JP2006243321A - Drive unit and image forming apparatus equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drive unit realizing the improvement of driving performance by preventing the deterioration of image quality caused by a driving transmitting member, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the drive unit. <P>SOLUTION: In the drive unit 10 having the driving transmitting member 15 to which driving force is transmitted, a storage part 17 in which information on the driving transmitting member 15 is stored to be read is provided in the driving transmitting member 15, and a reading part 19 for reading the information in the storage part 17 is provided in a device main body 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or an image forming apparatus that combines these functions and an image forming apparatus that includes a process cartridge, and more particularly to an apparatus that improves driving performance.

  In general, in a color image forming apparatus for forming an image by an electrophotographic method, for example, a color copying machine or a color printer, a printer mainly composed of a photosensitive member as a plurality of image carriers for forming toner images of different colors. One with an engine is known. The printer engine holds and conveys an intermediate transfer belt to which toner images formed on these photoconductors are transferred, or a recording medium to which each toner image formed on these photoconductors is transferred. One of the transfer and conveyance belts is provided.

  In these two transfer type color image forming apparatuses, when the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photoconductors are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt, or when transferred onto the recording medium conveyed by the transfer conveyance belt. When the toner image transfer position of each color is displaced, the image quality deteriorates.

  In order not only to prevent such a deterioration in image quality, but also to improve the image quality, it is required to increase the rotational accuracy of the photoconductor and transfer device. For this reason, a dedicated drive motor is separately provided for each of these photoconductors and transfer devices, and the output gear of each drive motor is connected to the drive shaft of the photoconductor, etc. without passing through an idler gear as an intermediate transmission member. It has become common to reduce the influence of accuracy errors of the drive transmission member interposed between the drive source and the drive target as much as possible by meshing with the directly connected gear and driving directly. In addition, the gears used for these may be high-precision large-diameter gears. However, the meshing error of the gears may cause image degradation due to misregistration or color misregistration in the color image forming apparatus. There is.

  Therefore, in each gear having a unique phase, the rotation phase of each gear is assembled by using a jig so that the colors overlap, or the rotation phase is adjusted by a position sensor, and the meshing of each gear. An attempt was made to suppress as much as possible image degradation due to errors in position and color shift.

  In the method using a jig, it is difficult to accurately adjust the rotational phase using a jig when exchanging gears in the market.

  The position sensor method is performed on the premise that each gear has a uniform meshing error rotational phase. However, the rotational phase of the meshing error of each gear may fluctuate due to variations in shots of resin molding dies, differences in cavities of a plurality of molds, and the like. In other words, when the gear is manufactured as a resin molded product, there is a variation in molding in each shot unit consisting of one cycle process from mold clamping to taking out the molded product, or there are multiple variations in one mold. In the case where a plurality of molded products are obtained by providing the above cavities, the above-described variation occurs between the cavities. That is, after all, the shape of the gear as a molded product is slightly different for each molded product, and the rotational phase due to the meshing error of each gear is not constant but varies. As a result, the method using the position sensor cannot avoid the risk of image degradation.

  On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a monochrome image carrier drum and a plurality of color image carrier drums are driven by a single drive source through a clutch which is a drive force switching unit. It is known that a switching error generated between the monochrome drum and the color drum by the switching means is measured in a predetermined manner, and error information as a result of the measurement is overwritten and stored in the storage means on the apparatus side ( For example, see Patent Document 1.) Therefore, according to this configuration, the switching error information is updated to the latest state, and the deterioration of the driving force switching means can be constantly grasped, so the connection timing can be adjusted according to the deterioration, and the connection can be made over a long period of time. It is said that the accuracy can be kept high.

  In addition, a configuration is known in which information related to recycling of a member to be recycled is recorded on a member to be recycled instead of information related to drive control (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In other words, in this configuration, a recycled photoreceptor that is regenerated and reused in a predetermined manner has a storage device that stores information related to the recycled photoreceptor in or around the IC, such as an IC chip or an EPROM. Is used to record various operation history information and information related to reproduction processing in order to determine whether or not the recycled photoreceptor can be reused. Therefore, according to this recycled photoconductor, when the recycled photoconductor is recycled and used, it is possible to reliably determine the lifetime, and to provide a lifetime diagnostic method for diagnosing that reuse is impossible at an appropriate time. Has been.

JP 2003-162119 A (pages 4-6, FIGS. 2-4) JP 2002-221805 (pages 4-7, FIGS. 1, 4-7)

  The conventional configuration described above has a problem in that the image quality is deteriorated due to the gear as the drive transmission member, and the drive performance of the drive device is insufficient.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the problems of the conventional devices as described above, prevents the image quality from being deteriorated due to the drive transmission member, and improves the drive performance, and an image provided with the drive device. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a storage unit in the drive transmission member for storing information relating to the drive transmission member in a readable manner, and a reading unit for reading information in the storage unit Was provided in the apparatus main body.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the drive transmission member is a gear that drives an image carrier, and the storage unit stores information on a rotational phase of the gear, The rotational phase of the gear is controlled based on the rotational phase information read by the reading unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the gear shaft is provided with an engaging portion that rotates integrally with the gear shaft, and the image bearing member includes the engaging portion of the gear shaft. An engaging portion that is detachably engaged is provided.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the image carrier is a process cartridge in which at least charging means for charging the image carrier is housed in a single case and unitized. The process cartridge was made removable.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the driving device according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the driving device according to the fourth aspect.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the driving device according to the third aspect, and includes at least four of the image carriers driven by the driving device, so that a color image is displayed. It was possible to form.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the driving device according to the third aspect, and includes at least four process cartridges in which the image carrier is driven by the driving device. An image can be formed.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, information on the drive transmission member can be read, and based on this information, the drive of the drive transmission member can be controlled on the drive device side. Can handle machine differences and improve drive performance.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view mainly showing a configuration for driving these photosensitive drums and the photosensitive drums in a color image forming apparatus having a plurality of photosensitive drums as image carriers of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an outline of a storage unit provided in a gear which is a drive transmission member of the photosensitive drum and a reading unit provided in the apparatus main body. In the first embodiment, the apparatus main body recognizes information on a drive transmission member, that is, information unique to the drive transmission member, and is configured to suppress image deterioration due to a positional shift or a color shift.

  In this color image forming apparatus A, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, which are image carriers, are arranged in parallel to each other and different colors assigned to each other are overlaid. In addition, the image forming apparatus is a tandem type image forming apparatus that forms a predetermined full color toner image to form an image. The color image forming apparatus A includes yellow, cyan, magenta, and black (hereinafter, “Y”, “ The photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K in charge of the respective colors generate toner images as visible images of colors (denoted as “C”, “M”, and “K”), and superimpose the toner images of these colors. Thus, a predetermined full color toner image is generated.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the main part of the image forming apparatus A is driven to run at a constant speed in a predetermined belt feeding direction, and a toner image is transferred to a predetermined location on the surface of the belt temporarily. An intermediate transfer belt 2 as an intermediate transfer member carried on the belt, and a plurality of photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, 1K arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate transfer belt 2 and in contact with the belt 2 And a plurality of image carrier driving devices (hereinafter referred to as driving devices) 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K for individually rotating and driving these photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K. The drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K are provided with their outer peripheral surfaces in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 2, and in this state, toner images of any one of colors Y to K assigned to the drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K. Along with The respective photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are rotationally driven by the respective driving devices 10Y to 10K in synchronization with the belt traveling speed in a predetermined manner, and the respective toners generated on the respective photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K at a predetermined timing. The image is superposed on a predetermined portion of the belt and transferred to form a single color toner image, and this color toner image is transferred onto a sheet (not shown) as a final image fixing target recording medium. Thus, it is fixed on the paper.

