JP2017521727A - Rotational force drive unit, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotational force drive unit (6), a process cartridge (1) including the rotational force drive unit (6), and an image forming apparatus. The rotational force drive unit (6) is installed at one end of the process cartridge (1), receives a rotational force from the outside, and transmits the rotational force to a rotational member installed in the process cartridge (1) along its longitudinal direction. The rotational force drive unit (6) includes a rotational force receiving member (61) and an adjustment mechanism (63) coupled to the rotational force receiving member (61). By the adjustment mechanism (63), the rotational force receiving member (61) has a displacement amount in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge (1), and the axis of the rotational force receiving member (61) is relative to the axis of the photoreceptor (1003). Has a deviation amount. Even if the rotational force drive unit (6) easily attaches the process cartridge (1) and the rotational force receiving member (61) has a processing tolerance, the rotational force receiving member (61) and the rotational member are not positioned coaxially. The print quality of the product is not impaired.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic technical field, and more particularly to a rotational force driving unit, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which is a kind of image forming apparatus, such as a laser printer, an LED printer, and a laser copying machine, has an advantage of low printing cost, and is very popular with users. Conventional laser printers usually include a removable process cartridge. A rotation member is installed in the process cartridge. The rotating member includes at least one of a developing member, a photoreceptor, and a charging member. Further, the rotating member is attached to the laser printer as a necessary part of the process cartridge and then directly or indirectly driven by the rotational force urged by the driving mechanism in the laser printer.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one twisted protrusion 101 is installed at one end of a conventional process cartridge 100 that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. A rotational force driving head 102 with a recess connected to one cam mechanism 103 is installed. One elastic member 104 is provided between the cam mechanism 103 and the inner wall of the image forming apparatus. The cam mechanism 103 is connected to a lid 110 of the image forming apparatus via a connecting rod 105. Thus, when the lid 110 of the image forming apparatus is opened, the connecting rod 105 pulls the cam mechanism 103 in cooperation with the lid 110. The cam mechanism 103 presses the elastic member 104 against the inner wall and retracts in the axial direction (A direction). Thereafter, the rotational force driving head 102 is retracted in cooperation with the cam mechanism 103. As described above, when the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the protrusion 101 does not interfere with the rotational force driving head 102. After the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the lid 110 of the image forming apparatus releases the acting force on the connecting rod 105. By doing so, the cam mechanism 103 and the rotational force driving head 102 are projected by the elastic member 104. The protrusion 101 of the process cartridge 100 can receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus by engaging with a recess in the rotational force driving head 102.

  However, since it is necessary to separately install components such as a connecting rod, a cam mechanism, and an elastic member in the image forming apparatus, the structure is complicated. As the image forming apparatus is used, the process cartridge is affected in the process of receiving the driving force because the lid is easily removed. In order to solve such a problem, a freely rotating rotational force receiving member has been developed.

  A rotatable rotational force receiving member 61 is installed at the end of the process cartridge 1 shown in FIG. That is, the axis of the rotational force receiving member 61 can be inclined with respect to the axis of the photoconductor 1003 rotated by the rotational force receiving member 61. The process cartridge attachment process is as follows. As shown in FIG. 4A, the rotational force receiving member 61 is inclined with respect to the photoconductor 1003 by a gravitational action before and during the process cartridge being attached to the image forming apparatus. After the process cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus, the axis of the rotational force receiving member 61 is coaxial with the photoreceptor 1003 as shown in FIG. Thus, after the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the rotational force receiving member 61 can transmit power. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach a connecting rod and a cam mechanism that engage with the rotational force driving head 102 in the image forming apparatus, and the structure of the image forming apparatus can be simplified. In the process of realizing the present invention, the inventor has a manufacturing tolerance in the rotational force receiving member that can freely rotate, and may not be in a completely coaxial state as shown in FIG. It has been found that it affects print quality.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a rotational force drive unit that can solve the problem that the rotational force receiving member of the conventional process cartridge that can freely rotate is not completely coaxial due to manufacturing tolerances and affects the print quality of the product. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a rotational force driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed at one end of a process cartridge, receives a driving force from the outside, and is installed in the process cartridge along its longitudinal direction. The driving force is transmitted to the rotating member. The rotational force driving unit includes a rotational force receiving member for receiving the driving force, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the rotational force receiving member. Due to the adjustment mechanism, the rotational force receiving member has a displacement amount in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, and the axis of the rotational force receiving member has a displacement amount with respect to the axis of the photosensitive member.

