CN118011761A

CN118011761A - Drum unit and processing box

Info

Publication number: CN118011761A
Application number: CN202311483148.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 王常彪; 朱卿瑞; 邢静娜; 赵文杰
Original assignee: Zhuhai Nastar Information Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Zhuhai Nastar Information Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2023-11-08
Publication date: 2024-05-10

Abstract

A drum unit for detachable mounting on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a drive transmission unit including a drive transmission member including a positioning boss, a drive transmission portion, and a connection frame connected between the positioning boss and the drive transmission portion, a second braking force engagement member provided in the drive transmission member, and a first braking force engagement member provided in the second braking force engagement member, the drum unit comprising: a photosensitive drum; a coupling connected to the photosensitive drum for receiving a driving force from the driving transmission unit of the main assembly; the end of the coupling is provided with an abutment structure for abutting against the end of the first braking force engagement member and/or the end of the second braking force engagement member to limit axial movement of the first braking force engagement member and the second braking force engagement member. The braking force engagement member does not interfere with or collide with other rotating components, thereby reducing noise.

Description

Drum unit and processing box

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly, to a drum unit and a process cartridge.

Background

Conventionally, in the field of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) and a process apparatus acting on the photosensitive drum are integrally formed as a cartridge (generally referred to as a process cartridge). Such a process cartridge is detachable from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

There is a type of drive transmission unit as disclosed in chinese patent CN113574469a, which is engaged with a driving force receiving unit (i.e., a coupling) on a process cartridge by a plurality of members to drive and brake it. Referring to fig. 1, there is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus M including a main assembly 170, a drawer 171, and a door 11, the main assembly 170 having a receiving portion, a drive transmission unit 203, a separation mechanism, a transfer unit, and the like provided therein, the drawer 171 being capable of receiving the process cartridge 100 and being movable relative to the main assembly 170 to mount the process cartridge 100 into the receiving portion of the main assembly 170. The door cover 11 is provided at an outer side of the main assembly 170, and is capable of opening or closing the receiving part of the main assembly 170.

Referring to fig. 2 to 6, the drive transmission unit 203 provided on the main assembly 170 includes a drive force transmission member 180, a first braking force engagement member 204, a second braking force engagement member 208, and a brake transmission member 207.

The first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are for applying braking force to the process cartridge 100, and may be assembled together in such a manner that the rotation stop protrusion 208c and the rotation stop recess 204c are engaged, and may have synchronized action.

Specifically, the flange portion 207a of the brake transmitting member 207 is provided with a projection 207e, and the corresponding flange portion 204a of the first brake force engagement member 204 is provided with a projection 204e, and when the projection 207e of the brake transmitting member 207 is engaged with the projection 204e of the first brake force engagement member 204, the brake transmitting member 207 can transmit a braking force to the first brake force engagement member 204.

The first and second braking force engagement members 204 and 208 are movable in the axial direction M1 with respect to the brake transmission member 207 and the brake member 206, and the second and first braking force engagement members 208 and 204 will not receive braking force when the protrusion 207e of the brake transmission member 207 is offset or separated from the protrusion 204e of the first braking force engagement member 204 in the axial direction M1.

In this driving manner of the related art, when the first braking force engagement member 204 and the braking transmission member 207 are disengaged during engagement of the coupling of the process cartridge with the driving force transmission member 180 or during driving force transmission, both the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 may be stationary or perform some random movement in the driving force transmission member 180, such as random movement in the axial direction or random rotation in the circumferential direction, thereby interfering with or colliding with other rotating parts, resulting in generation of noise.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drum unit for detachable mounting on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a drive transmission unit including a drive transmission member including a positioning boss, a drive transmission portion, and a connection frame connected at the positioning boss and the drive transmission portion, a second braking force engagement member provided in the drive transmission member, and a first braking force engagement member provided in the second braking force engagement member, the drum unit comprising:

A photosensitive drum;

A coupling connected to the photosensitive drum for receiving a driving force from the driving transmission unit of the main assembly; the end of the coupling is provided with an abutment structure for abutting against the end of the first braking force engagement member and/or the end of the second braking force engagement member to limit axial movement of the first braking force engagement member and the second braking force engagement member.

According to the invention, the braking force joint member (comprising the first braking force joint member and the second braking force joint member) is driven by the abutting structure to rotate along with the coupler, so that the braking force joint member cannot interfere and collide with other rotating parts in the driving force transmission process, noise is reduced, and driving force transmission is smoother.

In some embodiments, the abutment structure is further adapted to exert a frictional force on the end of the first braking force engagement member and/or the end of the second braking force engagement member to thereby rotate the first braking force engagement member and the second braking force engagement member with the coupling.

In some embodiments, the abutment structure comprises a first abutment structure for limiting axial movement of the first brake force engagement member and generating a frictional force action with the first brake force engagement member to rotate the first brake force engagement member with the coupling.

In some embodiments, the first abutment structure is an annular structure protruding from the coupling end face.

In some embodiments, the end face of the first abutment structure is a planar structure perpendicular to the axis of the coupling, and the first braking force engagement member is frictionally engaged with the planar structure to rotate with the coupling.

In some embodiments, the end of the coupling is further provided with a drive limiter for cooperating with a drive transmitting portion on the drive transmitting member to receive the drive.

In some embodiments, the driving limiting portion is a groove arranged on the first abutting structure, and a second inclined surface is arranged on the driving limiting portion and is used for being matched with the first inclined surface on the driving force transmission portion so as to receive driving force; the second inclined surface is connected with the end surface of the first abutting structure.

In some embodiments, the abutment structure comprises a second abutment structure for limiting axial movement of the second brake force engagement member and generating a frictional force action with the second brake force engagement member to rotate the second brake force engagement member with the coupling.

In some embodiments, the second abutment structure is an annular structure protruding from the coupling end face.

In some embodiments, the end face of the second abutment structure is a planar structure perpendicular to the axis of the coupling, and the second braking force engagement member acts in friction with the planar structure to rotate with the coupling.

In some embodiments, the driving limiting portion is a groove, and a second inclined surface is provided on the driving limiting portion, and the second inclined surface is used for being matched with the first inclined surface on the driving force transmission portion, so as to receive the driving force.

In some embodiments, the coupling is further provided with a blocking portion and a first guiding inclined surface, the blocking portion, the first guiding inclined surface and the abutting structure are sequentially connected, the first guiding inclined surface is inclined relative to the axis of the coupling and used for guiding the first braking force joint member and/or the second braking force joint member to move from the blocking portion to the abutting structure, and the first braking force joint member and/or the second braking force joint member exert friction force with the abutting structure to rotate along with the coupling.

In some embodiments, the end of the coupling is further provided with an engagement portion, which is a groove, for engaging with a connection frame on the driving force transmitting member, thereby receiving the driving force.

In some embodiments, the end of the coupling is further provided with a split portion, which is a cylindrical structure extending in the axial direction for insertion between the first and second braking force engagement members, the engagement portion being formed at the end of the split portion.