  The photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K are basically the same in the drum unit, and sequentially, in the order of proceeding in the belt feeding direction, Y toners of different colors as the image forming agent, M Toner, C toner, and K toner are supplied to each, and an image is generated with the supplied color toner. Each of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K is individually provided with a dedicated drive device 10Y to 10K, and these can be independently controlled from each other for rotational drive control. That is, the drive force from each drive motor 12Y, 12C, 12M, 12K is transmitted to each drive transmission gear 15Y-15K at a one-step reduction, and each photosensitive drum 1Y-1K is rotationally driven in a predetermined manner. Drive devices 10Y to 10K are provided. Each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K and the members attached to the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are rotation driven members that are driven to rotate by receiving a driving force from the outside, and thus cause rotational fluctuations. It is assumed that the member shape and member arrangement are not taken.

  These driving devices 10Y to 10K are basically configured in the same manner, and image carrier driving motors (hereinafter referred to as driving motors) 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12K as driving means dedicated to the respective drums, and their driving. Image carrier drive transmission as a drive transmission member meshed with image carrier drive motor gears (hereinafter referred to as drive motor gears) 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K fixed to the output shafts of the motors 12Y, 12C, 12M, 12K. Gears (hereinafter referred to as drive transmission gears) 15Y, 15C, 15M, and 15K are mainly configured, and these drive transmission gears 15Y to 15K are configured to be coaxially coupled to the respective photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K. Yes. These drive transmission gears 15Y to 15K are large-diameter gears having outer diameters larger than the outer diameters of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, and the gears 15Y to 15K and the drive motor gears 13Y, 13M, A relatively large reduction ratio is set between 13C and 13K, so that even a one-stage reduction can be sufficiently reduced.

  Therefore, these drive transmission gears 15Y to 15K are rotationally driven independently from each other by the rotational driving force from the drive motors 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K as drive sources. As described above, since the drive motors 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K as the drive sources are individually provided for the respective photoconductor drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, the photoconductor drums are independent of each other. Thus, each rotation can be controlled individually. On the other hand, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the drive transmission gears 15Y to 15K that rotate in a manner integrated with the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K. Since no other gear is interposed, the transmission efficiency can be improved and the rotational drive control of each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K can be performed accurately and precisely. In other words, for each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K, the rotation speed can be changed, or the time at which rotation is started or the time at which rotation is stopped can be set at an arbitrary timing.

  That is, the drive motors 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12K that are provided for each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K and drive the respective photosensitive drums are rotated by the control unit (not shown) serving as control means. The timing of starting and stopping is controlled. This control unit performs process control of the entire image formation other than drive motor control, and is configured by an IO port, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. That is, these drive motors 12Y to 12K themselves, or drive circuits (not shown) that supply power to the drive motors 12Y to 12K are wired to the control unit, and the speeds and timings described above are in accordance with command signals from the control unit. The various motor output operations are controlled. For example, based on the command signal, the drive circuit supplies power set or adjusted at a predetermined power supply timing, a predetermined voltage, a predetermined current, and a predetermined frequency to a drive motor that has supplied drive power from the drive circuit. Supply or stop supplying at a predetermined timing.

  Note that this control unit is a control unit dedicated to the drive unit that controls the plurality of drive units individually and controls the operation of each of these drive units even when the control unit of the image forming apparatus A is as described above. In the case of a dedicated control unit, the dedicated control unit is linked with the control unit of the image forming apparatus A, that is, as a part of a series of operations for image formation, the control unit of the image forming apparatus A. A dedicated control unit controls each drive motor and performs the operations necessary for image formation. In any case, the control unit controls the operation of the drive device itself. It is assumed that wiring for control to be controlled and wiring such as sensors provided in the driving device are connected in a predetermined manner.

  Further, below the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K as latent image forming means for generating the respective toner images. An exposure device 3 is provided. The exposure apparatus 3 irradiates the respective photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K with a laser beam L emitted based on the image information to perform exposure. By this exposure, a Y electrostatic latent image, an M electrostatic latent image, a C electrostatic latent image, and a K electrostatic latent image are formed on each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K. In this exposure, the irradiation direction of the laser beam L emitted from the light source is changed to a predetermined value by a polygon mirror rotated by a motor (not shown) via a plurality of optical lenses and mirrors, and the outer circumference of the photosensitive drum is changed. This is performed by scanning with irradiation in the longitudinal direction of the axis. Then, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K can be converted into toner images of respective colors by a developing device (not shown) provided for each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K. Visualized.

  The toner images on the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K formed in this way are temporarily transferred to a predetermined location on the intermediate transfer belt 2 and temporarily transferred once. The color toner image transferred in this manner is not shown. Secondary transfer is performed on the paper. That is, an intermediate transfer unit 4 having a configuration in which an intermediate transfer belt 2 as an intermediate transfer member is moved endlessly while being stretched is disposed above each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K. The intermediate transfer unit 4 includes a belt cleaning device (not shown) in addition to the intermediate transfer belt 2. The intermediate transfer belt 2 is stretched around four primary transfer bias rollers 4Y, 4C, 4M, and 4K, the intermediate transfer driving roller 5 and the like that are pivotally supported at predetermined locations, and have a predetermined length. A substantially linear belt running surface is formed on the lower side, and as described above, a plurality of photoconductors are provided at predetermined intervals from the upstream side to the downstream side in the traveling direction of the linear belt running surface. The drums 1Y to 1K can be arranged in parallel. The intermediate transfer belt 2 is endlessly moved at a constant belt traveling speed counterclockwise in the figure while the intermediate transfer driving roller 5 is rotationally driven in a predetermined manner while being stretched around these eight rollers.

  An apparatus for driving the intermediate transfer belt 2, that is, an intermediate transfer body driving apparatus 6 for rotating the intermediate transfer driving roller 5 to a predetermined rotation, includes an intermediate transfer driving motor 7 as a dedicated driving source, and an intermediate transfer driving motor 7. An intermediate transfer drive motor gear 7a fixed to the output shaft, an intermediate transfer drive roller gear 5a meshed with the intermediate transfer drive motor gear 7a, and the intermediate transfer drive roller gear 5a fixed to the shaft end of the intermediate transfer drive roller 5. Has been. The intermediate transfer driving roller gear 5a is a gear having a diameter larger than the roller diameter of the intermediate transfer driving roller 5, and the intermediate transfer driving roller 5 causes the driving force from the intermediate transfer driving motor 7 to intervene with another intermediate gear. Instead, it can be received at a one-stage reduction with a predetermined large reduction ratio.