  The adjustment mechanism includes a side cover and an adjustment member. An inclined surface is installed on the bottom surface of the side lid. The adjustment member is provided with an inclined surface facing the inclined surface on the bottom surface of the side lid. After the rotational force driving unit is assembled, the inclined surface of the side cover can slide relative to the inclined surface of the adjusting member.

Further, the rotational force receiving member is installed through the side lid and the adjustment member. The rotational force receiving member is slidable relative to the side lid together with the adjustment member.

  The rotational force drive unit further includes a gear fixedly installed at an end of the rotating member and a spring installed in the gear.

  The rotational force drive unit may further include an intermediate coupling unit that is coupled between the rotational force receiving member and the rotational member and transmits power.

  The intermediate connecting portion is a cross coupling. The cross coupling includes an upper end portion, an intermediate slider, and a column body. The upper end portion and the intermediate slider are connected via a groove and are relatively slidable. The column body and the intermediate slider are connected through a groove and are relatively slidable.

  Further, the upper end portion and the column body are installed on opposite sides of the intermediate slider.

  The spring abuts between the gear and the column body.

  The adjustment member includes a circular sleeve fitted on the bottom of the rotational force receiving member and a boss installed symmetrically on the side wall of the circular sleeve.

  The boss is inclined with respect to the axis of the circular sleeve. The inclined surface of the boss becomes an inclined surface of the adjusting member.

  The adjustment member and the rotational force receiving member are integrally formed.

  The rotational force receiving member includes one U-shaped head portion.

  In addition, at least a part of the intermediate coupling portion between the rotational force receiving member and the rotational member is installed to have flexibility. The part with flexibility is one flexible shaft.

  The adjustment mechanism is a single base. The base table is installed in the side lid and is slidable with respect to the side lid. The spring is abutted between the base base and the gear. The rotational force receiving member passes through the side lid and the base base and is rotatably connected to the side lid and the base base. The flexible shaft is configured such that one end is connected to the rotational force receiving member passing through the side lid and the other end is connected to the gear. The spring is fitted on the flexible shaft.

  The base table is a wedge-shaped base table. A through hole that fits into the rotational force receiving member is installed in the middle of the wedge-shaped base. The wedge-shaped base table has two inclined surfaces located on opposite sides. Protrusions are provided on the two opposite side surfaces of the wedge-shaped base. The middle part of the side lid has a hollow part for placing the wedge-shaped base. On the inner surface on the opposite side of the hollow portion, two opposed flat surfaces and a pair of inclined surfaces that are located on the opposite side and that match the inclined surface of the wedge-shaped base stand are installed. On the two opposing planes, recesses that are engaged with the projections of the wedge-shaped base table are respectively installed.

  Further, the protrusions on the two opposite side surfaces of the wedge-shaped base are installed so that their relative positions are not located on the same connecting line but are shifted from each other. Two said recessed parts are installed so that a relative position may mutually shift | deviate, without being located in the same connection line.

  Further, the concave portion has an inverted triangular structure in which the upper end opening is narrower than the lower end opening. The inverted triangular structure has inclined surfaces on opposite sides. One projection is provided at a location close to the narrow location of the recess.

  Moreover, one vertex is installed in the upper end part of the projection part of a recessed part. Both sides of the apex are inclined surfaces. The protrusion further includes two opposing flat surfaces.

  Further, in a natural state, the planar protrusions on both sides of the wedge-shaped base table are positioned corresponding to the tops of the protrusions of the recesses. When the rotational force receiving member receives the action of an external force, the protrusions on the opposite side surfaces of the wedge-shaped base table are slidable with respect to one inclined surface of the two concave portions.

