JP2016218483A - Process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To highly accurately perform positioning in the axial direction of a coupling on a process cartridge side receiving the rotation force from the apparatus body of an electrophotographic image formation apparatus and a rotation force application part on the apparatus body side.SOLUTION: A cartridge 2 comprises: a first cartridge side positioning object part 158b which is engaged with a first body side positioning part 130Ra in the state of being attached to an apparatus body 1; a second cartridge side positioning object part 158c which is provided coaxially with the axial line of a drum 20 on one end side in the longitudinal direction of a first frame body unit 50, and engaged with a second body side positioning part 130Rb; a third cartridge side positioning object part 51e which is provided coaxially with the axial line of the drum 20 on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body unit 50 and engaged with a third body side positioning part 130La; a first unit side regulation part 200 which is provided in the first frame body unit 50; and a first drum side regulation part 150c which is provided in the drum 20 so as to contact the first unit side regulation part 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is detachably mounted.

  Here, in the present invention, the process cartridge means that the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge and detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It is what is done. For example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of a developing unit, a charging unit, and a cleaning unit as the process unit are integrally formed into a cartridge. Therefore, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit as the process unit, and a cleaning unit are integrally formed into a cartridge. Further, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing unit as the process unit are integrally formed into a cartridge.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer and a laser beam printer), a facsimile machine, and a word processor.

  The main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus portion excluding the process cartridge.

  Conventionally, a process cartridge system has been adopted in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process. According to this process cartridge system, maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person. Accordingly, the maintenance operability can be remarkably improved.

  Conventionally, in a process cartridge, the following configuration is known in order to receive a rotational driving force for rotating an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) from the apparatus main body.

  A rotating body for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the apparatus main body side, and a non-circular twist provided in a central portion of the rotating body and having a plurality of corners in a cross section that rotates integrally with the rotating body With holes.

  On the process cartridge side, a non-circular twisted protrusion having a plurality of corners in cross section is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum and is fitted into the hole.

  Then, when the process member is mounted on the apparatus main body, when the rotating body rotates in a state where the protrusion is fitted in the hole, the rotation is performed in a state where the protrusion receives a pulling force in the direction of the hole. The rotational force of the body is transmitted to the photosensitive drum. As a result, a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum is transmitted from the main body to the photosensitive drum (Patent Document 1). This technique is effective as a configuration for transmitting a rotational force to the photosensitive drum.

Japanese Patent No. 2875203

  The present invention is a further development of the above-described prior art.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge that realizes highly accurate positioning in the axial direction of a coupling on the process cartridge side that receives a rotational force from the apparatus main body and a rotational force applying portion on the apparatus main body side. Is.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that does not include a mechanism for moving the main body side rotating body in the axial direction as a driving force applying unit for transmitting the rotational force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by opening / closing the main body cover. A process cartridge mounted on a main body is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to improve the rotational accuracy of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as compared with the case where gears and gear meshing are used to transmit the rotational force between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge. A process cartridge is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is attached and detached.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of accurately positioning the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum on the apparatus main body.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of accurately positioning the axial direction of the coupling in the apparatus main body.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is attached and detached.

  A typical configuration of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge having a rotational force imparting portion and detachably mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A body drum, a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a first frame unit that supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and the developing roller. A second frame unit that is swingably coupled to the first frame unit, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying unit in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A coupling for receiving a rotational force for rotation, wherein the coupling is attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A first body-side positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body for restricting movement of the first frame body unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state where a cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. In order to position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the first cartridge side positioned portion to be engaged with the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, A second cartridge side that engages with a second main body side positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body, which is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the one frame unit and coaxial with the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. With the positioned portion and the process cartridge mounted in the apparatus main body, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body A third main body side provided on the apparatus main body, which is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body unit and on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in order to determine the position. A third cartridge side positioned portion that engages with the positioning portion, and the first frame body unit for restricting movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body unit. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum is in contact with the first unit side regulating portion in order to regulate the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first unit side regulating portion and the first frame body unit. And a first drum side regulating portion provided on the photosensitive drum.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachably attached to an apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. ) A first main body side positioning portion, ii) a second main body side positioning portion, iii) a third main body side positioning portion, iv) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and electrostatic formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A developing roller for developing a latent image, a first frame unit that supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a swingable coupling with the first frame unit that supports the developing roller. A coupling that receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the apparatus main body in a state where the second frame unit and the process cartridge are mounted on the apparatus main body; The first frame unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with the coupling attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process cartridge mounted to the apparatus main body In order to restrict the movement of the first main body side positioning portion, a first cartridge side positioned portion, and the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the apparatus, and In order to position the photosensitive drum in the radial direction, the second main body side positioning is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit and on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A second cartridge side positioned part that engages with the part, and the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body, In order to perform radial positioning of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the first frame unit is provided on the other end in the longitudinal direction on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. In order to regulate the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body unit and the third cartridge side positioned portion engaged with the third main body side positioning portion, the first frame A first unit side restricting portion provided in the body unit, and in contact with the first unit side restricting portion in order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body unit. And a process cartridge having a first drum side regulating portion provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

  According to the present invention, the axial positioning of the coupling on the process cartridge side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body and the rotational force applying portion on the apparatus main body side can be performed with high accuracy.

  In addition, according to the present invention, an apparatus that does not include a mechanism for moving the main body side rotating body in the axial direction as a driving force applying unit for transmitting rotational force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by opening and closing operation of the main body cover. A process cartridge attached to the main body can be provided.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the process cartridge that has improved the rotation accuracy of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as compared with the case of using a gear and a gear mesh for transmitting the rotational force between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge. Can be provided.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a process cartridge capable of accurately positioning the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with respect to the apparatus main body.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a process cartridge that can accurately position the axial direction of the coupling on the apparatus main body.

  In addition, according to the present invention, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is attached and detached can be provided.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is an expanded sectional view of a cartridge. It is a perspective view explaining the frame structure of a cartridge. It is a perspective explanatory view of an apparatus main part. It is a perspective explanatory view of a drive shaft of the apparatus main body. It is a perspective explanatory view of a coupling. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the coupling and the drive shaft couple | bonded. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the coupling and the drive shaft couple | bonded It is a perspective view explaining a coupling. It is a perspective view explaining a spherical member. It is sectional drawing explaining a coupling and coupling components. It is a perspective view explaining a coupling and a coupling component. It is explanatory drawing explaining a drum flange. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by S2-S2 of FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining the process which assembles a coupling to a drum flange in the state cut | disconnected by S1-S1 of FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining the process which fixes a coupling to a drum flange in the state cut | disconnected by S1-S1 of FIG. Perspective view of the photosensitive drum unit as seen from the drive side FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit as seen from the non-driving side. It is a perspective view explaining the support structure (drive side) of a photoconductor drum unit. It is a perspective view explaining the support structure (drive side) of a photoconductor drum unit. It is a perspective view explaining the support structure (drive side) of a photoconductor drum unit. It is a perspective view explaining the support structure (non-driving side) of a photosensitive drum unit. It is a perspective view showing a guide rail guide for cartridge attachment / detachment on the driving side and the non-driving side of the apparatus main body. It is a schematic diagram which shows the apparatus main body and the longitudinal positioning structure of a coupling. It is a perspective view explaining the fixing method of a drum and a flange. It is sectional drawing explaining the fixing method of a drum and a flange. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the rib of a drum frame, and the groove | channel of a flange. It is sectional drawing explaining the insertion operation | movement to the apparatus main body of a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the coupling operation | movement in the insertion process to the apparatus main body of a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the coupling operation | movement in the insertion process to the apparatus main body of a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the coupling operation | movement in the insertion process to the apparatus main body of a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the coupling operation | movement in the insertion process to the apparatus main body of a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the coupling operation | movement in the insertion process to the apparatus main body of a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the coupling operation in the process of removing a cartridge from an apparatus main body.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. However, the functions, materials, shapes, functions, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. is not. Further, the materials, shapes, etc. of the members once described in the following description are the same as those in the first description unless otherwise described.

[Example]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus main body 1 (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) and a process cartridge 2 (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge) constituting the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2. The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus and the image forming process in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  This image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic technique in which a cartridge 2 is detachable from an apparatus main body 1. When the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, an exposure device (laser scanner unit) 3 is disposed above the cartridge 2. A sheet tray 4 that stores a recording medium (sheet material) P that is an image forming target is disposed below the cartridge 2. Further, the apparatus body 1 includes a pickup roller 5a, a feeding roller 5b, a conveyance roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer charging roller 7, a conveyance guide 8, a fixing device 9, along the conveyance direction of the sheet material P. A discharge roller pair 10, a discharge tray 11, and the like are arranged.

(Description of image forming process)
Next, an outline of the image forming process will be described. Based on the print start signal, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as drum) 20 is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the arrow R1 direction. A charging roller 12 to which a bias voltage is applied is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20, and the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20 is uniformly and uniformly charged by the charging roller 12.

