ES2937395T3 - Cartridge, cartridge component and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The movement and/or momentum of a memer-carrying revealer is carried out with high precision. A cartridge that can be mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge includes a developing roller; a frame that supports the developing roller; a movable part movably supported by the frame and movable to a first position and a second position with respect to the frame; and an elastic part provided between the frame and the movable part to push the movable part. The movable part includes a first force-receiving part that receives force from the main apparatus assembly, in a direction of movement from the first position to the second position, and a second force-receiving part that receives force from the main apparatus assembly, in a direction of moving from the second position to the first position. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cartridge, cartridge component and image forming apparatus

technical sector

The present invention relates to a cartridge removably mounted in an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus.

An imaging apparatus forms images on a print medium. Examples of imaging apparatus include electronic photocopiers, electrophotography printers (eg, laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), facsimile devices, word processors, and so on.

A cartridge is at least one of an electrophotography photosensitive drum that is an image-bearing element (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) and a processing unit that acts on the photosensitive drum (for example, an image-bearing element). of developer (hereinafter referred to as developer roller)) that has been formed in a cartridge. The cartridge can be removably mounted to the imaging apparatus. The cartridges include those in which a photosensitive drum and a developing roller are integrally formed in one cartridge, and those in which a photosensitive drum and a developing roller are formed in separate cartridges. In particular, the former that has a photosensitive drum and a developing roller is called a process cartridge. Furthermore, the latter arrangement, which has a photosensitive drum, is called a drum cartridge, and the one with a developing roller is called a developing cartridge.

The main body of the imaging apparatus is the part of the imaging apparatus that remains after removing the cartridge(s).

Prior state of the art

Conventionally, a cartridge system has been employed in imaging apparatus, in which process cartridges, drum cartridges and developing cartridges are removably mounted to the main body of the imaging apparatus. The system of these cartridges allows the user to carry out the maintenance of the imaging apparatus without relying on a service technician, which has significantly improved operability.

Therefore, the cartridge system is widely used in imaging apparatus.

In addition, there is a contact development system, in which the photosensitive drum and the development roller are brought into contact to perform development, when an image is formed. A developing cartridge having a pressure unit in the developing cartridge for contacting the photosensitive drum and the developing roller has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patents Laid-Open 2011-39564 and 2010-26541). . Now, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller in a contact developing system are preferably separated when not imaging, from the perspective of the stability of the image quality and the longevity of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.

In JP 2011 39564 A and JP 201026541 A, the pressure unit is a configuration driven from the main body of the apparatus only in the direction of the photosensitive drum and developing roller approaching. In the case of separating the photosensitive drum and the developing roller from each other, there is a need to provide a separating unit for displacing the developing roller so that the photosensitive drum and the developing unit are separated from each other, at a position different from the pressure unit. The development unit is moved at this time against the pressure force pressing the development roller against the photosensitive drum.

Furthermore, in JP 201026541 A, a configuration is provided in which a pressure unit is integrated in the axial direction of the developing roller. In doing so, the pressure unit has to be very precise and very rigid, so that the state of pressure between the photosensitive drum and the development roller is uniform in the axial direction of the development roller. That is, the pressing unit becomes more complicated to move the developing roller towards the photosensitive drum and to press against the photosensitive drum with high precision.

Other cartridges of the prior art are known from the patents WO 2013/187534 A1, EP 2530532 A1, US 2010/278559 A1, JP 2013050496, US 2012/057899 A1 and JP 2010026541 A.

Characteristics of the invention

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a cartridge that allows movement of the element developer carrier in a precise manner.

Solution to the problem

This object is achieved by a cartridge having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous developments are set forth in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to allow the displacement of the developer carrier in a precise manner.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 includes side views of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an imaging apparatus.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an unclaimed developer cartridge and drum cartridge. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a non-drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge. Figure 6 includes exploded perspective views of a drive side of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Figure 7 includes exploded perspective views of a non-drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge.

Figure 8 includes perspective views of a drive input portion of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Fig. 9 includes explanatory diagrams of the periphery of a drive side side cover.

Fig. 10 includes explanatory diagrams of the periphery of a drive side side cover.

Figure 11 includes explanatory diagrams of the position of a coupling element.

Figure 12 includes explanatory diagrams of the position of a coupling element.

Figure 13 includes exploded perspective views of a carrier element and a coupling element. Figure 14 includes perspective views of a drive input portion of a non-claimed developing cartridge.

Figure 15 includes a cross-sectional view and perspective views of the periphery of a coupling element.

Figure 16 includes perspective views of a drum cartridge.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a non-drive side of a main body of the apparatus and cartridges.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the drive side of a main body of the apparatus and cartridges. Figure 19 includes side views at a drive side of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Figure 20 includes perspective views of a drive side wobble guide.

Fig. 21 includes side views of a drive side, illustrating a process of mounting an unclaimed developing cartridge to a main body of the apparatus.

Fig. 22 includes side views of a drive side of an unclaimed developing cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Figure 23 includes cross-sectional views of a drive input portion of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Figure 24 is a front view of an unclaimed developer cartridge.

Figure 25 includes perspective views of a drive side side plate.

Figure 26 includes perspective views of a side plate on a non-drive side.

Fig. 27 includes drive side side views of an unclaimed developer cartridge and a drive side wobble guide.

Fig. 28 includes side views at a drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge and a drive side wobble guide.

Figure 29 includes side views on a non-drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge and a non-drive side wobble guide.

Figure 30 includes views, in cross section, of the periphery of a coupling element.

Fig. 31 includes drive side side views of an unclaimed developer cartridge and a drive side wobble guide.

Fig. 32 includes drive side side views of an unclaimed developer cartridge and a drive side wobble guide.

Figure 33 includes perspective views of a non-drive side bearing.

Figure 34 includes cross-sectional diagrams of the periphery of a coupling element.

Fig. 35 includes views, in perspective, on a non-drive side of a main body of the apparatus. Fig. 36 is a side view on a non-drive side of a main body of the apparatus and cartridges. Figure 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an unclaimed developer cartridge.

Fig. 38 includes side views illustrating a non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever, and a memory board.

Fig. 39 is a side view illustrating a memory card.

Fig. 40 is a side view illustrating a non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever, and a memory board.

Fig. 41 includes side views illustrating a drive side engagement/disengagement lever.

Fig. 42 includes side views at a drive side of an unclaimed developing cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Fig. 43 includes side views at a drive side of an unclaimed developing cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Fig. 44 is a schematic view illustrating the position of an engaging/disengaging lever and a developing pressure spring.

Fig. 45 includes a front view and a rear view illustrating a developing side cover.

Figure 46 includes views, in perspective, illustrating a developing side cover.

Fig. 47 includes a front view and a rear view illustrating a drive-side developing bearing.

Figure 48 includes views, in perspective, illustrating a drive-side developing bearing.

Fig. 49 includes side views at a drive side of an unclaimed developing cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Figure 50 is a perspective view of an unclaimed developer cartridge.

Fig. 51 includes a side view on a drive side and a side view on a non-drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Fig. 52 includes a side view on a drive side and a side view on a non-drive side of an unclaimed developer cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Fig. 53 is a side view at a drive side of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Fig. 54 is a side view at a drive side of a non-claimed developer cartridge.

Fig. 55 includes perspective views on a drive side of a developing cartridge according to one embodiment.

Fig. 56 includes a side view and a cross-sectional view at a drive side of a developing cartridge.

Fig. 57 includes a side view on a drive side and a side view on a non-drive side of a developing cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus.

Description of the embodiment

The cartridge and the electrophotographic imaging apparatus according to unclaimed comparative examples will be described by drawings. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus will be described by way of an example of a laser beam printer main body and a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge which can be detachably mounted on the laser beam printer main body. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation L1 of the photosensitive drum and an axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller (the direction of the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the development roller). It should be noted that the axis of rotation L1 of the photosensitive drum and the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller are a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing medium. The transverse direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation L1 of the photosensitive drum and the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller. The mounting/dismounting direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge on/from the main body of the laser beam printer is the transverse direction of each cartridge. It should be noted that the symbols in the description are for reference to the drawings and do not restrict configuration. A side view in the description of the present comparative example is a diagram illustrating a state seen from a direction parallel to the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller.

"First Comparative Example"

(1) General description of the imaging apparatus

First, the general configuration of an imaging apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the imaging apparatus.

The image forming apparatus illustrated in Fig. 2 forms images on a recording medium 2 (sheet) by an electrophotographic imaging process using a developer t, according to image information communicated from an external device, such as a personal computer or similar. The image forming apparatus has a developing cartridge B1 and a drum cartridge C provided in a main body A1 of the apparatus so that they can be assembled and disassembled by a user. Examples of the recording medium 2 include recording paper, label sheets, OHP (overhead projector transparency) sheets, cloth, and so on. The developing cartridge B1 has a developing roller 13, etc., as a developer-carrying member, and the drum cartridge C has the photosensitive drum 10 and a charging roller 11, etc., as an image-carrying member.

With respect to the photosensitive drum 10, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is evenly charged by the charging roller 11 by applying tension from the main body A1 of the apparatus. The charged photosensitive drum 10 is then irradiated with laser light L, according to the image information from the optical unit 1, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10, according to the image information. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developer t by a developing unit described later, thereby forming an image of the developer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

On the other hand, the printing medium 2 housed in a sheet feed tray 4 is separated and feeds one sheet at a time, being regulated by a sheet feed roller 3a and a separation plate 3b in pressure contact therewith. , synchronously to the imaging of the developer. The printing medium 2 is then transported by a transport guide 3d to a transfer roller 6 which serves as a transfer. The transfer roller 6 is deflected to come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

Next, the printing medium 2 passes a transfer nip portion 6a formed by the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 6. Voltage of reverse polarity to that of the developer is applied to the transfer roller 6 at this time, whereby the developer image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the recording medium 2.

The recording medium 2 to which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to a restrained fixing unit 5 by a conveying guide 3f. The fixing unit 5 includes a drive roller 5a and a fixing roller 5c in which a heater 5b is incorporated. Heat and pressure are applied to the printing medium 2 as it passes through a nip portion 5d formed by the drive roller 5a and the fixing roller 5c, thereby fixing the developer image, transferred to the printing medium 2. , in the middle 2 print. Therefore, the image is formed on the recording medium 2.

After that, the printing medium 2 is conveyed by a pair of discharge rollers 3g, and discharged to a discharge part 3h.

(2) Description of the electrophotographic imaging process

Next, an electrophotographic imaging process will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram, in cross section, of the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C.

The developing cartridge B1 has the developing roller 13 serving as a developing unit, a developing blade 15, etc., in a developing container 16, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The developing cartridge B1 is a developing device which is formed in a cartridge, and is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

The drum cartridge C also has the photosensitive drum 10, the charge roller 11, and so on, in a cleaning frame 21 (photosensitive element supporting frame). The drum cartridge C is also detachably mounted to the apparatus main body of the imaging apparatus.

The developer t stored in a developer housing part 16a of the developing container 16 is fed from an opening 16b of the developing container 16 to a developing chamber 16c, by a developer conveying member 17 rotatably supported by the container. Developing 16 that rotates in the direction of an arrow X17. The developing roller 13 having a built-in magnetic roller 12 is provided in the developing container 16. Specifically, the developing roller 13 is configured with a shaft part 13e and a rubber part 13d. The shaft part 13e is an electroconductive thin cylindrical object made of aluminum or the like, and the central part in the longitudinal direction thereof is covered by the rubber part 13d (see Figs. 6(a) and 6(b)). Now, the rubber part 13d covers the shaft part 13e so that its external shape is concentric with the shaft part 13e. The developing roller 13 brings the developer t in the developing chamber 16c to the surface of the developing roller 13 by the magnetism of the magnetic roller 12. The developing blade 15 is configured as a support member 15a formed by a metal plate , and an elastic member 15b composed of urethane rubber, SUS plate or the like, the elastic member 15b being arranged to be in elastic contact with the developing roller 13 at a certain contact pressure. The developing roller 13 rotates in a direction of rotation X5, which regulates the amount of developer t attached to the surface of the developing roller 13, and a friction load is imparted to the developer t. This forms a layer of developer on the surface of the developing roller 13. Therefore, the developing roller 13 which has received the application of tension from the main body A1 of the apparatus is then rotated in the direction of rotation X5 in a state of being in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, whereby the developer it can be supplied to a developing zone on the photosensitive drum 10.

In the case of a contact developing system as in the present comparative example, there is concern that deformation of the rubber part 13b of the developing roller 13 may occur if a condition is maintained. wherein the developing roller 13, as illustrated in Fig. 3, is in constant contact with the photosensitive drum 10. Accordingly, the developing roller 13 is preferably separated from the photosensitive drum 10 when it is not developing .

The charging roller 11 rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 21, and biased in the direction of the photosensitive drum 10, is provided in contact with the peripheral face of the photosensitive drum 10. The detailed configuration will be described later. The roller 11 evenly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by applying tension from the main body A1 of the apparatus. The voltage applied to the charge roller 11 is set to a value that the potential difference between the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the charge roller 11 is equal to or greater than the discharge charge voltage, and specifically, it is applied a DC voltage of -1300 V as load bias. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is charged uniformly by contacting the charge potential (dark potential) of -700 V. The charging roller 11 is driven and rotates, according to the rotations of the photosensitive drum 10 in the present example (described in detail below). The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is formed by the laser light L from the optical unit 1. After that, the developer t is transferred, according to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10, displaying the electrostatic latent image , thereby forming an image of the developer on the photosensitive drum 10.

(3) Description of system configuration without wiper

Next, a system without a cleaner will be described, according to the present example.

In the present comparative example, a so-called wiperless system is exemplified, in which no wiper is provided for removing residual transfer toner t2 remaining on the photosensitive drum 10 without being transferred.

The photosensitive drum 10 is rotatably driven in the direction of the arrow C5, as illustrated in Fig. 3. There is a gap portion on the upstream side of a charging nip portion 11a in which the roller The charging 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact (upstream separation portion 11b), as seen from the direction of rotation C5 of the photosensitive drum 10. The residual transfer toner t2 remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after the transfer process, it is charged to the same negative polarity as the photosensitive drum, by discharging to this upstream separation portion 11b. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is charged to -700 V. The negatively charged residual transfer toner t2 passes through the charging nip portion 11a without adhering to the charging roller 11, due to the relationship in the potential difference therein (photosensitive drum surface potential 10 = -700 V, charge roller 11 potential = -1300 V).

The residual transfer toner t2 which has passed through the charging nip portion 11a reaches a laser irradiation position d. The residual transfer toner t2 is not sufficient to shield the laser light L of the optical unit and therefore does not affect the electrostatic latent image creation process in the photosensitive drum 10. The residual transfer toner t2 that has passed by the laser irradiation position d and is also in unexposed portions (the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 on which laser irradiation has not been performed) is recovered by electrostatic force on the developing roller 13, in a portion 13k of line development contact point, which is where the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact. On the other hand, residual transfer toner t2 on the exposed portions (the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 on which laser irradiation was performed) is not recovered by electrostatic force, but continues to exist on the photosensitive drum 10. However , part of the residual transfer toner t2 can be recovered due to physical force due to the circumferential speed difference between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10.

The residual transfer toner t2 which is not transferred to the paper but remains on the photosensitive drum 10 is generally recovered in the developing container 16. The residual transfer toner t2 recovered in the developing container 16 is mixed with the remaining developer t in the developing container 16 and used.

The following two configurations are used in the present comparative example to allow residual transfer toner t2 to pass through the charge nip portion 11a without adhering to the charge roller 11. Firstly, an optical static elimination element 8 is provided between the transfer roller 6 and the charge roller 11. The optical static elimination element 8 is positioned on the upstream side of the charge nip portion 11a in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 10 (arrow C5). Optical static electricity removal is performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 which has passed through the transfer nip portion 6a, to perform a stable discharge in the upstream separation portion 11b. By setting the potential of the photosensitive drum 10 before charging to about -150 V in the entire longitudinal area by this static electricity elimination optical element 8, uniform discharge can be performed, and the residual transfer toner t2 can be charge negatively evenly during charging.

The second is that the charge roller 11 is rotated to have a predetermined circumferential difference relative to the photosensitive drum 10. Although almost all of the toner is negatively charged due to discharge as described above, some toner remains t2 transfer residual which was not negatively charged at all, and this transfer residual toner t2 can be adhered to the charge roller 11 at the charge nip portion 11a. Rotating the charging roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined circumferential speed difference from each other enables said residual transfer toner t2 to be negatively charged by friction between the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11. This is effective to suppress the adhesion of the residual transfer toner t2 to the charge roller 11. A charge roller gear 69 (Fig. 16(b), details will be described later) is provided at one end of the charge roller 11 in the longitudinal direction, the charge roller gear 69 meshing with a flange 24 on the side drive (Fig. 16(b), details will be described later) provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 10 in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the charge roller 11 is also driven in rotation together with the rotational drive of the photosensitive drum 10. The circumferential speed of the surface of the charge roller 11 is set to 105 to 120% relative to the circumferential speed of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

(4) Description of the configuration of the development cartridge B1

<General configuration of development cartridge B1>

Next, the configuration of the developing cartridge B1 according to an unclaimed comparative example will be described. It should be noted that, in the following description, an end side of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction in which the rotational force is transmitted from the main body A1 of the apparatus to the developing cartridge B1 will be called "drive side". . The other side thereof is the other end of the developing cartridge B1, which will be called the "non-drive side". Fig. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the developing cartridge B1 as seen from the drive side. Fig. 5 is an explanatory perspective view of the developing cartridge B1 as seen from the non-drive side. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are explanatory diagrams, in perspective, of the drive side (Figure 6(a)) and an explanatory diagram, in perspective, of the non-drive side (Figure 6(b)), with the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 removed. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are explanatory diagrams, in perspective, of the non-drive side (Figure 7(a)) and an explanatory diagram, in perspective, of the drive side (Figure 7(b)), with the non-drive side of the developer cartridge B1 removed.

The developing cartridge B1 has the developing roller 13, the developing blade 15, and so on, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. The developing blade 15 has a drive side end portion 15a1 and a portion 15a2. non-drive side end bearings in the longitudinal direction of the support member 15a attached to the developing container 16 by a screw 51 and a screw 52. A drive-side developing bearing 36 and a non-drive-side developing bearing 46 drive are arranged at respective ends of the longitudinal direction of the developing container 16. The development roller 13 has a drive-side end portion 13a fitted in a hole 36a of the drive-side development bearing 36. A non-drive side end portion 13c is fitted to a support portion 46f of the non-drive side developing bearing 46. Therefore, the developing roller 13 is rotatably supported by the developing container 16. A development roller gear 29 is arranged concentrically to the development roller 13 at the drive side end portion 13a of the development roller 13, further out in the longitudinal direction from the drive side development bearing 36. so that the developing roller 13 and the developing roller gear 29 are integrally rotatable (see Fig. 4). The development roller gear 29 is a worm gear.

The drive-side developing bearing 36 rotatably supports a drive input gear 27 on the outer side in the longitudinal direction thereof. The drive input gear 27 and the developing roller gear 29 mesh. The drive input gear 27 is also a worm gear. The drive input gear 27 has more teeth than the teeth of the developing roller gear 29.

A coupling element 180 is also provided concentrically to the drive input gear 27.

A developing side cover 34 is provided at the far end of the developing cartridge B1 on the drive side, which covers the drive input gear 27, etc., from the outside in the longitudinal direction. The frame of the developing cartridge, formed by the developing container 16, the non-drive side developing bearing 46, the drive side developing bearing 36 and the developing side cover 34 is called the developing frame. Furthermore, the coupling member 180 protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction through a hole 34a in the developing side cover 34. The coupling member 180 serving as a drive input member is configured to engage with a main body-side drive member 100 provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus, the rotation force (input) being transmitted, which will be described in detail later. The setup is such that the rotational force is transmitted to a rotational force receiving part 27d1 (see Fig. 8(b)) and to a rotational force receiving part 27d2 (omitted from the illustration) of the drive input gear 27, through the rotational force transmitting parts 180c1 and 180c2. rotational force of the coupling element 180. Accordingly, the configuration is such that the rotational force input to the coupling element 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 serving as a rotary element, through the drive input gear 27 and the developing roller gear 29. .

A first movable member 120 is provided to the drive-side developing bearing 36. The first movable member 120 is configured to include a drive-side contacting/separation lever 70 serving as a first main part, and a drive-side revealing pressure spring 71 serving as a first elastic part (a part or element that deforms elastically). The drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is a member that receives elastic force from the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 .

It should be noted that the first main part and the first elastic part are configured as independent elements in the present comparative example. However, the first main part and the first elastic part can be integrally formed on the first movable element 120, and their configuration is not restricted. In addition, a second movable member 121 is provided to the non-drive side developing bearing 46. The second movable member 121 is configured to include a non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 serving as a second main part, and a non-drive side revealing pressure spring 73 serving as a second elastic part. (a part or an element that deforms elastically). The non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 is a member that receives the elastic force of the non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 .

It should be noted that the second main part and the second elastic part are configured as independent elements in the present comparative example. However, the second main part and the second elastic part can be integrally formed on the second movable member 121, and their configuration is not restricted.

Details will be described later.

Coupling Element 180 Configurations and Peripheral Parts>

The configurations of the coupling element 180 and peripheral parts will be described in detail below.