In some embodiments, the split portions have different thicknesses at different locations extending in the axial direction, thereby creating a friction or interference force between the split portions and the first and/or second braking force engagement members.

In some embodiments, the end of the coupling is further provided with a centrally apertured guide post for cooperation with a locating boss of the drive force transmitting member;

the abutment structure is an annular projection formed on the outer circumferential surface of the guide post, and is for abutting against the second braking force engagement member and restricting axial movement thereof.

In some embodiments, the guide post further has a locking portion, and the locking portion abuts against the positioning boss through elastic deformation of the elastic member or the elastic member itself, so as to receive the driving force.

In some embodiments, one end of the clamping part is connected with the guide post, and the other end of the clamping part is suspended, so that the clamping part can generate elastic deformation; the inner wall of the clamping part is provided with a second guide inclined plane and a clamping abutting surface, the second guide inclined plane inclines relative to the axis of the coupler and is used for guiding the positioning boss to move to the clamping abutting surface, and the positioning boss abuts against the clamping abutting surface through elastic deformation of the clamping part, so that a transmission relation is formed.

The present invention also provides a process cartridge for detachably mounting to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, including a drum unit of any one of the above.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of an image forming apparatus of a related art CN113574469 a;

fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving transmission unit of a prior art CN113574469 a;

fig. 3 is a schematic structural view of a first braking force engaging member and a braking transmitting member of the prior art CN113574469 a;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission unit of a prior art CN113574469 a;

fig. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a drive transmission unit of a related art CN113574469 a;

fig. 6 is a schematic structural view of a drive transmission unit (only a part of the structure is shown) of a related art CN113574469 a;

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural view of a process cartridge and a drive transmission unit (only part of the structure is shown) according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 is a schematic structural view of a drive transmission unit (only a part of the structure is shown) and a coupling according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural view of a coupling according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 10 is another schematic structural view of a drive transmission unit (only a part of the structure is shown) and a coupling according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 11 is a schematic view showing still another structure of a drive transmission unit (only a part of the structure is shown) and a coupling according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a coupling according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a schematic structural view of a drive transmission unit (only part of the structure is shown) and a coupling according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a photosensitive drum and coupling of a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 15 is a schematic view of a coupling according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a coupling hidden separation portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 17 is a bottom view of a coupling according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a schematic view showing a process of inserting a coupling between drive transmission units (only a part of the structure is shown) according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 19 is a schematic view of the coupling and drive transmission unit (only part of the structure is shown) engagement process of the third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a schematic view of the coupling and the drive transmission unit (only part of the structure is shown) in the coupling process of the third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 21 is a schematic view showing the coupling and the drive transmission unit (only part of the structure is shown) of the third embodiment of the present invention to complete engagement;

fig. 22 is a schematic structural view of a first braking force engagement member and a second braking force engagement member of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

fig. 23 is a schematic structural view of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 24 is a schematic view of another direction of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 26 is a schematic diagram of a coupling and a drive transmission unit not engaged according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 27 is a schematic view of a coupling partially engaged with a drive transmission unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 28 is a schematic structural view of a coupling fully engaged with a drive transmission unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling fully engaged with the drive transmission unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the embodiments described are some, but not all embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without making any inventive effort, are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implying a number of technical features being indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless specifically defined otherwise.

In the present invention, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "secured," and the like are to be construed broadly and include, for example, either fixedly attached, detachably attached, or integrally formed; may be a mechanical connection; either directly or indirectly, through intermediaries, or both, may be in communication with each other or in interaction with each other, unless expressly defined otherwise. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art according to the specific circumstances.

In the present invention, unless expressly stated or limited otherwise, a first feature "up" or "down" a second feature may be the first and second features in direct contact, or the first and second features in indirect contact via an intervening medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "over" and "on" a second feature may be a first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is level higher than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "below" and "beneath" the second feature may be the first feature being directly under or obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is less level than the second feature.

In the above description, descriptions of the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples," etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples may be combined and combined by those skilled in the art without contradiction.

Example 1

The image forming apparatus (also referred to as an image forming apparatus, an electronic image forming apparatus) of the present invention may be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer (a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a multifunction printer, etc. The present invention will be described by taking a laser beam printer as an example. The process cartridge is detachable from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and when the consumable supplies in the process cartridge are used, it is necessary to remove the old consumable cartridge and then mount a new process cartridge. The process cartridge contains developer (e.g., toner), and may also be referred to as a "consumable cartridge", "toner container", "toner cartridge", and the like. In this embodiment, it is also possible to detachable the drum unit 108, and when the drum unit 108 is replaced, the drum unit 108 on the original consumable cartridge is detached, then a new drum unit 108 is mounted on the process cartridge, and then the process cartridge is reinstalled on the apparatus main assembly.

The main assembly of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment adopts a related art main assembly such as that disclosed in chinese patent application CN113574469a, which is engaged with a coupling on a process cartridge by a plurality of members to drive and brake it, and as shown in fig. 1, the image forming apparatus M includes a main assembly 170, a drawer 171 and a door cover 11, the main assembly 170 being provided therein with a receiving portion, a drive transmission unit 203, a separation mechanism, a transfer unit, and the like, the drawer 171 being capable of receiving the process cartridge 100 and being movable relative to the main assembly 170 to mount the process cartridge 100 into the receiving portion of the main assembly 170. The door cover 11 is provided at an outer side of the main assembly 170, and is capable of opening or closing the receiving part of the main assembly 170.

Referring to fig. 2 to 6, the drive transmission unit 203 provided on the main assembly 170 includes a drive force transmission assembly including a first rotation member 201 and a drive force transmission member 180, the first rotation member 201 being rotatably supported on a support shaft 202, one end of the drive force transmission member 180 being provided with a rotation stop portion 180b for receiving a drive force, the other end being provided with a drive force transmission portion 180v, the drive force transmission member 180 being movably fitted on the first rotation member 201 in the axial direction M1, the rotation of the drive force transmission member 180 being effected by the first rotation member 201 by cooperation between the rotation stop portion 201b provided on the first rotation member 201 and the rotation stop portion 180b provided on the drive force transmission member 180.

The braking force application assembly includes a braking member 206, a first braking force engagement member 204, a second braking force engagement member 208, a first engagement spring 211, a second spring 210, and a brake transfer member 207, wherein the braking member 206 includes a fixed side 206a and a rotating side 206b, the fixed side 206a is fixedly connected with the support shaft 202, the rotating side 206b is rotatable relative to the fixed side 206a and generates a braking force, and a method of generating a braking force may be appropriately selected from those using friction and viscosity.

The first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are for applying braking force to the process cartridge 100, and may be assembled together in such a manner that the rotation stop protrusion 208c and the rotation stop recess 204c are engaged, and may have synchronized action. The second braking force engagement member 208 is located inside the first braking force engagement member 204, and the engagement portion 204b of the first braking force engagement member 204 can be brought into abutment or abutment with each other with the driving force transmission surface 180 d.