  The exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L modulated in accordance with the time-series electric digital pixel signal of the image information. The laser light L enters the inside of the cartridge 2 from the exposure window 53 on the upper surface of the cartridge 2 and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by a developer T (hereinafter referred to as toner) of the second frame unit 40 and developed as a toner image.

  More specifically, the charging roller 12 is provided in contact with the drum 20 and charges the drum 20. The charging roller 12 is driven to rotate by the drum 20. The second frame unit 40 supplies toner to the developing area of the drum 20 to develop the latent image formed on the drum 20.

  The second frame unit 40 sends out the toner T in the toner chamber 45 to the toner supply chamber 44 by the rotation of the stirring member 43. Then, the developing roller 41, which is a developer carrying member including a magnet roller (fixed magnet) 41a, is rotated, and a toner layer imparted with triboelectric charge by the developing blade 42 is formed on the surface of the developing roller 41. Then, the toner is transferred to the drum 20 in accordance with the latent image to form a toner image and visualize it. The developing blade 42 defines the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 41 and imparts triboelectric charge.

  On the other hand, the sheet material P stored in the lower part of the apparatus main body 1 is fed from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the feeding roller 5b, and the conveying roller pair 5c at the timing when the laser beam L is output. Then, the sheet material P is supplied to the transfer position between the drum 20 and the transfer charging roller 7 via the transfer guide 6 at a timing. At this transfer position, the toner images are sequentially transferred from the drum 20 to the sheet material P.

  The sheet material P to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 20 and is conveyed along the conveyance guide 8 to the fixing device 9. The sheet material P passes through the nip portion between the fixing roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b constituting the fixing device 9. A pressure / heat fixing process is performed in the nip portion, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet material P. The sheet material P that has undergone the toner image fixing process is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged onto the discharge tray 11.

  On the other hand, the toner 20 on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20 after the transfer is removed by the cleaning blade 52, and the drum 20 is again subjected to image formation starting from charging. The waste toner removed from the drum 20 is stored in the waste toner chamber 52a.

  In the above, the charging roller 12, the developing roller 41, the cleaning blade 52, and the like are process means that act on the drum 20.

(Process cartridge frame structure)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the frame structure of the cartridge 2. The frame structure of the cartridge 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drum 20, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 52 are attached to the drum frame 51 and constitute an integral first frame unit 50.

  On the other hand, the second frame unit 40 includes a toner storage container 40a and a lid 40b that form a toner chamber 45 and a toner supply chamber 44 for storing toner. The toner container 40a and the lid 40b are integrally coupled by means such as welding.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 2 is configured by connecting the first frame unit 50 and the second frame unit 40 so as to be swingable with each other by a round pin connecting member 54.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the arm portion 55 a formed on the side cover 55 arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second frame unit 40 (axial direction of the developing roller 41) is parallel to the developing roller 41. Is provided with a round rotation hole 55b. When the arm portion 55a is inserted into a predetermined position of the drum frame 51, the drum frame 51 has a fitting hole 51a for fitting the coupling member 54 on the same axis as the rotation hole 55b (see the left side of FIG. 3). The insertion hole is not shown). The first frame unit 50 and the second frame unit 40 are coupled to be rotatable about the coupling member 54 by inserting the coupling member 54 into the rotation hole 55b and the fitting hole 51a. At this time, the compression coil spring 46 attached to the base of the arm portion 55a hits the drum frame 51 and urges the second frame unit 40 downward. As a result, the developing roller 41 (FIG. 2) is reliably pressed toward the drum 20. An interval holding member (not shown) is attached to both ends of the developing roller 41, and the developing roller 41 is held at a predetermined interval from the drum 20.

  Further, a coupling member 150 for rotating the drum 20 from the apparatus main body 1 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50. In the following description, the side on which the coupling 150 is provided with respect to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 is referred to as a driving side, and the opposite side is referred to as a non-driving side.

(Process cartridge rotational force transmission method)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus main body 1 with the cartridge door (main body cover, open / close door) 109 opened to show the inside. Cartridge 2 is not installed. A method for transmitting the rotational force to the cartridge 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus main body 1 is provided with mounting means 130 which is a guide rail for attaching and detaching a cartridge, and the cartridge 2 is mounted in the apparatus main body 1 along the mounting means 130. At this time, a coupling member 150 (FIG. 3: hereinafter, coupling) which is a rotational force transmission component (rotational force receiving member) of the drive shaft 100 of the apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge 2 in conjunction with the mounting operation of the cartridge 2. Are described). Thereby, the drum 20 is rotated by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body 1.

1) Description of Drive Shaft 100 FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view of the drive shaft 100 on the apparatus main body 1 side. The drive shaft 100 is connected to a drive transmission means such as a gear train (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 1 and a motor. The distal end portion 100a of the drive shaft 100 has a substantially hemispherical surface, and has a rotational force transmission pin 100b as a rotational force applying portion.

2) Description of Coupling 150 FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling 150. The material of the coupling 150 is, for example, a resin such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, or PPS. However, in order to increase the rigidity of the coupling 150, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like may be blended in the resin according to the load torque. When the materials are blended, the rigidity of the coupling 150 can be increased. Further, a metal may be inserted into the resin to further increase the rigidity, or the entire coupling may be made of metal or the like.

  A plurality of driven transmission protrusions 150d (150d1 to 150d4) are arranged at the tip of the coupling 150. The driven transmission protrusions 150d (150d1 to 150d4) are provided with rotational force receiving portions 150e (150e1 to 150e4) that are inclined with respect to the axis L150 of the coupling 150. Further, a conical recess 150f is provided inside the driven transmission protrusions 150d1 to 150d4.

3) Description of Combined State of Drive Shaft 100 and Coupling 150 FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state where the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 100 are coupled. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 100 are coupled. The coupling state of the drive shaft 100 and the coupling 150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The rotational force transmission pin 100b of the drive shaft 100 is engaged with the rotational force receiving portion 150e (150e1 to 150e4). Although not visible in FIG. 7, the rotational force transmission pin 100b on the back side is also engaged with the rotational force receiving portion 150e. Further, the distal end portion 100 a of the drive shaft 100 is in contact with the concave portion 150 f of the coupling 150. As the drive shaft 100 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted from the rotational force transmission pin 100b to the rotational force receiving portion 150e. Further, since the rotational force receiving portion 150e is inclined with respect to the axis L150 of the coupling 150, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 100 are attracted to each other, and the distal end portion 100a and the recessed portion 150f are reliably in contact with each other, thereby providing a stable rotational force. Communication is possible.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is attached to one end of the drum 20 and receives a rotational force for rotating the drum 20 from the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1.

4) Description of coupling 150 and coupling parts FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating coupling 150, FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating spherical member 160, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating coupling 150 and coupling parts. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the coupling 150 and the coupling component.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a through hole 150r is provided at an end 150s of the coupling 150 located on the opposite side of the rotational force receiving portion 150e. As shown in FIG. 10, the spherical member 160 coupled to the coupling 150 has a substantially spherical shape, and is provided with a hole for inserting the coupling 150 and a pin 155 (rotational force transmitting portion) described later. ing. The bag-like hole 160a is for inserting the end 150s of the coupling. The through hole 160b is a hole for inserting a pin 155 described later, and also penetrates the bag-like hole 160a.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the end 150s of the coupling 150 is inserted into the bag-like hole 160a of the spherical member 160, and the positional relationship in which the through hole 150r and the through hole 160b are overlapped in a straight line is maintained. Insert the pin 155. In this embodiment, the coupling 150 and the bag-like hole 160a are fitted into a gap, the pin 155 and the through-hole 150r are fitted into a gap, and the pin 155 and the through-hole 160b are fitted together. Therefore, the pin 155 and the spherical member 160 are integrally coupled. This coupling state is referred to as a coupling coupling 156.

  When receiving a rotational force from the drive shaft 100, the coupling 150 rotates around the axis L150, and the through hole 150r engages with the pin 155. That is, the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 is converted into a force that rotates the pin 155 about the rotation axis L150 through the coupling 150.

5) Transmission of rotational force from the coupling coupling 156 to the drum 20 FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the drum flange 151 (hereinafter referred to as a flange), and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along S2-S2 in FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of assembling the coupling 150 to the flange 151 in a state where it is cut at S1-S1 in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of fixing the coupling 150 to the flange 151 in a state where it is cut at S1-S1 in FIG. 17 is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit 21 as viewed from the driving side (coupling 150 side), and FIG. 18 is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit 21 as viewed from the non-driving side (opposite side to the coupling 150 side). It is.

  An example of the flange 151 to which the coupling 150 is attached will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a view of the flange 151 as viewed from the drive shaft 100 side. Openings 151g (151g1 to 151g4) shown in FIG. 13 are grooves provided in the rotation axis direction of the flange 151. When the coupling 150 is attached to the flange 151, the pin 155 fits in any two of the openings 151g1 to 151g4. Furthermore, a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 151h (151h1 to 151h4) is provided on the upstream side in the clockwise direction of the openings 151g1 to 151g4. When the rotational force is transmitted from the pin 155 to the flange 151, the pin 155 and the rotational force transmission surface 151h come into contact with each other. Further, a space (concave portion 151f) is provided in the vicinity of the central axis L151 of the flange 151.