The coupling member 180, the drive input gear 27 and a coupling spring 185 are provided on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b). The coupling member 180 is coupled to the main body-side drive member 100 provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus, and rotational force is transmitted. Specifically, the coupling member 180 is configured to mainly include rotation force receiving parts 180a1 and 180a2, a supported part 180b, rotation force transmission parts 180c1 and 180c2, and a guided part 180d, as illustrated. in Figure 8(b). The rotational force receiving portions 180a1 and 180a2 of the coupling member 180 are disposed further outwardly in the longitudinal direction from a drive side end portion 27a of the drive input gear 27 (see Figs. 8(a) and 8(b)). When the main body side drive member 100 rotates in the direction of arrow X6 (hereinafter, forward rotation direction X) about the axis of rotation L4, a rotation force applying part 100a1 of the main body side drive member 100 comes into contact with the rotational force receiving portion 180a1. In addition, a rotational force applying part 100a2 of the main body side drive member 100 comes into contact with the rotational force receiving part 180a2. Therefore, the rotational force is transmitted from the main body side drive member 100 to the coupling member 180. The supported part 180b of the coupling element 180 is generally spherical in shape, as illustrated in Figures 8(b) and 8(e), the supported part 180b being supported by a support part 27b on one side. circumferential circumference of the drive input gear 27. The rotation force transmission parts 180c1 and 180c2 are provided on the supported part 180b of the coupling element 180. The rotational force transmitting part 180c1 comes into contact with the rotational force receiving part 27d1 of the drive input gear 27. Similarly, the rotational force transmitting part 180c2 comes into contact with the rotational force receiving part 27d2 of the drive input gear 27. Accordingly, the drive input gear 27 is driven by the coupling member 180 which has been driven by the main body side drive member 100, so that the drive input gear 27 rotates in the direction of rotation. forward X6 around the axis of rotation L3.

Now, the axis of rotation L4 of the main body-side drive member 100 and the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 are adjusted to be concentric, as illustrated in Fig. 8(c). However, there are cases where the axis of rotation L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body and the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 are slightly displaced in parallel from being concentric, due to the variation in the dimensions of the parts, etc., as illustrated in Fig. 8(d). . In such a case, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 rotates in a state of inclination with respect to the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27, and rotational force is transmitted from the drive member 100 on the gear side. main body to the coupling element 180. In addition, there are also cases in which the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 is offset from being concentric to the axis of rotation L4 of the main body-side drive member 100 at an angle to each other. In this case, rotational force is transmitted from the main body-side drive element 100 to the coupling element 180 in a state that the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation L4 of the drive member 100 on the main body side.

As illustrated in Fig. 8(a), a gear portion 27c which is a worm gear or a spur gear is integrally formed with the drive input gear 27, concentric to the axis of rotation L3 of the gear. 27 drive input (a worm gear is used in the present comparative example). The gear portion 27c meshes with a gear portion 29a of the gear 29 of the developing roller. The development roller gear 29 rotates integrally with the development roller 13, and therefore the rotational force of the drive input gear 27 is transmitted to the development roller 13 through the development roller gear 29. The development roller 13 rotates in the direction of rotation X5 about a rotation axis L9.

<Configuration of the electrode portion on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge>

Next, a memory board 47 serving as a contact part, and an electrode portion 47a serving as an exposed face, which are provided in the non-drive side end portion of the developing cartridge B1, will be described, referring to Figures 33(a) and 33(b). The memory plate 47 is provided on the side of the outer circumference of the non-drive side developing bearing 46, and on the side of the support portion 46f rotatably supporting the developing roller 13, as seen from the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72. The memory board 47 stores the manufacturing batch and ownership information of the developing cartridge B1, which is used for imaging by the main body A1 of the apparatus. The electrode portion 47a, made of metal such as iron, copper or the like, is provided on the memory board 47, and when imaging is performed, it is electrically connected to the main body A1 of the apparatus through the board 47. memory for communication.

Both ends of the memory board 47 are inserted into a first substrate supporting part 46m and a second substrate supporting part 46n provided in the non-drive side developing bearing 46 . The memory board 47 and the first substrate supporting part 46m and the second substrate supporting part 46n are fixed by press-fitting, adhesion or the like.

The memory board 47 is provided with multiple electrode portions 47a. The direction in which these multiple electrode portions 47a are arranged, and the insertion direction of the memory board 47 into the first substrate supporting part 46m and the second substrate supporting part 46n are the same direction.

<Assembly of drive side side cover and peripheral parts>

Next, the configuration of the developing side cover 34 provided on the drive side end portion of the developing cartridge B1 and an engagement lever 55 will be described in detail. Figures 9(a) to 9(d) are an explanatory diagram, in perspective, and side views illustrating the manner in which the coupling lever 55 and a coupling lever spring 56 are assembled in the side cover 34 of the revealed.

The coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 are assembled on the inner side of the developing side cover 34 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, a cylindrical-shaped lever positioning projection 34m of the developing side cover 34 and a hole 55c of the engagement lever 55 fit together, and the engagement lever 55 is rotatably supported by the development side cover 34. development centered on an axis of rotation L11. The coupling lever spring 56 is a torsion spring, one end engaging the coupling lever 55 and the other end engaging the developing side cover 34 . Specifically, an operating arm 56a of the coupling lever spring 56 is coupled to a snap hook part 55b of the coupling lever 55, and a fixed arm 56c of the coupling lever spring 56 is coupled to a part 34s developing side cover snap hook 34 (see Fig. 9(c)).

The coupling spring 185 is assembled on the outer side of the developing side cover 34 in the longitudinal direction, which will be described in detail later.

A method for assembling the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 to the developing side cover 34 will be described in order. First, a cylindrical part 56d of the spring 56 of the coupling lever is attached to a cylindrical projection 55a of the coupling lever 55 (FIG. 9(a)). The operating arm 56a of the spring 56 of the coupling lever engages the snap hook portion 55b of the coupling lever 55 at this time. The fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the coupling lever is deformed in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11. Next, the hole 55c of the coupling lever 55 is inserted onto the lever positioning projection 34m of the developing side cover 34 (Figs. 9(a) and 9(b)). A locking part 55d of the coupling lever 55 is positioned not to interfere with a locked part 34n of the developing side cover 34. Specifically, the locking part 55d of the coupling lever 55 and the locked part 34n of the developing side cover 34 are positioned so that they do not overlap when viewed from the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in Fig. 9( b).

In the state illustrated in Fig. 9(b), the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the coupling lever is deformed in the direction of the arrow X11, as described above. When the deformation of the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the engagement lever is released from the state illustrated in Fig. 9(b), the fixed arm 56c engages with the snap hook portion 34s of the developing side cover 34 . The configuration is such that the snap hook part 34s of the developing side cover 34 receives the deflection force from the deformed fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the coupling lever. Accordingly, the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the coupling lever receives reactive force from the snap hook portion 34s of the developing side cover 34 in the direction of the arrow X11. Furthermore, the coupling lever 55 receives deflection force from the coupling lever spring 56 at the snap hook portion 55b. As a result, the coupling lever 55 is rotated centered on the axis of rotation L11 in the direction of the arrow X11, and the rotation is restricted at a position where a rotation restriction portion 55y abuts a restriction face 34y. of the developing side cover 34 (see Figs. 9a to 9(c)). Thus, the assembly of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 to the developing side cover 34 is completed.

It should be noted that at this time, the locking part 55d of the coupling lever 55 is in an overlapping state with the locked part 34n of the developing side cover 34, as seen in the longitudinal direction. That is, the coupling lever 55 is configured in such a way that displacement in the longitudinal direction is restricted, and only rotation centered on the axis of rotation X11 is allowed. Fig. 9(d) is a cross-sectional view of the locking part 55d of the coupling lever 55.

<Development side cover assembly 34>

The developing side cover 34, in which the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 are integrated, is fixed on the outer side of the drive-side developing bearing 36 in the longitudinal direction, as shown. illustrated in Fig. 10. Specifically, a positioning part 34r1 of the developing side cover 34 and a positioning part 36e1 of the drive side developing bearing 36 are coupled. The configuration is such that the developing side cover 34 is positioned relative to the drive side developing bearing 36 by engaging the positioning portion 34r2 and the positioning portion 36e2.

It should be noted that the fixing method to the drive side developing bearing 36 of the developing side cover 34 can be by screwing, adhesive agent or the like, and its configuration is not restricted.

When the developing side cover 34 is assembled, the rotational force-receiving parts 180a1 and 180a2 of the coupling member 180, the guided part 180d, etc., pass through the hole 34a of the developing side cover 34. The coupling element 180 has a configuration that is exposed on the other side of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction (see Figs. 4, 6(a) and 6(b)). In addition, the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 (see Figs. 8(a) to 8(e)) has a configuration that abuts against a guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55.

As described above, the coupling lever 55 is configured in such a way that the biasing force acts in the direction of the arrow X11, centered on the axis of rotation L11. Consequently, the coupling member 180 receives the deflection force F2 from the coupling lever 55 (see Fig. 10(b)). In addition, the coupling spring 185 is arranged in the developing side cover 34. The coupling spring 185 is a torsion coil spring, one end abutting the developing side cover 34 and the other end abutting the coupling element 180. Specifically, a positioning part 185a of the coupling spring 185 is supported by a spring supporting part 34h of the developing side cover 34. A fixed arm 185b of the coupling spring 185 is fixed to a spring coupling portion 34j of the developing side cover 34 . Furthermore, the configuration is such that an operating arm 185c of the coupling spring 185 abuts a guided element 180d of the coupling element 180. The operating arm 185c of the coupling spring 185 is configured in such a way that the deflection force it acts in a direction of the arrow L12 centered on the axis of rotation X12 which is centered on the positioning portion 185a. Consequently, the coupling member 180 receives the deflection force F1b from the coupling spring 185 (see Fig. 10(c)).

The coupling member 180 which has received the deflection force F2 from the coupling lever 55 and the deflection force F1b from the coupling spring 185 is held at a position (axis of rotation L2) included in the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 (FIG. 10(b)). The detailed configuration will be described later. The configuration of maintaining the inclined position of the coupling element 180 at this time and the operation of the forces will be described later in "Relation of forces acting on the coupling element 180 when it is in the second inclined position D2" which will be describes later.

<Basic operations of coupling element 180>

Next, the basic operations of the coupling member 180 in the state of the developing cartridge B1 will be described with reference to Figs. 15(a) to 15(c).

Fig. 15(a) is an enlarged diagram illustrating the relationship between the coupling member 180, the drive input gear 27 and the drive-side developing bearing 36, in a longitudinal sectional view. Fig. 15(b) is a perspective view of drive-side developing bearing 36. Figure 15(c) is a perspective view of the drive input gear 27.

The supported part 180b of the coupling member 180 is arranged in the inner part 27t of the drive input gear 27, and, furthermore, is fitted between a restriction part 27s of the drive input gear 27 and a restriction part 36s of the drive input gear. drive side developing bearing 36 coupling. A diameter r180 of the supported part 180b of the coupling element 180 is in a relationship of being equal to or less than a width r27 of the restriction part 27s of the drive input gear 27 in the direction of X180 and a width r36 of the coupling restraint part 36s of the drive side developing bearing 36 in the direction of X180.

■ Diameter r180 of the supported part 180b> (width r27 of the restriction part 27s of the drive input gear 27 in the direction of X180

■ Diameter r180 of the supported part 180b > width r36 of the coupling restraint part 36s of the drive side revealing bearing 36 in the direction of X180

According to this configuration, the displacement of the coupling element 180 in the direction of the longitudinal direction arrow Y180 is restricted by the supported part 180b restricted by the restriction part 27s of the drive input gear 27 of the coupling restriction part 36s of the drive-side relief bearing 36. Furthermore, the supported part 180b is restricted within the range of the inner part 27t of the drive input gear 27 with respect to the cross-sectional direction X180 of the coupling element 180. Accordingly, the coupling member 180 is configured so that it can be tilted in a direction R180 centered on the center 180s of the supported part 180b, although the displacement in the longitudinal direction Y180 and the cross-sectional direction X180 is restricted. <About the inclined position of the coupling element 180>

Next, the tilting operations of the coupling member 180 will be described.

The coupling member 180 has a configuration that receives driving force from the driving member 100 on the main body side of the main body A1 of the apparatus and can rotate in the axis of rotation L2, as described above. Basically, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 is configured to be concentric with the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 when it transmits driving force. It has been further described that there are cases where the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 and the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 are not concentric, but slightly offset, due to the variation in the dimensions of the pieces, etc.

The present configuration allows the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 to be tilted in the following directions. These can generally be classified into the following three positions.

■ Reference position D0: the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 is in a concentric or parallel position with respect to the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27

■ First inclined position D1: The position in which the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the main body A1 of the apparatus, and the developing cartridge B1 is moved from a state in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 they separate towards a state of contact in which they are in contact. The rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2 (hereinafter referred to as receiving portion 180a of rotation force) of the coupling element 180 and the supported part 180b face in the direction of the main body side drive element 100 of the main body A1 of the apparatus. The details of the separated status, the contact status, etc., will be described later.

■ Second inclined position D2: The position in which the rotational force receiving part 180a and the supporting part 180b of the coupling element 180 are oriented in the direction of the main body side drive element 100 of the main body A1 of the apparatus when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the main body A1 of the apparatus. Details of the position when it is mounted, etc., will be described later.

Now, the coupling relationship between the coupling member 180 and the drive-side developing bearing 36 will be described.

Fig. 13 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the drive-side developing bearing 36 and the coupling member 180.

Fig. 13(a) is a perspective view illustrating the positions of the drive-side revealing bearing 36 and the coupling member 180. Fig. 13(b) is a diagram of the drive-side developing bearing 36, as viewed from the front on the drive-side. Figure 13(c) is a diagram in which the coupling element 180 has been added to a view taken along a cross section XIIIC in Figure 13(b), and Figure 13(d) is a diagram wherein the coupling element 180 has been added to a view taken along a cross section XIIID in Figure 13(b).

A phase restraint projection 180e is provided on the coupling element 180 concentrically to the axis of rotation L2 and on the inner side in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in Fig. 13(a). On the other hand, a recessed phase restriction portion 36kb is provided on the drive-side developing bearing 36. The phase restriction part 36kb is provided in particular with a first tilt restriction part 36kb1 which is lowered in the direction of the arrow K1a, and a second tilt restriction part 36kb2 which is lowered in the direction of the arrow K2a. , from the center of the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27. The phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is positioned within the phase restraint portion 36kb of the drive-side developing bearing 36. That is, the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is positionally restrained by the phase restraint portion 36kb of the drive-side revealing bearing 36. In other words, the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is movable within the phase restraint portion 36kb of the drive-side developing bearing 36, and is movable in particular to the first portion 36kb1 of tilt restriction and the second part 36kb2 of tilt restriction. When the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 moves to the first inclination restriction part 36kb1, the rotational force receiving part 180a and the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 are inclined in the direction of the arrow K1b, which is the opposite direction of the arrow K1a. This is a state that the coupling member 180 is assuming the first inclined position D1. When the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 moves to the second inclination restriction part 36kb2, the rotational force receiving part 180a and the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 are inclined in the direction of the arrow K2b, which is the opposite direction of the arrow K2a. This is a state in which the coupling element 180 is assuming the second inclined position D2 of the coupling element 180.

<Ratio of forces acting on the coupling element 180 when it is at the reference position D0>

The position of the coupling element 180 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 21(a) to 22(d), with respect to the reference position D0 of the coupling element 180.

Fig. 22 are diagrams illustrating the position of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling member 180 at a point where mounting of the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus is completed. Fig. 22(a) is a side view as seen from the drive side, Fig. 22(b) is a side view as seen from the direction of arrow XXIIB in Fig. 22(a), the Figure 22(c) is a side view as seen from the non-drive side with a section taken along section line XXIIC in Figure 22(b).

When the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus is completed, the coupling member 180 is coupled to the drive member 100 on the main body side. The axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180, the axis of rotation L4 of the main body side drive member 100, and the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 are arranged concentrically. In other words, the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling element 180 and the rotational force applying part 100a (the rotational force applying part 100a1 and the rotational force applying part 100a2) of the main body side drive element 100 are in positions that can be engaged with each other (see also Fig. 8(b)).

Displacement of the coupling element 180 until the coupling element 180 becomes concentric with the main body side drive element 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 34(a) to 34(c). Figs. 34(a) to 34(c) are cross-sectional views illustrating the position of the coupling member until the coupling member 180 becomes concentric with the main body-side drive member 100 . Fig. 34(a) is a diagram, in cross section, illustrating a state in which the coupling member 180 is not in contact with the main body side drive member 100, and Fig. 34(b) is A cross-sectional view illustrating a state of contact time of the coupling member 180 with the main body-side drive member 100. Further, Fig. 34(c) is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the coupling member 180 is concentric with the main body-side drive member 100 .

In a state in which the coupling member 180 is not in contact with the main body-side drive member 100, the coupling member 180 is tilted in the direction of the main body-side drive member 100, the inclination being centered in the center 180s of the supported part 180b of the coupling element 180, as illustrated in Fig. 34(a). The coupling member 180 advances in the direction of the arrow X60, which is the direction in which the drive member 100 exists on the main body side, while maintaining this position. A recessed conical part 180g arranged on the inner side of a circular part 180f of the coupling element 180 and a protrusion 100g arranged on the axial tip of the main body-side drive element 100 come into contact. As the coupling element 180 is further displaced in the direction of the arrow X60, the coupling element 180 is displaced in a direction in which the inclination of the coupling element 180 is reduced, the inclination being centered at the center 180s of the supported part 180b of the coupling element 180. As a result, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180, the axis of rotation L4 of the main body side drive member 100, and the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 are arranged concentrically. The forces to which the coupling element 180 is subjected in this series of operations will be described in detail later, so the description will be omitted here.

The state in which the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 are arranged concentrically is the reference position D0 for the position of the coupling element 180 (angle of inclination of the coupling element 180 02 = 0°). The phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is detached from the second pitch restraint portion 36kb2 of the drive-side developing bearing 36, and does not contact any part of a phase restraint portion 36b of the drive side. drive side developing bearing 36 (see Fig. 22(c)). The guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 is held in a fully retracted state of the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 (Fig. 22(a)). That is, the coupling member 180 comes into contact with two parts, which are the coupling spring 185 and the main body side drive member 100, which decides the inclination angle (02) thereof. In such a case, the angle of inclination (02) of the coupling member 180 may not be 02 = 0°, even in a state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus has been completed.

The inclination position (reference position D0) of the coupling member 180 in a case where the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 in the main body A1 of the apparatus has been completed will be described in detail below, referring to Fig. 14.

Fig. 14 are diagrams illustrating how the coupling element 180 and the main body side drive element 100 are coupled. The states illustrated in Fig. 14(a) and Fig. 14(b) are a side view and a cross-sectional view of a case in which the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the shaft The axis of rotation L4 of the main body side drive member 100 are arranged concentrically, and, furthermore, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is also concentric.

The guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 receives deflection force from the coupling spring 185 in the direction of the arrow F1 (see Fig. 22(d)), the conical part 180g abutting the protrusion 100g at points 180g1 and 180g2 (figure 8(e)). Accordingly, the position of the coupling element 180 relative to the main body side drive element 100 is restricted by the two points 180g 1 and 180g2 of the conical part 180g. That is, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is concentric with the axis of rotation L4 of the drive member 100 on the main body side.

When the drive member 100 on the main body side of the apparatus main body A1 performs rotational drive from this state, the rotation force applying part 100a of the apparatus main body A1 and the rotation force receiving part 180a rotation of the coupling element 180 are coupled. The configuration is such that drive is transmitted from the main body A1 of the apparatus to the coupling element 180 (see Figs. 8(a) to 8(e)).

The state illustrated in Fig. 14(c) is a state in which the axis of rotation L3 of the gear input gear 27 The drive and the axis of rotation L4 of the main body-side drive member 100 are arranged concentrically, but the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined. Due to the variation in the dimensions of the parts, the conical part 180g of the coupling element 180 abuts the protrusion 100g of the main body side drive element 100 and the point 180g1 of the conical part 180g, but not the point 180g2 of the conical part 180g. The axis of rotation ¹ 2 of the coupling element 180 is tilted at this time, as the guided portion 180d of the coupling element 180 receives the deflection force from the coupling spring 185 in the direction of the arrow F1. Accordingly, the position of the coupling element 180 is restricted in Fig. 14(c) by the point 180g1 of the conical part 180g of the coupling element 180 which comes into contact with the protrusion 100g of the body-side actuating element 100 major. That is, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation L4 of the drive member 100 on the main body side. In other words, the angle of inclination (02) of the coupling element 180 is not 02 = 0°.

In addition, Fig. 14(d) illustrates a state in which the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is included, in a case in which the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the axis of rotation L4 of the main body side drive element 100 are not concentric, due to the variation in the dimensions of the parts (see Fig. 8(d)). Also in this case, the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 includes receiving the deflection force by the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 from the coupling spring 185, as in the state illustrated in Fig. 14( c). That is, the angle of inclination (02) of the coupling element 180 is not 02 = 0°. However, the position of the coupling element 180 is restricted by the point 180g1 of the conical part 180g of the coupling element 180 contacting the protrusion 100g of the main body side drive element 100, the same as in the figure 14(c).

However, in either of the states of Fig. 14(c) and Fig. 14(d), when the main body side drive member 100 of the main body A1 of the apparatus performs a rotational drive, the drive part 100a application of rotational force of the main body A1 of the apparatus and the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 are coupled. The configuration is such that drive is transmitted from the main body A1 of the apparatus to the coupling element 180.