  The primary transfer bias rollers 4Y, 4C, 4M, and 4K are respectively arranged to face the respective photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K through the intermediate transfer belt 2, and at least the respective photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are disposed to the intermediate transfer belt 2. The primary transfer bias rollers 1Y to 1K support the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 2 in contact with the belt from the inner peripheral side, and the locations where the respective photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are in contact with the belt surface are primary. It is formed as a transfer nip. In these primary transfer nips, a transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner (for example, plus polarity) is applied to the back surface (belt loop inner peripheral surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 2. All the rollers except the primary transfer bias rollers 4Y, 4C, 4M, and 4K are electrically grounded. The intermediate transfer belt 2 sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips for Y, C, M, and K along with the endless movement thereof, and the Y toner images on the respective photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K. , The M toner image, the C toner image, and the K toner image are superimposed and primarily transferred to form a four-color superimposed toner image (hereinafter referred to as a four-color toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 2.

A secondary transfer roller 8 is disposed opposite to the intermediate transfer driving roller 5 with the intermediate transfer belt 2 interposed therebetween. The intermediate transfer belt 2 supported by the intermediate transfer driving roller 5 from the inner peripheral side, and the secondary transfer roller 8. Between the two, a secondary transfer nip is formed. The four-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 2 is transferred to a sheet conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. Then, combined with the white color of the paper, a full color toner image is obtained.
The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 2 that has passed through the secondary transfer nip may have residual transfer toner that has not been transferred to the paper, and may adhere to the surface of the belt. I am trying to clean.

  Therefore, in the above configuration, the intermediate transfer belt 2 is wound around a part of the outer periphery of the intermediate transfer drive roller 5, and this intermediate transfer drive roller 5 is attached to the output shaft of the intermediate transfer drive motor 7. Since it rotates together with the intermediate transfer drive roller gear (12) driven by the drive motor gear 7a, the belt is driven by the intermediate transfer drive roller 5 in the feed direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. In conjunction with this, the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K as image carriers are predetermined by drive transmission gears 15Y to 15K driven by drive motor gears 13Y to 13K attached to output shafts of the drive motors 12Y to 12K. Driven by rotation.

  The drive transmission gear 15 as a drive transmission member that is a large-diameter gear that drives the photosensitive drum 1 is provided with a non-contact type IC tag 17 as a storage unit, as shown in FIG. The bracket 18 on the drive device main body 11 side is provided with a reading unit 19 that reads information of the IC tag 17 in a non-contact manner. The large-diameter gear is meshed with a drive motor gear 13 which is a small-diameter gear and an output shaft gear provided in the drive motor 12, and is directly driven by the drive motor 12. In the following paragraphs, as described above, the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, the driving devices 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K and the dedicated members attached thereto are basically the same. Therefore, unless necessary, the subscripts Y to K that distinguish each color are omitted.

  The drive device main body 11 of the drive device 10 has a bracket 18 fixed to an internal member 9 included in the image forming apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus A. The bracket 18 has sufficient rigidity and strength as a frame body having a predetermined shape. Is secured, and the shaft 16 of the drive transmission gear 15 is rotatably supported in a predetermined manner, and the drive motor 12 is mounted in a predetermined manner, and the drive motor gear 13 of the drive motor 12 is engaged with the drive transmission gear 15. . That is, the shaft 16 of the drive transmission gear 15 is supported by an upper body that penetrates the internal member 9 and the bracket 18 and protrudes at both ends thereof. A gear 15 is fixed, and a photosensitive drum 1 (not shown) is coaxially coupled to the other end shown on the left side in FIG.

  Then, on the disc-shaped surface of the drive transmission gear 15 on the side facing the bracket 18 of the drive device main body 11, information on the drive transmission gear 15 is sent to an external device at a predetermined location on the inner peripheral side near the shaft 16. The IC tag 17 is fixedly provided as a storage unit that is stored and recorded so that it can be read in a non-contact manner. The side surface of the bracket 18 on the side of the drive transmission gear 15 is the external device, which is the storage unit. A reading unit 19 is fixedly provided as a reading unit that reads information in a non-contact manner. The IC tag 17 is formed in a flat shape and does not protrude from the end face of the drive transmission gear 15 without hindering the rotational movement of the drive transmission gear 15.

  The IC tag 17 is an IC module including at least an antenna unit that transmits and receives data to and from the outside in a non-contact manner and a data information storage unit connected to the antenna unit, and the data information storage unit includes: For example, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM capable of stably recording and storing a predetermined amount of information data electrically written is used. Further, the IC tag 17 has a capability of sufficiently transmitting and receiving within a range of a distance of a distance between the disk-shaped surface of the drive transmission gear 15 and the outer surface of the bracket 18 as a non-contact transmission / reception capability. .

  The reading unit 19 includes at least an antenna unit that transmits / receives data to / from the outside in a non-contact manner and a processing circuit group connected to the antenna unit, and is configured to be communicable within a predetermined distance range. The reader device is configured such that the information recorded by the IC tag 17 can be read in a non-contact manner from the IC tag 17 located inside. The reading unit 19 has an output line wired to the control unit described above, so that the information of the IC tag 17 read by the reading unit 19 can be sent from the IC tag 17 to the control unit. That is, the reading unit 19 and the IC tag 17 are provided in non-contact with different members, but with respect to the reading unit 19 that is fixedly arranged, the drive transmission gear as a rotating member is provided within the communication range. Since the IC tag 17 installed in 15 passes with the rotation of the drive transmission gear 15, at least the control unit can acquire information from the IC tag 17.

  The IC tag 17 may be provided with a calculation means capable of predetermined calculation processing, such as a CPU, for example. In the configuration in which the IC tag 17 is used as an IC module and thus configured as a microcomputer circuit, Compared to a configuration using a simple memory circuit, the specification of the reading unit 19 as a reader device can be simplified. That is, when the IC module is a microcomputer circuit, the processing load of the reader device can be naturally reduced as compared with the case where the IC module is a simple memory circuit. In other words, a series of processes for reading information by operating the memory circuit of the data information storage section processed on the reader apparatus side in a predetermined manner is substantially processed on the IC module side, and the command transmitted from the reader apparatus side is It is possible to use a command system that makes the module respond.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the drive device includes a drive transmission member as a movable member including a storage unit in which information relating to the drive transmission member is readable, and the storage unit. Since the apparatus has a fixing member on the apparatus main body side that includes a reading unit that reads information in a non-contact manner, information on the drive transmission member can be acquired in advance on the driving apparatus side. For this reason, it is possible to deal with machine differences that occur in units of drive transmission members that affect the accuracy of drive control. That is, for example, when the drive transmission gear is integrally provided on the photosensitive drum as the image carrier as the drive transmission member, each meshing error is stored in advance in the storage section of these drive transmission gears. The rotational phase information of each meshing error is stored in a non-contact manner by the reading unit and recognized by the drive unit side as the device main body, and based on this information, the rotational phase information is corrected. Without using a tool, it is possible to appropriately correct the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum, and to suppress image deterioration due to misregistration or color misregistration.