  The main body of the rotational force receiving member has a cylindrical structure. A boss is installed on the outer periphery of the main body. The diameter of the boss corresponds to the base base through hole of the wedge-shaped base base. A locking groove is installed at one end of the main body. The rotational force receiving member is connected to the base table via a locking spring and the locking groove.

  The flexible shaft is formed by twisting a multilayer wire. The twisting directions of the inner layer and outer layer wires are the same.

  The flexible shaft is configured such that one end is connected to the rotational force receiving member via a square hole or a square part, and the other end is connected to the hub of the photoconductor via a square hole or a square part. The

  The process cartridge according to the present invention includes the rotational force driving unit.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a rotational force driving head capable of supplying rotational power and the process cartridge. The rotational force driving head is meshed with the rotational force driving unit and transmits power to a rotating member in the process cartridge.

  The rotational force drive unit according to the present invention includes a guide rail installed on the case body, and a drive located between the rotational force receiving member and the guide rail. And a force adjusting mechanism. The rotational force receiving member is movable with respect to the power transmission unit. The driving force adjusting mechanism is connected to the rotational force receiving member, and moves in the axial direction of the rotating member when the rotational force receiving member moves relative to the power transmission member. The rotational force receiving member can move in a parallel and flexible manner with respect to the power transmission portion even in a state where it is regulated by the guide rail. In this way, the process cartridge can be easily mounted, and the conventional process cartridge has manufacturing tolerances in the freely rotating rotational force receiving member, so that the print quality of the product can be improved without being completely coaxial. It can solve problems such as impact. Further, the process cartridge drive unit can reliably receive power from the rotational force drive head in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a rotational force receiving member in a conventional process cartridge and a rotational force driving head in an image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in a state where a rotational force receiving member in a conventional process cartridge is engaged with a rotational force driving head in an image forming apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the other conventional process cartridge. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a rotational force receiving member in another conventional process cartridge and a rotational force driving head in an image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a rotational force receiving member in another conventional process cartridge and a rotational force driving head in an image forming apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the process cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows a part of structure of the process cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded view of the rotational force drive unit, the side cover, and the rotating member in the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows a structure in case the rotational force drive unit in the process cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention exists in a 1st state. It is the schematic which shows a structure in case the rotational force drive unit in the process cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention exists in a 2nd state. It is an exploded view of the rotational force drive unit, the side cover, and the rotating member in the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the adjustment mechanism of the rotational force drive unit in the process cartridge which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the side cover of the process cartridge which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the rotational force drive unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the rotational force drive unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state by which the rotational force drive unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention was assembled. It is a perspective view of the rotational force receiving member of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the rotational force receiving member of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the flexible shaft of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the flexible shaft of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of a part of flexible shaft of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the wedge-shaped base stand of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the side cover of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the side cover of 4th Embodiment of this invention from the bottom part direction. It is sectional drawing in BB of FIG. It is sectional drawing in AA of FIG. (A), (b), (c) and (d) are a rotational force drive unit and a rotational force drive head in the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached to the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the change of relative position. (A), (b), (c) and (d) are a rotational force drive unit and a rotational force drive head in the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is removed from the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the change of relative position. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating relative movement between a wedge-shaped base and a side cover in a process in which a rotational force driving unit is engaged with a power transmission member of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating relative movement between a wedge-shaped base and a side cover in a process in which a rotational force driving unit is engaged with a power transmission member of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating relative movement between a wedge-shaped base and a side cover in a process in which a rotational force driving unit is engaged with a power transmission member of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating relative movement between a wedge-shaped base and a side cover in a process in which a rotational force driving unit is engaged with a power transmission member of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating relative movement between a wedge-shaped base and a side cover in a process in which a rotational force driving unit is engaged with a power transmission member of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating relative movement between the wedge-shaped base and the side lid in the process in which the rotational force driving unit is disengaged from the engagement with the power transmission member of the image forming apparatus.

