 10185e, 11185d, 12185c) for applying a pushing force to tilt said coupling member (98 0) relative to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member (13), characterized by the fact that said developer-bearing member (13) is movable between a developing position contacting said photosensitive member (910) to develop the latent image and a retracted position , retracted from the contact position; said coupling member (980) further being capable of taking an inclined spaced attitude with respect to the rotational axis of said developer-bearing member (13) in a direction different from that in the mounting attitude for engaging with the main mounting drive shaft when said developer-carrying member (13) moves from the retracted position to the developing position in the state that said cartridge (P) is mounted to the end portion of the mounting path; and said thrust portion (185d, 3185c, 3185d, 4185c, 4185d, 5185d, 6185d, 7185d, 8185e, 9185e, 10185e, 11185d, 12185c) drives said coupling member (980) to the spaced attitude (D1). 2. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a movable portion (55e, 355a, 455a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 855c, 955c, 10185g, 1155c2) being different from a pushing portion (185d, 3185c, 3185d, 4185c, 4185d, 5185d, 6185d, 7185d, 8185e, 9185e, 10185e, 11185d) and capable of taking a first moving position to cause said coupling member (980) to take the spaced attitude and a second moving position to cause said coupling member (980) to take the mounting attitude. 3. Cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a thrust member (185, 3185, 4185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 8185, 9185, 10185, 11185) including said thrust portion (185d, 3185c , 3185d, 4185c, 4185d, 5185d, 6185d, 7185d, 8185e, 9185e, 10185e, 11185d). 4. Cartridge according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said movable portion (55e, 355a, 455a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 855c, 955c, 10185g, 1155c2) is capable of driving at least one of said coupling member (980) and said drive member (185, 7185, 8185, 9185) to at least one of the first moving position and the second moving position. 5. Cartridge according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said movable portion (55e, 355a, 455a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 855c, 955c, 10185g, 1155c2) is capable of directly propelling at least one of said member of coupling (980) and said drive member (185, 7185, 8185, 9185) to at least one of the first movement position and the second movement position. 6. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by the fact that when said coupling member (980) takes the spaced attitude, said thrust portion (185d, 5185d, 6185d) contacts said coupling member (980 ), and said movable portion (55e, 555c, 655c) is spaced from said coupling member (980); and when said coupling member (980) takes the mounting attitude, said pushing portion (185d, 5185d, 6185d) and said movable portion (55e, 555c, 655c) both contact said coupling member (980). 7. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said pushing portion (185d, 3185c, 3185d, 4185c, 4185d, 8185e, 9185e) and said moving portion (55e, 355a, 455a, 855c , 955c) both contact said coupling member (980) when said coupling member (980) takes the spaced attitude and takes the mounting attitude. 8. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by the fact that said thrust member (185, 3185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 11185) and a movable member (185, 3185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 11185,) including said moving portion (55e, 355a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 1155c2) are provided separately such that said driving portion (185d, 3185c, 3185d, 5185d, 6185d, 7185d, 11185d) and said movable (55e, 355a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 1155c2) are independently movable from each other. 9. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said push member (4185) is mounted to a movable member (455) including said movable portion (455a) so that said push portion ( 4185c) moves together with said movable portion (455e). 10. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5 characterized by the fact that said movable portion (755c, 855c, 955c, 1155c2) is capable of propelling said drive member (7185, 8185, 9185, 11185). 11. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that when said coupling member (180) takes the mounting attitude, said movable portion (755c, 855c, 955c, 1155c2) drives said pushing member (7185, 8185, 9185, 11185); and when said coupling member (180) assumes the spaced attitude, said driving portion (7185d, 8185e, 9185e, 11185d) drives said coupling member (180), and said movable portion 755c, 855c, 955c, 1155c2) is spaced of said thrust member (7185, 8185, 9185, 11185). 12. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by the fact that when said coupling member (180) takes the spaced attitude, said driving portion (10185e, 11185d) drives said coupling member (180), and said movable portion (10185g, 1155c2) is spaced from said coupling member (180); and when said coupling member (180) takes the mounting attitude, said driving portion (10185e, 11185d) is spaced from said coupling member (180), and said movable portion (10185g, 1155c2) drives said coupling member (10185g, 1155c2) 180). 13. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that when viewed along an axial direction of said developer-carrying member (13), the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the spaced attitude and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the mounting attitude are substantially perpendicular to each other. 14. Cartridge according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that when viewed along the axial direction of said developer-bearing member (13), an angle formed between the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the spaced attitude and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the mounting attitude is a value in a range of approximately 20° to approximately 150°. 