As described above, in a state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus is completed, there are cases in which the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is concentric with the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27, and cases in which it is not concentric. However, in any case, when the main body side drive member 100 of the apparatus main body A1 performs rotational drive, the rotational force applying portion 100a of the apparatus main body A1 and the rotational force applying portion 180a receipt of rotational force of the coupling element 180 engage. The configuration is such that drive is transmitted from the main body A1 of the apparatus to the coupling element 180. The position of the coupling member 180 in a state that the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 in the main body A1 of the apparatus has been completed, and the coupling member 180 can receive driving force from the force applying part 100a of rotation of the main body A1 of the apparatus, is called the reference position D0 of the coupling element 180. It should be noted that the configuration is such that the angle of inclination is within a range in which the rotational force applying portion 100a of the main body-side drive member 100 and the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling element 180 do not release from each other.

The first inclined position D1 and the second inclined position D2 of the coupling element 180 will be described in detail in order below.

<Ratio of forces acting on the coupling element 180 when it is in the first inclined position D1>

First, the relationship of forces acting on the coupling element 180 when it is in the first inclined position D1 will be described with reference to Figs. 11(a) to 11(c).

Fig. 11(a) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1, in a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is mounted inside the main body A1 of the apparatus and in a separate state in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the development roller 13 are separated. Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 within the phase restraint portion 36kb of the drive side revealing bearing 36, as seen from the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1. Further, Fig. 11(c) is a cross-sectional view of the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180, in section at the position of the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180, and viewed from the drive side. in the longitudinal direction.

The coupling lever 55 receives deflection force from the coupling lever spring 56 (see Fig. 9(a)), to rotate in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11. On the other hand, in a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is mounted inside the main body A1 of the apparatus, the developing cartridge Movement in the direction of the arrow X11 is restricted by a stopper part 80y provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus. Specifically, the position of the coupling lever 55 is restricted against the deflection force from the spring 56 of the coupling lever, by contacting the stop portion 80y and a rotation restraint portion 55y of the lever 55. coupling. It should be noted that the stop portion 80y is integrally formed with a drive-side oscillation guide 80 (see Fig. 20(b)). The guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 is in a retracted state from the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180. The contact between the coupling lever 55 and the stopper part 80y will be described in detail in the process of disassembling the developing cartridge B1, described later.

On the other hand, the force F1a acts on the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180, because a guide part 185d of the coupling spring 185 comes into contact with it. That is, the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 receives a force that is inclined in the direction of the arrow F1a (see Fig. 11(c)). The phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is configured to be restrained by a guide portion 36kb1a, a guide portion 36kb1b, and a guide portion 36kb1c of the drive side developing bearing 36 at this time, and is configured to eventually scroll to the first part 36kb1 of tilt constraint. That is, the configuration is such that the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is inclined in the direction of the arrow K1a (Fig. 11(b)), while, on the other hand, the signal receiving part 180a rotation force and the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 are inclined in the direction of the arrow K1b (FIG. 11(a)). The above-described position of the coupling element 180 is called the first inclined position D1 of the coupling element 180.

The orientation of the guide part 185d of the coupling spring 185 (direction of the arrow F1a) can be orthogonal in direction with respect to the direction of the arrow K1b (see figure 11(a)), with respect to the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180. This direction is a direction of the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 abutting the first tilt restraint part 36kb1, thereby allowing reduction of the deflection force of the coupling spring 185 to maintain the first inclined position D1 of the coupling element 180. However, this is not restrictive, as long as the coupling member 180 can be held in the first inclined position D1 by adjusting the deflection force of the coupling spring 185 or the like.

<Ratio of forces acting on the coupling element 180 when it is in the second inclined position D2>

In the following, the relationship of forces acting on the coupling element 180 when it is in the second inclined position D2 will be described with reference to Fig. 12.

Fig. 12(a) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1, illustrating a state of the developing cartridge B1 before it is mounted on the main body A1 of the apparatus, that is, in a solitary state (natural state) of the cartridge B1. of revealed. Fig. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the phase-constraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 within the phase-constraint portion 36kb of the drive-side reveal bearing 36, such as it is viewed from the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1. Further, Fig. 12(c) is a cross-sectional view in which the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 is in section, and as seen from the drive side in the longitudinal direction. Fig. 12(a) illustrates a state in which no stopper part 80y is provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus in Fig. 11(a). At this time, the coupling lever 55 receives deflection force from the coupling lever spring 56 in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11, and rotates to a position where the guide portion 55e thereof comes into contact with the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180. That is, the guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 and the guide part 185d of the coupling spring 185 both come into contact with the guided part 180d of the coupling member 180.

Now, the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 receives a force that is inclined in the direction of the arrow F3, as described above. At this time, the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is configured to be restrained by a guide portion 36kb2a, a guide portion 36kb2b, and a guide portion 36kb2c of the drive side revealing bearing 36, and it is configured to eventually scroll to the second part 36kb2 of tilt constraint. That is, the configuration is such that the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 is inclined in the direction of the arrow K2a (Fig. 12(b)), while, on the other hand, the signal receiving part 180a rotation force and the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 is tilted in the direction of the arrow K2b (FIG. 12(a)). The above-described position of the coupling element 180 is called the second inclined position D2 of the coupling element.

(5) Overview of Drum Cartridge C

In the following, the configuration of the drum cartridge C will be described with reference to Figs. 16(a) and 16(b). Fig. 16(a) is a perspective explanatory diagram of the drum cartridge C as seen from the non-drive side thereof. Figure 16(b) is an explanatory diagram, in perspective, in which the cleaning frame 21, drum bearing 30, drum shaft 54, etc., have been omitted from the illustration to describe the periphery of the photosensitive drum 10 and charge roller 11.

The drum cartridge C has the photosensitive drum 10, the charge roller 11, and so on, as illustrated in Fig. 16. The charge roller 11 is rotatably supported by a charge roller bearing 67a and a bearing 67b. of the charge roller, and is deflected relative to the photosensitive drum 10 by a charge roller deflection member 68a and a charge roller deflection member 68b.

The drive side flange 24 is integrally fixed to a drive side end portion 10a of the photosensitive drum 10, and a non-drive side flange 28 is integrally fixed to a drive side end portion 10b. non-drive of the photosensitive drum 10. The flange 24 on the drive side and the flange 28 on the non-drive side are concentrically fixed to the photosensitive drum 10 by stamping, adhesion or the like. Means such as screwing, bonding, press fit or the like are used to fix the drum bearing 30 to the drive side end portion and the drum shaft 54 to the non-drive side end portion at both ends. of the cleaning frame 21 in the longitudinal direction. The drive side flange 24, integrally fixed to the photosensitive drum 10, is rotatably supported by the drum bearing 30, and the non-drive side flange 28 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 54.

The charge roller gear 69 is provided at one end of the charge roller 11 in the longitudinal direction, the charge roller gear 69 meshing with a gear portion 24g of the drive-side flange 24. The configuration is such that the rotational force of the main body A1 of the apparatus is transmitted to a drive-side end portion 24a of the drive-side flange 24 (omitted from the illustration). As a result, as the photosensitive drum 10 is rotated, the charge roller 11 is also rotated. The circumferential speed of the charging roller 11 surface is set to about 105 to 120% relative to the circumferential speed of the photosensitive drum 10 surface, as described above.

(6) Description of the mounting/dismounting configuration of the developing cartridge B1 relative to the main body A1 of the apparatus

Next, the method of mounting/removing the developing cartridge B1 in/from the main body A1 of the apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 17 is a perspective explanatory diagram displaying the apparatus main body A1 from the non-drive side, and Fig. 18 is a perspective explanatory diagram displaying the apparatus main body A1 from the drive side. drive. Figs. 19(a) to 19(d) are explanatory diagrams of the mounting process of the developing cartridge B1 in the main body A1 of the apparatus, as seen from the drive side.

A guided part 46d having a positioning part 46b and a rotation stopper 46c are provided in the non-drive side developing bearing 46 in the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in Fig. 17. A guided part 34d having a positioning portion 34b and a rotation stopper 34c are provided on the developing side cover 34, as illustrated in Fig. 18.

On the other hand, a drive-side guide member 92 and, in addition, the drive-side oscillation guide 80 which moves integrally with the developing cartridge B1 within the main body A1 of the apparatus are provided on a plate. side 90 of the drive side configuring the casing of the main body A1 of the apparatus on the drive side in the main body A1 of the apparatus, as illustrated in Fig. 17. The details of the swing guide 80 of the drive side will be described later. The drive-side guide element 92 is provided with a first guide part 92a, a second guide part 92b and a third guide part 92c. A groove for a mounting/removal path X1a which follows the mounting/removal path of the developing cartridge B1 is provided in the first guide portion 92a of the drive-side guide member 92, and a groove is provided for a mounting/removal path X1b following the mounting/removal path of the developing cartridge B1 in the second guide part 92b. A groove for a mounting/removal path X3 which follows the mounting/removal path of the drum cartridge C is provided in the third guide part 92c of the drive-side guide member 92. A first guide part 80a and a second guide part 80b are provided on the drive side swing guide 80 . The first guide part 80a of the drive-side swing guide 80 is formed therein with a groove shape which follows a mounting/removal path X2a of the developing cartridge B1 as an extension of the first guide part 92a of the drive side. drive side guide element 92. The second guide part 80b of the drive side swing guide 80 is formed therein with a groove shape which follows a mounting/removal path X2b of the developing cartridge B1 as an extension of the second guide part 92b of the drive side. drive side guide element 92. In the same way, a guide element 93 on the non-drive side and an oscillation guide 81 on the drive side. non-drive side moving in the same manner as the guide 80 on the drive side are provided on a non-drive side side plate 91 which configures the casing of the main body A1 of the apparatus on the non-drive side in the main body A1 of the apparatus, as illustrated in Fig. 18. A first guide part 93a and a second guide part 93b are provided on the non-drive side guide member 93 .

A groove shape of an mounting/removal path XH1a following the mounting/removal path of the developing cartridge B1 is formed in the first guide portion 93a of the non-drive side guide member 93. A groove shape of an mounting/removal path XH3 following the mounting/removal path of the drum cartridge C is formed in the second guide portion 93b of the non-drive side guide member 93. A guide part 81a is provided on the non-drive side swing guide 81 . A groove shape of an mounting/removal path XH2a following the mounting/removal path of the developing cartridge B1 is provided in the guide portion of the guide portion 81a of the non-drive side swing guide 81 as an extension of the first guide portion 93a of the non-drive side guide element 93.

The detailed configurations of the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 will be described later.

<Description of non-drive side electrical contacts>

Next, the electrical contact portion of the main body A1 of the apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 35.

The non-drive side side plate 91 is provided with a power supply unit 120, at a position that faces the electrode portions 47a of the memory plate 47 of the developing cartridge B1 when imaging. The power supply unit 120 has a power supply contact 120A, formed by wire spring or leaf spring or the like and having spring-like properties, protruding from the power supply unit 120, the power supply contact 120A being connected to an electrical panel which omitted from the illustration.

<Installing the development cartridge B1 in the main body A1 of the apparatus>

Next, a procedure for mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus will be described. By rotating a main body cover 94 which is arranged on the upper part of the main body A1 of the apparatus and can be opened and closed, in an opening direction D1, the inner part of the main body A1 of the apparatus is exposed, as shown. illustrated in figure 17 and figure 18.

After that, the guided part 46d of the non-drive side developing bearing 46 of the developing cartridge B1 (Fig. 17) and the first guide part 93a of the non-drive side guide element 93 of the main body A1 of the apparatus (figure 18) are coupled. In addition, the guided part 34d of the developing side cover 34 of the developing cartridge B1 (Fig. 18) and the first guide part 92a of the drive side guide member 92 of the main body A1 of the apparatus (Fig. 17) are engaged . Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the main body A1 of the apparatus following the mounting/removal path X1a and the mounting/removal path XH1a formed 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.

When the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the main body A1 of the apparatus, the coupling member 180 is in the state of the above-described second inclined position D2, as described above. The coupling element 180 is inserted into the second guide part 92b of the drive-side guide element 92 while maintaining the second inclined position D2. To describe it in more detail, there is a gap between the coupling element 180 and the second guide part 92b of the drive-side guide element 92. Accordingly, while the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the main body A1 of the apparatus following the mounting/removal paths X1b and XH1a, the coupling member 180 maintains the state of the second inclined position D2.

The developing cartridge B1 which is inserted into the main body A1 of the apparatus following the mounting/removal paths X1a and XH1a, is then inserted into the main body A1 of the apparatus following the mounting/removal paths X2a and XH2a. The mounting/removal paths X2a and XH2a are formed 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 . To describe it in more detail, first, the guided part 34d provided on the developing side cover 34 is guided by the first guide part 92a of the drive side guide member 92 of the main body A1 of the apparatus. The configuration is such that, after that, as the assembly process progresses, the guided part 34d is transferred to the first guide part 80a of the drive side swing guide 80 of the main body A1 of the apparatus. In the same way, on the non-drive side, the guided portion 46d provided on the drive-side developing bearing 46 non-drive is guided by the first guide part 93a of the guide member 93 of the non-drive side of the main body A1 of the apparatus. The configuration is such that, after that, as the assembly process progresses, the guided part 46d is transferred to the guide part 81a of the swing guide 81 of the non-drive side of the main body A1 of the apparatus.

The coupling member 180 provided at the drive side end of the developing cartridge B1 is transferred from the second guide part 92b of the drive side guide member 92 of the main body A1 of the apparatus to the second guide part 80b of the drive side of the developing cartridge B1. the drive side oscillation guide 80, maintaining the second inclined position D2. It should be noted that there is a gap between the coupling member 180 and the second guide part 80b of the drive side swing guide 80 in the same manner as described above.

<Positioning the development cartridge B1>

Next, the configuration by which the developing cartridge B1 is positioned by the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 of the main body A1 of the apparatus will be described. It should be noted that the basic structure is the same for the drive side and the non-drive side, so the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 will be described below by way of example. Figs. 19(a) to 19(d) illustrate the state of the developing cartridge B1 and the drive side swing guide 80 during the process of mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus.

Fig. 19(a) illustrates a state in which the guided part 34d provided in the developing side cover 34 of the developing cartridge B1 is guided by the first guide part 80a of the drive side swing guide 80, and the developing cartridge B1 is in the mounting/removal path X2a.

Fig. 19(b) illustrates a state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 has advanced further from the state of Fig. 19(a). The positioning part 34b of the guided part 34d of the developing side cover 34 abuts the positioning part 82a of the drive-side pressing member 82 provided on the drive-side swing guide 80 at the point P1.

Further, Fig. 20 are explanatory diagrams, in perspective, illustrating the peripheral shapes of the drive-side oscillation guide 80 and the drive-side pressing member 82 . Fig. 20(a) is a perspective view as seen from the drive side in the longitudinal direction and Fig. 20(b) is a perspective view as seen from the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction. Fig. 20(c) is a disassembled perspective view of the drive side oscillation guide 80, the drive side bias element 82 and the drive side bias spring 83 . Figure 20(d) and Figure 20(e) are enlarged detail diagrams around the drive side depression element 82 . Now, the drive side pressing element 82 has, in addition to the locating part 82a, a hole 82b, a seating face 82c and a restraining part 82d, as illustrated in Fig. 20(a) and Fig. figure 20(b). The hole 82b engages a projection 80c of the drive-side oscillation guide 80, and is rotatably supported centered on the projection 80c, as illustrated in Fig. 20(c). In addition, an end portion 83c of the drive-side pressure spring 83 is in contact with the seating face 82c. In addition, another end portion 83d of the drive-side pressure spring 83 is in contact with the seat face 80d of the drive-side oscillation guide 80, as illustrated in Fig. 20(d). Accordingly, the drive-side pressing member 82 is configured to receive the deflection force F82 in a direction of rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra1 centered on the projection 80c of the drive-side oscillation guide 80. It should be noted that the rotation of the drive side pressing member 82 in the direction of the arrow Ra1 is restricted by abutting the restraining portion 82d thereof with a rotation restraining portion 80e provided in the swing guide 80 of the driving side. drive side, thereby positioning the drive side pressure element 82. It should be noted that the drive-side pressure element 82 rotatably supported by the drive-side oscillation guide 80 can rotate in the direction of the arrow Ra2 against the deflection force F82 of the drive-side pressure spring 83. drive, as illustrated in Fig. 20(e). In addition, an upper end 82e of the drive-side pressing member 82 can rotate in the direction of the arrow Ra2 to a position where it does not protrude from a guide face 80w of the drive-side swing guide 80 .

Fig. 19(c) is a state in which the assembly of the developing cartridge B1 has advanced further from the state of Fig. 19(b). A state is illustrated in which the guided part 34d, in which the positioning part 34b and the rotation stopper 34c of the developing side cover 34 are integrally formed, abuts an inclined face 82w of the near side of the drive-side pressing element 82, thereby pressing the drive-side pressing element 82 downwards in the direction of arrow Ra2. To describe in detail, the guided portion 34d of the developing side cover 34 abuts the inclined face 82w of the near side of the drive-side pressing member 82 and presses the drive-side pressing member 82 . This causes the drive side pressure element 82 to rotate in counterclockwise (arrow direction Ra2) centered on the projection 80c of the drive-side oscillation guide 80 against the deflection force F82 of the drive-side pressure spring 83. Fig. 19(c) is a state in which the positioning portion 34b of the developing side cover 34 and the upper end 82e of the drive side pressing member 82 are in contact. At this time, the restriction portion 82d of the drive-side pressing element 82 is separated from the rotation restriction portion 80e of the drive-side swing guide 80.

Fig. 19(d) is a state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 has advanced further from the state of Fig. 19(c), illustrating a state in which the positioning part 34d of the side cover 34 of the developing and a positioning part 80f of the drive side swing guide 80 are in contact. The drive-side pressing element 82 has a configuration that receives the deflection force F82 in the direction of rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra1 centered on the projection 80c of the drive-side oscillation guide 80, as shown. described2 above. Accordingly, an inclined face 82s on the remote side of the drive side pressing member 82 deflects the positioning part 34b of the developing side cover 34 by a deflection force F4. Accordingly, the positioning part 34b comes into contact with the positioning part 80f of the drive side swing guide 80 at the point P3 without separation from each other. Therefore, the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is positioned and fixed on the drive side swing guide 80 .

The configuration of the non-drive side is the same as that of the drive side, with the non-drive side oscillation guide 81, a non-drive side pressure member 84 and a non-drive side pressure spring 85 being provided. in a manner corresponding to the drive-side oscillation guide 80, the drive-side pressure element 82 and the drive-side pressure spring 83, as illustrated in Fig. 36. Accordingly, the positioning of the drive-side Positioning portion 46b of the non-drive side developing bearing 46 and the non-drive side oscillation guide 81 is also the same as that on the drive side (description will be omitted). Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned and fixed on the drive side swing guide 80 and the non-drive side swing guide 81 .

<Operations of coupling element 180 during the mounting process of developing cartridge B1>

Next, the operations of the coupling member 180 in the mounting process of the developing cartridge B1 will be described with reference to Figs. 21, 22 and 23.

In the state before mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus, the coupling member 180 assumes the second inclined position D2, as described above. The coupling element 180 is inserted into the main body A1 of the apparatus while maintaining the second inclined position D2. Fig. 21(a) illustrates a mounting state of the developing cartridge B1 in the main body A1 of the apparatus, and which is in the mounting/dismounting path X2a formed in the drive side swing guide 80 and the guide 81. non-drive side oscillation. Fig. 21(e) is a diagram of the state in Fig. 21(a), as seen from the direction of arrow XXIE in Fig. 21(a). The configuration is such that, with respect to the second inclined position D2 of the coupling element 180, the rotation force-receiving portion 180a of the coupling element 180 faces in the direction of the main body side drive element 100 of the main body A1 of the coupling element 180. apparatus while the developing cartridge B1 is in the mounting/removal path X2a. More specifically, the coupling element 180 is inclined in the direction of the main body-side drive element 100 centered at the center 180s of the supported part 180b thereof, near where the coupling element 180 and the coupling element 100 side of the main body come into contact, which will be described later. The second tilt restraint portion 36kb2 of the drive side revealing bearing 36 is formed to tilt the coupling element 180 in this manner (see Figs. 12(b), 13(a) to 13(d) and Fig. 15(a)).

Fig. 21(b) illustrates a state in which the developing cartridge B1 has been further inserted into the mounting/removal path X2a from the state illustrated in Fig. 21(a). Fig. 21(f) is a diagram seen from the direction of arrow XXIF in Fig. 21(b). The state is such that the circular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 are in contact. The coupling member 180 is tilted in the direction of the main body-side drive member 100 from the state shown in Fig. 21(a) to the state shown in Fig. 21(b), so that the coupling member 180 and the drive member 100 on the main body side can be easily attached. It should be noted that the coupling member 180 maintains the second inclined position D2 as the guided portion 180d thereof receives the full force F3 from the coupling lever spring 56 and the coupling spring 185, as described above (see Figures 12(a) to 12(c)). In the following description, the angle formed between the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 180 (inclination angle) when the coupling element 180 is in the second inclined position D2 is 02a (see Figure 21(b)).

Fig. 21(c) illustrates a state in which the developing cartridge B1 has been further inserted into the mounting/dismounting path X2a from the state illustrated in Fig. 21(b). Fig. 21(g) is a diagram seen from the direction of arrow XXIG in Fig. 21(c). Figures 23(a) and 23(b) are diagrams, in cross section, illustrating the force relationship at the periphery of the coupling element 180 when the circular portion 180f of the coupling element 180 contacts the coupling element 100. main body side drive.