  In order that the technical contents of the present invention will be more clearly understood, embodiments will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  A rotational force drive unit is installed in the process cartridge according to the present invention. The rotational force drive unit is provided with a rotational force receiving member that meshes with a rotational force drive head in the image forming apparatus. The rotational force receiving member can transmit the received driving force to a rotational member in the process cartridge, for example, a gear, a developing member, a photoconductor and the like. In attaching the process cartridge, the rotational force receiving member can be displaced from the initial position. Further, the rotational force receiving member is always kept parallel to the initial position during the movement, and moves in the axial direction in the case body of the process cartridge. In this way, when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the rotational force receiving member can flexibly mesh with the rotational force driving head in the image forming apparatus.

  The process cartridge described above may include a photoreceptor or may not include a photoreceptor. A process cartridge that does not include a photoreceptor can also be referred to as a developer cartridge. Hereinafter, different embodiments will be exemplified, and the realization of the above-described technical contents will be described for the attachment of the rotational force receiving member via the adjustment mechanism.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the process cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment includes a case body 2. Case body 2 includes a frame body and side lids 4 located on both sides of the frame body. A developer storage chamber and a developing member 5 are installed in the frame body. A rotational force drive unit 6 and a gear unit are installed at the end of the process cartridge 1. The gear unit includes a gear 7a connected to the rotational force drive unit 6, a developing member gear 7c connected to the gear 7a, and a toner feeding member gear 7b. The gear 7 a preferably functions as a rotating member that receives the rotational moment of the rotational force driving unit 6. The rotational force drive unit 6 is installed on the side lid 4, a rotational force receiving member 61 that receives external power, a power transmission unit that transmits the driving force received by the rotational force receiving member 61 to the rotational member in the process cartridge, and the side lid 4. A guide rail and an adjusting mechanism 63 positioned between the rotational force receiving member 61 and the guide rail. The rotational force receiving member 61 is movable with respect to the power transmission unit. The power transmission unit is one column body 66 in which a through hole (not shown) is installed, and transmits power to the gear by a pin inserted into the through hole of the column body 66 (in the prior art shown in FIG. 4). It is preferable that Alternatively, the column body 66 transmits power to the gear 7a by coming into contact with one protrusion (not shown) extending from the inner wall of the gear 7a. The guide rail is provided with slopes 41 and 42 that are inclined with respect to the axis of the power transmission unit. When the rotational force receiving member 61 moves relative to the power transmission unit, the adjustment mechanism 63 is provided so as to be displaced in the axial direction of the rotating member and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