The shaft portion 207b of the brake transfer member 207 passes through the through holes in the middle of the first and second brake force engagement members 204 and 208 and is connected to the rotation side 206b of the brake member 206 to be able to transfer the brake force to the first and second brake force engagement members 204 and 208.

Continuing, referring to fig. 4 and 5, one end of the first engagement spring 211 is pressed against the end face 206d of the brake member 206, and the other end is pressed against the flange portion 204a of the first brake force engagement member 204, the first engagement spring 211 is in a compressed state, which applies an elastic force to the first brake force engagement member 204 in the M1B direction, which can keep the protrusion 207e of the brake transmitting member 207 engaged with the protrusion 204e of the first brake force engagement member 204.

The second spring 210 is a compression coil spring, and is provided so as to be sandwiched and compressed between the end surface 206d of the brake member 206 and the flange portion 207a of the brake transmitting member 207, the second spring 210 applies a repulsive force (urging force, elastic force) to each of the end surface 206d of the brake member 206 and the flange portion 207a of the brake transmitting member 207.

In each component of the drive transmission unit 203 described above, the protrusion 207f at the end of the brake transmission member 207 in the axial direction M1A abuts against the contact surface 180f of the drive force transmission member 180 under the action of the first engagement spring 211 and the second spring 210. The movement of the driving force transmitting member 180 in the arrow M1B direction is regulated (restricted) by the axial direction restricting portion 212 so that the driving force transmitting member 180 does not fall off from the main assembly 170 side driving force transmitting unit 203.

In each of the above-described components of the drive transmission unit 203, the driving force transmission member 180 is movable in the directions M1A and M1B with respect to the first rotation member 201, and the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are movable in the directions M1A and M1B with respect to the braking transmission member 207 and the first rotation member 201, and are also movable in the directions M1A and M1B with respect to the driving force transmission member 180.

Referring to fig. 6, the driving force transmission member 180 includes a driving force transmission portion 180v, a positioning boss 180i, and a link 180j. The link 180j is connected between the positioning boss 180i and the driving force transmitting portion 180v, and the driving force transmitting portion 180v has a first inclined surface 180k.

The first braking force engaging member 204 has two engaging portions 204b protruding in the form of claws toward the process cartridge and engaging with the coupling. The second braking force engaging member 208 has two engaging portions 208b protruding in the form of claws toward the process cartridge and engaging with the coupling. The engaging portion 204b and the engaging portion 208b protrude through the through hole between the connection frame 180j and the cylindrical portion 180c and are exposed to the outside.

Referring to fig. 7, the process cartridge includes a drum unit 108, a developing unit 109, and an end cap including a driving-side end cap 116 and a non-driving-side end cap 117. The drum unit 108 includes a photosensitive frame 115 (one of the process cartridge cases), a photosensitive drum 104 rotatably supported on the photosensitive frame 115, a charging roller, and a coupling 143 provided at an end of the photosensitive drum 104, the coupling 143 being engaged with a drive transmission unit 203 of the main assembly to receive a driving force, thereby rotating the photosensitive drum 104. The developing unit 109 includes a developing frame 125 (one of the process cartridge housings), a developing roller 106 rotatably supported on the developing frame 125, and a developing drive force receiving unit 132. The developing drive force receiving unit 132 is engaged with a developing drive force transmitting unit on the main assembly to receive a drive force, thereby driving the developing roller 106 to rotate.

The drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected by a driving-side end cap 116 and a non-driving-side end cap 117 provided at respective ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, and one end of the process cartridge where the coupling 143 is provided is defined as a driving end, and the opposite other end is defined as a non-driving end.

Referring to fig. 9 to 11, the end of the coupling 143 is provided with a guide post 143a, an abutment structure and a driving stopper 54. The guide post 143a is located on the axis of the end of the coupling 143 for cooperation with the positioning cylinder 180i of the driving force transmitting member 180 to achieve the engagement positioning between the coupling 143 and the driving force transmitting member 180. The guide column 143a is shaped as a hollow cylinder adapted to the positioning cylinder 180i, and the positioning cylinder 180i is positioned by inserting the guide column 143 a.

The abutment structure is configured to abut against an end of the first brake force engagement member 204 (i.e., an end of the engagement portion 204 b) and/or an end of the second brake force engagement member 208 (i.e., an end of the engagement portion 208 b) to limit axial movement of the first brake force engagement member 204 and the second brake force engagement member 208, and in some embodiments, is further configured to exert a frictional force with the end of the first brake force engagement member 204 and/or the end of the second brake force engagement member 208 to rotate with the coupling to prevent random movement of the first brake force engagement member 204 and the second brake force engagement member 208 in the axial direction and random rotation in the circumferential direction, to avoid interference with other rotating components, collisions, and noise generation. In other embodiments, the abutment structure may also restrict only the axial movement of the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 without rotating the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208.

In the present embodiment, the abutment structure is implemented as the first abutment structure 52. The first abutment structure 52 is adapted to interact with the first braking force engagement member 204 to limit its axial movement and to rotate with the coupling 143. The first abutting structure 52 is provided at a position opposed to the first braking force engagement member 204 so as to be able to abut against the first braking force engagement member 204. In the present embodiment, the first abutment structure 52 is shaped as an annular structure protruding from the end of the coupling 143 so as to maintain contact with the first braking force engagement member 204. Specifically, the end face of the first abutting structure 52 (end face toward one end of the drive transmitting unit 203) has at least a portion of a planar structure perpendicular to the axis of the coupling, and in this embodiment, it is preferable that the end face of the first abutting structure 52 is entirely of a planar structure, that is, a structure in which no protrusion or depression or the like is present on the end face that affects the flatness, and the end face adopts a planar structure so as to be smoothly excessive during engagement with the first braking force engaging member 204 without generating large collision and vibration.

The drive limiter 54 is configured to cooperate with the drive force transmitting portion 180v of the drive force transmitting member 180 to receive the drive force from the drive force transmitting member 180. In the present embodiment, the drive limiting portion 54 is provided on the first abutting structure 52, and the drive limiting portion 54 is provided with the second inclined surface 541 for cooperation with the first inclined surface 180k on the drive force transmitting portion 180v, so that the coupling 143 achieves transmission of the drive force by contact of the first inclined surface 180k and the second inclined surface 541. In the present embodiment, the driving stopper 54 is a groove formed on the first abutment structure 52, the second inclined surface 541 may be formed at one side wall of the groove, and the second inclined surface 541 is connected to the annular planar structure portion of the first abutment structure 52 and smoothly over-runs, which means a structure in which there is no excessive influence such as a protrusion or a depression. The positions and the number of the driving limiting portions 54 are in one-to-one correspondence with the driving force transmitting portions 180v, in this embodiment, two driving force transmitting portions 180v are symmetrically distributed with respect to the central axis of the driving force transmitting member 180 being separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, and two driving limiting portions 54 are symmetrically distributed with respect to the central axis of the coupling 143 being separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction.

