JP2009092146A - Connection device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connection device and an image forming device capable of connecting a driving shaft and a driven shaft only by moving the driving shaft or the driven shaft in the substantially axial direction, for transmitting rotational driving force of the driving shaft to the driven shaft, by connecting the driving shaft and the driven shaft, even if there is axial dislocation between the driving shaft and the driven shaft. <P>SOLUTION: This device has a first male side joint 711 being a driven shaft side member installed on a developing roller shaft 5j being the driven shaft, a second male side joint 721 being a driving shaft side member installed on the driving shaft 82, a relay member 73 having a first female side joint part being a first engaging part and a second female side joint part being a second engaging part, and a support member 84 regulating an inclination by dead weight of the relay member 73. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a coupling device and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a constant velocity joint is known as one of drive transmission mechanisms for transmitting rotational torque of a drive shaft of an automobile to an axle. The constant velocity joint can transmit a driving force between them in the rotational direction at a constant velocity while allowing a deviation angle between the driving shaft on the driving side and the driven shaft on the driven side that are aligned in the axial direction. .

  As a constant velocity joint, for example, a triball joint as described in Patent Document 1 is generally known. The tri-ball joint includes a ball non-holding member and a ball holding member that are aligned in the axial direction. The ball non-holding member has an annular space that is open at one end, and an outer groove is formed as a track groove that extends in the axial direction on the outer wall surface of the annular space and is arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. Has been. In addition, an inner groove serving as a track groove is formed on the inner wall surface of the annular space so as to face the outer groove while extending in the axial direction. On the other hand, the ball holding member is formed so that ball holding holes are arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction on the hollow cylindrical peripheral wall inserted into the annular space of the ball non-holding member, Holding the ball in the ball holding hole. The ball holding member is inserted into the annular space of the ball non-holding member so that these balls are engaged with the inner groove and the outer groove of the ball non-holding member. In this state, when either the ball non-holding member or the ball holding member rotates on the driving side, the rotational force is transmitted to the other through the plurality of balls engaged with the inner and outer grooves. The

  Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe a connecting device 700 as shown in FIG. That is, the coupling device 700 described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 includes a driven shaft side member 702 attached to the driven shaft 701, a drive shaft side member 704 attached to the drive shaft 703, and a driven shaft side member 702. The relay member 710 includes a first engagement portion 705 to be engaged and a second engagement portion 706 to be engaged with the drive shaft side member 704. The driven shaft-side member 702 has an annular space 702a that is open at one end, and is a track groove that extends in the axial direction on the outer wall surface of the annular space 702a and is arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. An outer groove 702b is formed. In addition, an inner groove 702c is formed on the inner wall surface of the annular space 702a as a track groove that extends in the axial direction and is arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. The first engagement portion 705 of the relay member 710 has a hollow cylindrical portion that is inserted into the annular space of the driven shaft side member 702, and the ball holding hole 705b is circumferentially formed on the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical portion. It is formed so as to be arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the direction. The balls 173 are held in the respective ball holding holes 705b. These balls 173 are inserted into the annular space of the driven shaft side member 702 so as to engage with the inner groove 702c and the outer groove 702b of the driven shaft side member 702.

  Further, the drive shaft side member 704 has an annular space 704a having an opening at one end, and the track grooves are arranged on the outer wall surface of the annular space 704a in the axial direction and arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. An outer groove 704b is formed. Further, an inner groove 704c is formed on the inner wall surface of the annular space 704a as a track groove that extends in the axial direction and is arranged at intervals of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. The second engagement portion 706 of the relay member 710 has a hollow cylindrical portion that is inserted into the annular space of the drive shaft side member 704, and the ball holding hole 706b is provided in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical portion. Are arranged at intervals of 120 °. The balls 173 are held in the respective ball holding holes 706b. These balls 173 are inserted into the annular space of the drive shaft side member 704 so as to engage with the inner groove 704 c and the outer groove 704 b of the drive shaft side member 704.

  That is, in the coupling device 700 described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the driven shaft side member 702 and the drive shaft side member 704 are the above-described ball non-holding members, and the first engagement portion 705 and the second engagement portion of the relay member 710 are used. The above-mentioned constant velocity joint is arranged in series in the axial direction using the joint portion 706 as the above-mentioned ball holding member.

  In the coupling device 700 described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the relay member 710 is inclined relative to the driven shaft side member 702 and the driving shaft side member 704, so that the driven shaft 701 and the driving shaft 703 are connected. Even if there is a misalignment between the axes, the driven shaft 701 and the driving shaft 703 can be connected. In addition, the driven shaft side member 702 and the drive shaft side member 704 are the ball non-holding portions, and the first engagement portion 705 and the second engagement portion 706 of the relay member 710 are the two ball holding members. By adopting a configuration in which the joints are arranged in series in the axial direction, even if there is a misalignment between the drive shaft 703 and the driven shaft 701, rotation on the drive shaft side is made constant speed to the driven shaft. Can communicate.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 also describes a connection device 700 shown in FIG. 26 that is used to connect the output shaft of the photosensitive member driving motor of the image forming apparatus and the photosensitive member shaft of the photosensitive member.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-34699 JP 2006-194415 A JP 2006-97758 A JP 2006-163232 A

  The relay member 710 in the coupling device 700 described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 is configured to be inclined relative to the driven shaft side member 702 and the driving shaft side member 704. Therefore, if there is no member that supports the relay member 710, the driven shaft side member 702 and the first engagement portion 705 are separated from each other, or the drive shaft side member 704 and the second engagement portion 706 are separated from each other. The relay member 710 is greatly inclined due to its own weight. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27, in order to connect the driven shaft 701 and the driving shaft 703, the driven shaft side member 702 is simply moved in the axial direction (the direction of arrow A in the figure). The driven shaft side member 702 and the first engaging portion 705 cannot be engaged, and the drive shaft 703 and the driven shaft 701 cannot be connected. Therefore, in order to connect the drive shaft 703 and the driven shaft 701, it is necessary to move the driven shaft side member obliquely upward from below (in the direction of arrow B in the figure). It was necessary to provide a wide space for connection.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to connect the drive shaft and the driven shaft even if there is a misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. Device capable of transmitting the rotational driving force of the drive shaft to the driven shaft, and capable of connecting the drive shaft and the driven shaft only by moving the drive shaft or the driven shaft substantially in the axial direction, and image formation Is to provide a device.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a driven shaft for transmitting a driving force to a rotating body, a driving shaft that receives a driving force from a driving source provided in the apparatus main body, and is driven to rotate. A driven shaft side member attached to the driven shaft, a drive shaft side member attached to the drive shaft, and a first engagement portion that engages with the driven shaft side member. A second engagement portion that engages with the drive shaft side member, and the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft can be inclined relative to the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, respectively. A relay member engaged with the side member, and at least one of the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member is separable from the relay member, and at least the driven shaft side Any of the member and the drive shaft side member When in a state of being separated from the relay member, the driven shaft side member and the first engagement are simply supported by supporting the relay member and moving the driven shaft side member or the drive shaft side member in the axial direction. A support member that regulates the inclination of the relay member due to its own weight within a range in which engagement with a portion or engagement between the drive shaft side member and the second engagement portion can be performed. It is a feature.
The invention according to claim 2 is the connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the support member has an axis center of the relay member located below the axis center of the driven shaft and the drive shaft, and the relay member It has a base part which mounts and supports the said relay member so that a clearance gap may be formed above.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the connecting device according to the first aspect, the support member rotatably and elastically supports the relay member.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the connecting device according to the third aspect, the support member supports the relay member using a rubber material.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the connecting device according to the third aspect, the support member has an elastically deformable shape.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the connecting device according to the fifth aspect, the support member is formed of a resin material.
The invention according to claim 7 is the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one of the driven shaft side member and the first engaging portion of the relay member is annularly opened at one end. A first ball non-holding portion having a space and a plurality of axially extending track grooves formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on at least one of the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the annular space, the other part of which is the first A first constant velocity joint is configured as a first ball holding portion that holds a ball that is incorporated in the annular space of the ball non-holding portion and slides along the track groove formed in the first ball non-holding portion. One of the drive shaft side member and the second engaging portion of the relay member has an annular space with one end opened, and is axially provided on at least one of the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the annular space. Extending track grooves in the circumferential direction, etc. A plurality of second ball non-holding portions formed at intervals are formed, and the other part is incorporated in the annular space of the second ball non-holding portion, along the track groove formed in the second ball non-holding portion. The second constant velocity joint is configured as the second ball holding portion for holding the sliding ball.
The invention according to claim 8 is the connecting device according to claim 7, wherein both the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion of the relay member are ball holding portions or ball non-holding portions. It is a feature.
According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a unit having a rotating body and a driven shaft for transmitting a driving force to the rotating body, the unit being detachable from the apparatus body, and the unit being attached to the apparatus body. In the image forming apparatus comprising: a connecting unit that connects the driven shaft and a driving shaft that rotates and receives a driving force from a driving source provided in the apparatus main body, The connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the unit detachable from the apparatus main body includes an image carrier and any one of a developing device, a cleaning device, and a charging device. This is a process cartridge.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the unit detachable from the apparatus main body is a developing unit.

According to the first to eleventh aspects of the invention, when the driven shaft side member and the first engaging portion are separated from each other, or when the driving shaft side member and the second engaging portion are separated from each other, the driven shaft side is separated. By merely moving the member or the drive shaft side member in the axial direction, the driven shaft side member and the first engagement portion can be engaged, or the drive shaft side member and the second engagement portion can be engaged. The inclination by the weight of the relay member is regulated by the support member within a possible range. As a result, the drive shaft and the driven shaft can be connected only by moving the drive shaft or the driven shaft substantially in the axial direction. As a result, the driven shaft and the drive shaft can be connected without providing a large space in the device for connecting the driven shaft and the drive shaft, thereby reducing the size of the device and the layout of the device. Can increase the degree of freedom.
Further, since the relay member engages with the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member so as to be able to be inclined relative to the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, respectively, between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. Even if the shaft is misaligned, the relay member is inclined with respect to the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, so that the drive shaft and the driven shaft can be connected, and the rotational driving force of the drive shaft is applied to the driven shaft. Can communicate.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electrophotographic printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) will be described as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
First, the basic configuration of the printer will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the printer. In the figure, the printer includes four process cartridges 1Y, C, M, and K for generating toner images of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black (hereinafter referred to as Y, C, M, and K). Yes. These use Y, C, M, and K toners of different colors as image forming substances for forming an image. The other configurations are the same, and are replaced when the lifetime is reached. In the following description, since the process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K have the same configuration, the reference symbols Y, C, M, and K for color classification are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 1 contains a drum-shaped photosensitive member 2 as an image carrier, a drum cleaning unit 3, a charging unit 4, a developing unit 5, a lubricant application unit 6, and the like in a frame (not shown). ing. The process cartridge 1 can be attached to and detached from the printer body, so that consumable parts can be replaced at a time.