15. Cartridge according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that when viewed along the axial direction of said developer-bearing member (13), an angle formed between the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the spaced attitude and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the mounting attitude is a value in a range of approximately 30° to approximately 120°. 16. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the fact that when viewed along the axial direction of said developer-bearing member (13), an angle formed between a line connecting a center of inclination of said member of coupling (980) and said developer-bearing member (13) and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the spaced attitude is not more than approximately 30°. 17. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that when viewed along the axial direction of said developer-bearing member (13), an angle formed between a line connecting a center of inclination of said member of coupling (980) and said developer-bearing member (13) and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the mounting attitude is a value in the range of approximately 45° to approximately 95°. 18. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that an angle formed between the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the spaced attitude and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the reference position is a value in the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. 19. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that an angle formed between the rotational axis of said coupling member (980) taking the mounting attitude and the rotational axis of said coupling member (980 ) taking the reference position is a value in the range of approximately 20° to approximately 60°. 20. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the pushing member (185, 3185, 4185, 5185, 6185, 7185, 8185, 9185, 10185, 11185) is an elastic pushing member . 21. Cartridge according to claim 20, characterized in that said elastic push member includes a spring. 22. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5 or 21, characterized in that it additionally comprises a movable member (55, 355, 455, 555, 655, 755, 855, 955, 10185, 1155) including said portion mobile (55e, 355a, 455a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 855c, 955c, 10185g, 1155c2). 23. Cartridge according to claim 22, characterized in that said movable member (55, 355, 455, 555, 655, 755, 855, 955, 10185, 1155) includes an elastic member (56, 356, 456, 555 , 655, 756, 856) for movement. 24. Cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that said elastic member (555, 655) for movement includes said movable portion (555c, 655c). 25. Cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that said movable member (55, 355, 455, 555, 655, 755, 855, 955, 10185, 1155) is rotatable. 26. Cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that said movable member (55, 355, 455, 555, 655, 755, 855, 955, 10185, 1155) includes a force receiving portion for receiving a force for moving said movable portion (55e, 355a, 455a, 555c, 655c, 755c, 855c, 955c, 10185g, 1155c2) from the second moving position to the first moving position. 27. Cartridge according to claim 26, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a developing blade (15) for regulating the developer in said developer-carrying member (13), wherein, when viewed along the rotational axis of said member developer-carrying member (13), said force-receiving portion is substantially disposed on an opposite side of said developer-carrying member (13) with respect to said developer blade (15). 28. Cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 27, characterized in that said coupling member (180) includes a free end portion (180a) provided with a rotational force receiving portion (180a1, 180a2) for receiving a rotational force from the main assembly drive shaft (100), a connecting end portion (180b) provided with a rotational force transmitting portion (180c1, 180c2) for transmitting the rotational force to said developer-bearing member (13 ), a connecting portion (180d) connecting said free end portion (180a) and said connecting end portion (180b). 29. Cartridge according to claim 28, characterized in that said coupling member (180, 980) includes a positioned portion (180e, 980e) to be positioned relative to said cartridge (P) when taking said spaced attitude and/or assembly attitude. 30. Cartridge according to claim 29, characterized in that the positioned portion (180e) is provided in said connecting portion (180b). 31. Cartridge according to claim 29, characterized in that said positioned portion (180e, 980e) is provided in said connecting end portion (180b). 32. Cartridge according to claim 31, characterized in that said positioned portion (180e, 980e) is provided projecting with said connecting end portion (180b). 33. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that with the movement of said developer-carrying member (13) from the contact position to the retracted position, said coupling member (180, 980) moves moves from the assembly attitude to the spaced attitude. 34. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that said main assembly additionally includes another main assembly drive shaft, and said cartridge (P) including another coupling member (992) capable of transferring the driving force of the other main assembly drive shaft for said photosensitive member (910). 35. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a photosensitive member side support frame (921, 930, 931) rotatably supporting said photosensitive member (910), a developing side support frame ( 936, 946) rotatably supporting said developer-bearing member (13), wherein a movable member including said movable portion is provided in said photosensitive member side support frame (921, 930, 931), and a drive member including said thrust portion is provided in said revealing side support frame (936, 946).