The driving force transmitting member 180 moves in the M1B direction toward the coupling 143 of the process cartridge while the image forming apparatus performs the action of closing the door, thereby engaging with the coupling 143. Before engagement, the driving force transmitting member 180 rotates while the coupling 143 is stationary, the positioning cylinder 180i of the driving force transmitting member 180 enters the guide post 143a of the coupling 143 to perform positioning, the driving force transmitting portion 180v enters the driving limiting portion 54, and the first inclined surface 180k and the second inclined surface 541 abut. Specifically, there are two possibilities of the process of engagement of the driving force transmitting portion 180v with the driving restricting portion 54: first, the driving force transmitting portion 180v is directly located at the joint corresponding to the driving stopper portion 54, and at this time, the driving force transmitting portion 180v may directly enter the driving stopper portion 54, and the first inclined surface 180k and the second inclined surface 541 abut. Second, the end of the driving force transmitting portion 180v in the M1B direction is first in contact with the end surface of the first abutment structure 52, and the driving force transmitting member 180 cannot continue to advance in the M1B direction because of the rigid contact therebetween, and then the driving force transmitting member 180 continues to rotate relative to the coupling 143 by the driving of the motor, and since the driving force transmitting member 180 always has a tendency to move in the M1B direction, the driving force transmitting portion 180v moves along the end surface of the first abutment structure 52 and when passing the driving limiting portion 54, the driving force transmitting member 180 protrudes in the M1B direction, and the driving force transmitting portion 180v enters the driving limiting portion 54, and the engagement of the second inclined surface 541 and the first inclined surface 180k is achieved.

At the same time or slightly later in time as the driving force transmitting portion 180v is engaged with the driving stopper portion 54, since the driving force transmitting member 180 moves in the direction of M1B toward the coupling 143, the first braking force engaging member 204 contacts the end face of the first abutting structure 52, and the first abutting structure 52 presses the first braking force engaging member 204 against the driving force transmitting member 180 so as to move in the direction of M1A relative to the driving force transmitting member 180, so that the first braking force engaging member 204 is disengaged from the braking force transmitting member 207, the braking force transmitting member 207 no longer transmits braking force to the first braking force engaging member 204, and the coupling 143 starts to rotate with the driving force transmitting member 180 with the engagement of the second inclined surface 541 with the first inclined surface 180 k.

During the engagement of the second driving force transmitting portion 180v with the drive limiting portion 54, since the driving force transmitting portion 180v protrudes with respect to the end portion of the first braking force engaging member 204 in the direction toward M1B, the driving force transmitting portion 180v comes into contact with the first abutting structure 52 prior to the first braking force engaging member 204 during the movement of the driving force transmitting member 180 in the direction M1B, and there is no case where the first braking force engaging member 204 falls into the drive limiting portion 54 by mistake prior to the driving force transmitting portion 180 v.

Since the first braking force engagement member 204 contacts and abuts against the first abutment structure 52, the first braking force engagement member 204 receives a force from the first abutment structure 52, which can be achieved by a frictional force between the first braking force engagement member 204 and the first abutment structure 52, and as a result, the first braking force engagement member 204 rotates with the first abutment structure 52. During the rotation of the coupling 143, the first abutting structure 52 always abuts against the first braking force engaging member 204, and the two keep interlocking. Since the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 are interconnected and act in synchronization, the second braking force engagement member 208 also rotates with the first abutment structure 52, such that both the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 rotate with the coupling 143.

According to the scheme that the abutting structure drives the braking force joint members (comprising the first braking force joint member 204 and the second braking force joint member 208) to rotate along with the coupler 143, the braking force joint members cannot interfere and collide with other rotating parts in the driving force transmission process, so that noise is reduced, and driving force transmission is smoother. In addition, the drive force is transmitted by the engagement of the second inclined surface 541 of the drive stopper 54 with the first inclined surface 180k of the drive force transmission portion 180v, so that complicated guidance is not required, and the transmission of the drive force is smoother than in the conventional art.

Example two

The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is mainly the arrangement of the abutment structure.

Referring to fig. 12 to 13, in this embodiment, the end of the coupling 143 is also provided with a guide post 143a, an abutment structure and a drive limiting portion 54, and the guide post 143a is arranged in a similar manner to the embodiment.

In the present embodiment, this abutting structure is implemented at least as the second abutting structure 53. The second abutment structure 53 is adapted to interact with the second brake force engagement member 208 to bring the second brake force engagement member 208 into rotation with the coupling 143. The second abutting structure 53 is provided at a position opposed to the second braking force engagement member 208 so as to be able to abut against the second braking force engagement member 208. The second braking force engagement member 208 is in contact with and abuts against the second abutment structure 53, and the second braking force engagement member 208 receives a force from the second abutment structure 53, which force can be achieved by a friction force between the second braking force engagement member 208 and the second abutment structure 53, as a result of which the second braking force engagement member 208 rotates with the second abutment structure 53. In the present embodiment, the second abutment structure 53 is shaped as an annular structure protruding from the end of the coupling 143 so as to maintain contact with the second braking force engagement member 208. The second abutting structure 53 may be integrally provided with the outer circumferential surface of the positioning cylinder 180i, formed on the outer circumferential surface of the positioning cylinder 180i in a stepped manner, or the second abutting structure 53 may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the positioning cylinder 180i, which is individually protruded from the end portion of the coupling 143. Specifically, the end face of the second abutting structure 53 (end face toward one end of the drive transmitting unit 203) has at least a portion of a planar structure perpendicular to the axis of the coupling, and in this embodiment, it is preferable that the end face of the second abutting structure 53 is entirely of a planar structure, that is, a structure in which no protrusion or depression or the like is present on the end face that affects the flatness, and the end face adopts a planar structure so as to be smoothly excessive during engagement with the second braking force engaging member 208 without generating large collision and vibration.

The abutment structure may also include a first abutment structure 52. Since the second abutting structure 53 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are present and the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are connected to each other and act in synchronization, the first braking force engagement member 204 will also rotate with the second abutting structure 53, so that both the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 rotate with the coupling 143, and the arrangement of the first abutting structure 52 is not necessary in this embodiment, and even if the first abutting structure 52 is provided, the first braking force engagement member 204 may or may not be in contact with the first abutting structure 52, without being affected.

In the present embodiment, the first abutting structure 52 and the second abutting structure 53 are provided at the same time. In some embodiments, the first and second abutment structures 52, 53 may be provided as stepped structures on the end of the coupling 143, the first and second abutment structures 52, 53 being first and second steps on the end of the coupling 143, respectively, that respectively press against the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208, thereby driving the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 to rotate with the coupling 143. In other embodiments, the first and second abutment structures 52, 53 may also be provided as inclined structures on the ends of the coupling 143 that slope radially outward from the axial center of the coupling 143, the first and second abutment structures 52, 53 being formed by different inclined heights at different radii on the inclined surfaces (the first abutment structure 52 being higher than the second abutment structure 53, i.e., closer to the drive transmission unit 203), respectively, pressing against the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208, thereby driving the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 to rotate with the coupling 143. The advantage of providing both the first and second abutment structures 52, 53 is that the first and second brake force engagement members 204, 208 are able to simultaneously receive friction to rotate, which is more stable than one receiving friction to rotate and then the other to rotate.