  The charging unit 4 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 2 that is rotated clockwise in the drawing by a driving unit (not shown). In the figure, the charging roller 4a, which is a rotating member that is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing while a charging bias is applied by a power source (not shown), is not in contact with the photosensitive member 2 to uniformly charge the photosensitive member 2. The non-contact charging roller type charging unit 4 is shown. As the charging unit 4, other than the above, a scorotron method, a corotron method, a contact roller method, or the like can be used.

As the charging bias applied to the contact type and non-contact type charging roller 4a, there are a type in which alternating current is superimposed on direct current, and a method in which only direct current is applied. The charging bias that superimposes the alternating current on the direct current in the contact type charging roller 4a is such that the surface potential of the charging roller 4a remains constant even if the resistance value of the charging roller 4a changes due to environmental changes by controlling the alternating current to a constant current. There is a merit that is not affected. However, the cost of the power supply device becomes high, and AC high frequency sound is a problem. On the other hand, in the non-contact charging roller 4a, the surface of the photosensitive member cannot be uniformly charged due to the influence of the gap fluctuation between the photosensitive member 2 and the charging roller 4a with the charging bias that superimposes the alternating current on the direct current. , The image is uneven. For this reason, a charging bias correcting means corresponding to the gap fluctuation is required.
The charging roller 4a can be driven by a method of rotating with the photosensitive member 2 or a method of obtaining a driving force from a driving source for driving the photosensitive member 2 through a gear or the like. In the case of a low-speed machine, a method of rotating with the photosensitive member 2 is generally used. The latter method is common for devices that require high speed and high image quality.

  In the figure, a charging roller cleaner 4b for cleaning the surface of the charging roller 4a is provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive member 2 from being charged to the target potential due to dirt adhering to the charging roller 4a. As a result, abnormal images due to poor charging can be suppressed. The charging roller cleaner 4b is generally composed of melanin, and is configured to rotate with the charging roller 4a.

  The developing unit 5 as developing means has a first agent accommodating portion 5e in which a first conveying screw 5a is disposed. Further, it also has a second agent storage portion 5f in which a toner concentration sensor 5c composed of a magnetic permeability sensor, a second transport screw 5b, a developing roll 5g, a doctor blade 5d, and the like are disposed. In these two agent storage portions, a developer (not shown) composed of a magnetic carrier and a negatively chargeable toner is included. The first transport screw 5a is driven to rotate by a driving unit (not shown), thereby transporting the developer in the first agent container 5e from the front side to the back side in the drawing. And it penetrates into the 2nd agent accommodating part 5f through the communication port which is not shown in the partition wall between the 1st agent accommodating part 5e and the 2nd agent accommodating part 5f. The second transport screw 5b in the second agent container 5f is rotated by a driving means (not shown), thereby transporting the developer from the back side to the front side in the drawing. The developer concentration in the middle of conveyance is detected by a toner concentration sensor 5c fixed to the bottom of the second agent storage portion 5f. In the upper part of the second conveying screw 5b for conveying the developer in this way in the figure, a developing roll 5g that includes the magnet roller 5i in the developing sleeve 5h that is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure is disposed in parallel. ing. The developer conveyed by the second conveying screw 5b is pumped up to the surface of the developing sleeve 5h by the magnetic force generated by the magnet roller 5i. Then, after the layer thickness is regulated by a doctor blade 5d arranged so as to maintain a predetermined gap from the developing sleeve 5h, it is conveyed to a developing region facing the photosensitive member 2 and is electrostatically charged on the photosensitive member 2. Toner adheres to the latent image. By this adhesion, a Y toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 2. The developer that has consumed toner by the development is returned to the second conveying screw 5b as the developing sleeve 5h of the developing roll 5g rotates. And if it conveys to the near end in a figure, it will return in the 1st agent accommodating part 5e through the communication port which is not shown in figure.

  The detection result of the magnetic permeability of the developer by the toner concentration sensor 5c is sent to a control unit (not shown) as a voltage signal. Since the magnetic permeability of the developer has a correlation with the toner concentration of the developer, the toner concentration sensor 5c outputs a voltage having a value corresponding to the toner concentration. The control unit includes a RAM, in which data of Vtref, which is a target value of the output voltage from the toner density sensor 5c, is stored. For the developing unit 5, the value of the output voltage from the toner density sensor 5c is compared with Vtref, and a toner supply device (not shown) is driven for a time corresponding to the comparison result. By this driving, an appropriate amount of toner is supplied from the first agent container 5e to the developer whose toner density has been reduced by consuming the toner during development. For this reason, the toner concentration of the developer in the second agent container 5e is maintained within a predetermined range.

  The cleaning unit 3 removes untransferred toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 2 without being transferred from the surface of the photoconductor 2. The cleaning unit 3 is provided with a cleaning blade 3a that is a blade member that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor in the counter direction. Further, the cleaning unit 3 includes a collection unit 3b that collects the transfer residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor 2 removed by the cleaning blade 3a. The collection unit 3b includes a conveyance auger 3c that conveys the toner collected by the collection unit to a waste toner bottle (not shown).

  Transfer residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor 2 is removed by the cleaning blade 3a. The transfer residual toner collected at the tip of the cleaning blade 3a falls to the collection unit 3b. Then, the toner is transported as waste toner to a waste toner bottle (not shown) by the transport auger 3c and stored therein. The waste toner stored in the waste toner bottle in this way is collected by a service person or the like. Note that the transfer residual toner collected in the collection unit 3b may be conveyed to the developing unit 5 as recycled toner and used again for development.

  The lubricant application unit 6 as a lubricant application means applies a lubricant to the surface of the photoreceptor 2 to reduce the coefficient of friction on the surface of the photoreceptor 2. The lubricant is applied to the surface of the photoreceptor 2 by molding the lubricant into a solid form to form a solid lubricant 6a, and pressing the solid lubricant 6a against the fur brush 6c that is rotated by the pressure spring 6b, thereby fur brush. It is applied to the photoreceptor 2 via 6c. As the lubricant, ZnSt (zinc stearate) is most commonly used. The fur brush 6c is made of insulating PET, conductive PET, acrylic fiber, or the like. The lubricant applied to the surface of the photosensitive member is fixed to the surface of the photosensitive member with a uniform thickness by the lubricant application blade 6d. By applying a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor 2, filming of the photoconductor 2 can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an optical writing unit 20 is disposed below the process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K in the drawing. The optical writing unit 20 serving as a latent image forming unit irradiates each photoconductor in each of the process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K with a laser beam L emitted based on the image information. As a result, electrostatic latent images for Y, C, M, and K are formed on the photoreceptors 2Y, 2C, 2M, and 2K. The optical writing unit 20 deflects the laser light L emitted from the light source by the polygon mirror 21 that is rotationally driven by a motor, and passes through the photosensitive members 2Y, 2C, 2M, and 2K via a plurality of optical lenses and mirrors. Is irradiated.

  A first paper feed cassette 31 and a second paper feed cassette 32 are arranged on the lower side of the optical writing unit 20 in the drawing so as to overlap in the vertical direction. In each of these paper feed cassettes, a plurality of transfer papers P as recording bodies are accommodated in a state of a bundle of transfer papers, and the first paper feed roller 31a, The second paper feed rollers 32a are in contact with each other. When the first paper feed roller 31a is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure by driving means (not shown), the uppermost transfer paper P in the first paper feed cassette 31 is vertically oriented on the right side of the cassette in the figure. The paper is discharged toward the paper feed path 33 arranged so as to extend. Further, when the second paper feed roller 32 a is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure by a driving means (not shown), the uppermost transfer paper P in the second paper feed cassette 32 is directed toward the paper feed path 33. Discharged. A plurality of transport roller pairs 34 are arranged in the paper feed path 33, and the transfer paper P sent to the paper feed path 33 is sandwiched between the rollers of the transport roller pair 34, while the paper feed path 33. 33 is conveyed from the lower side to the upper side in the figure.

  A registration roller pair 35 is disposed at the end of the paper feed path 33. The registration roller pair 35 temporarily stops the rotation of both rollers as soon as the transfer paper P sent from the transport roller pair 34 is sandwiched between the rollers. Then, the transfer paper P is sent out toward a later-described secondary transfer nip at an appropriate timing.

  Above each of the process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, there is disposed a transfer unit 40 that endlessly moves counterclockwise in the drawing while stretching an intermediate transfer belt 41 that is an intermediate transfer member. The transfer unit 40 serving as transfer means includes an intermediate transfer belt 41, a belt cleaning unit 42, a first bracket 43, a second bracket 44, and the like. Further, four primary transfer rollers 45Y, 45C, 45M, 45K, a secondary transfer backup roller 46, a drive roller 47, an auxiliary roller 48, a tension roller 49, and the like are also provided. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is endlessly moved counterclockwise in the figure by the rotational driving of the driving roller 47 while being stretched by these eight rollers. The four primary transfer rollers 45Y, 45C, 45C, 45M, 45K, and 45K sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 41 that is moved endlessly in this manner from the photoreceptors 2Y, 2C, 2M, and 2K, thereby forming primary transfer nips. ing. Then, a transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner (for example, plus) is applied to the back surface (loop inner peripheral surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 41. The intermediate transfer belt 41 sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips for Y, C, M, and K along with the endless movement thereof, and on the surface of the photoreceptor 2Y, C, M, K on the front surface. The Y, C, M, and K toner images are superimposed and primarily transferred. As a result, a four-color superimposed toner image (hereinafter referred to as a four-color toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41.