  The detail of the movement form with respect to the power transmission part of the rotational force receiving member 61 is demonstrated using FIGS. The rotational force receiving member 61 can be in a first state that is coaxial with the column body 66 and in a second state that is eccentric with respect to the column body 66. FIG. 8 shows a case where the rotational force receiving member 61 is in the first state coaxial with the column body 66. In this state, the distance between the tip of the rotational force receiving member 61 and one surface of the gear 7a is L1. FIG. 9 shows a case where the rotational force receiving member 61 is in the second state that is eccentric with respect to the column. In this state, while the adjustment mechanism 63 moves along the guide rail, the rotational force receiving member 61 is directed in the axial direction of the rotational force receiving member 61 toward the case body of the process cartridge with respect to the first state. The distance is retracted by a distance of L1−L2 (that is, a difference value between L1 and L2), while being shifted by a distance of L3 away from the gear 7a in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotational force receiving member 61. Note that the axis of the rotational force receiving member 61 is always parallel to the axis of the gear 7a.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rotational force drive unit 6 preferably includes a rotational force receiving member 61, an adjustment mechanism 63, a position regulating member 62, and a cross coupling. The cross coupling includes an upper end portion 64, an intermediate slider 65, and a column body 66. The rotational force receiving member 61 includes two claw portions 611 and 612 that engage with the drive pins 1001b and 1001c of the rotational force drive head 102 in the image forming apparatus. The entire rotational force receiving member 61 is formed in a substantially flat U shape. Such a U-shaped bottom can be brought into better contact with the head portion 1001 a of the rotational force driving head 102. Further, the flat shape is advantageous for meshing between the rotational force receiving member 61 and the rotational force driving head 102 when the process cartridge is attached. The upper end portion 64 of the cross coupling is provided with one protrusion that can be inserted into the recessed hole 613 of the rotational force receiving member 61. Of course, the upper end portion 64 may be integrally formed with the rotational force receiving member 61. On the upper surface of the intermediate slider 65, one first concave groove that engages with the upper end portion 64 is provided. On the lower surface of the intermediate slider 65, a second concave groove that engages with the column body 66 and is perpendicular to the first concave groove is provided. By doing so, the rotational force receiving member 61 can move 360 degrees along the axis of the gear 7a in a plane by cross coupling. The adjustment mechanism 63 includes a circular sleeve 631 that is externally mounted on the cylindrical portion of the upper end portion 64, and two bosses that extend from the side surface of the circular sleeve 631 and are formed obliquely. The two oblique bosses have boss slopes 632 and 633, respectively. A return member capable of maintaining the rotational force receiving member 61 and the cross coupling in the first state is installed between the column body 66 and the inner wall of the gear 7a. The return member may be a member such as a spring, a tension spring, or a magnet. In the present embodiment, the return member is preferably a cone spring 67. The cone spring 67 is configured such that one end is in contact with the inner side of the column body 66 and the other end is in contact with the step surface 7a1 in the gear 7a. The position regulating member 62 includes one inner ring on which the arc portion 621 is installed. Inner ring planes 622 and 625 are installed at two ends of the arc portion 621, respectively. The inner ring slopes 624 and 623 are configured to extend inward from the two inner ring planes 622 and 625, respectively. Thus, after the rotational force drive unit 6 is assembled, the boss slope 632 is located between the slope 41 and the inner ring slope 624, and the boss slope 633 is located between the slope 42 and the inner ring slope 623. The circular sleeve 631 is fitted on the upper end portion 64. Before the process cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus, the rotational force receiving member 61 is in the first state shown in FIG. While the process cartridge is attached, the rotational force receiving member 61 comes into contact with the rotational force driving head 102. By doing so, the rotational force receiving member 61 receives the action of one external force and moves in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. During the movement of the rotational force receiving member 61, the adjusting mechanism 63 receives the same external force and moves along the guide rail by the action of the external force. Specifically, the boss slopes 632 and 633 move along the slopes 41 and 42, respectively. Thereby, the force in the direction opposite to the mounting direction received by the adjustment mechanism 63 is decomposed into two directions of force, that is, the axial direction of the rotating member and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The rotational force receiving member 61 is brought into the second state by the adjusting mechanism 63. The position regulating member 62 can move the adjustment mechanism 63 better along a predetermined guide rail. After the process cartridge is attached, the rotational force driving head 102 and the rotational force receiving member 61 are substantially coaxial in the axial direction. Thereby, the rotational force receiving member 61 is in the first state by the return member, and can receive the rotational force from the rotational force driving head 102. When the process cartridge 1 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus, the rotational force receiving member 61 changes from the first state during power transmission to the second state and retracts toward the frame of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the rotating member. By doing so, the process cartridge can be smoothly pulled out without interfering with the rotational force receiving member 61. Further, after the process cartridge is completely pulled out, the rotational force receiving member 61 is brought into the first state by the return member.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the process cartridge 1 preferably further includes a snap 68 that prevents the column body 66 from coming off. The column body 66 can be inserted into the gear through hole 7a2 of the gear 7a. The outside size of the column body 66 is smaller than the size of the gear through hole 7a2. The inner size of the snap 68 is smaller than the outer size of the column body 66 and larger than the size of the gear through hole 7a2. In this way, after the column body 66 is inserted into the gear through hole 7 a 2, the snap 68 is locked to the column body 66. For this reason, the snap 68 can suppress the removal of the column body 66 from the gear 7a.

  It should be understood that the cross coupling is installed to keep the axis of the rotational force receiving member 61 more horizontally than the axis of the rotational member when the rotational force receiving member 61 is in the second state. Note that the upper end portion 64 may be integrally formed with the rotational force receiving member 61.