The rotation restraint part 55y of the coupling lever 55 and the stop part 80y arranged on the drive side swing guide 80 are in a state of contact. The inclination angle of the coupling element 180 becomes 02b (< 02a) from the state illustrated in Fig. 21(b) to the state illustrated in Fig. 21(c) by contacting the circular part 180f thereof with the drive member 100 on the main body side. In more detail, the coupling member 180 receives the force F100 at the contact portion of the drive member 100 on the main body side. In a case where the force F100 is in a direction against the force F3 that the coupling element 180 was originally receiving, and is also greater than F3, the angle of inclination of the coupling element 180 becomes smaller, and approaches a direction of being relatively parallel to the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27. That is, the angle of inclination changes centered at the center 180s of the supported part 180b, and becomes 02b < 02a (see Figs. 15(a), 21(b), 21(c) and 23(a)). . The coupling member 180 comes into contact with four parts, which are the coupling lever 55, the coupling spring 185, the main body side drive member 100 and the phase restriction part 36kb of the roller revealing bearing 36. drive side, which decides the angle of inclination thereof (02b).

Fig. 21(d) illustrates a state in which the developing cartridge B1 has been further inserted into the mounting/removal path X2a from the state illustrated in Fig. 21(c). Fig. 21(h) is a diagram seen from the direction of arrow XXIH in Fig. 21(d). The rotation restriction part 55y of the coupling lever 55 is in contact with the stop part 80y of the swing guide 80 of the drive side. Accordingly, the coupling lever 55 rotates in the direction of the arrow X11b centered on the axis of rotation L11 relatively within the developing cartridge B1, together with the insertion of the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the mounting/dismounting path. X2a. At this time, the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 also rotates in the direction of the arrow X11b centered on the axis of rotation L11. As a result, the coupling element 180 the angle of inclination 02c of the coupling element 180 decreases (02c < 02b) along the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 as deflection force is received from the spring. 185 COUPLING. The coupling member 180 contacts three parts, which are the coupling spring 185, the main body side drive member 100, and the phase restriction portion 36kb of the drive side developing bearing 36, which decides the angle of inclination (02c) thereof.

Figs. 22(a) to 22(d) illustrate a state in which the developing cartridge B1 has been further inserted in the mounting/dismounting path direction X2a from the state illustrated in Fig. 21(d), and it also illustrates a state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus has been completed.

The coupling element 180 is coupled to the drive element 100 on the main body side, and assumes the reference position D0 (inclination angle of the coupling element 180 02 = 0°).

The phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 separates from the second pitch restraint portion 36kb2 of the drive-side developing bearing 36 at this time, and is not in contact with any part of the restraint portion 36b of the drive side developing bearing 36 (see Fig. 22(c)). The guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 is held in a fully retracted state of the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180. That is, the coupling element 180 is in contact with two parts, which are the coupling spring 185 and the main body side drive element 100, which decides the inclination angle (02) thereof (for more details, see the previously described reference position D0 of the coupling element 180).

<Operations of the coupling member 180 during the process of removing the developing cartridge B1> Next, the operations of the coupling member 180 in the process of removing the developing cartridge B1 from the main body A1 of the apparatus will be described.

The operations of removing the developing cartridge B1 from the main body A1 of the apparatus are the reverse operations of the assembly described above.

First, the user rotates the main body cover 94 of the apparatus main body A1 in the opening direction D1 (see Fig. 17 and Fig. 18) in the same manner as when it is assembled, and exposes the inner part of the body main A1 of the device. The developing cartridge B1 is held in a contact position in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in contact, by the oscillating guide 80 on the side of the drive, the non-drive side oscillation guide 81, and also a configuration omitted from the illustration.

The developing cartridge B1 is then moved in the withdrawal direction following the mounting/removal path XH2 provided on the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81 .

As the developing cartridge B1 moves, the stopper portion 80y of the drive side oscillation guide 80 that had been in contact with the rotation restriction portion 55y of the engagement lever 55 moves (from the state illustrated in Fig. 21(d) to the state illustrated in Fig. 21(c)). Along with this, the coupling lever 55 rotates in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11. By further displacing the developing cartridge B1, the coupling lever 55 is caused to rotate in the direction of the arrow X11, and the guiding portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 comes into contact with the guided portion 180d of the developing element 180. coupling (state illustrated in Fig. 21(c)). The coupling member 180 receiving biasing force from both the coupling lever 55 and the coupling spring 185 starts to move in the direction of the second inclined position D2, as described above. Finally, the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling member 180 is restricted by the guide portion 36kb2a, the guide portion 36kb2b, and the guide portion 36kb2c of the drive side developing bearing 36, and is coupled to the second part 36kb2 of tilt restriction. The coupling member 180 maintains the state of the second inclined position D2.

After that, the developing cartridge B1 is withdrawn out of the main body A1 of the apparatus, moving in the withdrawal direction following the mounting/removal path XH1 provided in the drive-side guide member 92 and the member 93 non-drive side guide.

As described above, the developing cartridge B1 applying deflection force to the coupling member 180 is provided with the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56, which allows the coupling member 180 to be tilted. in the second inclined position D2. The inclination direction in which the coupling member 180 is inclined by the coupling lever 55 is the direction of the mounting/dismounting path X2a of the developing cartridge B1, and, furthermore, the configuration is such that the operation occurs rotation of the coupling lever 55 together with the assembly/disassembly operations of the developing cartridge B1 by the user.

(7) About the contact/separation lever as a moving element

The drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 acting as a drive-side movable member will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1(a) is an explanatory diagram of the engagement lever 70 / drive side spacing and peripheral shape, and is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 as seen from the drive side.

The drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 includes a first contact face 70a, a second contact face 70b, a third contact face 70c, a supported portion 70d, a drive-side restraining contact portion 70e, and drive and a first protrusion (an end side protrusion) 70f. The supported portion 70d of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is rotatably supported by the drive-side developing bearing 36 by a supporting part 36c of the drive-side developing bearing 36. Specifically, a protrusion of the supporting portion 36c of the drive-side revealing bearing 36 fits into a hole in the supported portion 70d of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70, whereby the engaging/separating lever 70 contacting/separating the drive side is supported so as to be able to rotate (in the directions of arrows N9 and N10) centered on the projection of the support part 36c. That is, the supporting part 36c acts as the center of rotation of the driving side engaging/disengaging lever 70. The supporting portion 36c of the drive-side developing bearing 36 is parallel to the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13. That is, the driving side engaging/separating lever 70 can rotate in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13.

In addition, at the third contact face 70c, the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is in contact with an end 71d of the drive-side revealing pressure spring 71 which is a compression spring acting as a a first elastic part. Another end 71e of the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 is in contact with a contact face 36d of the drive-side developing bearing 36. Accordingly, the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 receives force in the direction of the arrow N16 at the third contact face 70c from the drive side developing pressure spring 71 . The drive-side developing pressure spring 71 biases (pushes) the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 in a direction away from the developing roller 13 (N16). In the solitary state of the developing cartridge B1, that is, in the state before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the main body A1 of the apparatus, the drive side restraining contact part 70e is in contact with the part 36b of restriction provided in the drive side developing bearing 36.

Now, Fig. 37 is a diagram in which the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is projected in a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge B1. The supported part 70d (the center of rotation of the drive side contacting/separating lever 70) is in a position that overlaps the developer housing part 16a (i.e., inside the housing part 16a). of the developer) in Fig. 37. That is, when the development cartridge B1 is seen following the direction of the arrow N11 (see Fig. 4) which is a direction parallel to the axis of rotation L0 of the development roller 13, the part The support 70d of the drive side contacting/separating lever 70 is in a position that overlaps the developer housing part 16a of the developing container 16. The non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 has the same configuration, although it is omitted from the illustration.

Accordingly, the amount of protrusion of the drive side engagement/separation lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 from the developer housing portion 16a can be reduced, and the The size of the developing cartridge B1 as seen from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13 can be made compact.

The non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 acting as a non-drive side movable member will be described with reference to Fig. 1(b). It should be noted that the non-drive side has a similar configuration to the drive side.

Fig. 1(b) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 from the non-drive side. However, it should be noted that some of the parts have been omitted from the illustration, for the description of the configuration of the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 .

As illustrated in Fig. 1(b), the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 has a first non-drive side contact face 72a, a second non-drive side contact face 72b , a third non-drive side contact face 72c, a supported part 72d, a non-drive side restraint contact part 72e and a first non-drive side protrusion 72f (an other end side protrusion). The supported portion 72d of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 is supported by the supporting portion 46f of the non-drive side revealing bearing 46. Specifically, a protrusion of the supporting part 46f of the non-drive side revealing bearing 46 fits into a hole in the supported part 72d of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72, whereby the lever Non-drive side contacting/separating 72 is rotatable (directions of arrows NH9 and NH10) centered on the projection of the support part 46f. That is, the supporting portion 46f is the center of rotation of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72. The supporting part 46f of the non-drive side developing bearing 46 is also parallel to the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13 in the present comparative example. That is, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 can rotate in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13.

In addition, the non-drive side contacting/separation lever 72 contacts an end 73e of the non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 which is a compression spring acting as a second elastic part, in the third non-drive side contact face 72c. Another end 73d of the non-drive side development pressure spring 73 is in contact with a contact face 46g of the non-drive side development bearing 46. Therefore, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 receives the force FH10 in the direction of the arrow NH16 from the non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 at the third contact face 72c of the non-drive side. non-drive side. The non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 deflects (pushes) the first non-drive side contact face 72a of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 in a direction away from the roller 13. development (arrow NH16). In the solitary state of the developing cartridge B1, that is, in the state before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the main body A1 of the apparatus, the non-drive side restraint contact part 72a is in contact with the restraint part 46e provided in the non-drive side developing bearing 46.

The restraining portion 36b and the restraining portion 46e are configured to partially overlap the drive-side revealing pressure spring 71 and the non-drive-side developing pressure spring 73 in the deflection direction of the spring 71 from drive-side developing pressure and non-drive-side developing-developing spring 73 as illustrated in Fig. 1. In other words, the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 is sandwiched between the restraining portion 36b and the drive-side developing pressure spring 71, and is configured to receive compression force. That is, the position of a detached part 70g can be accurately positioned after the detached part 70g of the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 has come into contact with the restraining portion 36b. This is also valid for the non-drive side. As a result, the separation force by a separation mechanism of the main body of the apparatus, which will be described later forward, it can be received at a very precise time.

The restraint portion 36b and the restraint portion 46e prevent the respective drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 from moving in a direction away from the roller. Revealed 13. In other words, the restraint portion 36b and the restraint portion 46e are provided at positions where they can prevent the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 from non-drive side move in a direction away from the developing roller 13. By separating the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10, the drive side engagement/separation lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 are set in the directions of rotation N10 and NH10 respectively, to contact the restriction part 36b and the restriction part 46e. Accordingly, the state is such that a separating force by a separating mechanism of the main body of the apparatus is transmitted from the driving side engaging/separating lever 70 and the driving side engaging/separating lever 72. to the drive-side developing bearing 36 and the non-drive-side developing bearing 46 of the developing frame through the restriction portion 36b and the restriction portion 46e.

Fig. 44 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the restraint portion 36b, the restraint portion 46e, the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70, the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72, and Fig. the non-drive side development pressure spring 71 and the non-drive side development pressure spring 73 in the longitudinal direction of the development roller 13. Fig. 44 is a diagram seen from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (direction of the axis of rotation L0). The restraint portion 36b is configured to at least partially overlap the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 and the drive-side third contact face 70c with respect to the direction N11 which is parallel to the longitudinal direction. of the development roller 13 (direction of the axis of rotation L0). Similarly, the restraint portion 46e is configured to at least partially overlap the non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 and the non-drive side third contact face 72c, with respect to the direction N11. Accordingly, the separation force by the separation mechanism described below from the main body of the apparatus can be received at a very precise time.

The restraint part 36b is also configured to overlap, at least partially, the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 and the third drive-side contact face 70c also with respect to the direction of the arrow M2, as illustrated in Fig. 1 In the same manner, the restraint portion 46e is also configured to at least partially overlap the non-drive-side revealing pressure spring 73 and the non-drive-side third contact face 72c with respect to the direction of rotation. arrow M2. However, it should be noted that it is sufficient that the above-described placement relationship of the restriction part 36b and the restriction part 46e is realized with respect to one or the other direction of the direction of N11 and the direction of the arrow M2.

Now, the bias force F10 of the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 and the bias force FH10 of the non-drive-side developing pressure spring 73 are set differently. In addition, the drive side third contact face 70c and the non-drive side third contact face 72c are arranged at different angles. These can be selected, as appropriate, taking into account the properties of the peripheral configuration, so that the pressure force described below of the development roller 13 in relation to the photosensitive drum 10 is appropriate. In the present comparative example, a relationship is established in which

F10< FH10

taking into account the moment M6 (see Fig. 27(a)) which occurs in the developing cartridge B1 when the drive transmission is received from the main body A1 of the apparatus, to drive the developing roller 13 in rotation.

That is, on the drive side, the coupling member 180 rotates in the direction of the arrow X6, as illustrated in Fig. 8(b). The developing cartridge B1 which has received this rotational force swings in the direction of the arrow N6 illustrated in Fig. 27(a) integrally with the drive side swing guide 80, centered on a support part 80g ( see figure 27(a)). In a case where the rotational force (driving torque) that the coupling member 180 receives from the main body side driving member 100 is sufficient, the moment in the direction of the arrow N6 is generated by the driving torque of the coupling element 180 alone, generating a force that presses the development roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10. Accordingly, the deflection force F10 of the drive-side development pressure spring 71 can become smaller than the force deflection FH10 of non-drive side development pressure spring 73.

Now, a straight line Z30 is defined which passes through the center 13z of the development roller 13 and is parallel to the mounting/removing direction X2 (Fig. 17) of the developing cartridge B1 in/from the main body A1 of the apparatus, as illustrated in Fig. 1(a). The driving side contacting/separating lever 70 is arranged on the opposite side of the straight line Z30 from the photosensitive drum 10 (the lower side in the direction of gravity in the present comparative example). The degree of placement freedom from the drum cartridge C is increased due to this configuration, for mounting/dismounting the developing cartridge. Specifically, the configuration in which the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 does not protrude in the direction of the drum cartridge C increases the degree of freedom of placement of the drum cartridge C. There is no need for a placement that avoids interference with the protruding drive side engagement/separation lever 70 or the like.

The first protrusion 70f of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 protrudes beyond the developing container 16, the drive-side developing bearing 36, and the developing side cover 34 (see Fig. 10(a). )), as seen from the drive side of the developing cartridge in the longitudinal direction (direction of the axis of rotation).

That is, the first protrusion (protrusion on one end side) 70f of the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 is exposed from the developing frame (16, 46, 36, 34) when the cartridge is viewed. developing from the drive side (an end side) in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction L0), as illustrated in Fig. 11(a).

However, the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 does not necessarily have to be exposed from the developing frame (16, 46, 36, 34) when viewing the developed cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction (direction of rotation axis L0 ). A configuration is conceivable in which the first protrusion 70f is not exposed (cannot be seen), the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 being hidden behind the developing frame when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the drive side or from the non-drive side.

That is, it is enough that the first protrusion 70f protrudes from the developing frame (16, 46, 36, 34) in a cross section (see Fig. 1(a)) of the developing cartridge passing through the lever 70. contact/separation of the drive side (in particular, the first protrusion 70f) and is orthogonal to the development direction (axis of rotation L0 of the development roller 13). According to this configuration, a pressing member 150 of the drive-side apparatus described later (see Figs. 27(a) to 27(c)) can be attached to the first protrusion 70f.

In other words, it suffices to shape the external shape of the developing cartridge so that the first protrusion 70f protrudes from the developing frame at a position where the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller. 13. In the present comparative example, the first protrusion 70f projects with respect to the drive-side revealing bearing 36 at the position where the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is arranged. A configuration can also be made in which the first protrusion 70f is covered by the developing side cover 34 located further out in the longitudinal direction than the drive side engaging/separating lever 70, or covered by the container. development 16 located further inward in the longitudinal direction than the engaging/separating lever 70 of the drive side.

To summarize, the drive-side engagement/separation lever 70 protrudes to conform to the outer shape of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed in cross section at the position of the drive-side engagement/separation lever 70. driving in the direction of the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13.

In addition, the protruding direction of the first protrusion 70f (arrow direction M2) intersects the directions in which the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 can be moved (moving directions: arrow directions N9 and N10), and the direction in which the developing cartridge B1 can be moved (moving direction: direction of arrow N6 (see Fig. 27(a)).

The first protrusion 70f has the first contact face 70a in a direction away from the developing roller 13 as seen from the supported portion 70d of the drive side contacting/separating lever 70. The configuration is such that a second contact face 150b of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus comes into contact with the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 when the roller 13 The developing medium is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 (see Fig. 27(a)), which will be described in detail later. In addition, the separate part 70g which cuts the protruding direction of the first protrusion 70f (arrow direction M2) and protrudes on the side toward the developing roller 13 is provided at the tip of the first protrusion 70f. The separated part 70g has the second contact face 70b. The configuration is such that a first contact face 150a of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus comes into contact with the second contact face 70b of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 when the roller 13 from developed separates of the photosensitive drum 10 (see Figs. 28(a) to 28(d)), which will be described in detail later.

Next, the shape of the non-drive side engaging/disengaging lever 72 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1(b). The non-drive side contacting/separating lever 72 is arranged on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 10 through the straight line Z30 which passes through the center 13z of the development roller 13 and is parallel to the direction of mounting/removing X2 of the developing cartridge B1 to/from the main body A1 of the apparatus (the lower side in the direction of gravity in the present comparative example), in the same manner as with the drive side, described above. The degree of placement freedom from the drum cartridge C is increased due to this configuration, for mounting/dismounting the developing cartridge. Specifically, the configuration in which the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 does not protrude in the direction of the drum cartridge C increases the degree of freedom of placement of the drum cartridge C. There is no need for a placement that avoids interference with the protruding non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 or the like.

The first protrusion 72f of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 protrudes beyond the developing container 16 and the non-drive side developing bearing 46 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The first protrusion (protrusion on the other end side) 72f of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 is exposed from the developing frame (16, 46, 36, 34) when the developing cartridge is viewed. in the longitudinal direction (direction of the axis of rotation L0) from the non-drive side (other end side) (see Figure 5).

However, it should be noted that in the same manner as with the first protrusion 70f, it is not necessary for the first protrusion 72f to be exposed when viewing the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction L0).

That is, it is enough that the first protrusion 72f protrudes from the developing frame (16, 36, 34) in a cross section of the developing cartridge passing through the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72. (in particular, the protrusion 72f) and is orthogonal to the developing direction (axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13), in the same way as with the first protrusion 70f. According to this configuration, a pressing member 151 of the non-drive side apparatus described later (see Fig. 29(a)) can be attached to the protrusion 72f.

In other words, it is enough to shape the external shape of the developing cartridge B1 so that the protrusion 72f protrudes from the developing frame (the non-drive side side cover 46 in the present comparative example) at a position where the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. Also, a configuration in which the developing frame covers the first protrusion 72f on the outer side in the longitudinal direction or inner side in the longitudinal direction in which the contacting/separating lever 72 of the printing side is arranged can be realized. not actuation.

To summarize, the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 protrudes to conform to the outer shape of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed in cross section at the position of the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72. of non-drive in the direction of the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13.

In addition, the protruding direction of the first protrusion 72f (arrow direction MH2) cuts off the directions in which the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 can be moved (moving directions: arrow directions NH9 and NH10), and the direction in which the developing cartridge B1 can be moved (moving direction: direction of arrow M1 (see Fig. 27(a)). The first protrusion 72f has the first contact face 72a in a direction away from the roller. 13 as seen from the supported part 72d of the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72. The configuration is such that a second contact face 151b of the non-drive side apparatus pressure element 151 drive contacts the first contact face 72a of the non-drive side contacting/separating lever 72 when the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 (see Fig. 29), which will be described with detail later.

In addition, the parting part 72g that cuts the protruding direction of the first protrusion 72f from the developing container 16 (arrow direction MH2) and protrudes on the side toward the developing roller 13 is provided at the tip of the first protrusion. 72f. The separating part 72g has the second contact face 72b. The configuration is such that a first contact face 151a of the pressure element 151 of the non-drive side apparatus comes into contact with the second contact face 72b of the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 when the development roller 13 is separated from photosensitive drum 10 (see Fig. 29(b)), which will be described in detail later.

The drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and engagement lever 72 non-drive side contact/gap are provided at both ends of the developing cartridge, with respect to the axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the developing roller 13, as described above. The drive side engagement/separation lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 may be arranged further outward than the width of the media being used to form images, such as paper. printing sheets, label sheets, OHP sheets, etc. In this case, the driving side contacting/separating lever 70, etc., the conveying means and members and the like provided in the main body of the apparatus for conveying the means, can be arranged at an intersection position, when the main body of the apparatus is seen along a plate whose longitudinal direction is a normal line. As a result, the size of the main body of the apparatus can be reduced.

Next, the positioning of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a front view in which the developing cartridge B1 has been seen from the side of the developing roller 13. However, it should be noted that a cross-sectional view has been taken around the supporting portion 36a of the drive-side developing bearing 36 supporting the supporting portion 13a of the drive-side of the developing roller 13, and the supporting part 46f of the non-drive side developing bearing 46 which supports the supported part 13c of the non-drive side of the developing roller 13.

The drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is provided at the drive side end of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction, as described above. In addition, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 is provided at the non-drive side end of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction. The rotational operations of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in Figure 1(a), and directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in Figure 1(b)) can be rotated independently without influencing each other.

Now, the drive-side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 is supported by the supporting portion 36a of the drive-side developing bearing 36 further out longitudinally than a drive-side end L13bk of a forming interval L13b. of pictures. In addition, the non-drive side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 is supported by the supporting portion 46f of the non-drive side developing bearing 46 further out longitudinally than a non-drive side end L13bh of the interval L13b. image formation. The drive side engagement/separation lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 are arranged to at least partially overlap the interval of a total length L13a of the developing roller 13. In addition, the drive side engagement/separation lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 are disposed further outward from the imaging range L13b of the developing roller 13.