  The secondary transfer backup roller 46 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 41 with the secondary transfer roller 50 disposed outside the loop of the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a secondary transfer nip. The registration roller pair 35 described above sends the transfer paper P sandwiched between the rollers toward the secondary transfer nip at a timing at which the transfer paper P can be synchronized with the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41. The four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is affected by the secondary transfer electric field formed between the secondary transfer roller 50 to which the secondary transfer bias is applied and the secondary transfer backup roller 46, and the influence of the nip pressure. The secondary transfer is batch-transferred onto the transfer paper P in the secondary transfer nip. Then, combined with the white color of the transfer paper P, a full color toner image is obtained.

  Transfer residual toner that has not been transferred to the transfer paper P adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 41 after passing through the secondary transfer nip. This is cleaned by the belt cleaning unit 42.

  A fixing unit 60 including a pressure roller 61 and a fixing belt unit 62 is disposed above the secondary transfer nip in the drawing. The fixing belt unit 62 of the fixing unit 60 moves the fixing belt 64 endlessly in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing while being stretched by the heating roller 63, the tension roller 65, and the driving roller 66. The heating roller 63 includes a heat source such as a halogen lamp, and heats the fixing belt 64 from the back side. A pressure roller 61 that is driven to rotate clockwise in the drawing is in contact with the surface of the fixing belt 64 that is heated in this manner from the front side. Thereby, a fixing nip where the pressure roller 61 and the fixing belt 64 abut is formed.

  The transfer paper P that has passed through the secondary transfer nip is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 41 and then sent into the fixing unit 60. Then, in the process of being conveyed from the lower side to the upper side in the figure while being sandwiched by the fixing nip, the full-color toner image is fixed by being heated or pressed by the fixing belt 64.

  The transfer paper P subjected to the fixing process in this way passes through between the rollers of the paper discharge roller pair 67 and is then discharged outside the apparatus. A stack unit 68 is formed on the upper surface of the housing of the printer main body, and the transfer sheets P discharged to the outside by the pair of discharge rollers 67 are sequentially stacked on the stack unit 68.

  Above the transfer unit 40, four toner cartridges 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K that store Y, C, M, and K toners are disposed. The Y, C, M, and K toners in the toner cartridges 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K are appropriately supplied to the developing units of the process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K, respectively. These toner cartridges 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K can be attached to and detached from the printer main body independently of the process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, and 1K.

  In the printer having the above-described configuration, toner image formation for forming a toner image on the transfer paper P, which is a recording medium, by combining the four process cartridges 1Y, 1C, 1M, 1K, the optical writing unit 20, the transfer unit 40, and the like. Means are configured.

3A is a front view when the process cartridge 1 is viewed from the back side of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram when the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the printer main body, and FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram before the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the printer main body.
As shown in FIG. 4, a front side plate 18 and a back side plate 11 are provided outside the respective end portions in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1. The face plates 11 and 18 rotatably support the drum shaft 2a, which is a support shaft of the photosensitive member 2, and the developing roller shaft 5j of the developing roller 5g provided in the developing unit 5, so that the photosensitive member 2 and the developing roller 5g are supported. Maintain a constant development gap in between. That is, the drum shaft 2 a of the photoreceptor 2 is rotatably fitted to the face plates 11 and 18 via the bearings 15 and 17. The developing roller shaft 5j of the developing roller 5g is also rotatably fitted to the face plates 11 and 18 via bearings 16 and 19, respectively. As a result, the developing unit 5 as the driven unit and the photosensitive member 2 are assembled together.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the back side plate 11 is formed with a secondary reference hole 13 made of a long hole, and the secondary reference hole 13 is fixed to the developing unit 5. The secondary reference pin 5m is fitted. Similarly, a secondary reference hole made of a long hole is formed in the front side plate 18, and a secondary reference pin fixed to the developing unit 5 is fitted in the secondary reference hole. As described above, the secondary reference pin is fitted into the secondary reference hole formed in each of the face plates 11 and 18, so that the developing unit 5 is prohibited from rotating around the central axis of the developing roller 5g.

  As described above, the photosensitive member 2 and the developing roller 5g are correctly positioned and connected to each other to constitute an integral process cartridge 1. In addition, the distance between the central axis of the photoreceptor 2 and the central axis of the developing roller 5g is correctly regulated by the face plates 11 and 18. As a result, when the photoconductor 2 and the developing roller 5g are arranged so as to face each other with a small gap as shown in the illustrated example, the gap is correctly maintained, and the photoconductor 2 has a high quality. A clear toner image can be developed. Further, when the photosensitive member 2 and the developing roller 5g are configured to contact each other and face each other, the contact pressure is correctly regulated so that a high-quality toner image is developed on the photosensitive member 2. Can do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge side reference pin 14 which is a cartridge side reference reference fitting portion is formed on the back side surface plate 11. A driven side coupling 93a is fixed to the back end of the drum shaft 2a.

FIG. 6 is a main part schematic perspective view showing a drive transmission part of the developing unit 5 as a unit transmission mechanism.
As shown in the figure, a first gear 140 is attached to the shaft of the developing roller 5g, and an idler gear 142 attached to a rotation shaft rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) is attached to the first gear 140. I'm engaged. The idler gear 142 meshes with a second gear 143 attached to the shaft of the transport screw 5b. Since the developing roller 5g as a rotating body has the largest torque in the developing unit 5, it is preferable to attach the connecting means 70 to the shaft of the developing roller 5g. This is because, when the connecting means 70 is attached to the conveying screw shaft, the torque of the developing roller 5g is applied to unit transmission mechanisms such as the first gear 140, the idler gear 142, and the second gear 143. On the other hand, when the connecting means 70 is attached to the developing roller shaft, the torque of the conveying screw 5b is applied to the unit transmission mechanism. Since the developing roller 5g has a larger torque than the conveyance screw 5b, the load on the unit transmission mechanism is greater when the torque of the conveyance screw 5b is applied to the unit transmission mechanism than when the torque of the development roller 5g is applied to the unit transmission mechanism. Less. Therefore, attaching the connecting means 70 to the developing roller shaft requires less load on the unit transmission mechanism than attaching to the conveying screw shaft, and can extend the life of the unit transmission mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a driving device 80 is fixed to the main body side plate 91 facing the back side plate 11 of the process cartridge 1 provided in the printer main body. The driving device 80 includes a holding plate 89, a photosensitive member driving motor 81 as a photosensitive member driving source, a developing driving motor 94 as a developing unit driving source, a driving transmission mechanism 190 as a driving transmission mechanism, and a connecting means 70. have.

  The holding plate 89 is attached to the main body side plate 91 by screwing or the like. A photosensitive member drive motor 81 and a development drive motor 94 are attached to the holding plate 89. A motor shaft 81 a of the photosensitive member driving motor 81 is rotatably fitted to the main body side plate 91 via a bearing 90 and passes through the main body side plate 91. A driving side coupling 93b is attached to the tip of the motor shaft 81a so as to be movable in the axial direction, and is urged toward the process cartridge side by a coil spring 92 wound around the motor shaft 81a. The main body side coupling 93b is appropriately prevented by a pin (not shown) provided on the motor shaft 81a.

  In the present embodiment, a driving source for driving the photosensitive member 2 and a driving source for driving the developing roller 5g are separately provided, and the driving force of the photosensitive member driving motor 81 serving as a driving source for driving the photosensitive member 2 is photosensitive. It is used only for the body 2. With this configuration, the photoconductor drive motor 81 can be driven to rotate the photoconductor 2 with high accuracy without receiving load fluctuations from other drive elements. Of course, the developing roller 5g and the photosensitive member 2 may be driven by one driving source.

The drive transmission mechanism 190 includes a first pulley 86, a drive shaft 82, a second pulley 83, a timing belt 85, an electromagnetic clutch 97, a driven shaft 94b, and a driven gear 99.
The driven shaft 94b is rotatably fitted to the holding plate 89 via the bearing 96, and is rotatably fitted to the main body side plate 91 and the auxiliary support member 88 via the bearing 95. It is supported by the holding plate 89. The drive shaft 82 is supported by the main body side plate 91 and the holding plate 89. Specifically, the drive shaft 82 is supported by the holding plate 89 by being rotatably fitted to the holding plate 89 via the bearing 87. The auxiliary support member 88 is attached to the holding plate 89 by screwing or the like.
A first pulley 86 and a driven gear 99 are fixed to the driven shaft 94b, and the driven gear 99 meshes with a driving gear fixed to the motor shaft 94a of the developing drive motor 94.
A second pulley 83 is fixed to the drive shaft 82 via an electromagnetic clutch 97, and a timing belt 85 is wound around the second pulley 83 and the first pulley 86.

  When the driving force of the developing drive motor 94 is transmitted to the developing roller 5g, the conveying screw 5b, etc., the electromagnetic clutch 97 is turned on and the drive shaft 82 and the second pulley 83 are connected. On the other hand, when the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j are connected by the connecting means 70 including the two sets of constant velocity joints 71 and 72, the electromagnetic clutch 97 is turned off and the drive shaft 82 is connected to the second pulley 83. To be able to rotate freely. Instead of the electromagnetic clutch 97, the drive shaft 82 and the second pulley 83 are connected in the rotational direction during driving, and when the drive shaft 82 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotational direction during driving, the drive shaft A one-way clutch that releases the connection between the second pulley 83 and the second pulley 83 may be used.