(Second Embodiment)
Similar to the first embodiment, the process cartridge according to the second embodiment includes a case body. The case body includes a frame body, side lids located on both sides of the frame body, a developer storage chamber, a developing member, a rotational force drive unit, and a gear unit. The gear unit includes a gear coupled to the rotational force drive unit, a developing member gear coupled to the gear, and a toner feeding member gear. The gear preferably functions as a rotating member that receives the rotational moment of the drive unit. The driving force adjusting mechanism is installed so as to move in the axial direction of the rotating member and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction when the rotating force receiving member 61 in the rotating force driving unit moves relative to the power transmission unit. The process cartridge further includes one cone spring 67 and one snap 68 that suppresses removal of the column body 66 from the gear 7a. The cone spring 67 is configured such that one end is in contact with the inner side of the column body 66 and the other end is in contact with the step surface 7a1 in the gear 7a. The process cartridge according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment as follows.

  As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the adjustment mechanism 63 moves perpendicularly to the axis of the gear 7a. At least a part of the rotational force drive unit 6 abuts against the inclined surfaces 14a and 14b of the guide rail. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the adjustment mechanism 63 is mounted on the bottom of the rotational force receiving member 61 (the bottom of the rotational force receiving member 61 becomes the upper end 64 after the drive unit is assembled). It includes a second circular sleeve 63a and second bosses 63b and 63c installed symmetrically on the side wall of the circular sleeve. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one position regulating member 62 is further installed in the rotational force drive unit. The position restriction member 62 is provided with position restriction planes 62a and 62b that engage with the boss. Further, the planes of the second bosses 63 b and 63 c (that is, the upper surfaces of the bosses) of the adjustment mechanism can slide relative to the position regulation planes 62 a and 62 b of the position regulation member 62. As shown in FIG. 12, the guide rail includes second inclined surfaces 4 a and 4 b installed on the side lid 4.

  After the process cartridge rotational force drive unit is assembled, the column 66 is installed coaxially with the gear 7a, similar to the first embodiment. The rotational force receiving member 61 is disposed coaxially with the gear 7a by the return member. While the process cartridge is attached or pulled out, the rotational force receiving member 61 receives an external force from the rotational force driving head 102 in the image forming apparatus, and at the same time, the adjustment mechanism 63 moves in a predetermined direction of the position restricting member 62. The upper end portion 64 of the cross coupling that is the bottom of the rotational force receiving member 61 is moved together with the rotational force receiving member 61 by the adjusting mechanism 63. Further, the upper end portion 64 or the intermediate slider 65 abuts on the second inclined surfaces 4 a and 4 b of the side lid 4. By doing so, the rotational force receiving member 61 of the present embodiment is in the second state, similar to the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 1000 according to the third embodiment preferably includes a frame body (process cartridge housing portion) that houses a process cartridge. The frame body includes an intermediate shaft. The entire frame body is rotatable about the axis of the intermediate shaft. Two disks are fixedly installed on both sides of the intermediate shaft. The disc is provided with gears that mesh with the gears on both sides of the rod 1006. The gears on both sides of the rod 1006 can rotate the entire frame body. Furthermore, since the rod 1006 is manufactured from a metal material, the hardness of the entire frame is increased. The disk is provided with a shutter for dividing the frame body into four small frame bodies. By doing so, the four process cartridges 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d can be simultaneously attached in the frame body. That is, four types of process cartridges (developer cartridges) of four colors, for example, black (BK), blue (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) can be attached at the same time. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1000 can perform color printing.

  The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a photoconductor (also referred to as a photoconductive drum) 1003 installed at the lower right of the frame body, a transfer tape 1004 positioned below the photoconductor 1003 and the frame body, a motor, and power from the motor. It includes a rotational force driving head to be received and a process cartridge installed in the frame body. The transfer tape 1004 transfers an image developed by the fixing device 1005 to a print medium, for example, paper. The process cartridge may be the process cartridge according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment. After the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1000, the rotational force driving head can bias the rotational driving force to the rotational force receiving member in the process cartridge.

  Note that the image forming apparatus may form a monochrome image. The process cartridge may be installed like an integrated cartridge with a photoreceptor.