That is, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 and the drive-side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 are arranged to at least partially overlap a region L14k sandwiched between the drive-side end L13bk of an imaging interval L13b and a drive-side end L13ak of the whole length L13a of the developing roller 13. Accordingly, the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 and the drive side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 are in close positions in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 and the non-drive side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 are arranged to overlap at least partially with a region L14h sandwiched between the end L13bh of the non-drive side of the imaging interval L13b and an end L13ah of the non-drive side of the whole length L13a of the developing roller 13. The non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 and the non-drive side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 are arranged to satisfy this relationship. Accordingly, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 and the drive side supported part 13c of the developing roller 13 are in close positions in the longitudinal direction.

(Description of the contact/separation mechanism)

(Developing pressure of apparatus main body and development gap setting)

Next, the developing pressure of the main body of the apparatus and a developing gap configuration will be described.

Fig. 25(a) is a disassembled perspective view of the drive side side plate 90 of the main body A1 of the apparatus as seen from the non-drive side, and Fig. 25(b) is a Side view, as seen from the non-drive side. Fig. 26(a) is a disassembled perspective view of the non-drive side side plate 91 of the main body A1 of the apparatus, as seen from the drive side. drive, and Fig. 26(b) is a side view, as seen from the drive side.

The drive-side guide member 92 and the drive-side oscillation guide 80 for mounting/removing the developing cartridge B1 to/from the main body A1 of the apparatus are provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus, as shown. illustrated in Fig. 25. The drive-side guide member 92 and the drive-side oscillating guide 80 guide the drive-side guided part 34d of the developing cartridge B1 at the time of mounting the developing cartridge B1 into the of the main body of the apparatus (see figure 18).

The drive-side guide member 92 has a protuberance-shaped positioning part 92d protruding from the drive-side guide member 92, and a rotation-restricted part 92e, supported by a hole-shaped positioning part 90a provided on the drive side side plate 90, and a rotation restraint part 90b, as illustrated in Fig. 25(a). The drive side guide member 92 is positioned and fixed to the drive side side plate 90 by fasteners such as screws (omitted from the illustration). The drive-side swing guide 80 is supported by a cylindrical supported protrusion 80g which fits into a hole-shaped support part 90c provided in the drive-side side plate 90. Accordingly, the drive side swing guide 80 is supported by the drive side side plate 90 to be able to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 and the direction of the arrow N6.

It should be noted that although the above description has been made in which the supporting portion 90c provided on the drive side side plate 90 is hole-shaped (recess-shaped), and the supported protrusion 80g provided on the guide 80 of The drive-side oscillation is shaped like a bump, the recess/bulge ratio thereof is not restricted to this, and the recess/bulge ratio can be reversed.

In addition, a drive-side deflection unit 76 which is a tension spring is provided between a protrusion 80h of the drive-side swing guide 80 and a protrusion 90d of the drive-side side plate 90. The drive-side oscillation guide 80 is deflected by the drive-side deflection unit 76 in the direction of arrow N6, which brings the protrusion 80h of the drive-side oscillation guide 80 closer together with the protrusion 90d of the drive side. the drive side side plate 90. The apparatus main body A1 is provided with the drive-side apparatus pressing member 150 which contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, and separates the two. The pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus is supported by a base plate (omitted from the illustration) in a state of being movable in the direction of the arrow N7 and the direction of the arrow N8.

On the other hand, the non-drive side guide member 93 and the non-drive side oscillation guide 81 for mounting/removing the developing cartridge B1 to/from the main body A1 of the apparatus are provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus. apparatus, as illustrated in Figures 26(a) and 26(b). The non-drive side guide member 93 and the non-drive side oscillation guide 81 guide the non-drive side guided portion 46d of the developing cartridge B1 at the time of mounting the developing cartridge B1 into the main body. of the apparatus (see figure 18).

The non-drive side guide member 93 has a projection-shaped positioned portion 93d protruding from the non-drive side guide member 93, and a rotation-restricted portion 93e, as illustrated in Fig. 26(a). ). The positioned part 93d and the rotation-restricted part 93e are supported by a hole-shaped locating part 91a provided on the non-drive side side plate 91, and a rotation-restriction part 91b. The non-drive side guide member 93 is positioned and fixed to the non-drive side side plate 91 by fixing devices such as screws (omitted from the illustration). The non-drive side swing guide 81 is supported by a supported cylindrical projection 81g which fits into a hole-shaped support part 91c provided in the non-drive side side plate 91. Accordingly, the non-drive side swing guide 81 is supported by the non-drive side side plate 91 to be able to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 and the direction of the arrow N6.

It should be noted that, although the above description has been made that the support portion 91c provided on the non-drive side side plate 91 is hole-shaped (recess-shaped), and the supported protrusion 81g provided on the guide Non-drive side swing 81 is in the shape of a bump, the recess/bulge ratio thereof is not restricted to this, and the recess/bulge ratio can be reversed.

In addition, a non-drive side deflection unit 77 which is a tension spring is provided between a protrusion 81h of the non-drive side swing guide 81 and a protrusion 91d of the non-drive side side plate 91. The non-drive side oscillation guide 81 is deflected by the non-drive side deflection unit 77 in the direction of arrow N6, which brings the protrusion 81h of the non-drive side oscillation guide 81 closer together and the side plate bulge 91d 91 on the non-drive side.

The main body A1 of the apparatus is provided with the apparatus pressing member 151 on the non-drive side which contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, and separates them in the same manner as on the drive side. . The non-drive side apparatus pressing member 151 is supported by a base plate (omitted from the illustration) in a state of being movable in the direction of the arrow N7 and the direction of the arrow N8.

(Development pressure and development gap in relation to the photosensitive drum)

Next, the pressure and gap of the developing roller 13 relative to the photosensitive drum 10 will be described.

<Pressure Mechanism>

The configuration of the developing roller 13 will be described below.

Fig. 27(a) is a side view illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13 having the developing cartridge B1, supported by the drive-side swing guide 80, is in a state in contact with the roller. photosensitive drum 10. Fig. 27(c) is a detailed diagram of the periphery of the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 in Fig. 27(a), with the drive side oscillation guide 80 omitted and the developing side cover 34 of the illustration for the sake of description.

The so-called contact developing system, in which the developing roller 13 carrying the developer t is brought into direct contact with the photosensitive drum 10 to develop an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10, is used in the present comparative example. .

The developing roller 13 is configured with the shaft part 13e and the rubber part 13d. The shaft part 13e is an electroconductive thin cylindrical object made of aluminum or the like, and the central part thereof is covered by the rubber part 13d in the longitudinal direction thereof (see Figs. 6(a) and 6(b)). . Now, the rubber part 13d covers the shaft part 13e so that its external shape is concentric with the shaft part 13e. A magnetic roller 12 is incorporated inside the cylinder of the shaft part 13e. The rubber part 13d carries the developer t on the circumferential face thereof, and a bias is applied to the shaft part 13e. An electrostatic latent image is then developed on the photosensitive drum 10 by bringing the rubber part 13d in the state of carrying the developer t into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

Next, the configuration of bringing the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined contact pressure will be described.

As described above, the drive side swing guide 80 is supported by the drive side side plate 90 to be able to swing in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6. In addition, the non-drive side swing guide 81 is supported by the non-drive side side plate 91 to be able to swing in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6. The developing cartridge B1 is positioned on the drive side wobble guide 80 and the non-drive side wobble guide 81 as described above. Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 is in a state that can be tilted in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 within the main body A1 of the apparatus (see Figs. 29(a) and 29(b)).

In this state, the second contact face 150b of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 come into contact, as illustrated. in Figure 27(a) and Figure 27(c). Accordingly, the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is in a state of having rotated in the direction of the arrow N9 in Fig. 27(c) against the biasing force of the drive-side pressure spring 71. development of the drive side. The third contact face 70c of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 then compresses the drive-side development pressure spring 71 and receives the deflection force F10a from the drive-side development pressure spring 71. drive. As a result, the moment M10 in the direction of the arrow N10 acts on the engagement/disengagement lever 70 on the drive side. At this time, the second contact face 150b of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 and the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 are in contact. Consequently, the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 receives the force F11 from the second contact face 150b of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150, so that The moment, which is balanced by the moment M10, acts on the engagement/disengagement lever 70 on the drive side. Therefore, the external force of force F11 is acting on the developing cartridge B1. In addition, the drive-side deflection unit 76 is provided between the protrusion 80h of the drive-side swing guide 80 and the protrusion 90d of the drive-side side plate 90, as described above. above, diverting in the direction of arrow N12. Therefore, the external force of the force F12 in the direction of the arrow N12 is acting on the developing cartridge B1 positioned by the swing guide 80 on the drive side.

That is, the development cartridge B1 receives the moment M6 in the direction in which the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 approach each other (arrow direction N6), by the force F11 from the drive-side development depression spring 71 and the force F12 from the drive side deflection unit 76. The elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 can be pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 at a pressure M6 predetermined for this moment.

Next, Fig. 29(a) is a side view illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13, having the developing cartridge B1 supported by the non-drive side swing guide 81, is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. Fig. 29(c) is a detailed diagram of the periphery of the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 in Fig. 29(a), with the non-drive side oscillating guide 81 being partially omitted. non-drive side and developing bearing 46 of the non-drive side of the illustration for the sake of description.

The non-drive side has the same configuration as the drive side, and the external forces FH11 and FH12 act on the developing cartridge B1 by the non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 and the non-drive side bias unit 77. non-actuation, as illustrated in figure 29(a) and figure 29(c). Therefore, the development cartridge B1 receives the moment (M6) in the direction in which the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 approach each other (arrow direction N6), and the elastic layer 13d of the development roller 13 it can be pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure.

Now, the distance from the center of the supported part 70d to the center of the third contact face 70c as seen from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13 is indicated by D10, as illustrated in the figure 27(b). In the same way, the distance from the center of the supported part 70d to the part of the first contact face 70a that is pressed by the pressing member 150 of the drive-side apparatus is D11. The relationship between distance D10 and distance D11 is

D10 < D11.

Accordingly, the third contact face 70c of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 that contacts an end 71d of the drive-side revealing pressure spring 71 is disposed between the supported part 70d and the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 in the direction of the protruding direction M2. That is, the relationship between the distance W10 from the supported part 70d to the third contact face 70c and the distance W11 from the supported part 70d to the first contact face 70a is

W10 < W11.

Therefore, the relationship between W12, which is the displacement amount of the first contact face 70a, and the displacement amount W13 of the third contact face 70c, is

W13< W12

where

W13 = W12x(W10/W11).

Accordingly, even in the case that there is an error in the positional accuracy of the drive-side apparatus pressure member 150, the change in the amount of compression of the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 is less than the error of the positional accuracy of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus. Accordingly, the precision of the pressing force for pressing the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 can be improved. The non-drive side has the same configuration and therefore the same advantages can be had.

In addition, the drive side engagement/separation lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 are arranged to at least partially overlap the interval of the total length L13a of the developing roller 13 in the longitudinal direction, as described above (see Figure 24). Accordingly, the positional difference in the longitudinal direction of the first contact faces 70a and 72a of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72, and the supported part 13a on the drive side and the supported part 13c on the non-drive side of the developing roller 13 can be reduced. The drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 receives the force F11 (see Fig. 27(a)), and the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 receives the external force FH11. (see Figure 29(c)). As a result of having reduced the positional difference described above, the moment acting on the drive-side development bearing 36 and the non-drive-side development bearing 46 can be suppressed. Therefore, the developing roller 13 can be effectively pressed to contact the photosensitive drum.

In addition, as described above, the rotation operations of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in Figure 27(a), and the directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in Figures 29(c) and 29(d)) can be made to rotate independently without influencing each other. Therefore, when the developing roller 13 is in a state of pressing against the photosensitive drum 10, the position of the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus in the direction of arrows N7 and N8 (see Figs. 25(a) ) and 25(b)) and the position of the pressure element 151 of the non-drive side apparatus in the direction of arrows N7 and N8 (see Fig. 26(b)) can be set independently. In addition, there is no need to match the direction of rotation of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in figure 27(a), and directions of the arrows NH9 and NH10 in figures 29(c) and 29(d)). As a result, the magnitudes and directions of the pressing forces F11 and FH11 for pressing the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side and on the non-drive side can be optimized. Furthermore, even in the case that there is a relative error in the positions of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and the non-drive-side apparatus pressure element 151, this does not influence the pressure forces F11 and FH11 with each other. Accordingly, the contact pressure of the developing roller 13 with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 can be made to be very precise.

It should be noted that the position of the developing cartridge B1 where the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can come into contact to develop an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 will be called the contact position. On the other hand, the position of the developing cartridge B1 in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are separated will be called a separated position. The developing cartridge B1 has a configuration by which the developing cartridge B1 can select between the contact position and the separated position, by a mechanism decided later.

<Configuration of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge and the main body of the apparatus by means of a pressing mechanism>

Next, the configuration of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge B1 and the main body A1 of the apparatus will be described with reference to Figs. 38(a) and 38(b). When the developing cartridge B1 is in the aforementioned contact position, the electrode portions 47a of the memory board 47 of the developing cartridge B1 are in contact with the power supply contact 120A of the main body A1 of the apparatus. The power supply contact 120A has spring properties and is therefore pressed in by the electrode portions 47a by a predetermined amount from a shape 120Aa before the developing cartridge B1 is mounted, as illustrated in the figure 39. Accordingly, the power supply contact 120A exerts a contact pressure FH13 on the developing cartridge B1 in the direction that the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 move away from each other. On the other hand, the force FH11 bringing the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 closer together is acting on the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in Fig. 38(a). At this time, the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 is pressed from a first position in contact with the contact face 46e of the non-drive side developing bearing 46, to a second position in which the protrusion 72f has been brought closer to the developing roller 13 by the pressing member 151 of the non-drive side apparatus, as illustrated in Fig. 38(a). The electrode portions 47a are on the downstream side of the direction of travel W from the first position to the second position, intersecting the direction of travel W and the surface (exposed face) of the electrode portions 47a.

Therefore, the force FH11 that moves the non-actuation side engagement/disengagement lever 72 in the W direction and the engagement pressure FH13 have opposite force components. Now, a certain contact pressure level FH13 or higher is necessary to stabilize the electrical contact between the electrode portions 47a and the power supply contact 120A. The present configuration has the magnitude of the force FH11 of the non-drive side development pressure spring 73 set, taking into account the contact pressure F13, in addition to pressing the elastic layer of the development roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 in a stable way. That is, both ensuring the contact pressure FH13 at which the electrical contact is stable, and pressing the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10, can be performed by force FH11. Accordingly, the electrode portions 47a and the power supply contact 120A are electrically connected, whereby communication is allowed between the electric panel (omitted from the illustration) of the main body of the apparatus and the electrode portion 47a.

Now, a case can be conceivable that the external force FH12 of the non-drive side deflection unit 77 is raised to ensure the contact pressure FH13. However, in this case, there is a need to increase the deflection force from the non-drive side pressure spring 85 so that the developing cartridge B1 is not released from the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side (see Figs. 26(a) and 26(b)). On the other hand, the non-drive side pressure spring 85 is pressed down by the operating force of the user when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the non-drive side oscillation guide 81, as described above. Therefore, the user must mount the developing cartridge B1 using greater force. As described above, attempting to secure contact pressure FH13 by force FH12 of the non-drive side deflection unit 77 may lead to poorer operability for the user. Therefore, assuring the contact pressure FH13 by the force FH11 of the non-drive side developing pressure spring 73, as in the present comparative example, allows the developing cartridge B1 to be positioned without making operability poor for the user.

Furthermore, the relationship between the electrode portion 47a and the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 in the present comparative example can be reformulated as follows. For example, the distance between the electrode portion 47a and the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 will be designated L1 in the first position and L2 in the second position, in the direction of the normal line Z of the electrode portion 47a at the contact portion of the power supply contact 120A, as illustrated in Fig. 38(b). The electrode portion 47a at this time is positioned so that L2 < L1 is valid. Accordingly, the force for moving the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 from the first position to the second position can be used to ensure contact pressure FH13.

In addition, the non-drive side contacting/separation lever 72, the non-drive side development pressure spring 73 and the memory board 47 are each attached to the non-drive side development bearing 46. drive in the present comparative example, as illustrated in Fig. 38(a). That is, the positions of the electrode portion 47a which is the operating part for contact pressure F13 and the non-drive side contacting/separating lever 72 which is the operating part for force FH11 are arranged in the same plane orthogonal to the axis L0 of the developing roller 13. In other words, the electrode portion 47a and the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of the axis L0 of the developing roller 13. Consequently, the position of the developing cartridge B1 can be further stabilized, since the occurrence of moments between the contact pressure F13 and the force FH11, which has an axis of rotation T in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the roller, can be reduced. of revealed.

Furthermore, the memory card 47 is attached not to the drive side but to the bearing 46 on the non-drive side. If the memory board 47 were provided on the drive side, the memory board 47 might be affected by the driving force acting on the coupling member 180. However, the memory board 47 is provided in the non-drive side developing bearing 46 in the present comparative example, and is therefore less easily affected by the drive force, thereby stabilizing the drive pressure. contact FH13.

<Separation Mechanism>

Fig. 28(a) is an explanatory diagram for describing the state of the developing cartridge B1 when it is passed from the contact state between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 to the separated state. Fig. 28(c) is a detailed diagram of the periphery of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 in Fig. 28(a), with the drive side oscillation guide 80 and the drive side oscillation guide 80 omitted from the illustration. development side cover 34 for the sake of description.

Fig. 28(b) is an explanatory diagram explaining the separated state of the developing cartridge B1 in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated. Fig. 28(d) is a detailed diagram of the periphery of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 in Fig. 28(b), with the drive side oscillation guide 80 and the drive side oscillation guide 80 omitted from the illustration. development side cover 34 for the sake of description.

Now, in the case of the contact developing system as in the present comparative example, there is a concern that the rubber part 13b of the developing roller 13 may be deformed if the state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, as in Fig. 27(a), is held steadily. Therefore, the development roller 13 is preferably separated from the photosensitive drum 10 when it is not developing. That is, a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, as illustrated in Fig. 27(a), and a state in which the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum. 10, as illustrated in Fig. 28(b), are preferred.

The detached part 70g, which protrudes in the direction of the developing roller 13, is provided on the drive side engaging/separating lever 70. The detached part 70g has a configuration that can be engaged with the first contact face 150a provided in the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 provided in the main body A1 of the apparatus. In addition, the pressure member 150 of the drive-side apparatus has a configuration that can be moved in the directions of arrow N7 and arrow N8 under the driving force of a motor omitted from the illustration.

Next, the operations of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 which go into the separated state will be described. In the contact state between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 illustrated in Fig. 27(a), the first contact face 150a and the separated part 70g are separated in a state that there is a distance separation 85 each other.

On the other hand, Fig. 28(a) illustrates a state in which the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus has moved in the direction of the arrow N8 by a distance 86, which is a state in which the contact between the first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/disengagement lever 70 and the second contact face 150b of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 are spaced apart. At this time, the first contact face 70a of the drive side contact/separation lever 70 rotates in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the supported part 70d, under the deflection force F10 of the pressure spring 71 revealing device, and the drive-side restraint contact portion 70e of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 contacts the restraint portion 36b of the drive-side bearing member 36. drive. Accordingly, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 and the drive-side bearing member 36 are positioned. Fig. 28(b) illustrates a state in which the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 has moved in the direction of the arrow N8 by a distance 87. The drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 that has moved in the direction of the arrow N8 brings into contact the spaced face 70g of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 and the first contact face 150a of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus. At this time, the drive-side restraint contact portion 70e of the drive-side engaging/disengagement lever 70 and the restraint portion 36b of the drive-side bearing member 36 are in contact, so that development cartridge B1 is moved in the direction of arrow N8. Now, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned on the drive-side swing guide 80 which is supported by the drive-side side plate 90 so as to be able to slide in the direction of arrow N3 and the direction of arrow N4 and be able to tilt in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6, which will be described later with reference to Figures 41(a) to 41(d). Accordingly, by displacing the pressure member 150 of the drive-side apparatus in the direction of the arrow N8, the developing cartridge B1 swings in the direction of the arrow N5. At this time, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated by a distance 88 from each other.

The non-drive side also has the same configuration as the drive side, the pressure member 151 of the non-drive apparatus being displaced in the direction of the arrow NH8 by a distance 8h7 in a state in which the contacting lever 72 / non-drive side separation and are in contact, as illustrated in Fig. 29(b) and Fig. 29(d). Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 has a configuration to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 81g of the oscillation guide 81, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 being separated by a distance 88 from each other. .

Therefore, the contact state and the separated state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are selected, as necessary, by the position of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and the apparatus pressure element 151 on the non-drive side provided on the main body A1 of the apparatus.

The drive side engaging/separating lever 70 protrudes from the developing container 16 to conform to the outer shape of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed in cross section at the position of the developing side engaging/separating lever 70. drive side, and as seen from the axis of rotation L0 of the developing roller 13, which is illustrated in Fig. 27(a). Consequently, the coupling of the drive-side contacting/disengagement lever 70 and the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus is facilitated. The configuration is also such that a portion of the drive side contact/disengage lever 70 can be used to move the developing cartridge B1 between the contact position and the disengage position. The same is also valid with the non-drive side.

When passing from the contact state of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 shown in Fig. 27(a) to the separated state of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 shown in Fig. 28(b), the guide 80 drive side oscillation and developing cartridge B1 rotate integrally. Accordingly, the state of the guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 which is retracted from the guided part 180d of the coupling element 180 is maintained (Fig. 28(b)).