The drive limiting portion 54 is also provided in a manner similar to that of the embodiment, in which the drive limiting portion 54 is provided on the first abutting structure 52 when the coupling 143 is provided with the first abutting structure 52, and in which the drive limiting portion 54 is provided directly at the end of the coupling 143 when the coupling 143 is provided with only the second abutting structure 53 and no first abutting structure 52, the manner of providing is not limited as long as the drive transmitting function can be achieved. In the present embodiment, the drive limiting portion 54 is provided on the first abutting structure 52 for cooperation with the drive force transmitting portion 180v of the drive force transmitting member 180, thereby receiving the drive force from the drive force transmitting member 180. In the present embodiment, the drive limiting portion 54 is provided with a second inclined surface 541 for cooperating with the first inclined surface 180k on the drive force transmitting portion 180v, so that the coupling 143 achieves transmission of the drive force by contact of the first inclined surface 180k and the second inclined surface 541. In the present embodiment, the driving stopper 54 is a groove formed on the first abutting structure 52, the second inclined surface 541 may be formed at one side wall of the groove, and the second inclined surface 541 is connected to the annular flat end surface portion of the first abutting structure 52 and smoothly excessive. The positions and the number of the driving limiting portions 54 are in one-to-one correspondence with the driving force transmitting portions 180v, in this embodiment, two driving force transmitting portions 180v are symmetrically distributed with respect to the central axis of the driving force transmitting member 180 being separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, and two driving limiting portions 54 are symmetrically distributed with respect to the central axis of the coupling 143 being separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction.

The driving force transmitting member 180 moves in the M1B direction toward the coupling 143 of the process cartridge while the image forming apparatus performs the action of closing the door, thereby engaging with the coupling 143. Before engagement, the driving force transmitting member 180 rotates while the coupling 143 is stationary, the positioning cylinder 180i of the driving force transmitting member 180 enters the guide post 143a of the coupling 143 to perform positioning, the driving force transmitting portion 180v enters the driving limiting portion 54, and the first inclined surface 180k and the second inclined surface 541 abut. Specifically, there are two possibilities of the process of engagement of the driving force transmitting portion 180v with the driving restricting portion 54: first, the driving force transmitting portion 180v is directly located at the joint corresponding to the driving stopper portion 54, and at this time, the driving force transmitting portion 180v may directly enter the driving stopper portion 54, and the first inclined surface 180k and the second inclined surface 541 abut. Second, the end of the driving force transmitting portion 180v in the M1B direction is first in contact with the end surface of the first abutment structure 52, and the driving force transmitting member 180 cannot continue to advance in the M1B direction because of the rigid contact therebetween, and then the driving force transmitting member 180 continues to rotate due to the driving of the motor, and since the driving force transmitting member 180 always has a tendency to move in the M1B direction, the driving force transmitting portion 180v moves along the end surface of the first abutment structure 52 and when passing the driving limiting portion 54, the driving force transmitting member 180 protrudes in the M1B direction, and the driving force transmitting portion 180v enters the driving limiting portion 54, and the engagement of the second inclined surface 541 and the first inclined surface 180k is achieved.

Since the driving force transmitting portion 180v protrudes with respect to the end portion of the first braking force engaging member 204 in the direction toward the M1B, such that the driving force transmitting portion 180v contacts the first abutment structure 52 prior to the first braking force engaging member 204 during movement of the driving force transmitting member 180 in the direction of the M1B, there is no case where the first braking force engaging member 204 falls into the drive limiting portion 54 by mistake prior to the driving force transmitting portion 180 v.

At the same time as or slightly earlier or later than the timing of the engagement of the driving force transmitting portion 180v with the driving limit portion 54, since the driving force transmitting member 180 moves toward the coupling 143 in the direction of M1B, the second braking force engaging member 208 comes into contact with the second abutting structure 53, the second abutting structure 53 presses the second braking force engaging member 208 against the driving force transmitting member 180 to move in the direction of M1A, and since the first braking force engaging member 204 and the second braking force engaging member 208 are connected to each other and act synchronously, the first braking force engaging member 204 also moves in the direction of M1A against the driving force transmitting member 180, so that the first braking force engaging member 204 is disengaged from the braking transmitting member 207, the braking force transmitting member 207 no longer transmits braking force to the first braking force engaging member 204, and the coupling 143 starts to rotate with the driving force transmitting member 180. If the first abutment structure 52 and the second abutment structure 53 are provided at the same time in the present embodiment, the timing of the first braking force engagement member 204 contacting the first abutment structure 52 may be substantially equal to the timing of the second braking force engagement member 208 contacting the second abutment structure 53, and the interaction process of the first braking force engagement member 204 and the first abutment structure 52 is similar to that of the embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

Since the second braking force engagement member 208 is in contact with and abuts against the first abutment structure 52, the second braking force engagement member 208 receives a force from the second abutment structure 53, which can be achieved by a frictional force between the second braking force engagement member 208 and the second abutment structure 53, as a result of which the second braking force engagement member 208 rotates with the second abutment structure 53. During the rotation of the coupling 143, the second abutting structure 53 always abuts against the second braking force engaging member 208, and the two keep interlocking. Since the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 are interconnected and act in synchronization, the first braking force engagement member 204 will also rotate with the second abutment structure 53, such that both the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 rotate with the coupling 143.

The present embodiment drives the braking force engagement member (including the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208) to rotate along with the coupling 143 through the second abutting structure 53, so that the braking force engagement member does not interfere with or collide with other rotating components during the driving force transmission process, thereby reducing noise and enabling the driving force transmission to be smoother. In addition, the drive force is transmitted by the engagement of the second inclined surface 541 of the drive stopper 54 with the first inclined surface 180k of the drive force transmission portion 180v, so that complicated guidance is not required, and the transmission of the drive force is smoother than in the conventional art.

Example III

The present embodiment is substantially the same as the second embodiment, and differs mainly in that: the coupling of this embodiment is further provided with a blocking portion, a first guide inclined surface, an engaging portion, and a disengaging portion, and the coupling is driven in different manners.

Fig. 14 is a schematic view of a three-embodiment photosensitive drum and a coupling. Fig. 15 is a schematic view of an embodiment three-way coupling. Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a hidden separation of a three-way coupling according to an embodiment. Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the embodiment triple coupler.

The coupling 143 includes: a front end portion 243a, a cylindrical portion 243b, and a drum connecting portion 243c. The drum connecting portion 243c is engaged with the photosensitive drum 104, specifically, the drum connecting portion 243c is inserted into the photosensitive drum 104 and fixed by means of adhesion, glue coating, etc., and further, a recess (not shown) is provided in the drum connecting portion 243c to perform a click action with the photosensitive drum 104 or to perform a mounting position recognition point when mounting the two. The cylindrical portion 243b connects the leading end portion 243a and the drum connecting portion 243c.