  The recessed portion 151f is a space surrounded by the cylindrical surface 151j (151j1 to 151j4), the retaining portion 151i (151i1 to 151i4), and the opening 151k (151k1 to 151k4). In the above, the cylindrical surface 151j (151j1 to 151j4) is a substantially cylindrical surface adjacent to the opening 151g and having the axis L151 as the central axis, and is a cylindrical surface portion having a diameter φD151a. The retaining portions 151i (151i1 to 151i4) are substantially hemispherical surfaces that are smoothly continuous with the cylindrical surface 151j, and are a part of the radius SR151. The opening 151k (151k1 to 151k4) is an opening portion having a diameter φD151b located on the drive shaft 100 side of the retaining portion 151i.

  The relationship with the outer dimension φD160 of the spherical member 160 is as follows (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

φD151b <φD160 <φD151a≈2 × SR151
Although the spherical member 160 can be inserted into the recess 151f with the gap G, the movement to the opening 151k side of the axis L151 is restricted. Due to this restriction, the spherical member 160 (coupling coupling 156) does not come off from the flange 151 (process cartridge 2) under normal use conditions.

  The process of assembling and fixing the coupling 150 to the flange 151 will be described with reference to FIGS. The end 150s is inserted into the flange 151 from the direction of the arrow X1. Next, the spherical member 160 is covered from the arrow X2 direction. Further, after aligning the through hole 160b of the spherical member 160 and the through hole 150r at the end 150s in a straight line, the pin 155 is inserted from the direction of the arrow X3. The pin 155 passes through the through hole 160b and the through hole 150r. Since the inner diameters of the through hole 160b and the through hole 150r are set smaller than that of the pin 155, a frictional force is generated between the pin 155 and the through hole 160b. In this embodiment, the press-fitting allowance is set to about 50 μm.

  As a result, the pin 155 is held without shifting during normal use, and the coupling coupling 156 is integrally coupled.

  Further, the coupling coupling 156 is moved in the X4 direction, and the spherical member 160 is brought into contact with or close to the retaining portion 151i.

  Next, the retaining member 157 is inserted in the arrow X4 direction and fixed to the flange 151. Since the spherical member 160 and the backlash (gap) remain, the direction of the coupling 150 can be changed.

  Next, the configuration of the photosensitive drum unit 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. The flange 151 to which the coupling coupling 156 is attached is fixed to one end side of the drum 20 so that the driven transmission projection 150d is exposed. Further, the non-driving side drum flange 152 is fixed to the other end side of the drum 20. This fixing method uses caulking, adhesion, welding or the like.

  Next, the support structure of the photosensitive drum unit 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, a flange 151 provided on the driving side of the photosensitive drum unit 21 has a drum gear 151c as a gear for transmitting the rotational force of the flange to the developing gear 41b of the developing roller 41, and one end. It has a shaft portion 151v as a side drum shaft. The shaft portion 151v is rotatably held by a holding portion 158d included in the bearing (bearing member) 158. The gear 151c is integrally formed with the flange 151. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, a drum shaft 202 as a drum shaft on the other end side that supports the drum 20 is fixed to the drum frame 51 by press-fitting or the like. The photosensitive drum unit 21 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 202 in the hole 152a of the non-driving side drum flange 152.

  Here, the drum gear 151c is a helical gear, and a biasing force (thrust force) for biasing from one end side where the gear 151c is provided to the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 is a helical gear. Is generated. Note that the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the drum 20 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 2.

  The gear 151c transmits the rotational force received by the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 100 to the developing roller 41 via the developing gear 41b. As a result, the developing roller 41 rotates.

  As described above, the drive shaft 100 rotates through the driving force transmitting means (not shown) such as a gear of the apparatus body 1 using the rotational force from the motor (not shown) of the apparatus body 1. The rotational force is transmitted to the cartridge 2 through the coupling 150. Further, the torque is transmitted from the coupling 150 to the flange 151 through the pin 155 and the rotational force is delivered to the drum 20 fixed integrally with the flange 151.

(Cartridge attachment / detachment configuration)
Next, a mechanism for attaching / detaching the cartridge 2 to / from the apparatus main body 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 23, the mounting means 130 of this embodiment has body guides 130R and 130L provided in the apparatus body 1. These are provided opposite to the left and right side surfaces of the cartridge mounting space provided in the apparatus main body 1. 23A shows the driving side, and FIG. 23B shows the non-driving side. A cartridge 2 (not shown) is attached and detached along the main body guides 130R and 130L. In order to mount the cartridge 2 in the apparatus main body 1, the cartridge door 109 (FIG. 4) provided in the apparatus main body 1 is opened. After the cartridge 2 is mounted, the cartridge door 109 is closed to complete the mounting of the cartridge 2 to the apparatus main body 1. Even when the cartridge 2 is removed from the apparatus main body 1, the cartridge door 109 is opened to perform the removal operation. These operations are performed by the user.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a cartridge guide 51 </ b> R that protrudes outward from the drum frame 51 is provided at the drive side end of the first frame unit 50 of the cartridge 2. As shown in FIG. 22, a cartridge guide 51L is provided at the non-driving side end.

  When the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1, the cartridge guide 51R shown in FIG. 21 and the cylindrical portion 158c of the bearing member 158 are guided by the main body guide 130R shown in FIG. Further, the cartridge guide 51L shown in FIG. 22 and the cylindrical portion 51e of the drum frame 51 are guided by the main body guide 130L shown in FIG. In this way, the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 while being moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 100.

  Next, the mounting operation of the cartridge 2 to the apparatus main body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along S1-S1. As shown in FIG. 28, the cartridge door 109 is opened by the user. Then, the cartridge guide 51R and the cylindrical portion 158c (the cartridge guide 51L on the non-driving side, the cylindrical portion 51e) start to be inserted along the main body guide 130R (the cartridge guide 130L on the non-driving side) ((a) in FIG. 28). . When the cartridge 2 is inserted in the direction of the arrow X5 as it is, the cartridge 2 is mounted at a predetermined position (image forming position) through the engagement between the drive shaft 100 and the coupling 150 of the cartridge 2. At that time, the coupling 150 becomes a rotational force transmission angular position to be described later ((b) of FIG. 28).

  When the cartridge 2 is in a predetermined position, the receiving portion 158e (FIG. 21) of the bearing member 158 and the drum frame 51 are moved by the pressing springs 188R and 188L shown in FIGS. The receiving part 51g (FIG. 22) which has has a pressing force. As a result, the cartridge 2 is accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 1.

  Here, the meaning of “substantially orthogonal” will be described. A slight gap is provided between the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1 in order to smoothly attach and detach the cartridge 2. Therefore, when the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1, the entire cartridge 2 may be slightly inclined within the gap. Even in such a case, the effect of the present invention can be achieved. Therefore, it is referred to as “substantially orthogonal” including the case where the cartridge is slightly inclined.

(Description of operation of coupling 150)
Next, the relationship among the main body guide 130R, the slider 131, and the coupling 150 during the mounting operation of the cartridge 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 is a side view seen from the drive shaft 100 side, and FIG. 30 is a ZZ cross section of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 29, on the drive side, the cartridge 2 moves with the cylindrical portion 158c of the bearing member 158 in contact with the guide surface 130R1b. At this time, as shown in FIG. 30, the connecting portion 150c of the coupling 150 has a gap of n1 with respect to the guide rib 130R1c. Therefore, no force is applied to the coupling 150. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the coupling 150 is regulated by a regulating portion 158f from the upper surface to the left surface. Therefore, the coupling 150 is set so that it can be freely tilted only with respect to the mounting direction X5. The slider 131 keeps the biasing position (position where it hits upward) by the elastic force of the pressing spring 132.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the coupling 150 comes into contact with the slider 131 and the slider 131 has moved from the biased position to the retracted position. Due to the entry of the coupling 150 that can be inclined only in the mounting direction X5, the connecting portion 150c and the inclined surface 131a (FIG. 32) of the protruding portion of the slider 131 come into contact with each other. As a result, the slider 131 is pushed down and moved to the retracted position.

  FIG. 32 shows a state after the coupling 150 gets over the vertex 131b of the slider 131. When the coupling 150 gets over the apex 131b, the slider 131 tries to return from the retracted position to the urging position by the elastic force of the pressing spring 132. At that time, a part of the joint 150 c of the coupling 150 receives a force F from the inclined surface 131 c of the slider 131. That is, the inclined surface 131c functions as a force applying portion, and a part of the connecting portion 150c receives the force as the force receiving portion 150p. The force F is divided into component forces F1 and F2. At this time, the upper surface of the coupling 150 is restricted by the restriction portion 158f. Therefore, the coupling 150 is inclined in the mounting direction X5 by the component force F2. By tilting, the coupling 150 moves to the pre-engagement angular position.

  Next, the engagement operation between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view as seen from below the apparatus main body.