  Further, it is possible to cope with a case where the front and back of the drive transmission gear are difficult to distinguish from each other due to their appearance, and the direction in which the drive transmission gear is attached to the drive device body is misleading. That is, when the range in which information can be read in a non-contact manner by the reading unit does not reach from the one surface of the drive transmission gear to the other back surface, the drive transmission gear is not attached to the drive unit body side, That is, when mounted in the reverse direction, the reading unit cannot read information from the storage unit, so that the drive unit main body can recognize that the drive transmission gear is mounted in the reverse direction. For this reason, it can be set as the structure which warns that it was attached in the reverse direction, or stopped the rotational drive of this drive transmission gear. On the other hand, similarly, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which an inappropriate mounting of the drive transmission gear that does not have a storage unit is eliminated.

  Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, the main body of the apparatus recognizes the rotational phase information of the meshing error of the drive transmission gear for each photosensitive drum, and based on this information, each color of each color can be obtained without using a jig. The rotational phase of the photoconductor drum drive transmission gear is appropriately corrected to suppress image deterioration due to misalignment or color misregistration. In addition, it demonstrates centering around a different part from said 1st Embodiment, and the structure which is not demonstrated in this 2nd Embodiment shall be the same as said 1st Embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a reference protrusion 21 provided on a drive transmission gear 15 that is integrally coupled to the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates along with the photosensitive drum 1 is detected by a detection sensor 22. To do. As described above, the drive transmission gear 15 is rotationally driven by the drive motor gear 13 of the drive motor 12. FIG. 4 shows the rotational phase of the meshing error of the drive transmission gear 15 for driving the photosensitive drum, measured from the home position. Based on this information, the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear 15 is controlled. Specifically, the reference protrusion 21 provided on the drive transmission gear 15 for the photosensitive drum for each color performs control to stop after a predetermined time after passing through the detection sensor 22 to adjust the rotation phase of each color. ing.

  That is, in more detail, a part of the drive transmission gear 15 that is coaxially connected to one end of the photosensitive drum 1 coaxially with the photosensitive drum 1 is used as a marking for detecting the rotational position of the photosensitive drum 1. It protrudes in the direction and is integrally formed, and this protruding portion is a filler-like reference protrusion 21 as a detector. The reference protrusion 21 is formed as an arc-shaped light shielding member on an end surface as a rotation surface of the drive transmission gear 15, and a peripheral length of a predetermined length is set on a predetermined radius around the gear shaft 16. If the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated by the driving force from the driving motor 12 as a single reference protrusion 21, the reference protrusion 21 moves and rotates on the circumferential locus having the constant radius.

  The detection sensor 22 as a rotational position detection sensor (position sensor) for detecting the reference protrusion 21 and detecting the rotational position of the drive transmission gear 15 has a sensor output line connected to the control unit, for example, It is composed of a general transmission type optical sensor using an optical element whose detection operation does not affect the electromagnetic operating conditions at the time of image formation, and is spatially fixed through which the reference protrusion 21 passes. The specific location is set to be the detection range, and is fixedly installed on the drive device main body 11 side by a fixture (not shown). That is, as shown in the figure, the light emitting unit 22a and the light receiving unit 22b are configured such that the light emitting direction and the light receiving direction face each other with a predetermined interval, and this gap is set as a detection range. Therefore, at the time of image formation or the like, a rotational driving force is output from the driving motor 12 as a driving means, whereby the driving transmission gear 15 and the photosensitive drum 1 are rotationally driven, and the driving transmission gear 15 and the photosensitive drum 1 are rotated. The reference protrusion 21 moves in the rotation direction along with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1, and the reference protrusion 21 passes through the detection range of the detection sensor 22 once per rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. When the reference protrusion 21 enters the detection range of the detection sensor 22 and blocks light, the detection sensor 22 outputs a detection signal having a signal level indicating that the reference protrusion 21 has been detected and is input to the control unit. Like to do.

  The detection sensors 22, 22 provided corresponding to the drive transmission gears 15 </ b> Y to 15 </ b> K are all installed so as to have the same relative angle with respect to the rotational circumferential direction of the drive transmission gear 15. Yes. That is, in one plane orthogonal to the axis, a line connecting the center of the detection range of the detection sensor 22 to the rotation center of the drive transmission gear 15 having the reference projection 21 to be detected, and the drive from the rotation center. The photosensitive drum 1 to which the transmission gear 15 is coupled is installed so that the angle between the drum surface and the line connecting the contact point with the intermediate transfer belt 8 is the same for all the detection sensors 22. Each sensor output line is connected to the control unit.

  Note that the start and end of the reference protrusion 21 in the direction in which the reference protrusion 21 advances in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 shown in FIG. That is, if the direction in which the signal level of the detection signal is switched is determined, that is, for example, when switching from a low level to a high level and when switching from a high level to a low level, the configuration is distinguished. Both the end and the end can be detected.

  Accordingly, the reference protrusion 21 configured as described above is set to an absolute reference home position, and is a relative value with respect to the home position and a characteristic value unique to each drive transmission gear 15. The rotational phase characteristic caused by the meshing error inherent in the motor 15 can be measured in advance, and information consisting of the measured characteristic value can be stored in the IC tag 17 provided in the drive transmission gear 15.

  For example, before the drive transmission gear 15 is attached to the drive device main body 11, the rotation caused by the meshing error inherent in the drive transmission gear 15 as shown in FIG. The start point in the phase period can be recorded on the IC tag 17 provided on the drive transmission gear 15 as a relative angle with respect to the base point. This starting time point is a zero cross point in the fluctuation waveform shown in FIG. 4 as the period of the rotation phase inherent to a certain drive transmission gear 15, that is, a zero cross point. The time point at which the positive value or the negative value is changed to the positive value is set as the start point of the cycle, and any of these may be used as long as all the drive transmission gears 15 are unified. . Note that the fluctuation waveform unique to the drive transmission gear 15 is measured using a measuring device having an appropriate configuration and a real machine equipped with measurement sensors.

  Then, the reading unit 19 obtains information on the angle different for each drive transmission gear 15 on the drive device main body 11 side, and the rotational drive of the drive transmission gear 15 is detected from the time when the reference protrusion 21 is detected. If the drive control is performed so that the drive transmission gear 15 stops at a time when the drive transmission gear 15 rotates by the angle, the rotation state of the drive transmission gear 15 that has reached the start time in the period of the rotation phase unique to the gear. And you can stop. In other words, all the drive transmission gears 15 can be similarly stopped in the rotation state that has reached the start point in the period of the rotation phase unique to each. If the drive of all the drive transmission gears 15 is started at the same time, that is, at the same time, the rotation phases of all the drive transmission gears 15 are matched, that is, the period of the rotation phase of each drive transmission gear 15 at the start of the drive. The starting points in can be matched and aligned. As a result, all the drive transmission gears 15 can be rotationally driven in accordance with a predetermined rotational phase.