(Fourth embodiment)
In order that the technical contents of the present invention will be understood more clearly, embodiments will be exemplified below and described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a main embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the process cartridge 1 includes a developing unit 12 and a cleaning unit 11. The process cartridge 1 further includes at least a developer, a charging member, a developing member, and a photoconductor. After the process cartridge 1 is attached to an image forming apparatus (not shown), the image forming apparatus rotates a rotating member in the process cartridge. For example, after the power transmission member 21 in the image forming apparatus is engaged with the rotational force driving unit 6 installed in the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus is started, the power transmission member 21 drives the rotational power to rotational force. The rotation member such as the photosensitive member in the process cartridge 1 is rotated by being transmitted to the unit 6. Furthermore, the photosensitive member or a member installed on the photosensitive member drives another rotating member (for example, a charging member, a developing member) in the process cartridge, and as a result, the developer in the process cartridge 1 is transferred to the printing medium. Can achieve the purpose.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the direction of the Y coordinate is the vertical direction of the process cartridge 1. A rail (not shown) for guiding the attachment of the process cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus. Specifically, this rail guides the process cartridge 1 to be mounted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1, that is, in the direction of the X coordinate. The rotational force drive unit 6 is installed at one end of the process cartridge 1 in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1. At least a part of the rotational force drive unit 6 is exposed at the end of the process cartridge 1 in the vertical direction. A power transmission member 21 is installed in the image forming apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1. The power transmission member 21 faces the end of the process cartridge 1 where the rotational force drive unit 6 is installed. When the process cartridge 1 is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the rotational force drive unit 6 meshes with the power transmission member 21 to transmit power. The rotational force drive unit 6 includes an engagement portion, an adjustment portion, and an intermediate connection portion. The meshing portion receives a driving force from the outside. With the adjusting mechanism, the meshing portion has a displacement amount with respect to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, and the axis of the meshing portion has a displacement amount substantially parallel to the axis of the photosensitive member. The intermediate connecting portion transmits torque between the meshing portion and the photoreceptor hub.

  Hereinafter, the rotational force drive unit 6 of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the rotational force driving unit 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the rotational force driving unit 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the rotational force driving unit 6 includes a rotational force receiving member 61, a side cover 4, a wedge-shaped base base 133, a locking spring 134, a flexible shaft 135, a spring 136, and a photoreceptor hub 137. In the present embodiment, the rotational force driving unit 6 is installed at one end of the photoreceptor 1003. The photoreceptor hub 137 is fixedly connected to the photoreceptor 1003 coaxially. When the rotational force receiving member 61 is not urged from the outside, the rotational force receiving member 61 is installed so that its axial direction is coaxial with the axis of the photoreceptor hub 137. The meshing part is a rotational force receiving member 61. The adjustment mechanism includes the side cover 4, the wedge-shaped base table 133, and the spring 136. At least a part of the intermediate coupling part is installed flexibly. The flexible portion of the intermediate connecting portion is a flexible shaft 135.

  FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the rotational force driving unit 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is assembled. As shown in FIG. 17, a hub gear 1373 is installed on the outer periphery of the photoreceptor hub 137. The photoreceptor hub 137 is configured so that the inside has a hollow portion 1371 and the bottom portion has a hub boss 1372. A square hole 1374 is provided in the hub boss 1372. A plurality of locking claws 1311 are provided at the end of the rotational force receiving member 61. In the present embodiment, the number of the locking claws 1311 is two, and it is preferable to engage the rotational force driving head in the image forming apparatus to transmit power. As shown in FIG. 18, the main body of the rotational force receiving member 61 has a cylindrical structure. A cylindrical boss 1313 is installed on the outer periphery of the rotational force receiving member 61. Thereby, the outer peripheral diameter D2 of some cylinders of the rotational force receiving member 61 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of some cylinders (see FIG. 19). Note that the cylindrical portion having the diameter D1 is closer to the end portion where the locking claw 1311 of the rotational force receiving member 61 is located. A locking groove 1314 for installing a locking spring 134 is installed at the other end of the main body. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a rotational force receiving member 61 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. A blind via hole 1312 having a square cross section is installed inside the rotational force receiving member 61.