  33 (a), in the process of mounting the cartridge 2 (not shown), the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 (not shown) from the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 100 (arrow X5 direction). Is done. As for the coupling 150, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is inclined in advance toward the mounting direction X5 with respect to the axis L1 of the drum 20 as an angular position before engagement. By inclining the coupling 150, the front end portion 150A1 (a part of the coupling 150) is positioned closer to the direction in which the drum 20 is provided than the shaft front end 100c3 in the direction of the axis L1. The tip portion 150A2 is positioned in the direction of the rotational force transmission pin 100b with respect to the shaft tip 100c3.

  In FIG. 33B, first, the tip portion 150A1 passes through the shaft tip 100c3. Thereafter, the drive bearing surface 150f or the driven projection 150d as a recess provided on the rotation axis of the mortar-shaped coupling 150 contacts the shaft tip 100c3 or the rotational force transmission pin 100b. . Here, the receiving surface 150f and / or the protrusion 150d is the cartridge side contact portion. Further, the shaft tip 100c3 and / or the rotational force transmission pin 100b is the main body side engaging portion.

  In FIG. 33 (c), as the cartridge 2 moves, the coupling 150 is gradually inclined so as to be substantially linear with the axis L1.

  In FIG. 33D, when the position of the cartridge 2 is finally determined with respect to the apparatus main body 1, the drive shaft 100 and the drum 20 are substantially on the same straight line. That is, the axis L1 of the drum 20 and the axis L2 of the coupling 150 are substantially on the same straight line and tilt from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Then, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 100 are engaged.

  That is, the coupling 150 has a recess 150f on the rotation axis of the coupling. When the cartridge 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 1, the cartridge is tilted from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position as the cartridge is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L <b> 1 of the drum 20. In this case, the coupling 150 tilts so as to allow the coupling portion 150 </ b> A <b> 1 located on the downstream side to bypass the drive shaft 100 when viewed from the direction in which the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body 1.

  The recess 150f covers the tip of the drive shaft 100 with the coupling 150 positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position. Further, the rotational force receiving portion 150 e engages with the rotational force applying portion 100 b provided to protrude in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 100 on the distal end side of the drive shaft 100 in the rotational direction of the coupling 150. As a result, the coupling 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft 100 and rotates.

  The tip 150A1, which is a part of the coupling 150, is positioned in the direction in which the drum 20 is provided with respect to the shaft tip 100c3 when in the pre-engagement angular position, and is positioned on the shaft tip 100c3 when in the rotational force transmission angular position. On the other hand, it is located in the direction of the rotational force transmission pin 100b. Such a movement is expressed as “a part of the coupling bypasses the drive shaft”.

  Next, the operation of the coupling 150 when taking out the cartridge 2 from the apparatus main body 1 will be described. FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view as seen from below the apparatus main body.

  In FIG. 34 (a), in the state where the driving of the drum 20 is stopped, the coupling 150 is positioned on the substantially coaxial line with respect to the axis L1 as the rotational force transmission angular position.

  In FIG. 34 (b), the cartridge 2 moves to the front side (extraction direction X6) of the apparatus main body 1 and the drum 20 moves to the front side. In accordance with this movement, the recess 150f or the protrusion 150d of the coupling 150 comes into contact with at least the shaft tip 100c3 of the drive shaft 100, and the axis L2 starts to tilt upstream in the take-out direction X6. This inclination direction is the same as the direction in which the coupling 150 is inclined when the cartridge 2 is mounted.

  In (c) of FIG. 34, when the cartridge 2 is further moved in the X6 direction, the upstream end portion 150A3 in the X6 direction is inclined until it reaches the shaft end 100c3. The angle of the coupling 150 at this time is the separation angle position.

  In FIG. 34 (d), in this state, the coupling 150 passes while contacting the shaft tip 100c3. Although the angle formed by the axis L1 and the axis L2 is different from that at the time of mounting, the movement of the tip 150A3, which is a part of the coupling 150, bypassing the shaft tip 100c3 is similar to that at the time of mounting.

  Therefore, it is expressed that “a part of the coupling bypasses the drive shaft” when the cartridge is taken out.

  Note that the location of the tip 150A3 changes depending on the phase when the coupling 150 stops. In the case of the protrusion 150d, the arc-shaped rib 150g (FIG. 9) may be both. In any case, the tip portion 150A3 is a part of the coupling.

  Thereafter, the cartridge 2 is taken out from the apparatus main body 1.

  That is, when removing the cartridge 2 from the apparatus main body 1, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position in accordance with the movement of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the drum 20. Tilt. In this case, when the coupling 150 is viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction in which the cartridge 2 is removed from the apparatus main body 1, the coupling portion 150 </ b> A <b> 3 located behind the drive shaft 100 bypasses the drive shaft 100. Tilt to allow. As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 100.

  Further, the coupling 150 is provided at the end of the drum 20 so as to be rotatable (tiltable) in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1 of the drum 20. Thus, the coupling 150 can smoothly tilt between the pre-engagement angular position, the rotational force transmission angular position, and the disengagement angular position. Here, the pivoting of the coupling means that the inclined axis L2 rotates around the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, rather than the coupling itself rotating around the axis L2 of the coupling. However, it does not exclude that the coupling itself rotates around the axis L2 within the range of play or positively provided gaps.

  That is, the coupling 150 can be swung so that the tip of the driven side 150a draws a circle centering on the axis L2, with one end on the drum 107 side of the driving unit 150b positioned on the axis L2.

  Further, being able to turn (tilt) in substantially all directions means the following range. That is, when the user attaches the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 can reach the rotational force transmission angular position no matter what phase the drive shaft 100 having the rotational force imparting portion 100a stops. This is the range that can be tilted.

  Further, it means a range in which the coupling 150 can tilt to the disengagement angle position no matter what phase the drive shaft 100 stops when the user removes the cartridge 2 from the apparatus main body 1. To do.

  Further, the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 151h that engages with the pin 155 (rotational force transmitting portion) pin 155 so that the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. There is a gap between them. Thus, the coupling 150 is attached to the end of the drum 20. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the process cartridge 2 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 including the drive shaft 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 100.

  Further, according to the coupling 150, the process cartridge can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 100 without moving the drive gear provided in the device main body 1 in the axial direction thereof, so that the apparatus main body can be moved. Can be attached and detached.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the drum 20 can be smoothly rotated at the drive connecting portion between the main body and the cartridge as compared with the case where the gear is engaged with the gear.

(Coupling positioning configuration)
Next, the positioning configuration of the coupling will be described. FIGS. 19 and 20 are views showing the internal configuration of the photosensitive drum unit 21 including the coupling 150, the drum frame 51, and the bearing member 158. The drum frame 51 has a rib 200 as a first unit side restricting portion. The rib 200 has tapered portions 200 a and 200 b at the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion with respect to the rotation direction of the drum 20. The function of the taper portion will be described later. The cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 by a user from a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 2 (longitudinal direction of the drum 20).

  Further, the flange 151 which is a part of the photosensitive body first frame unit 21 has a drum-side end surface 151s as a first drum-side restricting portion and a coupling-side end surface 151t as a second drum-side restricting portion. In this embodiment, the end surface 151s as the first drum side regulating portion is provided at one end of the gear 151c of the flange 151, and the coupling side end surface 151t as the second drum side regulating portion is the other end of the gear 151c. Provided in the department.

  The bearing member 158 has an end surface 158a as a second unit side restricting portion. When the photosensitive drum unit 21 is assembled with the drum frame 51 and the bearing member 158, the rib 200 and the end surface 151s of the flange 151 included in the drum frame 51, and the end surface 151t of the flange 151 and the end surface 158a of the bearing member 158 are combined. Each is opposite.

  FIGS. 21 to 23 are views for explaining the positioning portions of the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1. In FIG. 21, the bearing member 158 has a groove 158b as a first cartridge side positioned portion and a cylindrical portion 158c as a second cartridge side positioned portion. In FIG. 23, the guide member 130 </ b> R of the apparatus main body 1 has a rib 130 </ b> Ra as a first main body side positioning portion and a recess 130 </ b> Rb as a second main body side positioning portion. When the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, the groove 158b and the cylindrical portion 158c of the cartridge 2 are engaged with the rib 130Ra and the recess 130Rb of the apparatus main body 1, respectively.

  That is, the cartridge 2 has a groove 158b that engages with the rib 130Ra in order to restrict the movement of the first frame unit 50 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 in a state in which the cartridge 2 is mounted. The groove 158 b is provided in the unit 50. Further, the cartridge 2 has a cylindrical portion 158c that engages with the recess 130Rb in order to position the drum 20 in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the cartridge 2 is mounted. The cylindrical portion 158 c is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 and on the same axis as the axis of the drum 20.

  In FIG. 22, the drum frame 51 has a cylindrical portion 51e as a third cartridge side positioned portion. In FIG. 23B, the guide member 130L of the apparatus main body 1 has a recess 130La as a third main body side positioning portion. Also here, when the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, the cylindrical portion 51e of the cartridge 2 and the recess 130La of the apparatus main body are engaged.

  That is, the cartridge 2 has a cylindrical portion 51e that engages with the recess 130La in order to position the drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the cartridge 2 is mounted. The cylindrical portion 51 e is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 and on the same axis as the axis of the drum 20.