The front end portion 243a is provided with a guide post 143a, a stopper 2434, a first guide slope 2435, an abutment structure, a separation portion 2431, and an engagement portion 2432, wherein the abutment structure is realized as an abutment portion 2436.

The separating portion 2431 has a cylindrical structure, and extends from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 243B in the direction M1A, i.e., the axial direction of the coupling 143 and the photosensitive drum 104, wherein the direction in which the drive transmission unit 203 faces the coupling 143 is the direction M1B, and vice versa is the direction M1A. During installation of the drum unit 108 to the main assembly, the separating portion 2431 is interposed between the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208. Preferably, the separating portion 2431 has different thicknesses at different positions extending in the axial direction (i.e., different positions in the M1 direction, the thickness of the separating portion 2431 is different in the radial length of the cross section in the direction perpendicular to M1), which is advantageous in that friction or interference force is generated between the separating portion and the first braking force engagement member 204 and/or the second braking force engagement member 208, so that the coupling 143 is more firmly engaged with the drive transmission unit 203, and power transmission during printing is more stable.

The lower end of the separation portion 2431 is provided with a joint portion 2432, the joint portion 2432 is a groove structure concavely arranged along the M1B direction, and the shape, size and other structures of the groove structure are not limited. The engaging portions 2432 are arranged in 2 groups, 2 being symmetrically arranged at 180 °, and one group of engaging portions 2432 is engaged with one group of the connecting frame 180 j. Specifically, the engaging portion 2432 is engaged with the connecting frame 180j, for receiving the driving force applied by the connecting frame 180 j. Preferably, the shape and size of the groove structure of the engaging portion 2432 correspond to those of the connecting frame 180j, which is beneficial for the engaging portion 2432 to engage with the connecting frame 180j, preferably, the width of the groove structure of the engaging portion 2432 along the rotation direction a is greater than or equal to that of the connecting frame 180j along the direction a, which is beneficial for the engaging portion 2432 to adapt to the width of the connecting frame 180j and engage with the connecting frame 180 j.

The stopper 2434 serves as an extension portion for preventing the driving force transmission member 180 from entering in the M1B direction, and the stopper 2434 is disposed on an outer diameter of one end of the guide post 143a in the M1A direction and extends in the rotation direction. The first guide slope 2435 is continuous with the stopper 2434 at the downstream end in the rotation direction, and the first guide slope 2435 is inclined with respect to M1, and is inclined toward M1B along the downstream side in the rotation direction, and the abutment 2436 is provided at the upstream end of the first guide slope 2435. Preferably, the surface of the abutment 2436 is horizontal, i.e. perpendicular to the axial direction M1, for the engagement portion 208b of the second braking force engagement member 208 to contact the abutment 2436 when the engagement portion 208b of the second braking force engagement member 208 moves along the surface of the first guiding ramp 2435 to the surface of the abutment 2436, the abutment 2436 presses the second braking force engagement member 208 to move in the direction M1A, i.e. simultaneously presses the first braking force engagement member 204 to move in the direction M1A, such that the braking force engagement member is disconnected from the brake transfer member 207, no braking force is received, and a friction force is generated between the second braking force engagement member 208 and the abutment 2436, such that the second braking force engagement member 208 is rotated by the abutment 2436 with the coupling 143. During engagement, the engagement portion 208b may also directly contact the abutted portion 2436 without passing the stop 2434, the first guide ramp 2435. In other embodiments, the first braking force engaging member 204 may be in contact with the abutting portion 2436 and generate friction force, and at this time, the shape and position of the abutting portion 2436 may be changed accordingly so as to be in contact with the first braking force engaging member 204, and in other embodiments, the first braking force engaging member 204 and the second braking force engaging member 208 may be in contact with the abutting portion 2436 together and generate friction force, and the abutting portion 2436 may have different portions respectively in contact with the first braking force engaging member 204 and the second braking force engaging member 208 due to different positions of the two members. Since the first and second braking force engagement members 204, 208 are linked, the abutment 2436 can rotate together by driving one of them to rotate.

In this embodiment, the coupling 143 includes two stoppers 2434, two first guide slopes 2435, and two abutment portions 2436, and has a symmetrical shape about its axis.

The engagement process of the coupling 143 and the driving force transmission member 180 is described in detail below. The initial posture (initial relative position) of the coupling 143 and the driving force transmission member 180 is divided into a first posture and a second posture. The first posture means that the engaging portion 2432 provided on the coupling 143 is located right above the corresponding link frame 180j provided on the driving force transmission member 180, and the engaging portion 2432 and the link frame 180j can be directly engaged; the second posture means that the engaging portion 2432 provided on the coupling 143 is located on the upstream side in the rotational direction a (see fig. 19 to 21) of the position corresponding to the link frame 180j provided on the driving force transmitting member 180, and needs to be rotated a certain distance in the a direction through the driving force transmitting member 180 to reach the first posture, that is, the engaging portion 2432 is located directly above the link frame 180j corresponding thereto, and the engaging portion 2432 and the link frame 180j can be directly engaged.

First gestural contact procedure: when the process cartridge is to be mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge is mounted to the drawer 171, and then the process cartridge is pushed into the main assembly together with the drawer 171, the door 11 is closed, and the drive transmission unit 203, the developing drive force transmission unit are projected in the M1B direction to be engaged with the drum unit 108, the developing unit 109. As shown in fig. 21, when the driving force transmitting member 180 is extended in the M1B direction, the separating portion 2431 provided on the coupling 143 is interposed between the first braking force engaging member 204 and the second braking force engaging member 208. Since the coupling 143 and the driving force transmitting member 180 are positioned in the first posture at this time, that is, the engaging portion 2432 provided on the coupling 143 is positioned directly above the connecting frame 180j provided on the driving force transmitting member 180, the engaging portion 2432 and the connecting frame 180j can be directly engaged. Then, the driving force transmitting member 180 starts to rotate in the a direction by the motor, and the engaging portion 2432 is engaged with the link frame 180j for receiving the driving force applied by the link frame 180j and rotates in synchronization with the link frame 180j in the a direction. The coupling 2432 rotates the coupling 143, and the coupling 143 rotates the first braking force engaging member 204 and the second braking force engaging member 208 by the friction force of the abutment 2436, so that the photosensitive drum 104 rotates, thereby completing the driving operation. During or after engagement of the engagement portion 2432 with the link 180j, approximately for a considerable time, the engagement portion 208b of the second braking force engagement member 208 contacts the abutment 2436 and generates friction so that the second braking force engagement member 208 is rotated by the abutment 2436 with the coupling 143.