Further, the driving shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j as a driven shaft are connected by a connecting means 70 having two sets of constant velocity joints.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the connecting means 70.
As shown in the figure, the connecting means 70 is a driven shaft side member attached to the back end of the developing roller shaft 5j, and a first male side joint 711 which is also a first ball holding member, and a driving shaft 82. A drive shaft side member attached to the process cartridge side end portion, and has a second male side joint 721 which is also a second ball holding member, and a relay member 73. On the developing roller shaft side of the relay member 73, a first female joint portion 712 that is a first engaging portion and also a first ball non-holding portion is formed. Further, on the drive shaft side of the relay member 73, a second female joint portion 722 that is a second engagement portion and is also a second ball non-holding portion is formed. The first male joint 711 and the first female joint portion 712 of the relay member 73 constitute the first constant velocity joint 71, and the second male joint 721 and the second female joint of the relay member 73. A second constant velocity joint 72 is configured with the portion 722.

  In this embodiment, the 1st engaging part and 2nd engaging part of the relay member 73 are made into the female side joint which is a ball | bowl non-holding part. Thereby, the connection means 70 can be comprised with a relay member and a male side joint, and a number of parts can be reduced.

  The constant velocity joint will be described below with reference to FIGS. The first constant velocity joint 71 and the second constant velocity joint 72 have the same configuration. In the following description, the first constant velocity joint 71 will be described as an example. Also, reference numerals in parentheses in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 are reference numerals of the respective parts of the second constant velocity joint 72.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first female side joint portion 712.
As shown in the drawing, the first female side joint portion 712 includes a cylindrical cup portion having an opening on the developing roller shaft 5j side into which the first male side joint 711 is inserted. The cup portion includes an outer ring portion 712b, an inner ring portion 712c inside thereof, an annular space 712d formed by a gap between the two, an outer groove 712e serving as three track grooves provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 712b, and an inner ring portion. And an inner groove 712f which is three track grooves provided on the outer peripheral surface of 712c.

  The three outer grooves 712e provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 712b are formed so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction with a phase difference of 120 [°] from each other while extending in the axial direction of the outer ring portion 712b. . The three inner grooves 712f provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 712c are also formed so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction with a phase difference of 120 [°] from each other while extending in the axial direction of the inner ring portion 712c. The inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e face each other through the annular space 712d.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a tapered outer groove guide portion 712 h is provided on the opening end side of the outer groove 712 e so as to move away from the center of the axis toward the opening end and the groove width increases. Further, on the opening end side of the inner groove 712f, there is provided a tapered inner groove guide portion 712i that approaches the axial center and increases the groove width toward the opening end. Thus, by providing the guide portions 712h and 712i, the ball 173 can be guided to the annular space 712d in which the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e face each other, and the male side joint 711 is inserted into the female side joint 712. Can be easily performed.

  Moreover, the edge part of each inner groove guide part 712i crosses in the opening end of a cup part. With this configuration, when the male joint 711 and the female joint 712 are assembled, even if the phase between the track groove (the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f) and the ball 173 is around 60 °, the ball 173 can be brought into contact with the open end of the inner groove guide portion 712i. Thereby, even if the phase of the ball 173 and the track groove (the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e) is around 60 °, a part of the axial force applied to the inner ring portion 712c is rotated by the inner groove guide portion 712i. The force can be converted into a directional force, and the male joint 711 can be rotated relatively smoothly with respect to the female joint 712. Therefore, the insertion resistance when the ball 173 held by the male joint 711 is inserted into the annular space 712d between the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f of the female joint 712 can be reduced, and the ball 173 can be reduced. The side joint 712 can be smoothly inserted into the annular space 712d between the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first male side joint 711. The cross-sectional view of the second male side joint 721 has the same configuration, and the reference numerals of the respective parts of the second male side joint 721 are shown in parentheses.
The distal end side of the male side joint 711 is a cylindrical insertion portion 711a. The insertion portion 711a has three through holes 711b provided in the cylindrical peripheral wall so as to be aligned along the circumferential direction with a phase difference of 120 [°] from each other, and in each through hole 711b. A ball 173 as a sphere is rotatably held.

The hole diameter A of the through hole 711 b is larger than the diameter B of the ball 173. In addition, an inner peripheral retaining protrusion 711d protruding from the inner peripheral end of the inner surface of the through hole 711b is provided with a phase difference of 180 °. Further, an outer peripheral retaining protrusion 711c protruding from the outer peripheral end of the inner surface of the through hole 711b is provided with a phase difference of 180 °. The outer peripheral retaining protrusion 711c is provided with a 90 ° phase difference from the inner peripheral retaining protrusion 711d. The outer peripheral retaining protrusion 711c prevents the ball 173 in the through hole 711b from falling off the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 711a. Further, the ball 173 in the through hole 711b does not fall off from the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 711a by the inner circumferential retaining protrusion 711d. The diameter C of the inscribed circle of the retaining protrusions 711c and 711d is preferably set in the range of 80 to 99% of the diameter B of the ball 173. If it is less than 80%, the retaining projections 711c and 711d protrude too much from the through hole 711b, and the ball 173 cannot be inserted into the through hole 711b. The retaining protrusions 711c and 711d are formed by forcibly removing the mold. However, if the protrusions 711c and 711d protrude too much, the retaining protrusions 711c and 711d may be damaged when the mold is removed after injection molding. For this reason, the diameter of the inscribed circle of the retaining protrusions 711c and 711d is preferably set to 80% or more of the diameter of the ball 173.
Further, by making the hole diameter A of the through hole 711b larger than the diameter B of the ball 173, the ball 173 can be moved in the radial direction in the through hole 711b. Accordingly, when the insertion portion 711a of the male side joint 711 is inserted into the female side joint 712 annular space 712d, when the ball 173 hits the outer ring portion 712b of the female side joint 712, the ball 173 moves in the axial center direction. To do. Thereby, the insertion part 711a of the male side joint 711 can be smoothly inserted into the annular space 712d of the female side joint 712.

  Further, a tolerance is set so that the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is longer than the diameter B of the ball 173. When the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is set to the same length as the diameter B of the ball 173, the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is greater than the diameter B of the ball 173 due to manufacturing errors. May also become smaller. In particular, in this embodiment, since the female joint 712 is injection-molded with resin, the degree of sinking varies depending on the temperature and humidity conditions during manufacture, and the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is a ball. It is likely to be smaller than the diameter B of 173. When the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is smaller than the diameter B of the ball 173, the sliding resistance of the ball 173 with respect to the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f increases. As a result, the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f are worn early, and the female side joint 712 reaches the end of its life quickly. If the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is smaller than the diameter B of the ball 173, the ball 173 is lightly press-fitted between the grooves, and the ball 173 cannot slide smoothly in the groove. There is a possibility that 5 g cannot be rotated at a constant speed. Furthermore, a so-called creep phenomenon occurs in which a constant load is applied to the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e for a long period of time and deforms greatly, and the life of the female joint 712 reaches an early stage.

  However, in the present embodiment, the distance D from the outer groove 712e to the inner groove 712f is set so as to be longer than the diameter B of the ball 173, so that the ball 173, the outer groove 712e and the ball 173 A gap is formed between the groove 712f. Thereby, the ball 173 can be prevented from being lightly press-fitted between the grooves, and the sliding resistance of the ball 173 with respect to the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f can be reliably suppressed. Therefore, the wear and creep phenomenon of the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f can be suppressed, and the life of the female joint 712 can be extended. Further, since the ball 173 can slide smoothly in the groove, the developing roller 5g can be reliably rotated at a constant speed.

  A cylindrical insertion portion 711 a of the male side joint 711 is inserted into the annular space 712 d in the outer ring portion 712 b of the female side joint portion 712. In this state, the three balls 173 held by the insertion portion 711a of the male side joint 711 are respectively connected to the outer groove 712e provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 712b of the female side joint portion 712 and the inner ring portion 712c. It is sandwiched between inner grooves 712f provided on the outer peripheral surface, and movement in the normal direction is prevented. However, since the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e extend in the axial direction, the movement of the ball 173 in the axial direction is allowed.

The second male side joint 721 has the same configuration as the first male side joint 711, and the second female side joint portion 722 has the same configuration as the first female side joint portion 712. Thus, by making the 2nd male side joint 721 and the 1st male side joint the same structure, parts can be made common and a number of parts can be reduced.
Further, the second female side joint part 722 and the first female side joint part 712 of the relay member 73 have the same configuration, so that the female side joint part to be engaged with the first male side joint 711 is connected to the relay member 73. Either of the female joints formed at both ends can be used. Thereby, the relay member 73 can be easily assembled.

  The cylindrical insertion portion 711a of the first male side joint 711 is inserted into the annular space 712d of the first female side joint portion 712 of the relay member, and the three balls 173 held by itself are contained in the annular space 712d. To engage the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e. The cylindrical insertion portion 721a of the second male side joint 721 is inserted into the annular space 722d of the second female side joint portion 722 of the relay member, and the three balls 173 held by itself are annular space. The inner groove 722f and the outer groove 722e are engaged in 722d. Then, the motor shaft 94a of the developing drive motor 94 rotates, the first pulley 86 fixed to the driven shaft 94b via the driven gear 99 also rotates, and the driving force of the first pulley 86 is increased by the timing belt 85. When the drive shaft 82 is rotated by being transmitted to the two pulleys 83, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the relay member 73 at a constant speed via the three balls 173 held by the second male joint 721. Then, the rotational driving force of the relay member 73 is transmitted to the first male side joint 711 at a constant speed via the three balls 173 held by the first male side joint 711. As a result, the developing roller shaft 5j and the developing roller 5g rotate at a constant speed.

  In addition, the example which provided the track groove for engaging the ball | bowl 173 to both the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 712b (722b) of the female side joint 712 (722) and the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 712c (722c) was demonstrated. However, the track groove may be formed only in one of them.

  The relay member 73 having the first female side joint part 712 and the second female side joint part 722, and the first and second male side joints 711 and 721 are preferably made of a synthetic resin molded product that can be injection-molded. As long as injection molding is possible, either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin may be used. Synthetic resins that can be injection-molded include crystalline resins and non-crystalline resins. Any resin may be used, but it is preferable to use a crystalline resin because the amorphous resin has low toughness and abrupt destruction occurs when a torque exceeding an allowable amount is applied. Moreover, it is desirable to use one having relatively high lubrication characteristics. Such synthetic resins include polyacetal (POM), nylon, injection-moldable fluororesins (eg, PFA, FEP, ETFE, etc.), injection-moldable polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), wholly aromatic polyester, polyether ether Examples thereof include ketone (PEEK) and polyamideimide. These synthetic resins may be used alone or as a polymer alloy in which two or more types are mixed. Moreover, even if it is a synthetic resin other than these and resin with a comparatively low lubrication characteristic, if it is set as the polymer alloy which mix | blended the synthetic resin mentioned above, it can be used.