As described above, the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 and positioned at a predetermined position, and the groove 158b of the cartridge 2 and the rib 130Ra provided on the apparatus main body 1 are fitted. The fitting is performed with a slight gap (play) between the two (the groove 158b and the rib 130Ra) in the longitudinal direction of the drum 20. Thus, even when the cartridge 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 1, even if the position is slightly shifted, both can be reliably fitted.
Also,
Further, the receiving surface 51f of the cylindrical portion of the drum frame 51 shown in FIG. 21 and the receiving portion 130Rc of the guide member 130R shown in FIG.

  With the above configuration, the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1 are positioned.

  Next, the longitudinal positional relationship between the drive shaft 100 of the apparatus main body 1 and the coupling 150 of the cartridge 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic views showing a positioning configuration. (A) has shown the case where the coupling 150 has approached the drive side. As described above, the groove 158b of the bearing member 158 and the rib 130Ra of the guide 130R of the apparatus main body 1 are engaged to determine the longitudinal positions of the bearing member 158 and the guide 130R. The rib 130Ra is close to the driving side in the play with the groove 158b. Further, the end surface 158a of the bearing member 158 contacts the end surface 151t of the flange 151, and the longitudinal positions of the bearing member 158 and the flange 151 are regulated. At this time, the end surface 151s of the flange 151 and the rib 200 of the drum frame 51 are not in contact with each other and have a gap.

  FIG. 24B shows a case where the coupling 150 is close to the non-driving side. The grooves 158b of the bearing member 158 and the ribs 130Ra of the guide 130R of the apparatus main body 1 are engaged to determine the longitudinal positions of the bearing member 158 and the guide 130. However, the rib 130Ra is close to the non-driving side in the play with the groove 158b. Further, the end surface 158a of the bearing member 158 and the end surface 151t of the flange 151 are not in contact with each other and have a gap. The end surface 151s of the flange 151 contacts the rib 200 of the drum frame 51, and the longitudinal positions of the flange 151 and the drum frame 51 are regulated.

  In either case, the rotational force transmitting pin 100b of the drive shaft 100 and the rotational force receiving portion 150e of the coupling 150 can maintain the positional relationship necessary for transmitting the rotational force, and the drive transmission is possible. .

(Description of taper parts 200a and 200b)
As described with reference to FIG. 24B, when the photosensitive drum unit 21 is assembled as the first frame unit 50, the end surface 151 s of the flange 151 may rub against the rib 200 of the drum frame 51. . At that time, depending on the contact state between the concave portion 151u of the flange 151 and the rib 200 shown in FIG. 25, the rotation unevenness of the drum 20 may occur, which may cause an image defect. The concave portion 151u of the flange 151 has a shape necessary for manufacturing when the drum 20 and the flange 151 are joined by caulking.

  Here, the caulking will be briefly described. The caulking in the present embodiment is a method of fixing the drum 20 and the flange 151 by bending the end portion of the drum 20 with a tool (bending cut portion 20a) as shown in FIG. This is one of the methods for fixing the metal drum 20 and the flange 151 and is conventionally used. In addition, as a method of joining the drum 20 and the flange 151, bonding, press fitting, or the like may be used in addition to caulking.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the drum 20 and the end surface 151 s (not shown, shown in FIG. 24) of the flange 151 are held in contact with each other, and the groove portion of the flange 151 is pushed and bent by the tool 201. Combine by location. At this time, it is necessary to provide a recess 151u for escaping the tool 201 on the end face 151s (FIG. 25) of the flange.

  In the present embodiment, the drum 20 and the flange 151 are coupled by caulking to form the photosensitive drum unit 21.

  Next, the relationship between the recess 151u and the rib 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 27, the rib 200 is provided in a part of the flange 151 in the circumferential direction. The flange 151 receives a rotational force (driving force) from the apparatus main body 1 and rotates in the direction of the arrow. Then, when the concave portion 151u starts to be engaged with the rib 200 by the rotation of the flange 151 (the state shown in FIG. 27A), and when the concave portion 151u is detached from the rib 200 (the state shown in FIG. 27B). Therefore, the recess 151u and the rib 200 may be caught. This catch causes uneven rotation of the drum 20. In this embodiment, since there are two concave portions 151u, there is a possibility that the flange 151 will be caught four times while making one round.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19A, tapers 200a and 200b are provided at both ends in the circumferential direction of the rib 200 so that the recess 151u and the rib 200 are not easily caught. That is, the rib 200 has tapered portions 200a and 200b at both ends with respect to the drum flange rotation direction. In FIGS. 27A and 27B, tapers 200a and 200b are provided at hatched portions. Thereby, it is possible to reduce image defects due to uneven rotation of the drum 20.

  As described above, the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1 can be positioned with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to achieve both a configuration in which the apparatus main body is not provided with a configuration in which the rotating body is moved in the direction of the rotation axis by opening and closing the main body cover, and a reduction in size of the apparatus main body and the process cartridge.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the rotation accuracy of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum can be improved as compared with the case where gears and gear meshing are used to transmit the rotational force between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge. .

  In the present invention, even when the apparatus main body is provided with a structure for moving the rotating body in the direction of the rotation axis by opening and closing the main body cover, it is possible to reduce the backlash when the apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge 2 are mounted. It is. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge 2.

  The configuration of the process cartridge 2 of the above-described embodiment is summarized as follows.

  (1) A process cartridge 2 that has a rotational force applying unit 100b and is detachably attached to the main body 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20, a developing roller 41 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a first frame unit 50 that supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are provided. Have. The image forming apparatus further includes a second frame unit 40 that supports the developing roller and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit. In addition, the apparatus has a coupling 150 that receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1. The coupling 150 is attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. A first cartridge side positioned portion 158b that engages with a first main body side positioning portion 130Ra provided in the apparatus main body 1 is provided. The first cartridge side positioned portion 158b regulates the movement of the first frame unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. In addition, it has a second cartridge side positioned portion 158c that engages with a second main body side positioning portion 130Rb provided in the apparatus main body 1. The second cartridge side positioned portion 158c positions the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. The second cartridge side positioned portion 158c is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 and coaxial with the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Moreover, it has the 3rd cartridge side positioning part 51e engaged with the 3rd main body side positioning part 130La provided in the said apparatus main body 1. As shown in FIG. The third cartridge-side positioned portion 51e performs radial positioning of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, the third cartridge side positioned portion 51e is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Further, in order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50, a first unit side regulating portion 200 provided in the first frame unit is provided. Further, in order to regulate the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is provided so as to come into contact with the first unit side regulating portion 200. The first drum side regulating portion 151s is provided.

  With this configuration, it is possible to accurately position the coupling 150 on the process cartridge 2 side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 and the rotational force applying unit 100b on the apparatus main body side in the axial direction. Further, the positioning of the photosensitive drum 20 in the axial direction can be performed with high accuracy.

(2) The first drum side restricting portion 151s restricts the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum that is about to move from the one end side to the other end side of the first frame unit 50. Furthermore, in order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum that is about to move from the other end side to the one end side of the first frame body unit, a second drum side regulating portion 151t is provided. The second drum side regulating portion 151t is provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum so as to contact the second unit side regulating portion by providing a second unit side regulating portion 158a in the first frame body unit 50. Yes.
With this configuration, it is possible to restrict the photosensitive drum 20 from moving in the axial direction. Therefore, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 20 can be reliably positioned in the apparatus main body 1. Further, the axial direction of the coupling 150 can be reliably positioned on the apparatus main body 1.

  (3) A drum flange 151 is provided on one end side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. And the said coupling 150 is attached to the said drum flange 151 so that inclination is possible. A bearing member 158 that rotatably supports the shaft portion of the drum flange 151 is attached to the drum frame 51. The first cartridge side positioned portion 158b and the second unit side regulating portion are provided on the bearing member, and the first drum side regulating portion and the second drum side regulating portion 151t. Is provided on the drum flange 151.

  With this configuration, the axial positioning of the coupling 150 on the process cartridge 2 side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 and the rotational force applying unit 100a on the apparatus main body side can be performed with higher accuracy.

  (4) The drum flange 151 has a gear 151 c, and the gear transmits the rotational force received from the apparatus main body 1 to the developing roller 41 by the coupling 150.

  With this configuration, the cost can be reduced by integrating the components. Further, the gear tooth width can be reduced, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  (5) The coupling 150 receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 by being engaged with a rotational force applying portion 100b of the drive shaft 100 provided in the apparatus main body 1. . The coupling 150 can be positioned at a rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. The coupling 150 includes a pre-engagement angular position inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force transmission angular position. And a separation angle position inclined in a direction away from the axis. When the process cartridge is moved and attached to the apparatus main body in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling 150 is rotated from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Move to. As a result, the coupling 150 faces the drive shaft 100. Further, when the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. . As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft.

  With this configuration, the main body side rotating body as a rotational force applying portion for transmitting the rotational force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 by the opening / closing operation of the main body cover is attached to an apparatus main body that does not include a mechanism for moving in the axial direction. Process cartridges can be provided.