  Note that the meaning of aligning and aligning the rotation phases is used to mean that at least an image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 2 does not cause a positional shift or a color shift. In the configuration in which the body drums 1Y to 1K are arranged, the above-described control is performed in consideration of the physical arrangement of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K and the traveling speed of the intermediate transfer belt 2. That is, in practice, the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are physically disposed at a predetermined interval along the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 2, so that the above-described positional shift and color shift do not occur. As described above, when the phases of all the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K can be aligned, the image on the intermediate transfer belt 2 is sequentially transferred from the upstream photosensitive drum 1Y to the downstream photosensitive drum 1K. The speed variation periods of the drive transmission gears 15Y to 15K coupled to the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K occupy positions on the time axis that are shifted from each other by the "time" required for the transfer target portion to advance. It will be. Therefore, the time difference generated between these phases is the distance between the physical photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K (the distance between the drums, that is, the distance between the primary transfer nips) and the intermediate transfer belt 2. Only the “time” defined by the belt traveling speed, that is, the moving speed (linear speed) of the image transfer target portion on the belt, that is, during this “time”, between the start times of the respective phase periods. Adjustment control is performed so that the generated time differences coincide with each other. As described above, the adjustment control including the setting of “time difference” defined by the physical arrangement of the photoconductive drums 1Y to 1K is performed as described above for all the photoconductive drums 1Y to 1K. In the case where the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are stopped at the start time, the above-mentioned “time difference” is not secured at the same time, and the rotational driving of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K is started sequentially. Alternatively, without stopping the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K at the start time, the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are stopped in a rotational position state in which the “time difference” is ensured with respect to each other. ”Is stopped at different rotational positions of each of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K, and then all the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are simultaneously and simultaneously rotated. If to start may either, as appropriate, may be adjusted control using these other techniques.

  Further, in the above-described adjustment control, the rotation drive is temporarily stopped for a predetermined time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the adjustment control may be performed while the rotation drive is continued. That is, the rotational output of the drive motor 12 that drives the photosensitive drum 1 and the drive transmission gear 15 to be adjusted is temporarily increased, and the drive transmission gear 15 and the other drive transmission gear 15 corresponding to the increased temporary time are increased. The phase difference between the drive transmission gears 15 may be decreased or temporarily decreased to increase the phase difference between the drive transmission gears 15 by the reduced temporary time. Therefore, when adjustment control is performed in this way, the phase difference of each drive transmission gear 15 can be adjusted to a predetermined level without stopping the motor operation, so that the image formation including the generation of the toner image as it is can be performed. The operation can be shifted to enable smooth operation, and the number of times the motor is started and stopped can be reduced, and the load on the drive motor 12 can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the engagement error of the drive transmission gear is stored in the storage unit of the drive transmission gear that is coaxially coupled to the photosensitive drum as the image carrier and drives the drum to a predetermined degree. The rotational phase of the drive transmission gear can be controlled in a predetermined manner from the rotational phase information read by the reading unit on the apparatus main body side. The rotational phase can be controlled in accordance with the rotational phase information of the meshing error, and the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for driving each color photosensitive drum can be corrected appropriately without using a jig, Image degradation due to color misregistration can be suppressed. In other words, based on the respective rotation phase information acquired from each drive transmission gear, the adjustment control is performed so that the rotation phase difference due to the engagement error of the drive transmission gears of all the drive transmission gears is eliminated. The device can be performed. In other words, each drive motor, which is a driving means provided for each drive transmission gear, is controlled in a predetermined manner so that the rotational phase variation period unique to each drive transmission gear causes image degradation in all the drive transmission gears. The rotational drive of each drive transmission gear can be adjusted so as to maintain a time difference that is not allowed.

  Further, when the drive transmission gear is mounted on the drive device main body, proper phase alignment can be performed from information stored in the IC tag as a storage device without requiring phase alignment adjustment with a jig. For this reason, a gear can be easily exchanged on the market.

  On the other hand, even if the rotational phase of the meshing error of each drive transmission gear fluctuates due to variations in shots of the molding dies, differences in the cavities of multiple molds, etc., individually deal with these individual drive transmission gears. The phase alignment can be adjusted by the detection sensor, that is, the position sensor. For this reason, the degree to which the drive control, that is, the image quality depends on the molding accuracy by the mold can be relaxed, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost as a mold molded product.

  Next explained is the third embodiment of the invention. In the third embodiment, the photosensitive drum as an image carrier is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, thereby improving the operability and serviceability, and without using a jig, the photosensitive drums of the respective colors. The rotational phase of the drive transmission gear is appropriately corrected so as to suppress image deterioration due to position shift and color shift. The difference from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the phase difference is determined from the configuration and control not described in the third embodiment, that is, the characteristic of each configuration of the image forming apparatus and each drive transmission gear. Other controls including the control for adjusting the predetermined value are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the photosensitive drum 1 is detachably attached to the shaft 16 of the drive transmission gear 15. One engaging portion that rotates integrally with the gear shaft 16 is provided, and the photosensitive drum 1 is slid along the center line C direction of the gear shaft 16 on the photosensitive drum 1, whereby the gear shaft 16. The other engaging portion that is detachably engaged with the engaging portion is provided. That is, when the photosensitive drum 1 is slid along the direction of the center line C so as to approach the shaft end of the gear shaft 16, the engaging portions of both are engaged, and the photosensitive drum 1 is engaged with the gear shaft 16. When the photosensitive drum 1 in this state is slid along the direction of the center line C away from the shaft end of the gear shaft 16, the engagement between the two engaging portions is released. I have to.

  That is, a flange 31 as a separate member is assembled in the opening of the end of the photosensitive drum 1 that is a rotating body, and an inner peripheral surface of the flange 31 is provided as one engaging portion on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. Grooves 31a extending in the axial direction at a predetermined pitch are formed. That is, the flange 31 is a predetermined axisymmetric member and is coaxially assembled in the end opening with the rotation center line of the photosensitive drum 1 as the center, and is integrated with the photosensitive drum 1. It is constituted so that it may rotate. The flange 31 is formed with a ring-shaped surface having a predetermined diameter facing the drive device main body 11, and a predetermined number of grooves 31a are formed on the ring-shaped surface with a uniform groove depth and an equal interval pitch. ing.

  A joint 32 is assembled to the shaft end of the shaft 16 as a drive output shaft on the drive device main body 11 side, and this joint 32 has a ring-shaped surface facing the photosensitive drum 1 side. As the other engaging portion, this ring-shaped surface is provided with claws 32a at a predetermined pitch over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, and these claws 32a are fitted in the grooves 31a with their claw shapes and the like. It is formed to be compatible. That is, the joint 32 is a predetermined axisymmetric member, is coaxially assembled to the proximal end side of the shaft 16 around the rotation center line of the shaft 16, and rotates integrally with the shaft 16. Is configured to do. The joint 32 is formed with at least a ring-shaped surface having a predetermined diameter which is substantially the same diameter as the ring-shaped surface of the flange 31. The ring-shaped surface protrudes in the axial direction with a uniform length. In addition, a predetermined number of protrusion-like claws 32a having the same number as the grooves 31a are formed at equal intervals. Therefore, the grooves 31a of these joints 32 are coupled to the claws 32a so that the central axis of the photosensitive drum 1 and the shaft 16 can be integrally coupled so as to be able to transmit the driving force.