  The most suitable synthetic resins are slidable synthetic resins such as POM, nylon, PPS, and PEEK. Examples of nylon include nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 46, and semi-aromatic nylon having an aromatic ring in the molecular chain. Among them, POM, nylon, and PPS are excellent in heat resistance and slidability and are relatively inexpensive, so that a constant velocity joint with excellent cost performance can be realized. Moreover, PEEK is excellent in mechanical strength and slidability even if it does not contain a reinforcing material or a lubricant. Therefore, a high-performance constant velocity joint can be realized.

  By forming the relay member 73 and the male side joints 711 and 721 from a resin material, the weight of the connecting means 70 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the relay member 73 and the male side joints 711 and 721 are formed from a metal material. it can. Further, by forming the female side joint portions 712 and 722 and the male side joints 711 and 721 of the relay member 73 with a resin having slidability, the female side joints 712 and 722 can be formed without filling the annular space with grease. The balls 173 can be smoothly slid along the track grooves (inner grooves and outer grooves). Thereby, an operation sound can also be made small compared with the structure formed with a metal material. Further, even if the ball 173 is formed of a resin having sliding property, the ball 173 can smoothly slide in the track groove. Of course, all of the ball 173, the relay member 73, and the male side joints 711 and 721 may be formed of a slidable resin.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the connecting means 70 is a driven shaft side member attached to the driving shaft side tip of the developing roller shaft 5j as the first female side joint 712 of the first constant velocity joint 71, and is driven. The drive shaft side member attached to the developing roller side end of the shaft 82 is a second female side joint 722 of the second constant velocity joint 72. And the structure which made the 1st engagement part of the relay member 73 the 1st male side joint part 711 and made the 2nd engagement part the 2nd male side joint part 721 may be sufficient. 11B, the driven shaft side member is the first female side joint 712 of the first constant velocity joint 71, and the driving shaft side member is the second male side joint of the second constant velocity joint 72. 721. And the structure which made the 1st engaging part of the relay member 73 the 1st male side joint part 711 and made the 2nd engaging part the 2nd female side joint 722 part may be sufficient. Further, as shown in FIG. 11C, the driven shaft side member is the first male side joint 711 of the first constant velocity joint 71, and the driving shaft side member is the second female side joint of the second constant velocity joint 72. 722. And the structure which made the 1st engaging part of the relay member 73 the 1st female side joint part 712 and made the 2nd engaging part the 2nd male side joint part 721 may be sufficient.

  As the connecting means 70, the relay member 73 is configured such that the first engagement portion shown in FIG. 7 is the first female side joint 712 and the second engagement portion is the second female side joint 722, FIG. The thing which made the 1st engaging part shown to (A) the 1st male side joint part 711 and made the 2nd engaging part the 2nd male side joint part 721 is preferable. In the case where the configuration of the first constant velocity joint 71 and the configuration of the second constant velocity joint 71 are the same, the members attached to the drive shaft 82 (in FIG. 7, male side joints 711, 721, FIG. ), The female joints 712 and 722) can be used in common, and the management cost can be reduced. Moreover, since it is not necessary to consider the attachment direction of the relay member 73, the attachment of the relay member 73 becomes easy.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the relay member 73 includes a first engagement portion (first female side joint 712 in FIG. 12) and a second engagement portion (second female side joint 722 in FIG. 12). And a connecting shaft 75 that connects the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

  Conventionally, when the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body, the relay member 73 may be largely inclined due to its own weight. When the relay member 73 is largely inclined due to its own weight, the first male joint 711 serving as the driven shaft side member serves as the first engaging portion of the relay member when the process cartridge is moved in the axial direction and attached to the apparatus main body. It cannot be inserted into the first female side joint part 712. For this reason, there is a problem that the developing roller shaft as the driven shaft and the drive shaft cannot be connected by the mounting operation of the process cartridge to the apparatus main body.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a support member that supports the relay member 73 and restricts the relay member 73 from being largely inclined by its own weight is provided. This will be specifically described below.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the connecting means 70 having the characteristic points of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13B, the connecting means 70 of this embodiment includes a first male side joint 711 attached to the developing roller shaft 5j and a second male side joint 721 attached to the drive shaft 82 as a relay member. In a state of being separated from 73, the support member 84 that supports the relay member 73 is provided. The support member 84 has a cylindrical pedestal portion 84a on which the relay member 73 is placed and supported, and an attachment portion 84b protruding in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical pedestal portion 84a. The attachment portion 84b is provided with a screw hole. The support member 84 is screwed to the main body side plate 91 by inserting a cylindrical pedestal portion 84 a into the hole of the main body side plate 91 and inserting a screw 84 c into the screw hole. A retaining ring 73a facing the developing roller side end surface of the pedestal portion 84a and a retaining ring 73b facing the drive shaft side end surface of the pedestal portion 84a are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the relay member 73.

As shown in FIG. 13B, when the first and second male side joints 711 and 712 are separated from the relay member 73, the relay member 73 is placed on the pedestal portion 84a and supported by the support member 84. Has been. The inner diameter of the cylindrical pedestal portion 84a is larger than the outer diameter of the relay member 73, and when the relay member 73 is supported by the pedestal portion 84a, a gap is formed above. In addition, in this embodiment, although the base part 84a is made into the cylindrical shape, since the relay member 73 should just be mounted and supported, it should just be provided below the relay member 73 at least.
Further, when the relay member 73 is placed and supported on the pedestal portion 84a, the shaft center of the relay member 73 comes to be vertically lower than the shaft center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the shaft center of the drive shaft 82. ing. Thus, when the relay member 73 is supported by the pedestal portion 84a, a gap is formed above the relay member 73, and the shaft center of the relay member 73 is the shaft center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the drive shaft. By being configured to be vertically lower than the axial center of 82, the first male side joint 711 and the second male side joint 721 are respectively engaged with the relay member 73 as shown in FIG. In the state, the relay member 73 can be lifted and brought into a non-contact state with the pedestal portion 84 a of the support member 84. As a result, when the driving force of the driving shaft 82 is transmitted to the developing roller shaft 5j, the relay member 73 does not slide with the pedestal portion 84a, and sliding resistance does not occur. Therefore, the rotational driving force of the drive shaft 82 can be transmitted to the developing roller shaft 5j at a constant speed.

  In the connection means 70 of this embodiment, first, the support member 84 is attached to the main body side plate 91. Next, the relay member 73 is placed on the pedestal portion 84 a and the retaining rings 73 a and 73 b are attached to the relay member 73. Next, the second male side joint 721 of the second constant velocity joint 72 is attached to the tip of the drive shaft 82 supported by the holding plate 89. Next, when attaching the holding plate 89 to the main body side plate 91, the second male side joint 721 is engaged with the second female side joint portion 722 of the relay member 73. At this time, even if the radial phase and the rotational phase of the ball 173 and the track groove (the outer groove 722e and the inner groove 722f) are shifted, the ball 173 is moved by the inner groove guide portion 722i and the outer groove guide portion 722h. By being guided, the phases of the balls 173 and the track grooves (the outer groove 722e and the inner groove 722f) in the radial direction and the rotational direction are matched. Accordingly, the three balls 173 held by the second male side joint 721 are inserted into the inner groove 722f and the outer groove 722e in the annular space 722d, and the ball 173 engages with the inner groove 722f and the outer groove 722e.

  Further, when the second male side joint 721 is engaged with the second female side joint portion 722, the relay member 73 is pushed toward the developing roller by the second male side joint 721, but the retaining ring 73b is provided with the pedestal portion 84a. Therefore, the relay member 73 does not fall off the pedestal portion 84a.

  Further, since the shaft center of the relay member 73 and the shaft center of the drive shaft 82 are shifted, when the holding plate 89 is attached to the main body side plate 91, the drive shaft side of the relay member 73 is lifted, and the drive shaft side of the relay member 73 is the pedestal. Separated from the portion 84a.

  When the second male joint 721 attached to the drive shaft 82 is engaged with the second female joint 722 of the relay member 73 in this way, the process cartridge 1 is then attached to the apparatus main body and developed. The first male side joint 711 attached to the roller shaft 5j is engaged with the first female side joint part 712 of the relay member 73.

  In the present embodiment, the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body with the drum shaft 2a of the photosensitive member 2 as a main reference and the cartridge sub-reference pin 14 which is a cartridge-side sub-reference fitting portion as a sub-reference. At this time, the electromagnetic clutch 97 is turned off so that the drive shaft 82 can freely rotate with respect to the second pulley 83.

  When the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body, as shown in FIG. 14, the front door 7 is opened, and a guide groove (not shown) formed in the process cartridge 1 is fitted into the guide rail 8 in the apparatus main body to guide the guide. The process cartridge 1 is inserted into the apparatus main body along the rail 8. Then, when the process cartridge 1 is inserted into the apparatus main body along the guide rail 8, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the driven side coupling 93a which is a positioned portion attached to the drum shaft 2a. Is fitted with the drive side coupling 93b which is a positioning portion attached to the motor shaft 81a positioned on the apparatus main body. Thereby, the process cartridge 1 is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body. Further, the slave reference pin 14 which is a cartridge side slave reference fitting portion protruding from the back side plate 11 is fitted into the positioning hole 98 formed in the main body side plate 91. As a result, the process cartridge 1 is prevented from rotating around the central axis of the photosensitive member 2, and the entire process cartridge 1 is correctly positioned with respect to the apparatus main body.