In addition, when the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in the separated state illustrated in Fig. 28(b), the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 and the guiding portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 come into contact. . Consequently, the coupling member 180 receives the force F1, and assumes the first inclined position D1 described above.

As described above, the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the Non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 each have a depressed face (first contact faces 70a and 72a) and a detached face (second contact faces 70g and 72g). The pressure faces (second contact faces 150b and 151b) and parting faces (150a and 151a) of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and the non-drive-side apparatus pressure element 151 act on these, respectively. Accordingly, the contact state and the separated state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the development roller 13 can be selected, as necessary (see Figs. 27(a), 28(a) and 28(b)), by the lone portions of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72. As a result, the setting of the developing cartridge B1 can be simplified. In addition, the contact state and the separated state can be controlled by the lone parts, so that the time of transition from the contact state to the separated state, for example, can be made very precise.

The drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 are independently provided at the ends of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. Fig. 24. Consequently, there is no need to provide an engagement/disengagement lever in the entire longitudinal direction, so that the size of the developing cartridge B1 (region Y1 in Fig. 24) can be reduced. Accordingly, the area Y1 can be used to have space for the component parts of the main body A1 of the apparatus, so that the size of the main body A1 of the apparatus can also be reduced.

<Displacement of the coupling element together with the operation from the separated state to the contact state> Next, the displacement of the coupling element 180 together with the contact operation and the separation operation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are described with reference to figures 30 and 31.

First, the disengaging operation of the coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 when moving the developing cartridge B1 from the separated state to the contact state will be described.

Fig. 30 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the coupling state of the coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 in the developing contact state and the developing separated state.

Fig. 31 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the coupling state of the coupling element 180 and the main body side drive element 100 in the developing contact state and the developing separated state, as seen from the side in the drive side.

While being imaged, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 is pressed by the deflection force F11 by the drive-side apparatus pressing member 150, as illustrated in Fig. 31(a). . The development roller 13 of the development cartridge B1 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in the developing contact state, contacted at a predetermined pressure. The coupling element 180 is at the reference position D0, as illustrated in Fig. 30(a). The developing cartridge B1 is located at this time in an engaged position in which the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 and the rotational force applying portion 100a of the body-side drive member 100 main mate. The developing cartridge B1 is in a state that the drive can be transmitted from the main body side drive member 100 to the coupling member 180 by the force of a rotary motor (omitted from the illustration).

In addition, the guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 is held in a completely retracted state of the guided part 180b of the coupling element 180 (see Figs. 11(a) to 11(c)). The reason is that the rotation restraint portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 abuts the abutment portion 80y of the drive side swing guide 80, and the rotation in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation. L11 thereof is constrained, as described above (see Figures 11(a) to 11(c) for this as well).

Next, the position of the coupling member 180 in the process of the developing cartridge B1 moving from the developing contact state to the developing separated state will be described.

As illustrated in Fig. 31(b), when imaging ends, the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 and the non-driving-side apparatus pressing element 151 (omitted from the illustration) are move in the direction of arrow N8. When the drive-side apparatus pressure member 150 moves in the direction of the arrow N8, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 rotates in the direction of the arrow N10, by the biasing force from the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 (see Fig. 28(b)). From this state in which the drive-side restraint contact portion 70e of the drive-side contacting/separating lever 70 drive side and the positioning portion 36b of the drive-side developing bearing 36 are in contact, the drive-side apparatus pressure member 150 is further displaced in the direction of the arrow N8. The developing cartridge B1 then, integral with the drive-side oscillation guide 80, rotates in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 80g of the drive-side oscillation guide 80. This is also true with the non-drive side, by rotating the developing cartridge B1 integrally with the non-drive side oscillation guide 81 in the direction of arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 81g of the oscillation guide 81 non-drive side (omitted from illustration). This state is the development separated state, in which the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated. The developing cartridge B1 and the drive-side swing guide 80 move integrally, so that the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is held in the fully retracted state of the element guided portion 180b. coupling 180 in the state illustrated in Fig. 31(b) as well. This is because the stopper part 80y is integrally formed with the drive-side oscillation guide 80, as described above (see Fig. 20(b)). On the other hand, the deflection force from the coupling spring 185 is acting on the coupling element 180. Accordingly, together with the developing cartridge B1 moving from the contact state to the separated state, the axis L2 of the coupling member 180 gradually includes from the reference position state D0 to the direction of the first inclined position. D1, as illustrated in Fig. 30(b). The developing cartridge B1 then rotates further in the direction of the arrow N5, and when the state in Fig. 31(c) is reached, the tilting movement of the coupling member 180 ends. At this time, the phase restraint projection 180e of the coupling element 180 engages the first tilt restraint part 36kb1 of the drive side developing bearing 36 (see Fig. 11(b)), and the axis L2 of the coupling element 180 is held in the first inclined position D1. As described above, the first inclined position D1 of the coupling element 180 is a position in which the rotation force-receiving portion 180a of the coupling element 180 is oriented in the direction of the body-side drive element 100 main part of the main body A1 of the apparatus. In the state illustrated in Fig. 31(c), the developing cartridge B1 is placed in a disengaged position, in which the engagement of the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the engaging member 180 and the applying portion 100a of rotation force of the main body side drive member 100 has been disengaged. Accordingly, the state is such that there is no drive transmission of motor force (omitted from the illustration) from the main body side drive member 100 to the coupling member.

The state illustrated in Fig. 31(a) is the position of the developing cartridge B1 when imaging in the present comparative example. The coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 are engaged, and the driving force is being input from the main body A1 of the apparatus. The configuration is such that when the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the state illustrated in Fig. 31(a) to Fig. 31(b), and to Fig. 31(c), the coupling between the coupling element 180 and the Main body side drive element 100 is disengaged. In other words, the configuration is such that, in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the detached state, the drive input from the main body A1 of the apparatus to the developing cartridge B1 is interrupted. . The main body side drive member 100 of the main body A1 of the apparatus is rotating while the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated, relative to the developing cartridge B1. This means that the configuration is such that the development roller 13 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 10 while rotating.

<Shifting of the coupling element together with the operation from the contact state to the separated state>

Next, the coupling operations of the coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 at the time when the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the contact state to the separated state will be described.

The contact development operations of the development cartridge B1 are opposite to the development separation operations described above. In the state illustrated in Fig. 31(b), the developing cartridge B1 is located in a disengaged position, if the engagement between the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 and the force applying part 100a of rotation of the main body side drive member 100 is disengaged. The state illustrated in Fig. 31(b) is a state in which the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and the non-drive-side apparatus pressure element 151 have moved in the direction of the arrow N7 from the state illustrated in Fig. 31(c). The developing cartridge B1 and the drive-side swing guide 80 are integrally rotated in the direction of the arrow N6 by the bias force of the drive-side shift unit 76 described above (see Figs. 25 (a), 25(b), 27(a) and 27(c)). This is also valid for the non-drive side. Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the detached state to the contact state. Fig. 30(b) is a stage midway through the transition of the developing cartridge B1 from the separated state to the contact state. This is also a state in which the circular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 are in contact. Specifically, the lowered conical part 180g arranged on the inner side of the circular part 180f of the element coupling 180, and the protrusion 100g arranged at the axial tip of the main body side drive element 100 are in contact. The axis of rotation L2 of the coupling member 180 is tilted in the direction of the main body side drive member 100 from the state shown in Fig. 30(c) to the state shown in Fig. 30(b), so that the coupling element 180 and the main body side drive element 100 can be easily coupled.

Further displacement of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and the non-drive-side apparatus pressure element 151 in the direction of arrow N7 from the state illustrated in Fig. 30(b) completes the coupling of the element. coupling 180 and the drive member 100 on the main body side, as illustrated in Fig. 30(a). At this time, the developing cartridge B1 is placed in an engaged position in which the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 and the rotational force applying portion 100a of the drum-side driving member 100 main body are engaged, and the engagement member 180 assumes the reference position D0. The transition process of the coupling element 180 from the first inclined position D1 to the reference position D0 is the same as the process of the coupling element 180 passing from the second inclined position D2 to the reference position D0 at the instant of mount the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus (see Figs. 21(a) to 21(h)).

In the present comparative example, the main body-side drive member 100 is rotated by drive signals from the main body A1 of the apparatus before the engagement of the coupling member 180 and the main body-side drive member 100 start in the state illustrated in Fig. 31(b). Accordingly, the configuration is such that the coupling member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 are coupled halfway through the displacement of the developing cartridge B1 from the state illustrated in Fig. 31(c) to the state in Fig. 31(b), and in Fig. 31(a), whereby drive is introduced into the developing cartridge B1. In other words, the configuration is such that in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the detached state to the contact state, drive is introduced from the main body A1 of the apparatus to the developing cartridge B1. This is because the configuration is such that the coupling element 180 can be moved in the direction of N9, which is the direction of movement of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and engagement lever 72. in contact/separation from the non-drive side (see Figures 27(a) to 27(c)). The main body side drive member 100 of the main body A1 of the apparatus rotates before the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact. As a result, the configuration is such that the development roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 while rotating. Therefore, the speed difference of the circumferential faces of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be reduced by contacting the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10, so that the wear of the photosensitive drum can be reduced. 10 and development roller 13.

In a case where the motor having the main body A1 of the apparatus is isolated, a clutch mechanism is necessary to interrupt the transmission of the rotational force to the developing roller 13 while the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 10. That is, there is a need to provide a clutch mechanism that can selectively interrupt the drive transmission in the drive transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force from the motor to the developing roller 13. However, in the present comparative example, the engagement and disengagement of the engagement member 180 and the main body side drive member 100 is selected in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the detached state. , or displacement from the separated state to the contact state. Accordingly, there is no need to provide a clutch mechanism to the main body A1 of the apparatus or the developing cartridge B1, so that a developing cartridge B1 and the main body A1 of the apparatus can be realized which is less expensive and consumes less. less space.

(Contact of the separate face of the contacting/separation lever of the drive side)

The drive side engaging/separating lever 70 has the detached face 70g protruding toward the development roller 13 side from a tip portion 70p in the protruding direction of the first protrusion 70f, as illustrated in Fig. figure 41(a). From another perspective, the tip of the first protrusion 70f has a curved shape toward the side of the developing roller 13, and the separated face 70g is formed in this curved tip portion.

Figs. 41(a) to 41(d) are explanatory diagrams about whether or not there is the protruding detached face 70g. Fig. 41(a) illustrates the present comparative example having the detached face 70g protruding toward the developing roller 13 side from the tip portion 70p in the protruding direction of the first protrusion 70f. Fig. 41(b) is an enlarged diagram of the periphery of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 in Fig. 41(a). Fig. 41(c) illustrates an example of a detached face 470g which does not protrude to the developing roller 13 side from the tip portion 70p in the protruding direction of the first protrusion 70f. Fig. 41(d) is an enlarged diagram of the periphery of a drive side engagement/disengagement lever 470 in Fig. 41(c).

The separated face 70g of the drive-side contacting/separating lever 70 and the first contact face 150a of the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus come into contact, and the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated by a spacing of 88, as illustrated in Figure 41.

The point at which the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 comes into contact with the first contact face 150a of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 on the detached face 70g is a contact point 70q , as illustrated in Figure 41(a) and Figure 41(b). The point at which the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus contacts the spaced face 70g of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 at the first contact face 150a is a point 150q of contact.

The first contact face 150a of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 applies a separation force F17 to the spaced face 70g of the drive-side engagement/separation lever 70 by the contact point 150q, such as illustrated in Figure 41(b). Consequently, the spaced face 70g of the drive-side contacting/separating lever 70 receives the reactive force F18 at the contact point 70q. At this time, the reactive force F18 is divided into a force component F19 that is parallel to the first contact face 150a, and a force component F20 that is perpendicular to the first contact face 150a.

The direction of the force component F19 is in a direction parallel to the first contact face 150a of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side device, so that the spaced face 70g of the contact/separation lever 70 The drive side receives force in the direction of the force component F19 while in contact with the first contact face 150a of the pressure element 150 of the drive side apparatus.

As illustrated in Fig. 41(a), the developing cartridge B1 is placed on the drive side swing guide 80 which can swing in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6, centered on the supported protrusion 80g. on the drive side side plate (omitted from illustration). In addition, the drive-side oscillation guide 80 is supported by the drive-side side plate (omitted from the illustration) to be able to slide in the direction of arrow N3 and in the direction of arrow N4 when the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, so that the axis of the developing roller 13 can be corrected to be parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 10. The same is also valid for the non-drive side, so that the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on the 80g supported protrusion, and it can be slid in the direction of arrow N3 and in the direction of arrow N4.

In addition, the position of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 is decided by the drive-side restraint contact portion 70e of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the portion 36b. contacting drive side bearing member 36 restraints as described above. Consequently, the driving side contacting/separating lever 70 receives the force component F19, causing the developing cartridge B1 to try to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 80g, and slide in the direction of the arrow N11.

Consequently, the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 tries to move in the direction of the force component F19. This direction of movement is a direction of movement of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 toward the base side of the first contact face 150a of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150, and is the direction in which the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 is engaged by the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 .

On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 41(d), the first contact face 450a of the pressing element 450 of the drive-side apparatus applies a separating force F21 to the separated face 470g of the set lever 470. in contact/separation from the drive side by the contact point 450q. Consequently, the spaced face 470g of the drive side contacting/separating lever 470 receives the reactive force F22 at the contact point 470q. At this instant, the reactive force F22 is divided into a force component F23 that is parallel to the separated face 470g, and a force component F24 that is perpendicular to the separated face 470g.

The positions of the drive-side engaging/disengagement lever 470 and a drive-side bearing member 436 are decided by the drive-side restraining contact portion 470e of the engagement/disengagement lever 470 of the drive side and a restraining portion 436b of the bearing member 436 of the drive side come into contact. Consequently, the driving side contacting/separating lever 470 receives the force component F23, causing the developing cartridge B1 to try to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 80g, and slide in the direction of arrow N4.

Consequently, the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 470 tries to move in the direction of the force component F23. Therefore, the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 470 contacts the first contact face 450a of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 450 on one side of the tip portion 470p in the protruding direction. of a first protrusion 470f, and the amount of engagement of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 470 relative to the pressing member 450 of the drive-side apparatus decreases.

Therefore, the protrusion amount for the first protrusion 470f of the drive side engaging/separating lever 470 needs to be increased by an amount equivalent to the displacement amount in the direction of the force component F23, which requires space.

From the above, the amount of coupling can be set smaller in the case of being provided with the detached face 70g protruding toward the developing roller 13 side from the tip portion 70p in the protruding direction of the first protrusion. 70f. That is, in this case, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 further engages the drive-side apparatus pressure member 150 at the instant that the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10, in comparison with a case in which a protruding detached face 70g is not provided. As a result, the engaged state of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 to the pressing member 150 of the drive-side apparatus can be maintained even if the engagement amount is set small. Reducing the amount of engagement of the drive-side contacting/separating lever 70 and the drive-side apparatus pressing member 150 leads to a reduction in the size of the developing cartridge B1.

<Effects of setting the drive-side contacting/separation lever 70, the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 and the restraining part 36b of the drive-side developing bearing 36>

The configuration is such that the deflection force F10 of the drive-side development pressure spring 71 is generated when the drive-side development pressure spring 71 is compressed between the third contact face 70c of the setting lever 70 contacting/separating the drive side and the contact face 36d of the drive side developing bearing 36, which has been described so far (see Figs. 1(a) and 1(b)). The same is also valid for the non-drive side.

In particular, the compression is such that when the development pressure is performed, the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact using the deflection force F10a generated by the drive side contacting/separating lever 70. which rotates in the direction of the arrow N9 centered on the support portion 36c of the drive-side developing bearing 36 (see Fig. 27(c)).

In addition, when developing separation is performed, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 is rotated in the direction of arrow N10 centered on the projection of the drive-side developing bearing 36 supporting portion 36c. using the deflection force F10, bringing the restraint contact portion 70e of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 into contact with the restraint portion 36b of the drive-side revealing bearing 36. This restricts the position of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70. In addition, the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus moves in the direction of arrow N8 with the second contact face 70b of the drive-side engaging/disengagement lever 70 and the first contact face 150a. of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus in contact. The configuration is such that this separates the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 (see Fig. 28(b)). That is, when developing separation is performed, the configuration is such that the position of the drive side engagement/separation lever 70 is restricted using the drive side development pressure spring 71 used for pressure. of revealed.

In particular, the developing cartridge B1 has a configuration that can be removably mounted to the main body A1 of the apparatus, so that the position of the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is preferably positioned required for the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 and the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 (see Fig. 25(b)) to engage securely. The reason is that, in a case where the positioning accuracy of the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is poor, measures as described below must be taken, for example, to engage the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 and drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 .

1. Providing a greater distance (gap) between the first contact face 150a and the second contact face 150b of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus.

2. Providing a smaller distance (thickness) between the first contact face 70a and a second contact face 70b of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70.

However, these measures increase the displacement amount of the apparatus pressing element 150 on the drive side of the apparatus main body A1 in the directions N8 and N9, resulting in a larger size of the apparatus main body A1.

According to the present configuration, the configuration is such that the position of the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 when mounting the developing cartridge B1 to the main body A1 of the apparatus is restricted using the developing pressure spring 71. of the drive side used when performing developing pressure. This contributes to the downsizing of the main body A1 of the apparatus, and also allows the time of separation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the development roller 13, and the amount of separation of the development roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10, to be control with good precision.

Furthermore, according to the present configuration, the configuration is such that the position of the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 when developing separation is performed can be positioned with good precision, using the developing pressure spring 71. the drive side used for developing pressure when mounting the developing cartridge B1, also when developing separation is performed. In addition, the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 used to perform the development pressure is used to restrain the position of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70, so that new parts are not required in the drive side. particular.

Both the first contact face 70a of the receiving force for bringing the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and the second contact face 70b for receiving the separating force, are provided in the isolated part which is the drive side engaging/separating lever 70. Consolidating functions in this way enables the number of parts of the developing cartridge B1 to be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the present comparative example, the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72 receive force from the pressure members provided on the main body of the apparatus. of imaging, thereby allowing contact and separation of the developing roller with and from the photosensitive drum to be performed while conserving space. This reduces the size of the imaging apparatus and the developing cartridge. In addition, the increase in pressure applied to the electrode portion of the developing cartridge which is electrically connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum can be suppressed. Reducing the load applied to the electrode portion improves the durability of the electrode portion. The mechanical strength of the electrode portion can be suppressed, so that reduced costs for the developing cartridge having the electrode portion and the imaging apparatus having the developing cartridge can be achieved.

A description has been made in the present comparative example in which the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C are separated. That is, the configuration is such that, in the developing device, the photosensitive drum 10 is formed in a separate cartridge from the developing cartridge B1, and is mounted on/separated from the main body of the imaging apparatus. However, the application of the present comparative example is not restricted to such configurations.

The configuration of the present comparative example is applicable to configurations in which the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C are not separated, for example. A configuration can be realized in which a process cartridge, configured by rotatably attaching the developing cartridge B1 (developing device) to the drum cartridge C, is mounted on/detached from the apparatus main body of the imaging apparatus. . That is, a configuration can be conceivable in which a cartridge, having the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing device (process cartridge), has the drive side contacting/separating lever 70 and the drive side contacting/separating lever 72 . non-drive side contacting/separation described in the present comparative example.

<Relationship between the coupling member 180, the driving side engaging/separating lever 70 and the non-driving side engaging/separating lever 72>

The coupling element 180 has a configuration in which it can be moved at least in the direction of N9 (see Fig. 27(c)), which is the direction of movement of the contact/separation lever 70 on the side of the coupling. drive and non-drive side engagement/disengagement lever 72. Accordingly, when the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 are moved in the directions N9 and N10, smooth action can be performed without affecting the coupling between the coupling element 180 and the drive element 100 on the main body side.

Furthermore, an arrangement is made in which the direction of N6 which is the direction in which the developing roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 10, and N13 which is the direction of rotation of the coupling member 180 (direction X6 in Figure 8(b)), are the same direction, as illustrated in Figure 27(a). According to this configuration, the torque that the coupling member 180 receives from the main body side drive member 100 acts as the rotational moment of the developing cartridge B1 in the direction N6, centered on the supported protrusion 80g. The moment in the direction N6, which is the pressing force pressing the development roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10, thus acts on the development roller 13.

Assuming a case where the direction of rotation of the coupling member 180 was the opposite direction to the direction N6, the moment would act in the direction of the developing roller 13 escaping from the photosensitive drum 10 (the direction N5 in Fig. 27(a)). due to the rotational force of the coupling element 180, so a loss of pressing force would occur. However, such loss of pressing force does not easily occur in the present configuration.

In addition, the moment in the direction N6 generated by the rotational force of the coupling element 180 is generated from the negative torque required to rotate the coupling element 180. The cartridge charging torque changes through the part dimensions and resistance, so that the moment in the direction N6 generated by the rotational force of the coupling element 180 also changes. On the other hand, the present comparative example is also a configuration in which the contacting/separating levers 70 and 72 receive force from the main body A1 of the apparatus, and bring the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. The pressing force in the N6 direction due to the contacting/separating levers 70 and 72 is stipulated only for the dimensions of the parts, and there is no change in durability.

Therefore, the following arrangement is preferable in order to make the developing roller 13 more stable contact with the photosensitive drum 10. That is, the moment in the direction of N6 that occurs due to the rotational force of the coupling member 180 it is preferably smaller than the moment in the direction N6 generated due to the engaging/disengaging levers 70 and 72 receiving force from the main body A1 of the apparatus. To do this, the distance connecting the supported protrusion 80g and the coupling element 180 is shorter than the distance between the supported protrusion 80g of the drive-side oscillation guide 80 and the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70. drive in the present comparative example, as illustrated in Fig. 27(a). According to this configuration, the moment in the N6 direction that occurs due to the rotational force of the coupling member 180 can be effectively used as the pressure force of the developing roller 13. In addition, this configuration suppresses the effects of fluctuation in the moment in the N6 direction that occurs due to the rotational force of the coupling member 180, so that the developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. in a more stable way.