  (6) The coupling 150 has a recess 150f on the rotation axis of the coupling. When the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position in accordance with the movement of the process cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Tilt to the rotational force transmission angular position. In this case, the coupling 150 tilts so as to allow a part of the coupling located on the downstream side to bypass the drive shaft when viewed from the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. The recess 150f covers the tip of the drive shaft 100 in a state where the coupling 150 is positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position. The rotational force receiving portion 150e is engaged with the rotational force applying portion 100b provided on the distal end side of the drive shaft 100 so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the drive shaft in the rotational direction of the coupling. Match. Accordingly, the coupling receives a rotational force from the drive shaft and rotates. Then, when removing the process cartridge from the apparatus main body, the separation angle from the rotational force transmission angle position according to the movement of the process cartridge in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Tilt to position. In this case, the coupling 150 is configured such that a part of the coupling located behind the drive shaft 100 bypasses the drive shaft as viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction in which the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. Tilt to allow that. As a result, the coupling is detached from the drive shaft.

  With this configuration, the main body side rotating body as a rotational force applying portion for transmitting the rotational force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 by the opening / closing operation of the main body cover is attached to an apparatus main body that does not include a mechanism for moving in the axial direction. Process cartridges can be provided.

  (7) The first unit side regulating portion 200 has tapered portions 200a and 200b at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange 151.

  With this configuration, the rotation unevenness of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 can be reduced, and the rotational accuracy of the photosensitive drum 20 can be improved.

  (8) A process cartridge 2 having a rotational force applying unit 100a and detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 includes a drum flange 151 that is provided at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 and includes a gear 151c and one end-side drum shaft 151v. In addition, a coupling 150 that receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from the rotational force applying unit 100a in a state where the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 is provided. The coupling 150 is attached to the drum flange 151. The developing roller is for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20, and the coupling 150 receives the rotational force received from the apparatus main body 1 from the gear 151c. It has a developing roller 41 that rotates. The one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 is supported via a bearing member 158 that supports the one end side drum shaft 151v, and the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 is supported by the other end side drum shaft 202. The first frame unit 50 is provided. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a second frame unit 40 that supports the developing roller 41 and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit 50. The first cartridge-side positioned portion 158b provided on the bearing member is a first cartridge-side positioned portion that engages with a first main body-side positioning portion 130Ra provided on the apparatus main body. Thus, the movement of the first frame unit 50 is restricted in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 with the process cartridge 2 mounted in the apparatus main body 1. Further, a second cartridge that engages with the second main body side positioning portion 130 </ b> Rb provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 and coaxially with the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. A side-positioned portion 158c is provided. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body 1 provided in the apparatus main body while the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1. The third main body side positioning portion 130La provided in the apparatus main body is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. Has a third cartridge-side positioned portion 130La that engages with. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body 1 in a state where the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1. Further, in order to restrict movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from the one end toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50, It has the 1st unit side control part 200 provided in the said longitudinal direction one end side. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50, the bearing member 158 is provided to restrict the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from moving from the other end toward the one end. It has the 2nd unit side control part 158a. In addition, the drum unit 151 includes a first drum side restricting portion 151 a provided on the drum flange 151 so as to come into contact with the first unit side restricting portion 200. This restricts the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from moving from the one end toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50. Moreover, it has the 2nd drum side control part 151t provided in the said drum flange 151 so that the said 2nd unit side control part 158a may be contacted. This restricts the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from moving from the other end toward the one end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50.

  With this configuration, it is possible to accurately position the coupling 150 on the process cartridge 2 side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 and the rotational force applying unit 100a on the apparatus main body side in the axial direction.

  (9) The first drum side restricting portion 151s is provided at one end of the gear 151c, and the second drum side restricting portion 151t is provided at the other end of the gear 151c.

  With this configuration, the cost can be reduced by integrating the components. Further, the gear tooth width can be reduced, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  (10) The first unit side regulating portion 200 has tapered portions 200a and 200b at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange 151.

  With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the rotation unevenness of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 and to improve the rotation accuracy of the drum 20.

  (11) In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge 2 is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, i) the first main body side positioning portion 130Ra and ii) the second main body side positioning portion 130Rb. Have. Further, iii) the third main body side positioning portion 130La, iv) the rotational force applying portion 100a, and v) the process cartridge 2 having the following configuration are included. The process cartridge 2 has an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 and a developing roller 41 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. The first frame unit 50 that supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 and the second frame unit that supports the developing roller 41 and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit 50. 40. In addition, the coupling 150 receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying unit 100a in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. This coupling 150 is attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Further, in order to restrict the movement of the first frame body unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, The first cartridge side positioned portion 158b to be combined is provided. Also, the second cartridge side positioning to be engaged with the second main body side positioning portion provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body unit and coaxially with the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Part 158c. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, a third cartridge side cover that engages with the third main body side positioning portion provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. It has positioning part 51e. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. In addition, the first frame unit includes a first unit side regulating unit 200 provided in the first frame unit in order to regulate the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit. Further, in order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is provided so as to come into contact with the first unit side regulating portion. The first drum side regulating portion 151s is provided.

  With this configuration, the coupling 150 on the process cartridge 2 side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 and the process cartridge that can accurately position the axial direction of the rotational force imparting portion on the apparatus main body side are attached and detached. A photographic image forming apparatus can be provided.

  (12) The movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 to be moved from the one end side to the other end side of the first frame unit 50 is restricted to the first drum side regulating portion 151s · BR>. is there. Further, the first frame unit 50 is provided with a second unit side restricting portion 158a, and a second drum side restricting portion 151t provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 so as to come into contact with the second unit side restricting portion. Have This restricts the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from the other end side of the first frame unit 50 to the one end side.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive drum 20 from being moved and shot in the axial direction. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 20 can be reliably positioned with respect to the apparatus main body in the axial direction.

  (13) A drum flange 151 is provided on one end side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. The coupling 150 is attached to the drum flange 151 so as to be inclined. A bearing member 158 that rotatably supports the shaft portion of the drum flange 151 is attached to the drum frame 51. The first cartridge side positioned portion 158b and the second unit side regulating portion 158a are provided on the bearing member 158. Further, the first drum side regulating portion 151 s and the second drum side regulating portion 151 t are provided on the drum flange 151.

  With this configuration, the axial positioning of the coupling 150 on the process cartridge 2 side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 and the rotational force applying portion on the apparatus main body side can be performed with higher accuracy.

  (14) The drum flange 151 has a gear 151 c, and the gear transmits the rotational force received from the apparatus main body 1 to the developing roller 41 by the coupling 150.

  With this configuration, the cost can be reduced by integrating the components. Further, the gear tooth width can be reduced, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  (15) The coupling 150 receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 by being engaged with a rotational force applying unit 100b provided in the apparatus main body 1 and included in the drive shaft 100. Is. The coupling 150 can take a rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. In addition, a pre-engagement angular position inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum can be obtained. Further, a separation angle position inclined from the rotational force transmission angle position in a direction away from the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum can be taken. When the process cartridge is moved and attached to the apparatus main body in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling is moved from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Moving. As a result, the coupling 150 faces the drive shaft 100. When removing the process cartridge from the apparatus main body in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 100.

  With this configuration, the following electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be provided. That is, a process that is attached to an apparatus main body that does not have a mechanism for moving the main body side rotating body in the axial direction as a rotational force applying unit for transmitting the rotational force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by opening and closing operation of the main body cover. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a cartridge is attached and detached.

  (16) The coupling 150 has a recess 150f on the rotation axis of the coupling. When the process cartridge 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 1, the process cartridge is moved from the pre-engagement angular position in accordance with the movement of the process cartridge in the direction X5 orthogonal to the axis L1 of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20. Tilt to the rotational force transmission angular position. In this case, the coupling 150 is tilted so as to allow the portion 150A1 of the coupling located on the downstream side to bypass the drive shaft 100 as viewed from the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. To do. The recess 150f covers the tip 103c of the drive shaft 100 in a state where the coupling is located at the rotational force transmission angular position. Further, the rotational force receiving portion engages with the rotational force applying portion 100b provided to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the drive shaft on the distal end side of the drive shaft in the rotational direction of the coupling. . As a result, the coupling 150 receives a rotational force from the drive shaft 100 and rotates. When removing the process cartridge from the apparatus main body, the process cartridge is moved in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. In response to this movement, the coupling 150 is tilted from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position, so that the coupling is detached from the drive shaft. In this case, the coupling 150 is configured such that a part of the coupling located behind the drive shaft bypasses the drive shaft when viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction in which the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. Tilt to allow.

  With this configuration, the following electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be provided. That is, the process of mounting on the apparatus main body not equipped with a mechanism for moving the main body side rotating body in the axial direction as a driving force applying section for transmitting the rotational force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by opening and closing operation of the main body cover. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a cartridge is attached and detached.

  (17) The first unit side regulating portion 200 has tapered portions 200a and 200b at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange 151.

  With this configuration, uneven rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 can be reduced, and the rotational accuracy of the photosensitive drum 20 can be improved.