  Further, the three balls 173 held by the first male joint 711 attached to the developing roller shaft 5j are inserted into the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e in the annular space 712d of the first female joint 712 of the relay member 73. Then, the ball 173 engages with the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e. At this time, the developing roller side of the relay member 73 is placed and supported on the pedestal portion 84a of the support member 84, and the relay member 73 is restricted from being greatly inclined downward. Therefore, the ball 173 held by the first male side joint 711 is placed on the outer groove guide portion 712h at the opening end of the outer ring portion 712b of the first female side joint portion 712 or the inner groove guide portion 712i at the opening end of the inner ring portion 712c. It can be made to contact. As described above, the ball 173 held by the first male joint 711 is in contact with the outer groove guide portion 712h and the inner groove guide portion 712i, so that the process cartridge 1 is moved in the insertion direction. The ball 173 is guided by the outer groove guide portion 712h and the inner groove guide portion 712i, the relay member 73 is lifted away from the pedestal portion 84a, and the relay member 73 rotates. As a result, the radial and rotational phases of the ball 173 and the track groove (the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f) are matched, and the three balls 173 held by the first male joint 711 The first female joint 712 is inserted into the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e in the annular space 712d, and the ball 173 engages with the inner groove 712f and the outer groove 712e.

  Further, when the process cartridge 1 is inserted into the apparatus main body, the electromagnetic clutch 97 is turned off so that the drive shaft 82 can freely rotate with respect to the second pulley 83, so that the rotational load applied to the connecting means 70 is reduced. Only the inertial force of the drive shaft 82 is provided. Therefore, the relay member 73 can be easily rotated, and the ball 173 can be guided to the track grooves (the outer groove 712e and the inner groove 712f) while suppressing an increase in the insertion resistance of the process cartridge 1.

  When the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j are thus connected, the relay member 73 is supported by the driving shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j as shown in FIG. It is not in contact with the member 84. Therefore, when the driving force of the drive shaft 82 is transmitted to the developing roller shaft 5j, the relay member 73 does not slide with the pedestal portion 84a, so that no sliding resistance occurs, and the drive shaft 82 is driven to rotate. The force can be transmitted to the developing roller shaft 5j at a constant speed.

Even if the entire process cartridge 1 is correctly positioned with respect to the apparatus main body, the axial center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the axial center of the drive shaft 82 may be displaced in the radial direction due to accumulation of tolerances. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 15, the relay member 73 is inclined to absorb the axial misalignment between the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j. Thereby, even if there is a deviation between the axis of the developing roller shaft 5j and the axis of the driving shaft 82, the driving shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j can be connected. Further, the inner diameter of the pedestal portion 84a is set so that the relay member 73 does not come into contact with the support member 84 even if the axis of the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j is shifted and the relay member 73 is inclined. Further, as shown in the figure, a deviation angle α is generated between the relay member 73 and the drive shaft 82 and between the relay member 73 and the developing roller shaft 5j. Even if the declination α between the drive shaft 82 and the relay member 73 occurs, the ball 173 held by the second male joint 721 of the second constant velocity joint 72 is caused to move into the inner groove 722f of the second female joint 722. And the ball 173 held in the first male joint 711 of the first constant velocity joint 71 is slid in the annular space between the first female joint 712 and the outer groove 722e. By sliding in the annular space between 712f and the outer groove 712e in the axial direction, the declination α is set between the relay member 73 and the drive shaft 82 and between the relay member 73 and the developing roller shaft 5j. Even if it occurs, the rotation of the drive shaft 82 can be transmitted to the developing roller shaft 5j at a constant speed.
Further, since the declination can be absorbed by the two constant velocity joints, it is possible to absorb the declination at a wider angle than that of the single constant velocity joint.

  Moreover, the structure of the support member of a connection means is not restricted above, A various deformation | transformation is possible. Below, the modification of a supporting member is demonstrated.

[Modification 1]
16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting means 70 provided with the support member 180 according to the first modification. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting means 70 provided with the support member 180 according to the first modification. 16 is different in cross section along the central axis X, and the upper part in the figure is a cross-sectional view when cut in the X1 direction in FIG. 17, and the lower part in the figure is cut in the X2 direction in FIG. It is sectional drawing when doing.
As shown in FIG. 16, a first female joint 712 as a driven shaft side member is attached to the developing roller shaft 5j as a driven shaft, and a first shaft as a drive shaft side member is attached to the drive shaft 82. A two female side joint 722 is attached. The relay member 73 includes a first male side joint 711 as a first engaging part, a second male side joint 721 as a second engaging part, and a connecting shaft 75. In addition, the configuration of the driven shaft side member, the driving shaft side member, and the relay member of the coupling unit 70 of Modification 1 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 16, but the configuration illustrated in FIG. The configuration shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be used.

  The support member 180 according to the first modification that supports the relay member 73 includes a bearing 181, a first bracket 182, a second bracket 183, a rubber member 184, and a mounting bracket 185. The inner peripheral surface of the bearing 181 is press-fitted into the connecting shaft 75 of the relay member 73, and the outer peripheral surface is press-fitted into a hole provided in the central portion of the first bracket 182. A thrust pressing pin 188 is inserted into the connecting shaft 75 so as to face and face the surface of the bearing 181 on the process cartridge side. Thus, when the first female joint 712 and the first male joint 711 attached to the developing roller shaft 5j are engaged with each other, the thrust pressing pin 188 prevents the relay member 73 from moving to the driving side. can do. A groove is formed on the process cartridge side of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing 181 from the first bracket press-fitting position, and a retaining ring 189 is fixed to the groove. Thus, when the first female joint 712 and the first male joint 711 attached to the developing roller shaft 5j are engaged, the bearing 181 moves to the drive shaft side together with the relay member 73, and the bearing 181 is moved. It is possible to prevent the first bracket 182 from falling off. The ring-shaped rubber member 184 is fixed to the surface on the main body side plate side of the second bracket 183 and the surface on the second bracket side of the mounting bracket 185 with an adhesive or the like, and the second bracket 183, the mounting bracket 185, The rubber member 184 is integrally formed.

  The hardness of the rubber member 184 is determined by the amount of inclination of the relay member, that is, the amount of axial misalignment allowed by the connecting means and the deflection angle.

  The screw 186 is inserted into the screw hole 185 a of the mounting bracket 185, and is screwed to the screw hole 91 b of the main body side plate 91 with the screw 185, and the mounting bracket 185, the second bracket 183, and the rubber member 184 are attached to the main body side plate 91. Next, the first male joint 711 of the relay member 73 is inserted into the hole 91a of the main body side plate 91, and the first bracket 182 that rotatably supports the relay member 73 via the bearing 181 is attached to the second bracket 183. Secure with screws 187. Thereby, the relay member 73 is rotatable and elastically supported by the main body side plate 91 by the rubber member 184.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the first female joint 712 and the second female joint 722 are separated from the relay member 73, the relay member 73 is inclined by its own weight due to the elastic force of the rubber member 184 of the support member 180. Of being regulated. Therefore, when the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body, the relay member 73 is not greatly inclined due to its own weight, and the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j are moved by attaching the process cartridge 1 to the apparatus main body in the axial direction. Can be linked. Further, when the axial center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the axial center of the drive shaft 82 are deviated in the radial direction, the rubber member 184 is elastically deformed to allow the relay member 73 to be inclined in the radial direction, thereby allowing the drive shaft 82 to move. And the misalignment of the developing roller shaft 5j can be absorbed. Therefore, even when an axial misalignment occurs between the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j, the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j can be connected.

  As described above, the support member 180 of Modification 1 elastically supports the relay member 73, thereby restricting the inclination due to the weight of the relay member 73, and the inclination due to the misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The relay member 73 can be supported to allow.

  Further, by the support member 180 of the first modification, the drive device side (the space on the right side with respect to the main body side plate in FIG. 16) and the image forming unit side (the space on the left side with respect to the main body side plate in FIG. 16). Communication can be cut off. Therefore, the toner scattered in the image forming unit does not enter the drive device side through the hole 91a of the main body side plate 91.

[Modification 2]
Next, the support member 280 of Modification 2 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of a support member 280 of the second modification. FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of the support member 280 of the second modification, and FIG. 18B is a front view of the support member 280 of the second modification.
The support member 280 according to the second modification includes a bearing 283 and a leaf spring 282. The leaf spring 282 may be formed using a metal material or a resin material. The inner peripheral surface of the bearing 283 is press-fitted into the connecting shaft 75 of the relay member 73, and the outer peripheral surface is press-fitted into a hole provided in the central portion of the leaf spring 282. A thrust holding pin 281 is inserted into the connecting shaft 75 so as to face and face the surface of the bearing 283 on the process cartridge side. Similarly to the first modification, a retaining ring 286 is fixed to a groove formed on the process cartridge side of the leaf spring press-fitting position on the outer peripheral surface of the bearing 283.

  The plate thickness, material, width dimension, and the like of the leaf spring 282 are determined by the amount of inclination of the relay member 73, that is, the amount of axial misalignment allowed by the connecting means and the deflection angle.

As shown in FIG. 18B, a slit 284 and a mounting portion 287 are provided above and below the center of the leaf spring 282, and a screw 285 is inserted into the screw hole of the mounting portion 287. Then, the main body side plate 91 is screwed. The relay member 73 is elastically supported in the vertical direction in the figure by the slits 284 provided in the vertical direction of the leaf spring 282. Further, the outer diameter of the plate spring 282 other than the attachment portion 287 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the hole 91 a of the main body side plate 91. With this configuration, the relay member 73 is elastically supported in the left-right direction in FIG. Accordingly, the relay member 73 can be supported by the leaf spring 282 so as to be tiltable in the radial direction with respect to the support member 280.
Also in the support member 280 of the second modification, as in the first modification, the relay member 73 can be rotatably and elastically supported on the main body side plate 91. Therefore, also in the support member 280 of the second modification, when the first female joint 712 and the second female joint 722 are separated from the relay member 73, the relay member is caused by the elastic force of the leaf spring 282 of the support member 280. It controls that 73 inclines with dead weight. Therefore, when the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body, the relay member 73 is not greatly inclined due to its own weight, and the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j are moved by attaching the process cartridge 1 to the apparatus main body in the axial direction. Can be linked. Further, when the axial center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the axial center of the drive shaft 82 are displaced in the radial direction, the leaf spring 282 is elastically deformed, and the relay member 73 is allowed to tilt in the radial direction, so that the drive shaft It is possible to absorb the axial misalignment between 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j. Therefore, even when an axial misalignment occurs between the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j, the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j can be connected.