  In other words, the drive device main body 11 has a predetermined center line, and a shaft 16 serving as a rotation output shaft as a drive output shaft that is rotationally driven by a rotational driving force transmitted from the drive motor around the center line. The photosensitive drum 1 is detachably attached to the rotating shaft, and when the photosensitive drum 1 is attached, that is, the photosensitive drum 1 is inserted into the shaft 16, and the photosensitive member as one engaging portion is provided. If the groove 31a provided in the flange 31 of the drum 1 is engaged with the claw 32a of the joint 32 provided at the shaft end of the shaft 16 as the other engaging portion, the central axis of the photosensitive drum 1 and the shaft 16 Are integrally coupled with the rotation center line aligned. For this reason, the driving force from the drive device main body 11 is transmitted to the rotating shaft of the photosensitive drum 1 so that the photosensitive drum 1 can be rotationally driven in a predetermined manner.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the rotation shaft that is driven to rotate about the center line is provided, and the photosensitive drum is detachably attached to the rotation shaft, and the rotation shaft is rotated. An engaging portion that rotates integrally with the shaft is provided. By sliding the photoconductor along the center line direction of the rotating shaft, the engaging portion can be brought into and out of contact with the rotating shaft. Since the photoconductor drum is detachable from the main body of the apparatus, the photoconductor drum can be easily replaced, the operability and serviceability can be improved, and the photoconductor drum for each color can be used without using a jig. It is possible to appropriately correct the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear, and to suppress image deterioration due to position shift and color shift.

  In addition, as a configuration for easily and detachably and firmly coupling the photosensitive drum to the output shaft of the rotational driving force of the driving device main body, a claw and a groove are combined in the engaging portion. Although an example has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and any suitable configuration may be used as long as the configuration is a concave-convex fitting that can be engaged or disengaged when approaching or releasing in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. Further, the drive transmission gear shaft has a length such that the tip of the drive transmission gear shaft as a drive output shaft of the drive device protruding from the drive device main body on a predetermined center line reaches the other end opening of the photosensitive drum. Set the full length, provide a similar flange at the other end opening of this photosensitive drum, and insert the tip into the center hole of this flange, so that the drive transmission gear shaft is at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum. It is good also as a structure which supported.

  Next explained is the fourth embodiment of the invention. In the fourth embodiment, a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum as an image carrier is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, thereby improving operability and serviceability, and without using a jig. The rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for the photosensitive drum for each color is appropriately corrected so as to suppress image deterioration due to misregistration or color misregistration. The difference from the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the phase difference is determined from the configuration and control not described in the fourth embodiment, that is, the configuration of the image forming apparatus and the measurement of characteristics unique to each drive transmission gear. Other controls including the control for adjusting the predetermined value are the same as those in the third embodiment.

  FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are schematic views showing the configuration of a process cartridge 200 including the photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier as the fourth embodiment, and are respectively substantially central cross-sectional views.

  That is, the photosensitive drum unit 100 is constituted by the photosensitive drum 1 and a rear flange (not shown) attached to the photosensitive drum 1, and at least the photosensitive drum unit 100 is shown in the image forming apparatus main body. In a state in which the regulating member (face plate) not to be removed is removed, it is configured to be detachable by being moved along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 16 of the drive device (not shown). Moreover, with respect to the photosensitive drum 1, several members and units related to image formation on the drum are integrally housed in a single case, and these members are collectively configured. That is, an integral component mainly composed of the photosensitive drum 1 is moved along the drive shaft 16, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 16, and the shaft 16 A of the photosensitive drum 1 is coaxially coupled to the shaft 16. Thus, it can be easily attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in one example of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning means 41 and the charging means 42 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum unit 100 are used as the members related to the above image formation. An integrated process cartridge 200 is configured. That is, in the process cartridge 200, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed outside the cartridge case having a predetermined shape, and the shaft 16A of the photosensitive drum 1 is pivotally supported and stored in the case. In addition, a cleaning means 41 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after sequentially transferring the toner image around the photosensitive drum 1 and from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction thereof, and cleaned photosensitive material A charging means 42 for uniformly charging the surface of the body drum is arranged, and these means are housed in the case. Note that an engaging portion composed of the above-described claw and groove is formed on the shaft end of the shaft 16A of the photosensitive drum 1 facing the drive device and the shaft end of the output shaft 16 of the drive device facing the shaft end. It is provided, and is connected coaxially and detachably so that the rotational driving force can be transmitted.

  That is, for example, a gear shaft 16 of a drive transmission gear (not shown) and a photosensitive drum shaft 16A of the photosensitive drum 1 are connected via a joint member composed of a pair of engaging members fixed to respective shaft end portions. You may comprise so that rotational drive force may be transmitted on the same axis and detachably couple | bonded. More specifically, a first coupling (not shown), which is a first engaging member as a joint member that rotates integrally with the drum shaft 16A, is fixed to the end of the drum shaft 16A, while driving transmission is performed. A second coupling (not shown), which is a second engaging member as the joint member that rotates integrally with the gear shaft 16, is fixed to the end of the gear shaft 16. Therefore, when the process cartridge 200 is mounted at a predetermined position, the first coupling on the driven side that is the first engagement member engages with the coupling on the driving side that is the second engagement member. Are engaged so that the rotational driving force can be transmitted. As described above, the shaft ends are coaxially coupled to each other via the joint member, so that the coupling and release of the coupling are facilitated, and the driving force is transmitted as a single shaft. It will be certain.

  The cleaning means 41 is mainly composed of, for example, a cleaning blade. The cleaning blade has a blade edge at the tip thereof having a predetermined pressure and a predetermined contact angle at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1, In addition, the portion is configured to be in uniform contact with the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1, and the cleaning blade scrapes off the toner remaining on the surface and carried along with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 from the surface. It is configured to drop and remove.

  The charging means 42 has, for example, a charging roller as a charging member that is rotated so as to be driven by the photosensitive drum 1 when a predetermined voltage is applied, and the charging roller 42 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to a predetermined level. I have to. That is, the charging unit 42 includes a charging roller as the charging unit, and the charging roller is provided such that the roller surface is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 or is not in contact with the surface. A charging voltage controlled in a predetermined manner from a charging voltage applying means (not shown) is applied to at least the surface of the roller, whereby the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged.

  In the other example of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, for example, the cleaning means 41 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum unit 100, the charging means 42, and the developing means 43 are used as members related to the image formation. A process cartridge 300 integrated with the body drum 100 is configured. That is, the process cartridge 300 includes a developing unit 43 in addition to the members included in the process cartridge 200. The developing unit 43 is provided around the photosensitive drum 1 and in the rotation direction thereof. It is disposed downstream of the charging means 42 and is housed in the case.

  The developing means 43 has, for example, a developing sleeve having a roller outer shape whose surface is rotated so as to be driven by the photosensitive drum 1 at a predetermined minute interval on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The formed brush-like toner moves to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. That is, an appropriate size is provided between the exposed portion and the non-exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1 by a configuration in which a ferromagnetic material such as a magnet is disposed inside the developing sleeve, or from a voltage application mechanism (not shown) to the developing sleeve. In this configuration, a magnetic brush is formed radially from the surface of the developing sleeve, and toner is arranged along the magnetic brush. Only the toner particles are electrostatically adsorbed. As a result, the electrostatic latent image generated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is visualized into a toner image by the developing unit 43 using toner.