  (18) In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge 2 is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, i) the first main body side positioning portion 130Ra and ii) the second main body side positioning portion 130Rb. Have. Further, iii) the third main body side positioning portion 130La, iv) the rotational force applying portion 100a, and v) the process cartridge 2 having the following configuration are included. The process cartridge 2 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20, and a drum flange 151 provided at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and having a gear 151c and one end-side drum shaft 151v. Further, a coupling that receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying unit 100a in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and is attached to the drum flange. Coupling 151 is provided. And a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the coupling 150 receives the rotational force received from the apparatus main body 1 from the gear 151c and rotates. A developing roller 41 is provided. Further, the one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is supported through a bearing member 158 that supports the one end side drum shaft 151v, and the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is supported by the other end side drum shaft 202. One frame unit 50 is provided.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes a second frame unit 40 that supports the developing roller 41 and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit 50. Further, the first cartridge side positioned portion 158 b provided on the bearing member 158 is a first cartridge side positioned portion that engages with the first main body side positioning portion 130 Ra. This restricts the movement of the first frame unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. In addition, on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, the second cartridge side cover that engages with the second main body side positioning portion 130Rb provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. It has a positioning part 158c. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, on the third cartridge side that engages with the third main body side positioning portion 130La provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. It has the to-be-positioned part 51e. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50 is restricted in order to restrict the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from moving from the one end toward the other end. It has the 1st unit side control part 200 provided in the direction one end side. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, a second member provided on the bearing member 158 for restricting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from moving from the other end toward the one end. It has a unit side regulating part 158a. In addition, a first drum side regulating portion 151 s provided in the drum flange 151 so as to come into contact with the first unit side regulating portion 200 is provided. This restricts the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from moving from the one end toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50. Moreover, it has the 2nd drum side control part 151s provided in the said drum flange 151 so that the said 2nd unit side control part 158a may be contacted. This restricts the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 from moving from the other end toward the one end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit 50.

  With this configuration, the coupling 150 on the process cartridge 2 side that receives the rotational force from the apparatus main body 1 and the process cartridge that can accurately position the axial direction of the rotational force imparting portion on the apparatus main body side are attached and detached. A photographic image forming apparatus can be provided.

  (19) The first drum side restricting portion 151s is provided at one end portion of the gear 151c, and the second drum side restricting portion 151t is provided at the other end portion of the gear 151c.

  With this configuration, the cost can be reduced by integrating the components. Further, the gear tooth width can be reduced, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  (20) The first unit side regulating portion 200 has tapered portions 200a and 200b at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange 151.

  With this configuration, the rotation unevenness of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 can be reduced and the rotational accuracy of the photosensitive drum 20 can be improved.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body), 2 ... Process cartridge, 20 ... Electrophotographic photosensitive drum, 21 ... Photosensitive drum unit, 41 ... Developer carrier (developing roller), 40 ... Second frame unit, 50 ... 1st frame unit, 51e ... Cylindrical part (third cartridge side positioned part), 100 ... Drive shaft, 100a ... Tip part, 100b ... Rotational force transmission pin (rotation imparting part), 130 (130R, 130L) ) ... Main body guide member (130R, 130L), 130Ra ... Rib (first main body side positioning portion), 130Rb ... Recess (second main body side positioning portion), 150 ... Coupling member (cup) Ring), 150d (150d1 to 150d4) ... driven transmission projection), 150e (150e1 to 150e4) ... rotational force receiving portion (150e1-15) e4), 150f ... concave portion, 151 ... drum flange (flange), 151c ... gear, 151h ... rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmitted portion), 151s ... flange end surface (second unit) Side regulating portion), 151t... Flange end surface (first cartridge side positioned portion) 156... Coupling coupling, 158... Bearing member, 158a .. bearing end surface (second unit side regulating portion), 158b. Groove (first cartridge side positioned portion), 158c ... Cylindrical portion (second cartridge side positioned portion), 200 ... Rib (first unit side regulating portion), 200a / 200b ... Tapered portion

Typical structure of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object, against the apparatus main body of that electronic image forming apparatus having a positioning portion and the rotatable main assembly side engaging portion, detachable In this process cartridge, a photosensitive drum on which a latent image is formed , a flange member provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum, and rotatable with the photosensitive drum, and the main body side member for transmitting the drive to the photosensitive drum. a coupling member rotatable about the engaging portion and the coupling to the coupling axis, the coupling member which is movably connected to the flange member, and a support portion that rotatably supports the flange member And a positioned member that is positioned by the positioning unit .

This image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic technique in which the cartridge 2 is detachable (detachable) from the apparatus main body 1. When the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, an exposure device (laser scanner unit) 3 is disposed above the cartridge 2. A sheet tray 4 that stores a recording medium (sheet material) P that is an image forming target is disposed below the cartridge 2. Further, the apparatus body 1 includes a pickup roller 5a, a feeding roller 5b, a conveyance roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer charging roller 7, a conveyance guide 8, a fixing device 9, along the conveyance direction of the sheet material P. A discharge roller pair 10, a discharge tray 11, and the like are arranged.

(Description of image forming process)
Next, an outline of the image forming process will be described. Based on the print start signal, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum ( photosensitive drum: hereinafter referred to as drum) 20 is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the arrow R1 direction. A charging roller 12 to which a bias voltage is applied is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20, and the outer peripheral surface of the drum 20 is uniformly and uniformly charged by the charging roller 12.

5) Transmission of rotational force from the coupling coupling 156 to the drum 20 FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the drum flange 151 ( flange member: hereinafter referred to as a flange), and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along S2-S2 in FIG. FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views illustrating a process of assembling the coupling 150 to the flange 151 in a state where it is cut at S1-S1 in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of fixing the coupling 150 to the flange 151 in a state where it is cut at S1-S1 in FIG. 17 is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit 21 as viewed from the driving side (coupling 150 side), and FIG. 18 is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit 21 as viewed from the non-driving side (opposite side to the coupling 150 side). It is.

Next, the support structure of the photosensitive drum unit 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, a flange 151 provided on the driving side of the photosensitive drum unit 21 has a drum gear 151c as a gear for transmitting the rotational force of the flange to the developing gear 41b of the developing roller 41, and one end. It has a shaft portion 151v as a side drum shaft. The shaft portion 151v is held (coupled) in a rotatable (movable ) manner by a holding portion (supporting portion) 158d included in the bearing (bearing member) 158. The gear 151c is integrally formed with the flange 151. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, a drum shaft 202 as a drum shaft on the other end side that supports the drum 20 is fixed to the drum frame 51 by press-fitting or the like. The photosensitive drum unit 21 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 202 in the hole 152a of the non-driving side drum flange 152.

33 (a), in the process of mounting the cartridge 2 (not shown), the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 (not shown) from the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 100 (arrow X5 direction). Is done. As for the coupling 150, the axis line (coupling axis line) L2 of the coupling 150 is inclined in advance toward the mounting direction X5 with respect to the axis line L1 of the drum 20 as an angular position before engagement. By inclining the coupling 150, the front end portion 150A1 (a part of the coupling 150) is positioned closer to the direction in which the drum 20 is provided than the shaft front end 100c3 in the direction of the axis L1. The tip portion 150A2 is positioned in the direction of the rotational force transmission pin 100b with respect to the shaft tip 100c3.

(Coupling positioning configuration)
Next, the positioning configuration of the coupling will be described. FIGS. 19 and 20 are views showing the internal configuration of the photosensitive drum unit 21 including the coupling 150, the drum frame 51, and the bearing member 158. The drum frame 51 has a rib 200 as a first unit side restricting portion (first restricting portion) . The rib 200 has tapered portions 200 a and 200 b at the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion with respect to the rotation direction of the drum 20. The function of the taper portion will be described later. The cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 by a user from a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 2 (longitudinal direction of the drum 20).

Further, the flange 151 which is a part of the first photoconductor frame unit 21 includes a drum-side end surface 151s as a first drum-side restricting portion (first restricted portion) and a second drum-side restricting portion (second covered portion ). It has a coupling-side end surface 151t as a regulating portion . In this embodiment, the end surface 151s as the first drum side regulating portion is provided at one end of the gear 151c of the flange 151, and the coupling side end surface 151t as the second drum side regulating portion is the other end of the gear 151c. Provided in the department.

The bearing member 158 has an end surface 158a as a second unit side restricting portion (second restricting portion) . When the photosensitive drum unit 21 is assembled with the drum frame 51 and the bearing member 158, the rib 200 and the end surface 151s of the flange 151 included in the drum frame 51, the end surface 151t of the flange 151, and the end surface 158a of the bearing member 158 are combined. Each is opposite.

FIGS. 21 to 23 are views for explaining the positioning portions of the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1. In FIG. 21, the bearing member 158 has a groove (groove shape) 158b as a first cartridge side positioned portion and a cylindrical portion 158c as a second cartridge side positioned portion. In FIG. 23, the guide member 130R of the apparatus main body 1 has a rib (rib shape) 130Ra as a first main body side positioning portion and a concave portion 130Rb as a second main body side positioning portion. When the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, the groove 158b and the cylindrical portion 158c of the cartridge 2 are engaged with the rib 130Ra and the recess 130Rb of the apparatus main body 1, respectively.