  Alternatively, the leaf spring 282 may be formed of a slidable synthetic resin, and the relay member 73 may be directly supported by the leaf spring 282 without using the bearing 283. By forming the leaf spring 282 with a slidable synthetic resin, even if the relay member 73 is directly supported by the leaf spring 282, the sliding resistance between the relay member 73 and the elastic support body can be reduced, and the constant velocity can be achieved. Can be secured.

[Modification 3]
Next, the support member 380 of Modification 3 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of a support member 380 of Modification 3. FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the support member 380 according to the third modification, and FIG. 19B is an exploded perspective view of the support member 380 according to the third modification.
The support member 380 of Modification 3 includes a cylindrical elastic structure portion 382 in which a spiral slit 382 a is formed, an elastic support body 386 including an attachment portion 381, and a bearing 385. The inner diameter of the elastic structure portion 382 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft 75 of the relay member 73, and a gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the elastic structure portion 382 and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 75. . The inner peripheral surface of the bearing 385 is press-fitted into the connecting shaft 75, and the outer peripheral surface of the bearing 385 is press-fitted into a bearing mounting portion provided at the process cartridge side end of the elastic structure portion 382. A thrust holding pin 383 is inserted into the connecting shaft 75 so as to face and face the surface of the bearing 385 on the process cartridge side. The elastic support 386 is made of a synthetic resin, a metal material, or the like.

  The support member 380 of the third modified example inserts the relay member 73 rotatably supported via the bearing 385 and the elastic structure portion 382 of the elastic support body 386 into the hole 91a of the main body side plate 91, and attaches it to the attachment portion 381. A screw 384 is inserted into the provided screw hole 381 a and is screwed into the screw hole of the main body side plate 91.

  Also in the support member 380 of the third modification, the relay member 73 can be rotatably and elastically supported on the main body side plate 91 as in the first modification. Therefore, also in the support member 380 of the third modification, when the first female side joint 712 and the second female side joint 722 are separated from the relay member 73, relay is performed by the elastic force of the elastic structure portion 382 of the support member 380. The member 73 is prevented from being tilted by its own weight. Therefore, when the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body, the relay member 73 is not greatly inclined due to its own weight, and the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j are moved by attaching the process cartridge 1 to the apparatus main body in the axial direction. Can be linked. Further, when the axial center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the axial center of the drive shaft 82 are displaced in the radial direction, the elastic structure portion 382 is elastically deformed and the relay member 73 is allowed to tilt in the radial direction to drive. An axial misalignment between the shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j can be absorbed. Therefore, even when an axial misalignment occurs between the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j, the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j can be connected.

  Alternatively, the elastic support 386 may be formed of a slidable synthetic resin, and the relay member 73 may be directly supported by the elastic support 386 without using the bearing 385. By forming the elastic support 386 from a slidable synthetic resin, even if the relay member 73 is directly supported by the elastic support 386, the sliding resistance between the relay member 73 and the elastic support can be reduced, and the constant speed can be achieved. Sex can be secured.

  Next, a modified example of the image forming apparatus will be described.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modification of the image forming apparatus. In these drawings, the left side corresponds to the back side of the image forming apparatus, and the right side corresponds to the front side of the image forming apparatus.
In the image forming apparatus according to the modification, the drum shaft 2a is fixed to the main body side, and the drum shaft 2a is inserted into the drum shaft holes 2d and 2e provided at the centers of the flanges 2b and 2c of the photosensitive member 2, The process cartridge 1 is positioned.
In the image forming apparatus of this modified example, the rear flange 2b of the photoreceptor 2 has a drum shaft hole 2d, and a concave gear 111 having a conical pitch surface around the drum shaft hole 2d on the outer surface of the flange 2b. Is provided. The front flange 2c is provided with a drum shaft hole 2e. The photoreceptor 2 is supported by the face plates 11 and 18.

  A drum shaft 2a is rotatably supported on the main body side plate 91 via a bearing 90. The drum shaft 2a is linear with the motor shaft 81a of the photosensitive member driving motor 81 by a photosensitive member connecting means 93 such as a coupling. It is connected to.

When the process cartridge 1 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 20, the drum shaft 2 a penetrates the photoreceptor 2, and the concave gear 111 and the convex gear 110 are fitted. At the same time, the fitting frame 11a, which is the positioned portion of the face plate 11, is fitted with the bearing 15 which is the positioning portion on the drum shaft 2a, and the process cartridge 1 is positioned.
Also in the configuration of this modified example, the process cartridge 1 is positioned with respect to the printer body with reference to the drum shaft 2a of the photosensitive member 2, so that the shaft center of the drive shaft 82 and the shaft center of the developing roller shaft 5j are shifted. However, since two sets of constant velocity joints arranged in series in the axial direction are used as connecting means for connecting the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j, even if there is a misalignment between the driving shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j. By tilting the relay member 73, the drive shaft 82 and the developing roller shaft 5j can be connected, and the rotation of the driving shaft can be transmitted to the developing roller shaft at a constant speed. As a result, rotation unevenness of the developing roller can be suppressed, and a good image without density unevenness can be obtained.

  In the above description, the apparatus using the developing roller shaft of the developing roller of the developing unit that is the driven unit of the process cartridge and the connecting means including two constant velocity joints for connecting the driving shaft has been described. For example, the charging roller shaft of the charging unit and the driving shaft on the apparatus main body side may be connected by the connecting means using the two sets of constant velocity joints described above. Further, the connection between the application roller shaft of the lubricant application roller and the drive shaft on the apparatus main body side may be performed by the connection means using the two sets of constant velocity joints described above. Further, the connection between the transport auger shaft of the cleaning device and the drive shaft on the apparatus main body side may be performed by the connecting means using the two sets of constant velocity joints described above. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the process cartridge but also to the fixing unit.

  Further, the developing unit is detachable from the apparatus main body as a single unit, and in addition to connecting the developing roller shaft and the drive shaft of the apparatus main body, an image in which the conveying screw shaft is connected to the second drive shaft of the apparatus main body. The present invention can be applied to a forming apparatus. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, a guide rail 8a for a process cartridge provided with a charging device, a cleaning device, and a photosensitive member, and a guide rail 8b for a developing unit are respectively formed in the main body of the process. A guide groove (not shown) of the cartridge is fitted into the process cartridge guide rail 8a, and the process cartridge 1 is inserted into the apparatus main body along the guide rail 8a. Further, a guide groove (not shown) of the developing unit is fitted into the developing unit guide rail 8b, and the developing unit is inserted into the apparatus main body along the guide rail 8b. As shown in FIG. 22, the developing unit and the process cartridge are set in the drawer unit 800 slidably attached to the apparatus main body, and the drawer unit 800 is pushed into the apparatus main body, whereby the process cartridge is obtained. The developing unit may be inserted into the apparatus main body.

  By connecting the developing roller shaft and the drive shaft of the apparatus main body, the developing unit is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body. As a result, an axial misalignment may occur between the transport screw shaft and the second drive shaft. Therefore, the connection means using the above-mentioned two sets of constant velocity joints is used for connection between the conveying screw shaft and the second drive shaft.

The present invention is not limited to an intermediate transfer tandem color image forming apparatus.
For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the present invention can also be applied to a direct transfer tandem color image forming apparatus. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the present invention is also applied to a color image forming apparatus using a drum-shaped intermediate transfer body 141 in place of the intermediate transfer belt 41 in the electrophotographic color image forming apparatus of the intermediate transfer tandem method. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, one process cartridge 1 as described above is provided, and an image is formed on the photosensitive member 2 of the process cartridge 1, and the image is transferred by the transfer roller 50 to form an image on the recording material. The present invention can also be applied to a direct transfer type monochrome image forming apparatus for recording.

  As described above, the connecting means 70 of the present embodiment has a driving force from the developing roller shaft 5j as a driven shaft for transmitting the driving force to the developing roller as a rotating body and the developing driving motor 94 as a driving source provided in the apparatus main body. In response to this, it is connected to a drive shaft 82 that is rotationally driven. The connecting means includes a driven shaft side member attached to the developing roller shaft 5j, a drive shaft side member attached to the drive shaft 82, a first engagement portion that engages with the driven shaft side member, and a drive shaft side member. A relay member that engages with the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member so as to be able to tilt relative to the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, respectively. Have. Further, when at least the driven shaft side member is separated from the relay member or the drive shaft side member is separated from the relay member, the relay member is supported and the driven shaft side member or the drive shaft side member is moved in the axial direction. The relay member has its own weight within a range in which the driven shaft side member and the first engaging portion can be engaged, or the driving shaft side member and the second engaging portion can be engaged only by moving. The support member which regulates the inclination by is provided.

In this way, by restricting the inclination of the relay member due to its own weight with the support member, when the driven shaft side member is separated from the relay member or the drive shaft side member is separated from the relay member, the relay member has its own weight. Can be prevented from tilting greatly. Therefore, by merely moving the driven shaft side member or the driving shaft side member substantially in the axial direction, the driven shaft side member and the first engaging portion are engaged, or the driving shaft side member and the second engaging portion are Can be engaged. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a large space in the apparatus for connecting the driven shaft and the driving shaft, and the apparatus can be made compact and the layout of the apparatus can be increased.
Further, the relay member is inclined relative to the driven shaft side member and the driving shaft side member when there is a misalignment between the driving shaft and the driven shaft. As a result, even if there is a misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, the relay member is inclined with respect to the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, thereby connecting the drive shaft and the driven shaft. Can do.

  The support member is mounted with the relay member 73 so that the axial center of the relay member 73 is below the axial center of the developing roller shaft 5j and the drive shaft 82, and a gap is formed above the relay member 73. A pedestal portion 84a to support is provided. Thus, when the driven shaft side member is separated from the relay member or the drive shaft side member is separated from the relay member, the relay member 73 is placed and supported on the pedestal portion 84, and the relay member is inclined by its own weight. Is regulated. Further, when the relay member 73 is engaged with the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, the relay member is lifted by the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member, and can be brought into non-contact with the support member. Thereby, since a gap is formed between the relay member and the support member, the relay member can be tilted when there is a misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. Further, when the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the driven shaft, the sliding resistance does not work between the support member and the relay member, and the rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the driven shaft satisfactorily. .