The second gestural contact procedure is illustrated with reference to fig. 18, 19, 20, 21: referring to fig. 18 and 19, when the driving force transmitting member 180 is projected in the M1B direction, the stopper 2434 suppresses the movement of the second braking force engaging member 208 in the M1B direction, and on the other hand, the portion of the driving force transmitting member 18 other than the second braking force engaging member 208 and the first braking force engaging member 204 continues to move in the M1B direction, the stopper 2434 does not interfere with the shape of the driving force transmitting member 180 because the positions thereof are different in the radial direction. The second braking force engagement member 208 has an engagement portion 208B at a free end in the M1B direction. Since the engaging portion 208b is in contact with the stopper 2434, the second braking force engaging member 208 is in a state of being pushed in the direction M1A, the driving force transmitting member 180 starts to rotate in the direction a by the motor drive, since the engaging portion 2432 provided on the coupling 143 is located on the upstream side in the rotational direction a of the position corresponding to the connecting frame 180j provided on the driving force transmitting member 180, and the driving force transmitting member 180 and the coupling 143 can move relatively, the engaging portion 208b of the second braking force engaging member 208 moves along the first guiding slope 2435 toward the downstream side while the second braking force engaging member 208 follows the rotation of the driving force transmitting member 180 in the direction a, and at this time, the disengaging portion 2431 provided on the coupling 143 is interposed between the first braking force engaging member 204 and the second braking force engaging member 208, and when the engaging portion 208b contacts the abutting portion 2436, the lower end surface of the disengaging portion 2431 abuts on the upper end surface of the connecting frame 180j, and since the coupling 143 and the driving force transmitting member 180 are located in the second posture, that is located on the upstream side in the rotational direction a of the position corresponding to the connecting frame 180j, that is not engaged with the connecting frame 24j. As shown in fig. 20, the abutting state of the lower end surface of the separating portion 2431 and the upper end surface of the connecting frame 180j is that the abutting portion 2436 abuts against the second braking force engaging member 208, so that the second braking force engaging member 208 moves in the direction M1A, the second braking force engaging member 208 drives the first braking force engaging member 204 to move synchronously, the protruding portion 204e of the first braking force engaging member 204 is separated from the protruding portion 207e of the brake transmission member 207, and since the second braking force engaging member 208 is always pressed by the abutting portion 2436, the second braking force engaging member 208 generates friction with the abutting portion 2436 and is driven to rotate by the abutting portion 2436, so that the second braking force engaging member 208 always maintains a relatively stationary state with the coupling 143 during operation of the device, and no abnormal sound is generated. Subsequently, after the driving force transmitting member 180 continues to rotate in the a direction by a certain angle, the coupling 143 reaches the first posture with the driving force transmitting member 180, that is, the engaging portion 2432 is located directly above the corresponding link frame 180 j. At this time, the driving force transmitting member 180 moves in the direction M1B to protrude a certain distance, and the lower surface of the engaging portion 2432 abuts against the upper surface of the connecting frame 180j, as shown in fig. 21. At this time, the engaging portion 2432 is engaged with the connecting frame 180j, and is configured to receive the driving force applied by the connecting frame 180j, and rotate synchronously with the connecting frame 180j along the direction a. The coupling 2432 rotates the coupling 143, the coupling 143 rotates the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208, and the coupling 143 rotates the photosensitive drum 104, thereby completing the driving operation.

With this structure, the coupling 143 is easily disengaged from the driving force transmission member 180, and the coupling 143 is prevented from being smoothly disengaged from the driving force transmission member 180 without a snap-in point or a reverse snap-in point, thereby ensuring that a user can smoothly complete the disassembling operation.

The present embodiment uses the scheme that the abutting portion 2436 drives the braking force engagement member (including the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208) to rotate along with the coupling 143, so that the braking force engagement member does not interfere with or collide with other rotating components during the driving force transmission process, thereby reducing noise and enabling the driving force transmission to be smoother.

Example IV

The first main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that: the arrangement modes of the abutting structures are different, and the driving modes of the couplings are different. In the present embodiment, the abutment structure is implemented as the annular projection 143b.

Referring to fig. 23 and 24, a coupling 143 is provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 104, a guide post 143a having a central opening 143a1 is provided on the coupling 143, and is engaged with a positioning boss 180i on the driving force transmission member 180, an engaging portion 143d is provided in a peripheral wall of the guide post 143a, one end of the engaging portion 143d is fixedly provided on the guide post 143a, and the other end is suspended, so that the engaging portion 143d is elastically deformable, specifically, the engaging portion 143d is elastically deformable with respect to an axis of the coupling, and is provided at least in two.

Further, as shown in fig. 25, the engaging portion 143d is provided with a second guide inclined surface 143d2 and an engaging abutment surface 143d1 toward one side of the center hole 143a1, the second guide inclined surface 143d2 being inclined with respect to the axis of the coupling, the second guide inclined surface 143d2 being inclined toward the axis near the center hole 143a1 and extending in the axial direction of the center hole 143a1 as seen in the direction M1B, the engaging abutment surface 143d1 being provided at the extending end portion of the second guide inclined surface 143d2, and the distance between the two opposing engaging abutment surfaces 143d1 being smaller than the outer diameter of the positioning boss 180i, the engaging abutment surface 143d1 may be provided as a friction surface for stably engaging abutment of the engaging abutment surface 143d1 with the positioning boss 180i, or a friction increasing material such as felt, sponge, or the like may be provided thereon.

In some embodiments, the engaging portion 143d may be movably disposed with respect to the guide column 143a, and an elastic member, such as a spring, may be connected to the engaging portion 143d, where the engaging portion 143d may be elastically deformed by the elastic member, and the engaging portion itself may or may not be elastically deformed, so long as tight contact with the positioning boss 180i is ensured.

Also provided on the outer circumferential wall of the guide column 143a is an annular projection 143b, the diameter of the annular projection 143b is larger than the diameter of the guide column 143a, and the annular projection 143b is provided close to the engaging portion 143D, the annular projection 143b is closer to the photosensitive drum 104 than the engaging portion 143D in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104, the annular projection 143b abuts an end portion on the second braking force engagement member 208, specifically, referring to fig. 22, an end portion of the engagement portion 208b of the second braking force engagement member 208 is formed with a claw portion 208g protruding toward the positioning boss 180i, the annular projection 143b can abut the claw portion 208g on the end portion of the second braking force engagement member 208, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are caused to be unable to move in the M1 direction, and the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 are caused to move in the M1A direction, the braking force engagement member is disconnected from the braking force transmission member 207, and braking force is not received any more. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the detachment therebetween, a friction surface may be provided on the annular protrusion 143b, or a friction-increasing material such as felt, sponge, or the like may be provided thereon. In some embodiments, the annular projection 143b is capable of generating a frictional force with the end of the second brake force engagement member 208 to thereby rotate the second brake force engagement member 208 with the coupling 143, and in other embodiments, the annular projection 143b may limit only axial movement of the second brake force engagement member 208 without rotating the second brake force engagement member 208.