Claims (20)

In a process cartridge that has a rotational force applying portion and is detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A first frame unit that supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A second frame unit that supports the developing roller and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit;
A coupling for receiving a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying portion in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and one end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum A coupling attached to the
A first main body side provided on the apparatus main body for regulating movement of the first frame unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A first cartridge side positioned portion that engages with the positioning portion;
In order to position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A second cartridge side positioned portion that is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and that engages with a second main body side positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body;
To position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A third cartridge side positioned portion that is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and that engages with a third main body side positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body;
In the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, in order to regulate the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a first unit side regulating portion provided in the first frame unit;
In order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, a first provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum so as to contact the first unit side regulating portion. A drum side regulating section;
A process cartridge comprising:   The first drum side restricting portion restricts the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to be moved from the one end side to the other end side of the first frame unit, and further, the first frame body In order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum that is about to move from the other end side of the unit to the one end side, a second unit side restriction portion is provided in the first frame body unit, and the second unit side The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a second drum side regulating portion provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum so as to come into contact with the regulating portion.   A drum flange is provided on one end side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling is tiltably attached to the drum flange, and a bearing that rotatably supports the shaft portion of the drum flange. A member is attached to the drum frame, the first cartridge side positioned portion, and the second unit side regulating portion are provided on the bearing member, and the first drum side regulating portion, The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second drum side restricting portion is provided on the drum flange.   The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the drum flange has a gear, and the gear transmits the rotational force received by the coupling from the rotational force applying portion to the developing roller.   The coupling receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by engaging with the rotational force applying portion of a drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body. A rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and an inclination from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. And the disengagement angular position inclined in a direction away from the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force transmission angular position, and the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is placed in the apparatus main body. When the process cartridge is moved and attached in a direction substantially perpendicular to the angle, the coupling moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Thus, when the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling is opposed to the drive shaft. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coupling is detached from the drive shaft by moving from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position.   The coupling has a recess on the rotation axis of the coupling, and when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the coupling is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. According to the movement of the process cartridge, a part of the coupling located on the downstream side is allowed to bypass the drive shaft when viewed from the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. Tilting from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position, and in a state where the coupling is positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess covers the tip of the drive shaft, The rotational force applying portion provided with a rotational force receiving portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the drive shaft on the distal end side of the drive shaft The coupling rotates in the rotational direction of the coupling by receiving a rotational force from the drive shaft, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is removed when the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. When the process cartridge is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drum, the process cartridge is located behind the drive shaft as viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction in which the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. The coupling is disengaged from the drive shaft by tilting from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position so as to allow a part of the coupling to bypass the drive shaft. The process cartridge according to claim 5.   7. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the first unit side restricting portion has tapered portions at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange. In a process cartridge that has a rotational force applying portion and is detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A drum flange provided at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the drum flange having a gear and a drum shaft on one end;
A coupling that receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying portion in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and the cup is attached to the drum flange Ring,
A developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the developing roller rotates by receiving the rotational force received from the rotational force applying portion from the gear. When,
A first frame unit that supports the one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum via a bearing member that supports the one end side drum shaft, and supports the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by the other end side drum shaft; ,
A second frame unit that supports the developing roller and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit;
A first main body side provided on the apparatus main body for regulating movement of the first frame unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A first cartridge-side positioned portion that engages with the positioning portion, the first cartridge-side positioned portion provided on the bearing member;
In order to position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A second cartridge side positioned portion that is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and that engages with a second main body side positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body;
To position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A third cartridge side positioned portion that is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and that engages with a third main body side positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body;
In the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit to restrict the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from moving from the one end toward the other end. A first unit side restricting portion provided in
A second unit side restriction provided on the bearing member for restricting movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the other end toward the one end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit. And
In order to restrict movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the one end toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, contact with the first unit side restricting portion A first drum side regulating portion provided on the drum flange;
In order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the other end toward the one end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, so as to come into contact with the second unit side restricting portion. A second drum side regulating portion provided on the drum flange;
A process cartridge comprising:   9. The first drum side regulating portion is provided at one end portion of the gear, and the second drum side regulating portion is provided at the other end portion of the gear. Process cartridge according to.   10. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the first unit side regulating portion has tapered portions at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is detachably mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
i) a first main body side positioning portion;
ii) a second body side positioning portion;
iii) a third body side positioning part;
iv) a rotational force applying unit;
v) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A first frame unit that supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A second frame unit that supports the developing roller and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit;
A coupling for receiving a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying portion in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and one end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum A coupling attached to the
In a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, it engages with the first main body side positioning portion in order to restrict the movement of the first frame body unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A first cartridge side positioned portion;
In order to position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A second cartridge side positioned portion that engages with the second main body side positioning portion, which is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
To position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A third cartridge side positioned portion that is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and that engages with the third main body side positioning portion;
In the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, in order to regulate the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a first unit side regulating portion provided in the first frame unit;
In order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, a first provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum so as to contact the first unit side regulating portion. A drum side regulating section;
A process cartridge having
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:   The first drum side restricting portion restricts the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to be moved from the one end side to the other end side of the first frame unit, and further, the first frame body In order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum that is about to move from the other end side of the unit to the one end side, a second unit side restriction portion is provided in the first frame body unit, and the second unit side The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a second drum side restricting portion provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum so as to come into contact with the restricting portion.   A drum flange is provided on one end side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling is tiltably attached to the drum flange, and a bearing that rotatably supports the shaft portion of the drum flange. A member is attached to the drum frame, the first cartridge side positioned portion, and the second unit side regulating portion are provided on the bearing member, and the first drum side regulating portion, The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second drum side regulating portion is provided on the drum flange.   The electrophotographic image according to claim 13, wherein the drum flange has a gear, and the gear transmits the rotational force received by the coupling from the rotational force applying portion to the developing roller. Forming equipment.   The coupling receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by engaging with a rotational force imparting portion provided in the apparatus main body and having a drive shaft. A rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and an inclination from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. And the disengagement angular position inclined in a direction away from the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force transmission angular position, and the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is placed in the apparatus main body. When the process cartridge is moved and attached in a direction substantially perpendicular to the angle, the coupling moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. When the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the coupling is opposed to the drive shaft. 15. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the coupling is detached from the drive shaft by moving from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position. .   The coupling has a recess on the rotation axis of the coupling, and when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the coupling is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. According to the movement of the process cartridge, a part of the coupling located on the downstream side is allowed to bypass the drive shaft when viewed from the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. Tilting from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position, and in a state where the coupling is positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess covers the tip of the drive shaft, The rotational force applying portion provided with a rotational force receiving portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the drive shaft on the distal end side of the drive shaft The coupling rotates in the rotational direction of the coupling by receiving a rotational force from the drive shaft, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is removed when the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. When the process cartridge is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drum, the process cartridge is located behind the drive shaft as viewed from the direction opposite to the removal direction in which the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. The coupling is disengaged from the drive shaft by tilting from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position so as to allow a part of the coupling to bypass the drive shaft. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 15.   The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first unit side regulating portion has tapered portions at both ends with respect to the rotation direction of the drum flange. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is detachably mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
i) a first main body side positioning portion;
ii) a second body side positioning portion;
iii) a third body side positioning part;
iv) a rotational force applying unit;
v) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A drum flange provided at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the drum flange having a gear and a drum shaft on one end;
A coupling that receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the rotational force applying portion in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and the cup is attached to the drum flange Ring,
A developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the developing roller rotates by receiving the rotational force received from the rotational force applying portion from the gear. When,
A first frame unit that supports the one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum via a bearing member that supports the one end side drum shaft, and supports the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by the other end side drum shaft; ,
A second frame unit that supports the developing roller and is swingably coupled to the first frame unit;
In a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, it engages with the first main body side positioning portion in order to restrict the movement of the first frame body unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A first cartridge side positioned portion, wherein the first cartridge side positioned portion provided on the bearing member;
In order to position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A second cartridge side positioned portion that engages with the second main body side positioning portion, which is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
To position the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the radial direction with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, A third cartridge side positioned portion that is provided on the same axis as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and that engages with the third main body side positioning portion;
In the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit to restrict the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from moving from the one end toward the other end. A first unit side restricting portion provided in
A second unit side restriction provided on the bearing member for restricting movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the other end toward the one end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit. And
In order to restrict movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the one end toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, contact with the first unit side restricting portion A first drum side regulating portion provided on the drum flange;
In order to restrict the movement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the other end toward the one end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame unit, so as to come into contact with the second unit side restricting portion. A second drum side regulating portion provided on the drum flange;
A process cartridge having
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:   The first drum side regulating portion is provided at one end portion of the gear, and the second drum side regulating portion is provided at the other end portion of the gear. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus described in 1.   20. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the first unit side regulating portion has a tapered portion at both ends with respect to a rotation direction of the drum flange.