Furthermore, a direction parallel to a straight line Z31 connecting the center of rotation Z31 of the development roller 13 and the center of rotation of the coupling member 180 as seen from the direction of the axis of rotation of the development roller 13 is the direction N14 (first direction), as illustrated in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). When the developing frame is viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the developing roller 13 is arranged at an end side of the developing frame with respect to the direction N14, and the first protrusion 70f of the lever Drive side contacting/separating 70 (the first contact face 70a and the second contact face 70b in particular) is arranged on the other end side of the developing frame. That is, the first protrusion 70f (the first contact face 70a and the second contact face 70b in particular) is located at a position somewhat away from the developing roller 13.

Therefore, space can be secured for arranging items such as the coupling member 180, etc., which are suitable to be located near the developing roller 13, on the one end side of the developing frame. This improves the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the elements that are appropriate to be located near the developing roller 13 inside the developing cartridge B1. Accordingly, the coupling member 180 is arranged at a position closer to the developing roller 13 as compared to the first protrusion 70f (first contact face 70a and second contact face 70b) with respect to the direction N14 in the present comparative example. , as seen from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13.

The drive side developing bearing 36 also has a printing medium contacting portion 36m which can come into contact with the printing medium 2 conveyed toward the transfer nip portion 6a on the conveying guide 3d within the apparatus main body A1, in a state that the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the apparatus main body A1.

This will be described. As described above, the position of the first protrusion 70f (first contact face 70a and second contact face 70b in particular) is arranged at a position away from the developing roller 13 with respect to the direction N14. Accordingly, the pressing member 150 of the drive-side apparatus can be arranged at a position on the main body A1 of the apparatus away from the development roller 13, so that the development roller-side portion of the development cartridge B1 that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 they can be arranged close to the transport guide 3d. This makes it possible to reduce the dead space between the developing cartridge B1 and the transport guide 3d inside the main body A1 of the apparatus.

Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is arranged close to the transport guide 3d in the present comparative example. Accordingly, the printing medium contact portion 36m is arranged at a position on the drive-side development bearing 36 closer to the development roller 13 than the first protrusion 70f (first contact face 70a and second contact face 70b). contact) with respect to the direction N14, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the development roller 13.

<Development side cover 34 details>

Figs. 45(a) to 46(b) are diagrams illustrating the developing side cover 34 in detail. Fig. 45(a) is a front view of the developing side cover 34 from the outer side, Fig. 45(b) is a rear view of the developing side cover 34 from the inner side, and Figs. 46(a) ) and 46(b) are views, in perspective, as seen from the front and rear, respectively.

The developing side cover 34 is a frame member constituting the developing frame of the developing cartridge B1. The developing side cover 34 is formed by a front part 34e in the form of a plate, and a rear part 34f which is the rear side thereof. The edge of the front part 34e has an edge part 34g surrounding the rear part 34f provided protruding from the front part 34e.

A hole 34a is provided in which the coupling element 180 is located on the inner side which passes through the front 34e and the rear 34f.

A first protrusion (positioning part) 34b is provided on the side of the hole 34a, protruding beyond the front part 34e. A second protrusion (rotation stopper) 34c which is larger in the radial direction than the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b and also protrudes beyond the front part 34e, is similarly provided on the side of the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b. The second protrusion (rotation stopper) 34c is at a position farther from the hole 34a than the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b.

A connection part 34k is provided between the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stopper) 34c, connecting the two, a first groove 341 being provided between the connection part 34k and the front part 34e.

A third protrusion (spring supporting part) 34h is provided between the hole 34a and the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b. The height of the third protrusion (spring supporting part) 34h is smaller than the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stopper) 34c.

The opposite side of the third protrusion (spring supporting part) 34h through the hole 34a is a second groove (34o) in which a groove extends in the circumferential direction. The second slot (34o) guides the coupling spring 185.

A fourth bump (34p) composed of ridges 34p1 and 34p2 is provided below the first bump (positioning portion) 34b. The ridges 34p1 and 34p2 intersect each other, the angle of intersection forming an obtuse angle. The height of the fourth bump (34p) is smaller than the first bump (positioning part) 34b and the second bump (rotation stopper) 34c.

An arc-shaped slot 34q passing through the front 34e and the rear 34f is provided above the first protrusion (positioning part) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stopper) 34c. The arc-shaped slot 34q is provided to externally expose the rotation restraint portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 (see Fig. 12(a)).

The developing side cover 34 also has a cover part 34t. The cover part 34t covers at least one of the drive side contacting/separation lever 70 and at least part of the spring 71, so as not to be externally exposed in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 ( the direction of the axis of rotation of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70). Accordingly, the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the spring 71 can be protected from external shock, and the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the spring can also be prevented from 71 are released from the drive-side developing bearing 36. It should be noted that it is sufficient for the cover part 34t to cover at least part of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70, or at least part of the spring 71, so that it is not externally exposed in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (the direction of the axis of rotation of the driving side engaging/separating lever 70).

Therefore, the consolidation of various functional parts into the developing side cover 34 enables the size to be reduced. The drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 can also be protected against external impacts.

<Details of drive side developing bearing 36>

Figs. 47 and 48 are diagrams illustrating the drive-side developing bearing 36 in detail. Fig. 47(a) is a front view of the drive-side developing bearing 36 from the outer side, Fig. 47(b) is a rear view of the drive-side developing bearing 36 from the inner side, and Fig. Figures 48(a) and 48(b) are views, in perspective, as seen from the front and rear, respectively.

The drive-side development bearing 36 is a frame member, which is independent of the development side cover 34 that forms the development frame of the development cartridge B1. The drive side developing bearing 36 is formed by a plate-shaped front part 36f, and a rear part 36g on the rear side thereof. The lip of the 36f front has a 36h rear lip that surrounds the 36g rear provided overhang of the 36f front.

A hole 36a is provided which passes through the front 36f and the rear 36g. The developing roller 13 is arranged on the inner side of the hole 36a, supporting the developing roller 13. The support can be done directly through the hole 36a, or the support can be done through an element.

A protrusion 36i is provided on the side of the hole 36a. The protrusion 36i has a cylindrical shape. The phase restraint portion 36kb that constrains the position of the phase restraint protrusion 180e of the coupling element 180 is provided on the inner side of the protrusion 36i. The phase restraint part 36kb has a hole-shaped part that is generally triangular in shape, in which the coupling element 180 is arranged. The phase constraint part 36kb is composed of the first droop constraint part 36kb1 and the second droop constraint part 36kb2, each of which forms part of a slot. The supporting part 36c for supporting the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is provided in a position facing the hole 36a through the protrusion 36i. The supporting part 36c has a protruding cylindrical shape.

The restraining portion 36b of the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 70 is provided below the supporting portion 36c. The restraining part 36b is in the form of a wall protruding from the front part 36f, and is located at the edge of the drive-side developing bearing 36. The contact face 36d for contacting the drive-side revealing depression spring 71 is provided below the protrusion 36i through the restriction part 36b. The contact face 36d is also in the form of a wall protruding from the front part 36f, in the same way as the restriction part 36b.

A hole 36j is provided sandwiched between the restriction part 36b and the contact face 36d as seen from the front direction in Fig. 47(a), with respect to the direction in which the restriction part 36b and the contact face are arranged. 36d contact. The hole 36j is provided to expose a drive gear, etc. Therefore, the position of the coupling member 180 and the position of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 can be maintained with high precision by the drive-side revealing bearing 36 . The position of the developing roller 13 and the position of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 70 can also be maintained with high precision.

<<Second comparative example>>

Next, a second comparative example will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 are side views viewing the developing cartridge B1 from the drive side.

A description has been made in the first comparative example with respect to a configuration in which the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 is rotatably provided as the drive-side revealing bearing 36 . However, a configuration can be realized in which a drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 702 is slidably provided as a drive-side revealing bearing 362, as illustrated in Figs. 32(a). ) to 32(d). The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

Fig. 32(a) is a side view seeing a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 from the drive side, and a cross-sectional view around the developing lever 702. connection/separation of the drive side. A protrusion 702b of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 702 further engages a groove 362c of the development bearing 362 on the drive side. A protrusion 702j of the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 702 engages a groove 342y of a developing side cover 342. Accordingly, the drive side engaging/separating lever 702 can be slid (linear displacement) in the directions of arrows N72 and N82 with respect to the drive side developing bearing 362 and developing side cover 342. . A drive-side revealing pressure spring 712 is provided with one end 712d in contact with a third contact face 702c of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 702 and the other end 712e in contact with a drive-side Contact 362d of drive side developing bearing 362. In this configuration, the developing cartridge B1 receives the external force F11 by contacting the second contact face 150b of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 and a first contact face 702a of the contacting lever 702. /drive side spacing, in the same manner as in the first comparative example, as illustrated in Fig. 32(b). As a result, the development roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure.

Next, the transition operations to a state in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated will be described. Fig. 32(c) illustrates a state in which the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 has moved in the direction of the arrow N82 by a distance 86, and the first contact face 702a of the setting lever 702 in contact/separation of the drive side and the second contact face 150b of the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus have been separated. At this time, the drive side engaging/separating lever 702 receives the deflection force F10 from the drive side developing pressure spring 71, slides in the direction of arrow N82, and a part 702e of The restraining contact of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 702 contacts the restraining portion 362b of the drive-side revealing bearing 362. Therefore, the actuating side engaging/disengaging lever 702 is positioned. Fig. 32(d) illustrates a state in which the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 has moved in the direction of arrow N82 by a distance 87. Because the drive-side apparatus pressing element 150 drive has moved further in the direction of arrow N82, a separate face 702g of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 702 comes into contact with the first contact face 150a of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side device. drive, further displacing the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of arrow N82. As a result, the developing cartridge B1 swings in the direction of the arrow N5, centered on the supported protrusion 80g of the swing guide 80 (omitted from the illustration). At this time, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in a separated state, with a distance separation 88 from each other.

The non-drive side has the same configuration as the drive side. Other configurations are the same as those of the first comparative example, and the same advantages can be obtained as in the first comparative example (excluding, however, the relationship between the position error of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus and the compression amount of the drive side developing pressure spring 71 described in the first comparative example).

"Third Comparative Example"

Next, a third comparative example will be described with reference to Figs. 42(a) to 42(d). The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

Fig. 42 are schematic diagrams in which a drive side engaging/disengaging lever 201 is a leaf spring.

The drive side engagement/disengagement lever 201 illustrated in Figs. 42(a) to 42(d) is a resilient part formed of material such as stainless steel or the like. The drive-side contacting/separating lever 201 has a first contact face 201a, a second contact face 201b, a bearing part 201d and an elastic deformation part 201h, the bearing part 201d being supported by a supported part 202b of a bearing 202.

A pressing element 203 of the drive-side apparatus is provided with a first contact face 203a and a second contact face 203b, and is slidable in the direction of the arrow N7 and the direction of the arrow N8.

The developing cartridge B1 is positioned by a drive-side swing guide 210 supported on a drive-side side plate (omitted from the illustration) so as to be able to swing in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on a part supported 210b. The non-drive side is the same, so that the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on the supported part 210b.

When the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are pressed together, the developing roller pressing member 203 drive side apparatus moves in the direction of arrow N7, as shown in Fig. 42(a). The second contact face 203b of the pressure element 203 of the drive-side apparatus comes into contact with the first contact face 201a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201.

In addition, when the drive-side apparatus pressing element 203 moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the second contact face 203b of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 203 deforms the elastic deformation portion 201h of the drive-side apparatus. drive side engaging/disengaging lever 201, as illustrated in Fig. 42(b). In this state, the second contact face 203b of the pressure element 203 of the drive-side apparatus applies the force F41 to the first contact face 201a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201. At this time, the second contact face 203b of the pressure element 203 of the drive-side apparatus receives the reactive force F42. Now, the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 201b, so that the developing cartridge B1 is moved by the external force of the force F41 in the direction of the arrow N5. Consequently, the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. In addition, when the pressing element 203 of the drive-side apparatus moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the second contact face 203b of the element 203 The pressure of the drive-side apparatus deforms the elastic deformation portion 201 of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201, as illustrated in Fig. 42(c). In this state, the second contact face 203b of the pressure element 203 of the drive-side apparatus applies the force F45 to the first contact face 201a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201. At this time, the second contact face 203b of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 203 receives the reactive force F46 from the first contact face 201a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201. Since the development roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 and the position of the development cartridge B1 is established, it is valid

F45 > F41

and the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10, as illustrated in Fig. 42(c).

In a case of separation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, the pressure member 203 of the drive-side apparatus moves in the direction of the arrow N8, as illustrated in Fig. 42(d). The first contact face 203a of the pressure element 203 of the drive-side apparatus comes into contact with the second contact face 201b of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201.

In addition, when the drive-side apparatus pressing element 203 moves in the direction of the arrow N8, the first contact face 203a of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 203 applies the force F44 to the second face 201b. of the contacting/separation lever 201 from the drive side while deforming the elastic deformation portion 201h of the contacting/separation lever 201 from the drive side.

At this time, the first contact face 203a of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 203 receives the reactive force F43 from the second contact face 201b of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 201.

Now, the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 210b, so that the developing cartridge B1 moves in the direction of the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 210b , and the development roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10.

In this way, the elastic deformation part (elastic part) 201h and a part (movable part) having the first contact face 201a and the second contact face 201b are integrally formed as part of a single element in the present comparative example. Specifically, the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 201 is formed by a leaf spring. Accordingly, there is no need for the drive side developing pressure spring 71 (see Fig. 41(a)) to act as a biasing member which is a compression spring, illustrated in the first comparative example. Therefore, space can be secured, so that the degree of design freedom of the developing cartridge B1 is increased, or this leads to a reduction in size.

In addition, the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 201 has a depressed face (first contact face 201a) and a detached face (second contact face 201b), as indicated in the first comparative example. The pressure face (second contact face 203b) and the separation face (first contact face 203a) of the pressure element 203 of the drive-side apparatus act on them, respectively. Therefore, the contact state and the separated state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be selected as needed by the unique part that is the start lever 201. drive side contact/separation. As a result, the setting of the developing cartridge B1 can be simplified.

Although the drive side has been representatively described in the above description, the non-drive side may also have the same configuration. In addition, the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 201 may be a member formed of an elastically deformable resin material or the like.

In any of the comparative examples described above, a configuration can be applied in which the movable part and the elastic part of the present comparative example are integrally formed as one part of one element.

"Fourth Comparative Example"

Next, a fourth comparative example will be described with reference to Figs. 43(a) and 43(b). The positioning of the part of the engaging/disengaging lever receiving biasing force from the spring, according to the present comparative example, differs from the comparative examples described above. The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

Fig. 43 are schematic diagrams in which a drive-side revealing pressure spring 302 is arranged on the opposite side of a line passing through the center of a supported portion 301d of an engaging/separating lever 301. on the drive side and is perpendicular to the direction of the arrow M1 which is the protruding direction of a first protrusion 301f, in the direction of the arrow M1.

As illustrated in Fig. 43(a), the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 301 has a first contact face 301a, a second contact face 301b, a third contact face 301c, a bearing part 301d, a restraining contact portion 301e and another end portion 301m. The drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 301 is rotatably supported by a supporting part 306b as a drive-side revealing bearing 306 by a supported part 301d.

The drive side developing pressure spring 302 is a compression spring, in which one end portion 302d is in contact with the third contact face 301c, while the other end portion 302e is in contact with one face contact 306d provided in the drive-side developing bearing 306.

Now, in an isolated state of the developing cartridge B1, the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 301 receives force at the third contact face 301c, in the direction of the arrow F30 from the drive-side developing pressure spring 302. . At this time, rotation occurs in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the support portion 306b, and the restraint contact portion 301e comes into contact with a restraint portion 306e of the drive-side developing bearing 306.

In addition, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned by the drive-side swing guide 310 which is supported so that it can swing in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on a supported part 310b of a drive-side side plate. drive (omitted from illustration). The non-drive side is also the same, so that the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on the supported part 310b.

A first contact face 303a and a second contact face 303b are provided on a pressing element 303 of the drive-side apparatus, which is slidable in the directions of arrow N7 and arrow N8. In the case of pressing the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, the pressing member 303 of the drive-side apparatus moves in the direction of the arrow N7. The second contact face 303b of the pressure element 303 of the drive-side apparatus then comes into contact with the first contact face 301a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 301. The drive side engagement/disengagement lever 301 can be rotated centered on the support portion 306b, so that the drive side engagement/disengagement lever 301 rotates in the direction of N20, and the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 301 rotates in the direction of N20, and the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 301 The restraint contact is detached from the restraint portion 306e.

At this time, the third contact face 301c of the drive side engaging/separating lever 301 receives the deflection force F30 from the drive side developing pressure spring 302, and the moment M10 in the direction of the arrow N10 acts on the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 301. At this time, the second contact face 303b of the drive-side apparatus pressing element 303 and the first contact face 301a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 301 are in contact. Consequently, the first contact face 301a of the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 301 receives the force F32 from the second contact face 303b of the drive-side apparatus pressure element 303, so that a balanced moment with the moment M10 it will act on the engagement/disengagement lever 301 of the drive side. Therefore, this means that an external force of force F32 is acting on the developing cartridge B1. In addition, the developing cartridge B1 can be rotated in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 310b, so that the developing cartridge B1 is displaced in the direction of the arrow N5 due to the external force of the force F32. At this time, the development roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. The rotation position in the direction of the arrow N5 of the development cartridge B1 is decided by the contact of the development roller 13 with the photosensitive drum. 10.

In addition, when the drive-side apparatus pressing member 303 moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 301 rotates in the direction of N20 centered on the supporting part 306b , since the development cartridge B1 cannot rotate in the direction of the arrow N5. The third contact face 301c of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 301 then receives the deflection force F31 of the drive-side developing pressure spring 302 (see Fig. 43(b)).

Now, the drive-side development pressure spring 302 is further compressed, so that it is valid

F31 > F30.

The development cartridge B1 can no longer rotate in the direction of the arrow N5, so that the development roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10.

In the case of separation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the development roller 13, the pressure element 303 of the drive-side apparatus moves in the direction of the arrow N8, and the first contact face 303a comes into contact with the second one. contact face 301b. The drive side contacting/separating lever 301 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the bearing part 306b, so that the restraint contact part 301e contacts the restraint part 306e of the bearing 306, and the drive side engaging/disengaging lever 301 is positioned.

When the pressure member 303 of the drive-side apparatus is moved further in the direction of the arrow N8, the developing cartridge B1 can be rotated in the directions of the arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on the supported part 310b, so that the developing cartridge B1 is moved in the direction of the arrow N6 centered on the supported portion 310b. The development roller 13 is then separated from the photosensitive drum 10.

In the present comparative example, the distance between the first contact face (force receiving part) 301a and the third contact face (deflection force receiving part) 301c is greater than the distance between the first contact face 301a and the supported part 301d, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, as illustrated in Figs. 43(a) and 43(b). Accordingly, the degree of freedom is increased for the positioning of the positioning of an element equivalent to the spring71developing depression of the drive side acting as a deflection element that is a compression spring, described in the first comparative example, so that it increases also the freedom of design.

In addition, the driving side engaging/disengaging lever 301 has the pressed face (first contact face 301a) and the detached face (second contact face 301g), as described in the first comparative example. The pressure face (second contact face 303b) and the separation face (first contact face 303a) of the pressure element 303 of the drive-side apparatus act on these, respectively. Accordingly, the contact state and the detached state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be selected as necessary by the single part which is the drive side contacting/separating lever 301. As a result, the setting of the developing cartridge B1 can be simplified.

The following configuration can be made as a modification of the fourth comparative example. In the present modification, a restraining part 336b is provided in a drive-side revealing bearing 336, as illustrated in Fig. 54. The position of the pressure spring 71 is the same as in the first comparative example in the present comparative example, with a configuration in which a protrusion (constrained part) 360b is provided through the supporting part 36c so that the protrusion 360b comes into contact with the constraining part 336b. The configuration in which the deflection force from the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 is received at a deflection force receiving portion 370c is the same as in the first comparative example.

According to the present comparative example, the freedom of positioning of the restraining part 336b within the drive-side revealing bearing 336 is increased. Increasing the distance from the support part 36c allows to reduce the force applied to the restraint part 336b, which allows suppression of the deformation of the bowl. That is, the relationship between the first contact face 370a pressed from the second contact face 150b of the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus, the support portion 36c, and the protrusion 360b, is as follows. The distance between the first contact face 370a and the protrusion 360b is greater than the distance between the first contact face 370a and the supporting part 36c, when viewed from the direction of the axis of the developing roller 13. Although the drive side has been representatively described in the above description, the non-drive side may also have the same configuration. Furthermore, the positioning of the third contact face (force receiving part) 301c according to the present comparative example and/or the restraining part 336b according to the present modification can be applied to any of the comparative examples described above.

"Fifth Comparative Example"

Next, a fifth comparative example will be described with reference to Fig. 50. The main idea of the present comparative example that the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 is arranged on the non-drive side of the cartridge B1 The development process only differs from the comparative examples described above. The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

The drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 and the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 are not provided on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1, according to the present comparative example, as illustrated in Figure 50 (part in dashed line). On the other hand, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 and the non-drive side revealing pressure spring 73 (omitted from the illustration) are provided together on the non-drive side. That is, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 and the non-drive side revealing pressure spring 73 are provided only on the side where the drive frame coupling member 180 is not provided. development, with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the development roller 13. It should be noted that the side on which the developing frame coupling member 180 is not arranged with respect to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13 refers to the side from the middle part of the cartridge B1 on which it is not arranged. arranges the coupling element 180, with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13.