  The developing unit 43 is supplied with toner of a color corresponding to the cartridge mounting location from the image forming apparatus main body side. That is, the image forming apparatus main body is provided with toner bottles of various colors (not shown) filled with new toner. When the cartridge is mounted, the cartridge-side receiving port is connected to the supply port on the apparatus main body side. A supply path from the toner bottle filled with the toner of the color at the mounting location to the mounted cartridge is secured, and the toner can be supplied from the toner bottle to the cartridge in a predetermined manner by the transport means provided on the path. I have to. Then, the toner T that has been transported to the developing means 43 in a predetermined manner is transported by a transport screw (right) 44a, which is two screws arranged on the parallel axes in the developing means 43 shown in FIG. Each rotating motion of the screw (left) 44b is conveyed while being agitated with the previous developer, and becomes a developer having a predetermined toner concentration composed of toner and carrier, and the toner and carrier are predetermined in the conveyance process. By being triboelectrically charged, the toner acquires a predetermined charge and reaches the developing sleeve.

  The agent on the developing sleeve as the developing means main body is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with the amount of adhesion regulated by a developing doctor blade or the like, and a latent image on this surface, that is, a laser from the latent image forming apparatus 3. The invisible latent image written by exposure with the light L is converted into a visible toner image. A T sensor (toner concentration sensor) 45 is installed near the bottom of the developing unit receiving the toner supply, and detects the toner concentration in the agent and appropriately supplies the toner deficiency from the toner bottle. Control is performed.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the process in which the photosensitive drum and the charging means for uniformly charging at least the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum are accommodated in the case and unitized. Since the cartridge is configured and the process cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, that is, the driving device, the process cartridge can be easily replaced, improving operability and serviceability, and without using a jig. In addition, it is possible to appropriately correct the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum, and to suppress image deterioration due to positional deviation and color deviation.

  Next explained is the fifth embodiment of the invention. The description will focus on the differences from the third embodiment described above, and the phase difference is determined from the configuration and control not described in the fifth embodiment, that is, the configuration of the image forming apparatus and the measurement of characteristics unique to each drive transmission gear. Other controls including the control for adjusting the predetermined value are the same as those in the third embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is mounted on the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus (not shown) is provided with the driving device 10 described above in advance, and the photosensitive drum 1 receives a predetermined driving force from the driving device main body of the driving device 10. It is configured so that it can be mounted in a predetermined manner and can be easily released, and is detachable.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, since the photosensitive drum is detachable from the apparatus main body, the photosensitive drum can be easily replaced, and the operability and serviceability are improved, and the process is improved. Without using a tool, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus in which the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum is appropriately corrected to suppress image deterioration due to positional deviation or color deviation.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum as an image carrier is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving operability and serviceability, and without using a jig. In addition, an image forming apparatus is provided in which the rotational phase of the drive transmission gears for the photosensitive drums of the respective colors is appropriately corrected to suppress image deterioration due to positional deviation and color deviation. The difference from the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the phase difference is set to a predetermined value based on the configuration and control not described in the sixth embodiment, that is, the configuration of the image forming apparatus and the phase detection of the photosensitive drum. Other controls including the control to be performed are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the sixth embodiment, either the process cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 6 or the process cartridge 300 shown in FIG. 7 is mounted on the image forming apparatus in a replaceable manner. In other words, the image forming apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus (not shown) is provided with the driving device 10 described above in advance, and the photosensitive drum 1 housed in the process cartridge is predetermined from the driving device main body of the driving device 10. One of the process cartridges described above is mounted in a predetermined manner so as to receive a driving force, and can be easily released, and is detachable.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, since the process cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge can be easily replaced, and the operability and serviceability are improved, and the process is improved. Without using a tool, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus in which the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum is appropriately corrected to suppress image deterioration due to positional deviation or color deviation.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seventh embodiment improves the operability and serviceability by making the photosensitive drum, which is an image carrier, detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and without using a jig, each color image carrier. An image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image, which appropriately corrects the rotational phase of the drive gear and suppresses image deterioration due to positional shift and color shift, is provided. The description will focus on the differences from the third embodiment, and the configuration and control not described in the seventh embodiment, that is, the measurement of characteristics unique to each configuration of the image forming apparatus and each drive transmission gear will be described. Other controls including the control for adjusting the phase difference to a predetermined value are the same as those in the third embodiment.

  In the seventh embodiment, an image forming apparatus (not shown) includes four photosensitive drums 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the image forming apparatus includes a predetermined number of driving devices (not shown), that is, at least four, and at least four photosensitive drums 1 that are image carriers driven by these driving devices. A color image can be formed. Specifically, four driving devices described above are provided in advance at predetermined positions of an image forming apparatus main body (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, and the respective photosensitive drums are provided from the driving device main bodies of these driving devices. Each photosensitive drum 1 is mounted in a predetermined manner so that 1 receives a predetermined driving force, and this mounting can be easily released, and is detachable.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, since the photosensitive drum is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum can be easily replaced, and the operability and serviceability are improved. It is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image by appropriately correcting the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum without using a jig, and suppressing image deterioration due to misregistration or color misregistration. it can.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the invention will be described. In the eighth embodiment, a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum as an image carrier is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, thereby improving operability and serviceability, and without using a jig. An image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image, which appropriately corrects the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum and suppresses image deterioration due to positional shift and color shift, is provided. The description will focus on the differences from the fourth embodiment, and the configuration and control that are not described in the eighth embodiment, that is, the measurement of characteristics unique to each configuration of the image forming apparatus and each drive transmission gear. Other controls including the control for adjusting the phase difference to a predetermined value are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

  In the eighth embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes at least four drive devices, and at least four process cartridges that are driven by these drive devices, each of which is a photosensitive drum serving as an image carrier. It is configured so that a color image can be formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus B is equipped with four process cartridges 200 having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 or the process cartridge 300 having the configuration shown in FIG. Specifically, four drive devices (not shown) are provided in advance at predetermined positions of the image forming apparatus main body 500 of the image forming apparatus B, and each process is performed from the drive apparatus main body of these drive devices. Any one of the process cartridges described above is mounted in a predetermined manner so that the photosensitive drum housed in the cartridge receives a predetermined driving force, and the mounting can be easily released.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus B has an image forming apparatus main body 500 in which a predetermined accommodation space is formed, and the image forming apparatus main body 500 is arranged from the generally lower side to the upper side. A sheet transport path is formed in a predetermined direction, and the process cartridge 200 (300) selected from any one of the above is installed in a toner image forming station of each color set in a predetermined position of the transport path. These process cartridges can be easily attached and detached.

  That is, the image forming apparatus main body 500 includes a sheet storage unit 81 arranged in a lower portion thereof, in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked and stored, and sheets one by one from the sheet storage unit. Conveying means 82 that forms a conveying path that conveys from the lower right to the upper left of the image and is finally discharged to the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 500, and is responsible for most of the oblique linear portion of the conveying path. A conveyor belt 83 that is driven by a predetermined belt feed, a driving device (not shown) disposed in each of four toner image forming stations provided along the conveyor belt 83, and a toner image forming station in the same conveying path. And a fixing device 84 provided therein. The fixing device 84 is accommodated in the inside of the fixing device 84. The fixing device 84 is accommodated in the inside of the fixing belt. , Process cartridges are mounted on four toner image forming stations arranged at equal intervals, and as described above, the photosensitive drums 1M, 1C, 1Y, and 1K housed in the process cartridges are mounted. The photosensitive drums 1M, 1C, 1Y, and 1K are in contact with the belt surface on the upper side of the conveying belt 83, while receiving a driving force from a driving device provided in advance in each toner image forming station. ing.