  In addition, like the support members of the first to third modifications, the relay member can be rotated and elastically supported, so that the driven shaft side member is separated from the relay member or the drive shaft side member is When the relay member 73 is separated from the relay member, it is possible to restrict the relay member 73 from being tilted by its own weight with an elastic force. In addition, when there is a misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, the relay member can be inclined to absorb the misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft.

  In particular, like the support member of Modification 1, by supporting the relay member using a rubber material, when there is a misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, the rubber material is elastically deformed and relayed. The member can be tilted relative to the support member, and the axial misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven shaft can be absorbed. Further, by changing or changing the hardness of the rubber, it is possible to respond or change according to the load, declination, or axial misalignment of the unit.

  Further, like the support member of Modification 2, a plate-like member is provided with a slit to form a leaf spring, or like the support member of Modification 3, a cylindrical slit is provided with a spiral slit. By making the support member into a configuration that can be elastically deformed in shape, for example, the relay member can be elastically supported without using a rubber material. Therefore, the relay member can be elastically supported even under conditions unfavorable to the rubber material such as environmental temperature and ozone.

  Further, by forming the support member of Modification 2 or the support member of Modification 3 with a resin material, a support member having a configuration that can be elastically deformed in shape by molding such as injection molding can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to form a support member having a configuration that can be elastically deformed in shape without performing cutting or the like, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the support member.

  One of the driven shaft side member and the first engaging portion of the relay member has an annular space with one end opened, and the track extends in the axial direction on at least one of the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the annular space. A plurality of grooves are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction as a first female side joint which is a first ball non-holding portion, and the other part is incorporated in the annular space of the first female side joint to form a first female side joint A first constant velocity joint is configured as a first male side joint that is a first ball holding portion that holds a ball that slides along the track grooves (outer grooves and inner grooves). Further, either one of the drive shaft side member and the second engaging portion of the relay member has an annular space whose one end is open, and the track extends in the axial direction on at least one of the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the annular space. A plurality of grooves are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction to form a second female side joint which is a second ball non-holding portion, and the other part is incorporated into the annular space of the second female side joint to form a second female side joint A second constant velocity joint is configured as a second male side joint serving as a second ball holding portion for holding a ball that slides along the track grooves (inner grooves / outer grooves). As a result, the connecting means has a configuration in which two constant velocity joints are arranged in series in the axial direction, and the rotation of the drive shaft can be performed at a constant speed even if a misalignment occurs between the drive shaft and the developing roller shaft. It can be transmitted to the developing roller shaft. Further, as compared with a single constant velocity joint, it is possible to widen the allowable range of the deflection angle in which the rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the developing roller shaft at a constant velocity.

  In addition, the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member can be made common by using both the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the relay member as a male side joint or a female side joint. This can reduce the part management cost. In addition, the attachment direction of the relay member 73 need not be taken into consideration, and the attachment of the relay member 73 is facilitated.

  In addition, a rotating body and a driven shaft for transmitting a driving force to the rotating body, a unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body, and a unit that is positioned with respect to the apparatus body are driven By using the above-described connecting means in an image forming apparatus that includes a connecting means for connecting a shaft and a driving shaft that is rotationally driven by receiving a driving force from a driving source provided in the apparatus main body, the driven shaft and the drive are driven. Even if an axial misalignment occurs between the shaft and the shaft, the drive shaft and the driven shaft can be connected.

  Further, the detachable unit described above is a connection between a driving shaft and a developing roller shaft as a driven shaft in a process cartridge including a photoconductor as an image carrier and any one of a developing device, a cleaning device, and a charging device. By using the above-mentioned connecting means, the drive shaft and the developing roller shaft can be connected even if there is a misalignment between the drive shaft and the developing roller shaft.

  Further, by using the above-mentioned connecting means for connecting the driving shaft and the developing roller shaft as the driven shaft in the developing unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, there is a misalignment between the driving shaft and the developing roller shaft. Even if it exists, a drive shaft and a developing roller shaft can be connected.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged configuration diagram showing a process cartridge. (A) is a front view when the process cartridge is viewed from the back side of the apparatus main body. (B) is a perspective view when the process cartridge is viewed from the back side of the apparatus main body. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram when a process cartridge is mounted on an apparatus main body. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram before a process cartridge is mounted on a printer body. FIG. 3 is a main part schematic perspective view showing a drive transmission unit of the developing unit. The schematic block diagram of a connection means. The transverse cross section of the 1st female side joint. The figure which looked at the 1st female side joint from the axial direction. The cross-sectional view of a 1st male side joint. (A) is a schematic block diagram of the connection means which used the 1st male side joint and the 2nd male side joint as a relay member. (B) is a schematic block diagram of the connection means which used the 1st male side joint and the 2nd female side joint as a relay member. (C) is a schematic block diagram of the connection means which used the 1st female side joint and the 2nd male side joint as a relay member. The schematic block diagram of the connection means which connected the 1st constant velocity joint and the 2nd constant velocity joint with the connection shaft. The schematic block diagram of the connection means provided with the supporting member holder. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer for mounting a process cartridge to an apparatus main body. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a connecting unit when the developing roller shaft and the drive shaft are connected in a state where the axis of the developing roller shaft and the axis of the driving shaft are displaced. Sectional drawing of the connection means provided with the supporting member of the modification 1. FIG. The exploded perspective view of the support member of the modification 1. (A) is sectional drawing of the supporting member of the modification 2. FIG. (B) is a front view of the support member of the modification 2. FIG. (A) is sectional drawing of the supporting member of the modification 3. FIG. (B) is an exploded perspective view of a support member of Modification 3. FIG. 10 is a main configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a coupling unit between a motor shaft and a drum shaft of a photoreceptor driving motor in an image forming apparatus according to a modification. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer for mounting a process cartridge and a developing unit to an apparatus main body. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a printer for mounting a process cartridge and a developing unit to the apparatus main body. The figure which shows the tandem type color image forming apparatus of a direct transfer system. 1 is a diagram illustrating an intermediate transfer type tandem color image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer drum. FIG. The figure which shows a monochrome image forming apparatus. The figure shown about an example of the conventional connection apparatus. The figure explaining a mode that the driven shaft side member and the 1st engaging part of a relay member are engaged in the conventional coupling device.

Explanation of symbols

1Y, C, M, K: each process cartridge 2Y, C, M, K: photoconductor 5: developing unit 70: connecting means 71: first constant velocity joint 711: first male side joint 712: first female side joint 72: second constant velocity joint 721: second male side joint 722: second female side joint 73: relay member 75: connecting shaft 84, 180, 280, 380: support member 89: holding plate 173: ball 182: first Bracket 183: second bracket 184: rubber member 185: mounting bracket 190: drive transmission mechanism 282: leaf spring 382: elastic structure 386: elastic support 800: drawer unit

Claims (11)

In a coupling device that couples a driven shaft for transmitting a driving force to a rotating body and a driving shaft that receives a driving force from a driving source provided in the apparatus main body and rotates.
A driven shaft side member attached to the driven shaft;
A drive shaft side member attached to the drive shaft;
A first engagement portion that engages with the driven shaft side member; and a second engagement portion that engages with the drive shaft side member, and each of the driven shaft side member and the drive shaft side member. A relay member engaged with the driven shaft side member and the driving shaft side member so as to be relatively tiltable;
At least one of the driven shaft side member and the driving shaft side member is configured to be separable from the relay member,
When at least one of the driven shaft side member and the driving shaft side member is separated from the relay member,
By merely supporting the relay member and moving the driven shaft side member or the drive shaft side member in the axial direction, the driven shaft side member and the first engagement portion are engaged or driven. A coupling device comprising: a support member that regulates inclination of the relay member due to its own weight within a range in which the shaft-side member and the second engagement portion can be engaged. The connecting device according to claim 1.
The support member mounts and supports the relay member such that the shaft center of the relay member is lower than the shaft center of the driven shaft and the drive shaft, and a gap is formed above the relay member. A connecting device having a pedestal portion to perform. The connecting device according to claim 1.
The connecting device is characterized in that the support member rotatably and elastically supports the relay member. The connecting device according to claim 3.
The connecting device, wherein the support member supports the relay member using a rubber material. The connecting device according to claim 3.
A coupling device characterized in that the support member has an elastically deformable shape. The connecting device according to claim 5.
A coupling device, wherein the support member is formed of a resin material. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
One of the driven shaft side member and the first engaging portion of the relay member has an annular space with one end opened, and extends in the axial direction on at least one of an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface of the annular space. A plurality of track grooves are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction as a first ball non-holding portion, and the other part is incorporated in the annular space of the first ball non-holding portion and formed in the first ball non-holding portion. Forming a first constant velocity joint as a first ball holding portion for holding a ball sliding along the track groove formed;
One of the drive shaft side member and the second engaging portion of the relay member has an annular space with one end opened, and the track extends in the axial direction on at least one of an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface of the annular space. A second ball non-holding portion in which a plurality of grooves are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction is formed, and the other part is incorporated into the annular space of the second ball non-holding portion, and is formed in the second ball non-holding portion. And a second constant velocity joint configured as a second ball holding portion for holding a ball sliding along the track groove. The connecting device according to claim 7.
A coupling device characterized in that both the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the relay member are ball holding portions or ball non-holding portions. A unit having a rotating body and a driven shaft for transmitting a driving force to the rotating body, and detachable from the apparatus body;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a connecting unit that connects the driven shaft and a driving shaft that is rotated by receiving a driving force from a driving source provided in the apparatus main body in a state where the unit is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body. In the device
An image forming apparatus using the connecting device according to claim 1 as the connecting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the unit detachable from the apparatus main body is a process cartridge including an image carrier and any one of a developing device, a cleaning device, and a charging device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the unit detachable from the apparatus main body is a developing unit.

Images