The coupling element 180 rotates in the direction of the arrow X6 on the drive side, as illustrated in Fig. 8. The developing cartridge B1 which has received the rotational force thereof is centered on the support part 90c. (see Fig. 27(a)) in the direction of the arrow N6 illustrated in Fig. 27(a), integrally with the oscillation guide 80 on the drive side. When there is enough moment in the direction N6 generated by the driving force received by the coupling member 180, this alone is enough to press the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 on the driving side.

On the other hand, the moment in the direction N6 generated by the driving force received by the coupling element 180 obtained on the non-driving side is not as large as that on the driving side, so the configuration uses the lever 72 contacting/separating the non-drive side in the same manner as in the first comparative example.

The configuration, according to the present comparative example, in which the non-driving side engaging/separating lever 72 is provided only on the non-driving side can be applied to any of the above-described comparative examples. The application of the present comparative example can achieve reduced costs due to the reduction in the number of parts by omitting the contacting/separating lever 70 on the drive side.

"Sixth Comparative Example"

A sixth comparative example will be described with reference to Figs. 51(a) to 52(b). The main idea of the present comparative example that a first force-receiving part which receives force when contacting the developing roller 13 is provided at a single end of the cartridge B1 and a second force-receiving part which receives force at the time of detaching the developing roller 13 is provided only at the other end, differs from the comparative examples described above. The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

Fig. 51 are diagrams illustrating that the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. Fig. 51(a) is a diagram illustrating a drive side engaging/disengaging lever 170 and a bearing 236 51(b) is a diagram illustrating the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 and a non-drive side revealing bearing 246 supporting it.

The drive side engagement/disengagement lever 170 is rotatably supported by the drive side bearing 236 on the drive side, which is the other end with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13, as illustrated in Fig. 51. However, the spring is not provided development pressure 71 of the drive side, as illustrated in the first comparative example. Accordingly, when the drive-side apparatus pressing member 150 moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the drive-side engaging/separating lever 170 rotates counterclockwise centered on a supporting part 236c . However, the force pressing the development roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 cannot be transmitted to the drive-side development bearing 236 for operation of the drive-side contacting/separating lever 170. However, the drive side receives a moment in the direction that contacts the developing roller 13 with the photosensitive drum 10, because the coupling member 180 receives a driving force, as in the fifth comparative example. Therefore, the developing roller 13 can be pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 at this time.

On the other hand, the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72, the same as in the first comparative example, is provided on the non-drive side, which is the other end with respect to the direction of the drive axis. rotation of the developing roller 13. The first contact face 72a of the non-drive-side contacting/separating lever 72 presses the non-drive-side developing pressure spring 73 by being pressed by the pressure member 151 of the non-drive-side apparatus. moving in the direction of N7 and rotating, thereby pressing the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10.

Fig. 52 are diagrams illustrating the developing roller 13 being separated from the photosensitive drum 10.

The drive-side apparatus pressure member 150 moving in the direction of the arrow N8 brings the drive-side engaging/separating lever 170 into contact with a restraining portion 236b of the drive-side developing bearing 236. drive. The pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus which is further displaced in the direction of the arrow N8 presses a separate part 170g of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 170, which moves the developing cartridge B1, and separates the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10.

It should be noted that a configuration in which the drive-side engaging/separating lever 170 is attached to the drive-side bearing 236 can be made, or an equivalent part of the detached part 170g can be formed integrally with the drive-side developing bearing 236.

On the other hand, the non-drive side does not have the restraining portion 46e for the non-drive side engaging/disengaging lever 72 illustrated in the first comparative example. Therefore, when displacing the non-drive side apparatus pressure member 151 in the direction of the arrow N8 only rotates the non-drive side engaging/separating lever 72 clockwise centered on a part 246f of support, and does not act to separate the development roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10. The non-drive side development pressure spring 73 is at its natural length at this time. The non-drive side developing pressure spring 73 can be detached from the non-drive side engagement/separation lever 72 at this time.

However, the force for the separation is received on the drive side, so that the separation can be performed on the non-drive side as well, by setting the rigidity of the drive-side bearing 236 to a certain level or higher. At the time of this separation, the developing roller 13 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 10 obliquely. That is, the development roller 13 is separated a lot from the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side, but the amount of separation on the non-drive side is less than that on the drive side. Accordingly, the rigidity of the drive-side bearing 236 is increased so that the amount of separation is equal to or greater than a minimum value for the amount of separation required between the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10. Therefore, the The first force-receiving part (first contact face 72a) which receives force at the time of contacting the developing roller 13 is provided only at one end of the cartridge B1 in the present comparative example. In addition, the second force-receiving part (separated part 170g) which receives force in separating the developing roller 13 is only provided at the other end of the cartridge B1. That is to say, two parts (first force-receiving part and second force-receiving part) that receive force from different directions (opposite directions) from the main body of the apparatus, which are the force at the instant of contacting the roller. The developing cartridge 13 and the force at the time of separating the developing roller 13 are provided in the developing cartridge B1. Furthermore, these two parts (the first force-receiving part and the second force-receiving part) are provided at one end and at the other end of the developing cartridge B1, with respect to the direction of the rotation axis of the roller 13. of revealed.

The configuration of the first force-receiving part and the second force-receiving part according to the present comparative example can also be applied to any of the above-described comparative examples, excluding the fifth comparative example.

According to the present comparative example, the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 becomes unnecessary, so that reduced costs can be obtained in comparison with the first comparative example. In addition, the displacement amount of the developing cartridge B1 when the gap can be less on the non-drive side, so that wear on the non-drive side swing guide 81, which movably supports the cartridge, can be suppressed. developer cartridge B1.

"Seventh Comparative Example"

Next, a seventh comparative example will be described with reference to Fig. 53. Descriptions which are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

A configuration has been described in the first comparative example in which the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 70 and the non-drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 72 are positioned in a detent state between the restraint parts 36b and 46e and compression springs 71 and 73. However, a configuration can be realized in which a drive-side engaging/separating lever 270 is not positioned between a drive-side revealing pressure spring 171 and the restraining part 36b (the same configuration is can also be performed on the non-drive side), as illustrated in Fig. 53. According to this configuration, the application can be performed in a case where the free length of the drive-side developing pressure spring 171 is short.

The separating lever 270 comes into contact with the restraining part 36b due to the action of the pressure element 150 of the drive-side apparatus moving in the direction N7 (see Fig. 28). The separation lever 270 also compresses the pressure spring 171 due to the action of moving in the direction N8. Now, the restraining portion 36b is provided in a position that it can restrain the drive side engaging/separating lever 70 from moving in a direction away from the developing roller 13.

The configuration of the present comparative example can be applied to any of the comparative examples described above.

"Realization"

An embodiment in which the present invention has been applied will be described with reference to Figs. 55(a) to 56(b). The configuration of the coupling element according to the present embodiment differs from that of the comparative examples described above. The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

In the first comparative example, the coupling element 180 can be engaged with the rotating main body drive element 100, and the coupling element 180 is disengaged from the rotating main body drive element 100, without providing a clutch mechanism on the main body A1 side of the apparatus. In connection with a specific configuration for it, this has been achieved by means of a configuration in which the coupling element 180 can be tilted.

A coupling configuration will be described in the present embodiment which can engage and disengage the drive member 100 from the main body that is rotating, without providing a clutch mechanism on the main body A1 side of the apparatus, as in the first comparative example.

Fig. 55(a) is a perspective view illustrating a coupling element 280 provided in a developing cartridge B2, according to the present embodiment. The developing side cover 34 is omitted from the illustration. Fig. 55(b) is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the coupling element 280 is being assembled.

The coupling element 280 is configured to be able to move forward and backward in the direction of the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling element 280 within the drive input gear 127. A deflection element 130 is arranged between the coupling element 280 and the drive input gear 127, and the coupling element 280 is constantly deflected towards the outer side in the direction of the axis L2. The rotational force receiving portions 280a1 and 280a2 provided on the coupling member 280 receive driving force from the main body side driving member 100 (see Figs. 8(a) to 8(e)). In addition, the rotational force transmitting parts 280c1 and 280c2 transmit the drive to the developing roller 13 by transmitting the driving force to the rotational force-transmitting parts 127d1 and 127d2 of the drive input gear 127.

An external conical face 280e is provided on the tip side of the coupling element 280. This part which comes into contact with the tip end face of the main body side drive element 100 (see Figs. 8(a) to 8(e)) causes retraction towards the inner side in the direction of the axis L2, and coupling with the main body side drive element 100. A conical part is provided 280g on the inner side of the outer conical face 280e, as in the first comparative example, therefore, when it comes into contact with the tip end face of the main body side actuating element 100, it causes retraction to the inner side in the direction of the axis L2 and the disengagement of the drive member 100 from the main body side, in the same manner.

According to the above configuration, engagement and disengagement with and from the rotating main body drive member 100 is allowed, without providing a clutch mechanism on the main body A1 side of the apparatus.

The drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 70 and the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 are also provided in the same manner as in the first comparative example. Fig. 56(a) is a front view of the present embodiment, and Fig. 56(b) is a cross-sectional view along A-A in Fig. 56(a).

The coupling element 280 is supported by the deflection element 130 so that it can move in the direction of the axis L2. An outer diameter cylindrical part 280h (sliding part) provided in the coupling member 280 is slidably supported within an inner diameter cylindrical part (sliding part) 136h within a drive-side revealing bearing 136.

As illustrated in Fig. 56(b), the outer diameter cylindrical part 280h (sliding part) and the inner diameter cylindrical part (sliding part) 136h are arranged to overlap at least partially with the pressure spring 71 of development of the drive side in the axis direction L2. Accordingly, the torque that twists the drive-side developing bearing 136 which is generated by the force that the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 generates can be suppressed, and this affects the deformation with respect to to the sliding parts 280h and 136h. Therefore, it can be prevented from being prevented from advancing and retracting the coupling member 280 in the direction of the axis L2.

Furthermore, a plane L2X orthogonal to the deflection direction L2 of the deflection element 130 will be defined. Therefore, the angle 0 formed by the deflection direction L4 of the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 and the plane L2X is preferably in the range of -45° < 0 < 45° (-45° or more, but 45° or less). More preferred is -10° < 0 < 10° (-10° or greater, but 10° or less). Most preferred is 0"0° (0° or substantially 0°). Therefore, the influence that the biasing member 130 has on the biasing force of the drive-side developing pressure spring 71 can be suppressed. That is, while the coupling member 280 receives the drive transmission from the main body side drive member 100, the bias member 130 is constantly in a bias state. At this time, the influence on the drive-side development pressure spring 71 is reduced if the force component generated by the deflection member 130 does not act much in the direction of the drive-side development pressure spring 71, and the accuracy of the pressing force is improved.

The configuration of the coupling element 280 according to the present embodiment can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments, and the relationship between the deflection directions L4 and L2 can be performed as in the present embodiment.

"Alternate Realization"

An alternative embodiment in which the present invention has been applied will be described with reference to Figs. 57(a) and 57(b). The present embodiment differs from the embodiment described above in that it does not have a restriction part. The descriptions that are not explained have the same configuration as the first comparative example.

The cartridge B1, according to the present embodiment, does not have an element equivalent to the restriction portion 36b in the first comparative example provided in a drive-side developing bearing 436. Accordingly, the elastic force of a spring 471 is used in a case of separation of the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10.

One end of the spring 471, which is a torsion coil spring, is coupled to the drive-side revealing bearing 436 by being retained between the engagement portions 436d1 and 436d2 of the drive-side developing bearing 436, as shown. illustrated in Figures 57(a) and 57(b). On the other hand, the other end of the spring 471 is engaged with the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 470 by being retained between the engagement portions 470c1 and 470c2 of the drive-side engagement/disengagement lever 470. drive.

Fig. 57(a) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with a photosensitive drum omitted from the illustration. A first contact face 470a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 470 is pressed in the direction of N7 by the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus, so that the developing roller 13 is in a state of contact with the photosensitive drum in a state that the spring 471 is compressed. At this time, one end of the spring 471 abuts the engagement portion 436d1, and the other end of the spring 471 abuts the engagement portion 470c1, so that the drive-side engaging/disengaging lever 470 it receives the deflection force from the spring 471 through the coupling part 470c1. Accordingly, an appropriate contact pressure can be maintained between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum.

Fig. 57(b) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum. The detached part 470g of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 470 which is pressed by the drive-side apparatus pressure element 150 in the direction N8 causes one end of the spring 471 to abut the part 436d2 coupling, and the other end of the spring 471 abuts the coupling part 470c2. Consequently, the spring 471 is in a stretched state beyond its natural length.

Therefore, the elasticity of the spring 471 can be used to move the drive-side development bearing 436 to move in the direction that the development roller 13 separates from the photosensitive drum. Therefore, the developing roller can be separated from the photosensitive drum using the elastic force of the spring, stretching the spring beyond its natural length.

The configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to any of the embodiments described above. <Other items>

It should be noted that, in the embodiments described above, the configuration has been such that the developing cartridge B1 or B2 and the drum cartridge C are separated. That is, the configuration has been such that the developing device is formed as a cartridge, such as the developing cartridge B1 or B2, separated from the photosensitive drum 10, and is mounted/dismounted on/from the main body of the image forming apparatus. . However, the embodiments described above are applicable to configurations other than these.

A non-claimed process cartridge has the photosensitive drum 10 and a developing device. This process cartridge has the first movable element 120 and the second movable element 121, as do each of the comparative examples.

An example of a non-claimed process cartridge will now be described. Figs. 49(a) and 49(b) are diagrams of a process cartridge BC mounted in a main body A2 of the apparatus, seen from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13. Fig. 49(a) illustrates a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and Fig. 49(b) illustrates a state in which the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10. .

Fig. 49 illustrates the pressing element 150 of the drive-side apparatus as part of the main body A2 of the apparatus. The apparatus main body A2 has the same configuration as the apparatus main body A1 described in the above-described embodiments, except for having a guide member (omitted from the illustration) for guiding the mounting/dismounting of the process cartridge BC, and because there is no drive side oscillation guide 80 or non-drive side oscillation guide 81 . The same pressure member 151 of the non-drive side apparatus as that of the apparatus main body A1 is provided on the non-drive side of the apparatus main body A2, of course.

The process cartridge BC mainly has a drive-side developing bearing 536 serving as a developing frame, a photosensitive element supporting frame 521 and the coupling element 180. Drive-side development bearing 536 supports development roller 13, drive-side engage/break lever 70, and non-drive-side engage/break lever 72 (omitted from illustration). . The configuration of the drive-side development bearing 536 is the same as the drive-side development bearing 36 in the above-described embodiments, except that it has a projection 536a rotatably supported by a slot 521a of the support frame 521 of the photosensitive element, so the details of the same parts will be omitted. The photosensitive element supporting frame 521 supports the photosensitive drum 10.

The drive side development bearing 536 can rotate relative to the photosensitive element supporting frame 521, with the projection 536a as the center of rotation, because the projection 536a is supported by the slot 521a. The drive-side development bearing 536 is deflected in a direction that the development roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 10, by a not-shown spring connected therefrom to the photosensitive element supporting frame 521 . It should be noted that the slot 521a may be a circular hole.

In a state in which the process cartridge BC is mounted on the main body A2 of the apparatus, the photosensitive element supporting frame 521 is positioned by a not shown positioning portion of the body. main A2 of the apparatus, and is fixed so that it does not move. The first contact face 70a of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 is pressed by the drive-side apparatus pressure member 150 on the drive-side, whereby the drive-side revealing bearing 536 The drive shaft is rotated counterclockwise with the projection 536a as the center of rotation, as illustrated in Fig. 49(a). Accordingly, the developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

In addition, the separated portion 70g of the drive-side engaging/separating lever 70 is pressed by the drive-side apparatus pressure member 150 on the drive-side, whereby the drive-side revealing bearing 536 The drive shaft is rotated clockwise with the projection 536a as the center of rotation, as illustrated in Fig. 49(b). Accordingly, the developing roller 13 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 10.

The invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made which come within the scope of the following claims.

Reference numbers

13: development roller

16: developing container

34: development side cover

36: drive side developing bearing

46: non-drive side developing bearing

70: drive side contact/separation lever

71: drive side developing pressure spring

72: non-drive side contact/separation lever

73: non-drive side developing pressure spring

A1: main apparatus assembly

B1: developer cartridge

Claims (17)

1. A cartridge (B1) mountable in an apparatus main assembly (A1) of an imaging apparatus, the apparatus main assembly (A1) having mounted a photosensitive drum (10) independent of the cartridge (B1) , including the cartridge: a developing roller (13), including an elastic layer (13d) for carrying developer (t), in which the elastic layer (13d) can be pressed against the photosensitive drum (10); a frame (16) supporting the developing roller (13); a movable part (70) movably supported by the frame (16) so as to be movable to a first position and to a second position relative to the frame (16) and including a force receiving part (70a); an elastic part (71) provided between the frame (16) and the movable part (70) for pushing the movable part (70); a drive input element (280) for receiving rotational force input to rotate the developing roller (13); and a pusher (130) for pushing the drive input element (280), wherein the force receiving part (70a) is suitable for receiving an external force in a direction of displacement of the movable part (70) from the first position to the second position so that, in a state where the cartridge (B1) is mounted in the main assembly (A1) of the apparatus, the elastic layer (13d) is pressed against the photosensitive drum (10), wherein, when the movable part (70) receives force at the force-receiving part (70a) and is in the second position, the movable part (70) receives pushing force from the elastic part (71), in a direction of movement of the mobile part (70) from the second position to the first position, wherein an angle formed by a pushing direction of the movable part (70) by the elastic part (71), and a plane orthogonal to a pushing direction of the drive input element (280) by the element (130) Thrust is greater than or equal to -45 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees, wherein the movable part (70) has another force-receiving part (70b) that receives another external force in a direction of displacement from the second position to the first position, wherein, in a state that the cartridge (B1) is mounted to the main assembly (A1) of the apparatus, the developing roller (13) can assume a contact position in contact with the photosensitive drum (10) when the mobile part (70) receives the force from the main assembly (A1) of the apparatus in the force receiving part (70a) and is in the second position and wherein, in a state in which the cartridge (B1) is mounted to the main assembly (A1) of the apparatus, the developing roller (13) can take a separate position, separate from the photosensitive drum (1) and the contact position when the movable part (70) is in the first position and receives the other external force from the main assembly (A1) of the apparatus at the other force-receiving part (70b). 2. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the angle is greater than or equal to -10 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the angle is substantially 0 degrees. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the developing roller (13) is arranged on an end side of the frame (16), and the force-receiving part (70a) of the movable part is arranged on another end side of the frame (16), with respect to a first direction parallel to a straight line connecting a center of rotation of the developing roller (13) and a center of rotation of the input element (280). drive, as seen in a direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller (13). The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the frame (16) has a print medium contacting part with which a print medium conveyed through the inside of the main assembly (A1) can come into contact. of the apparatus, the printing medium contact portion being arranged closer to the developing roller (13) than the force-receiving portion (70a) of the movable part (70) with respect to the first direction, as shown Go in the direction of the axis of rotation of the development roller (13). A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable part (70) includes a supported part (70d) rotatably supported by the frame (16). A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein a distance between the supported part (70d) and a part receiving pushing force from the elastic part (71) of the movable part (70) is shorter than a distance between the supported part (70d) and the force-receiving part (70a), as seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the development roller (13). The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the frame (16) has a developer accommodating part (16a) that accomodates developer, and wherein the center of rotation of the movable part (70) is arranged at an overlapping position with the developer housing part (16a), as seen in the direction of the axis of rotation of the roller (13) of revealed. 9. Cartridge according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: an electrode part (47a) for electrically connecting to the main assembly (A1) of the apparatus, wherein the surface of the electrode part (47a) is exposed from the cartridge (B1), and intersects a direction of travel in which the force-receiving part (70a) of the movable part (70) is moves when the movable part (70) moves from the first position to the second position. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame (16) has a restraining part (36b) that comes into contact with the movable part (70) while in the first position. A cartridge according to claim 10, wherein, when the movable part (70) does not receive force in the force-receiving part (70a), the movable part (70) receives pushing force from the elastic part ( 71) and abuts the restriction part (36b) in the first position. 12. Cartridge according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: another movable part (72) movably supported by the frame (16) so as to be movable independently of the aforementioned movable part (70); and another elastic part (73) provided between the frame (16) and the other movable part (72), which pushes the other movable part (72). The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the movable part (70) is supported on a side of the frame (16) on which the drive input element (280) of the frame (16) is arranged, and the another movable part (72) is arranged on a side of the frame (16) in which the drive input element (280) of the frame (16) is not arranged, with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the roller (13 ) of development, in which the pushing force of the elastic part (71) is smaller than the pushing force of the other elastic part (73). A cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the movable part (70) has a first bulge protruding beyond the frame (16), and the other movable part (72) has a second bulge protruding beyond the frame (16). The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the first protrusion is exposed from the frame (16), as seen from an end side along the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller (13). , and the second protrusion is exposed from the frame (16), as seen from the other end side along the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller (13). 16. Cartridge according to claim 12, in which the mobile part (70) moves in a plane orthogonal to the direction of the axis of rotation, and the other mobile part (72) moves in another plane orthogonal to the direction of the axis of rotation. axis of rotation. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the movable part (70) has a protuberance protruding beyond the frame (13), the protuberance having a part curved towards the side of the roller (13) of revealed.