  That is, the conveying means 82 has a pair of various rollers and various rollers arranged so as to oppose each part of the above-mentioned conveying path so as to form the above-mentioned conveying path, and these are linked in a predetermined manner. Thus, the rotational drive control is performed. As for the configuration relating to the conveyance belt 83, instead of the intermediate transfer belt in the configuration of the fixing unit described above, a conveyance belt 83 is provided, and the conveyance belt 83 is driven to feed the belt in a predetermined manner, and the conveyance belt 83 in this feeding direction. The color toner images generated on the photosensitive drums 1M to 1K are sequentially transferred to the paper conveyed by the printer. The fixing device 84 has a heating roller and a pressure roller that are arranged to face each other, and is provided with an electric heater that heats the surface of the roller to a predetermined temperature, and the pressure roller is pressed and urged to the heating roller side. A portion where these two rollers are in contact with each other is formed as a fixing nip portion having a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure. Therefore, in the process in which the sheet passes through the fixing nip formed by the fixing device 7, the sheet is heated to a predetermined temperature and pressurized to a predetermined temperature from both sides, and the toner image transferred to the surface is Fixed on paper.

  Therefore, one sheet of paper that is transported in a predetermined manner on the transport path is an M color toner image or C color toner generated by the photosensitive drums 1M, 1C, 1Y, and 1K during transport by the transport belt 83 during the transport process. An image, a Y color toner image, and a K color toner image are sequentially transferred in a superimposed manner, and the color toner image transferred in a directly superimposed manner is subjected to predetermined thermocompression bonding on the paper while passing through the fixing device 84. The sheet on which the image is formed in this manner is finally discharged to the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 500.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, since the process cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus itself, the process cartridge can be easily exchanged for the image forming apparatus, and the operability, An image capable of forming a color image that improves serviceability and corrects the rotational phase of the drive transmission gear for each color photosensitive drum appropriately without using a jig to suppress image deterioration due to misregistration or color misregistration. A forming device can be obtained.

  As described above, in the first to seventh embodiments, an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer belt is used. In the eighth embodiment, a sheet transport belt as a transport body is used. And a direct transfer type image forming apparatus that directly transfers toner images of respective colors onto a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying belt. It is shown that it may be applied.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the photosensitive drum as the four image bearing members is provided and the image is formed using the four color toner images has been described. The present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a body drum is provided and an image is formed using a multicolor toner image. That is, for example, in this case, in particular, as described above, if the above-described storage unit and reading unit are provided and predetermined adjustment control is performed without pursuing the molding accuracy of the drive transmission gear as the drive transmission member. Further, it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality such as color shift and position shift. Therefore, in such a high-grade image forming apparatus that forms an image by superimposing more color toner images, even if a larger number of drive transmission gears are required, the drive transmission gear manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process Therefore, the image quality can be improved while the drive transmission gear is manufactured, and it is further effective in terms of suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the drive transmission gear. On the other hand, by using a large number of drive transmission gears in this way, the image forming apparatus remains on the market without collecting the entire image forming apparatus even if the frequency of replacement of the drive transmission gear at the market stage increases. The predetermined drive transmission gear can be exchanged. That is, it is possible to adjust the phase alignment of a new drive transmission gear that has been replaced in a predetermined manner without using a jig. For this reason, maintainability can be improved.

1 is a schematic front view mainly showing a photosensitive drum as an image carrier and a configuration for driving the photosensitive drum according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of a storage unit provided in a drive transmission gear serving as a drive transmission member and a reading unit provided in the apparatus main body, illustrating the drive device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and an outline of a reference protrusion provided on a drive transmission gear and a detection sensor provided on an apparatus main body. It is the graph which showed 2nd Embodiment of this invention and showed the period of a rotation phase, and the rotation fluctuation condition in this 1 period. FIG. 10 is a partially omitted longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention and showing an outline of a configuration in which a photosensitive drum as an image carrier and a gear shaft of a drive transmission gear are detachably engaged with each other. . One example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the structure of a photosensitive drum and at least a process cartridge containing a charging means is shown, and a cross section perpendicular to the substantially central portion in the longitudinal axis direction of the photosensitive drum is shown. It is the approximate center sectional view cut and shown by. The fourth embodiment of the present invention shows the other example, in which the configuration of a process cartridge containing a predetermined member in addition to the photosensitive drum and the charging means is arranged so that the substantially central portion in the longitudinal axis direction of the photosensitive drum is vertical. It is the approximate center sectional view cut and shown by a transverse section. The front view which shows the outline | summary of the structure which showed the 8th Embodiment of this invention, and in the image forming apparatus of the system directly transferred to a sheet | seat, the process cartridge provided with the image carrier is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. It is.

Explanation of symbols

1,1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
2 Intermediate transfer belt 3 Exposure device 6 Intermediate transfer belt drive device 10, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image carrier drive device 11 Drive device body 12, 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Image carrier drive motors 13, 13Y, 13M , 13C, 13K Image carrier drive motor gears 15, 15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K Image carrier drive transmission gear (drive transmission member)
16 Image carrier drive transmission gear shaft 17 IC tag (storage unit)
18 Bracket 19 Reading unit 21 Reference projection 22 Detection sensor 31 Flange 31a Groove 32 Joint 32a Claw 41 Cleaning unit 42 Charging unit 43 Developing unit 81 Paper storage unit 82 Conveying unit 83 Conveying belt 84 Fixing device 200, 300 Process cartridge 500 Image forming apparatus Main body (paper direct transfer system)
A Image forming device (intermediate transfer method) B Image forming device (paper direct transfer method)
C center line (rotation center axis of the drive transmission gear and the shaft of the drive transmission gear)

Claims (8)

In a drive device having a drive transmission member to which a drive force is transmitted,
A drive device characterized in that the drive transmission member is provided with a storage unit for storing information relating to the drive transmission member in a readable manner, and a reading unit for reading information in the storage unit is provided in the apparatus main body. The drive transmission member is a gear for driving the image carrier, and the storage unit stores information on the rotational phase of the gear,
2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein the rotational phase of the gear is controlled based on the rotational phase information read by the reading unit. The gear shaft is provided with an engaging portion that rotates integrally with the gear shaft,
The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the image carrier is provided with an engaging portion that is detachably engaged with an engaging portion of the gear shaft.   The image carrier is a process cartridge in which at least a charging means for charging the image carrier is housed in a case to form a unit, and the process cartridge is detachable. 3 drive device.   An image forming apparatus comprising the driving device according to claim 1.   An image forming apparatus comprising the driving device according to claim 4.   An image forming apparatus comprising the driving device according to claim 3 and having at least four image carriers driven by the driving device so that a color image can be formed. An image forming apparatus comprising the driving device according to claim 3 and having at least four process cartridges to which the image carrier is driven by the driving device so that a color image can be formed. .

Images