When the positioning boss 180i is inserted into the center hole 143a1, the positioning boss 180i can be brought into engagement with the engagement abutment surface 143d1 under the guide of the second guide slope 143d2, and the annular projection 143b is brought into abutment with the claw portion 208g on the second braking force engagement member 208. When the positioning boss 180i engages with the engaging abutment surface 143d1, the engaging abutment surface 143d1 moves elastically in a direction away from the center hole 143a1 (i.e., in a direction away from the axis of the coupling 143) due to the pressing force of the positioning boss 180i, and also engages with the positioning boss 180i tightly due to the elastic force, thereby receiving the driving force.

The matching working process comprises the following steps:

closing the door cover 11 of the main assembly 170, the drive transmission unit 203 of the main assembly 170 is extended and approaches the coupling 143 of the process cartridge along the M1B direction;

As shown in fig. 24 to 29, the guide post 143a on the coupling 143 is first engaged with the positioning boss 180i on the driving force transmitting member 180, that is, the positioning boss 180i is inserted into the center hole 143a1 on the guide post 143a, and as the driving force transmitting unit 203 and the driving force transmitting member 180 thereon continue to move toward the direction M1B, the positioning boss 180i is completely inserted into the center hole 143a1 under the guidance of the second guide slope 143d2, at this time, the positioning boss 180i is engaged with the engagement abutment surface 143d1, the annular projection 143B is engaged with the claw portion 208g on the second braking force engaging member 208, and the engagement abutment surface 143d1 is closely abutted with the positioning boss 180i under the bidirectional action of the pressing force of the positioning boss 180i and the elastic force of the engagement abutment surface 143d1, thereby achieving driving force transmission of the guide post 143a and the driving force transmitting member 180. Meanwhile, due to the abutment of the annular projection 143b with the claw portion 208g, the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208 do not move in the M1 direction, preventing the disengagement between the guide post 143a and the driving force transmission member 180, and finally achieving the driving force transmission between the driving force transmission unit 203 and the coupling 143.

The present embodiment drives the braking force engagement member (including the first braking force engagement member 204 and the second braking force engagement member 208) to rotate along with the coupling 143 through the annular protrusion 143b, so that the braking force engagement member does not interfere with or collide with other rotating components during the driving force transmission process, thereby reducing noise, and at the same time, the engagement of the engagement portion 143d with the positioning boss 180i is provided to transmit the driving force without complex guidance, so that the driving force transmission is smoother.

What has been described above is merely some embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several modifications and improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments, or the above-described embodiments can be freely combined, including the technical features of the different embodiments described above, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drum unit for detachable mounting on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a drive transmission unit including a drive transmission member including a positioning boss, a drive transmission portion, and a connection frame connected to the positioning boss and the drive transmission portion, a second braking force engagement member provided in the drive transmission member, and a first braking force engagement member provided in the second braking force engagement member, the drum unit comprising:

A photosensitive drum;

A coupling connected to the photosensitive drum for receiving a driving force from a driving transmission unit of the main assembly; an end of the coupling is provided with an abutment structure for abutting against an end of the first and/or second braking force engagement member to limit axial movement of the first and second braking force engagement members.

2. Drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the abutment structure is further adapted to exert a friction force against the end of the first and/or second braking force engagement member to bring the first and second braking force engagement member into rotation with the coupling.

3. A drum unit according to claim 2, wherein the abutment structure comprises a first abutment structure for limiting axial movement of the first brake force engagement member and generating a frictional force action with the first brake force engagement member to bring the first brake force engagement member into rotation with the coupling.

4. A drum unit according to claim 3, wherein the first abutment structure is an annular structure protruding from the coupling end face.

5. A drum unit according to claim 4, wherein the end face of the first abutment structure is a planar structure perpendicular to the axis of the coupling, and the first braking force engagement member is frictionally engaged with the planar structure so as to rotate with the coupling.

6. Drum unit according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the end of the coupling is further provided with a drive limiter for cooperating with a drive force transmitting portion on the drive force transmitting member for receiving a drive force.

7. The drum unit according to claim 6, wherein the drive limiting portion is a groove provided on the first abutting structure, and a second inclined surface is provided on the drive limiting portion for cooperating with the first inclined surface on the drive force transmitting portion to receive the drive force; the second inclined surface is connected with the end surface of the first abutting structure.

8. Drum unit according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that the abutment structure comprises a second abutment structure for limiting axial movement of the second brake force engagement member and generating a friction force with the second brake force engagement member for bringing the second brake force engagement member into rotation with the coupling.

9. Drum unit according to claim 8, wherein the second abutment structure is an annular structure protruding from the coupling end face.

10. A drum unit according to claim 9, wherein the end surface of the second abutment structure is a planar structure perpendicular to the axis of the coupling, and the second braking force engagement member is frictionally engaged with the planar structure so as to rotate with the coupling.

11. Drum unit according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the end of the coupling is further provided with a drive limiter for cooperating with a drive force transmitting portion on the drive force transmitting member for receiving a drive force.

12. Drum unit according to claim 11, wherein the drive limiting part is a groove, and wherein the drive limiting part is provided with a second inclined surface for cooperating with the first inclined surface on the drive force transmitting part for receiving the drive force.

13. Drum unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling is further provided with a blocking part and a first guiding ramp, which blocking part, the first guiding ramp and the abutment structure are connected in sequence, the first guiding ramp being inclined with respect to the axis of the coupling for guiding the movement of the first and/or the second braking force engagement member from the blocking part to the abutment structure, the first and/or the second braking force engagement member exerting a friction force with the abutment structure for rotation with the coupling.

14. Drum unit according to claim 13, wherein the end of the coupling is further provided with an engagement portion, which is a groove for engagement with a coupling frame on the driving force transmitting member for receiving a driving force.

15. Drum unit according to claim 14, wherein the end of the coupling is further provided with a separate portion, which is a cylindrical structure extending in the axial direction for insertion between the first and second braking force engagement members, the engagement portion being formed at the end of the separate portion.

16. Drum unit according to claim 15, wherein the separation parts have different thicknesses at different positions extending in the axial direction, thereby generating friction or interference forces between the separation parts and the first and/or second braking force engagement members.

17. A drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the end of the coupling is further provided with a centrally apertured guide post for cooperation with a locating boss of the drive force transmitting member;

the abutment structure is an annular projection formed on an outer circumferential surface of the guide post, and is configured to abut against the second braking force engagement member and restrict axial movement thereof.

18. Drum unit according to claim 17, wherein the guide post is further provided with a snap-in portion which abuts against the positioning boss by elastic means or elastic deformation of the snap-in portion itself, thereby receiving the driving force.

19. The drum unit according to claim 18, wherein one end of the engaging portion is connected to the guide post, and the other end is suspended so that the engaging portion can be elastically deformed; the inner wall of the clamping part is provided with a second guide inclined plane and a clamping abutting surface, the second guide inclined plane inclines relative to the axis of the coupler and is used for guiding the positioning boss to move to the clamping abutting surface, and the positioning boss abuts against the clamping abutting surface through elastic deformation of the clamping part, so that a transmission relation is formed.

20. A process cartridge for detachably mounting to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, comprising the drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19.