  A flexible shaft 135 shown in FIG. 20 includes a main body portion 1351, a first end portion 1352, and a second end portion 1353. The main body portion 1351 has a cylindrical shape. The first end portion 1352 and the second end portion 1353 are cut into a square shape, and fitted into a square hole 1374 at the end portion of the photoreceptor hub 137 and a square blind via hole 1312 in the rotational force receiving member 61, respectively. The square holes 1374 may be installed at both ends of the flexible shaft 135. In this case, the end of the rotational force receiving member 61 is a square pillar that fits into the square hole 1374, and the square pillar that fits into the square hole 1374 is installed in the photoreceptor hub 137.

  Specifically, the flexible shaft 135 is formed by twisting a plurality of layers of wires. 21 represents the internal configuration of the flexible shaft 135. The other layer of wire that is twisted is wrapped in the outer layer. Moreover, K area | region of one part sectional drawing shown in FIG. 22 shows the state formed when the flexible shaft 135 twists the wire of a several layer. In detail, the twist direction of the wires in each layer is the same, i.e., both the twist direction to the right or the twist direction to the left. The multilayer wire may be two layers or three or more layers. Note that the rigidity and torque transmission capacity of the flexible shaft can be changed according to design requirements by changing the diameter of the wire or the number of twists of the flexible shaft.

  FIG. 17 shows a wedge-shaped base table 133. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the wedge-shaped base table 133. As shown in FIG. 23, a base base through-hole 1331 is provided in the middle of the wedge-shaped base base 133. The base base through-hole 1331 is fitted into the cylindrical main body portion of the rotational force receiving member 61. The base pedestal through-hole 1331 has a diameter D3 smaller than the outer peripheral diameter D1 of the rotational force receiving member 61, and is fitted into a cylindrical portion having an outer peripheral diameter D2 shown in FIG. After the rotational force receiving member 61 is mounted in the base base through hole 1331 of the wedge-shaped base base 133, it is locked in the locking groove 1314 of the rotational force receiving member 61 via the locking spring 134 shown in FIG. The upper top surface 1334 of the wedge-shaped base table 133 comes into contact with the surface of the cylindrical boss 1313 of the rotational force receiving member 61. By doing so, the rotational force receiving member 61 is fixedly connected to the wedge-shaped base table 133 and is rotatable with respect to the wedge-shaped base table 133. The wedge-shaped base table 133 has two base table slopes 1333a and 1333b located on the opposite side. Base table protrusions 1332a and 1332b are provided on the other two opposite side surfaces of the wedge-shaped base table 133.

  FIG. 16 shows the side lid 4. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the side lid 4. In the middle part of the side lid 4, a side lid hollow part 421 for arranging the wedge-shaped base stand 133 is provided. On the inner surface on the opposite side of the side lid hollow portion 421, two side lid recesses 422a and 422b for installing base table protrusions 1332a and 1332b installed on the wedge-shaped base table 133 are installed.

  FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the side lid 4 as viewed from the bottom. As shown in FIG. 25, a pair of side lid inclined surfaces 421a and 421b located on the opposite side are installed on the inner surface of the side lid hollow portion 421. The two side lid inclined surfaces 421a and 421b are respectively matched with the base table slopes 1333a and 1333b of the wedge-shaped base table 133. The inner surface of the side lid hollow part 421 further includes two opposing side lid planes 421c and 421d. Side lid recesses 422a and 422b shown in FIG. 24 are further installed on the side lid planes 421c and 421d, respectively. In FIG. 25, the side cover recesses 422a and 422b are represented by dotted circles. The side lid recesses 422a and 422b have the same configuration, and are disposed on the side lid planes 421c and 421d so as to face each other. However, the positional relationship between the side lid recesses 422a and 422b is not located on the same connecting line but is shifted from each other. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 26, the shape of the side lid recess is an inverted triangle whose upper end opening is narrower than the lower end opening. The side cover recessed part 422a includes recessed part inclined surfaces 422a1 and 422a2 installed in a mirror symmetrical form. A projection 423a that protrudes into the inside of the side lid hollow portion 421 is provided on the center axis that serves as a mirror-symmetric reference between the two concave inclined surfaces. Since the side lid concave portion 422b has the same configuration as the side lid concave portion 422a, the side lid concave portion 422b has concave inclined surfaces 422b1 and 422b2 that are symmetrical, and a protrusion 423b is further provided.

  FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the cross-sectional view of the side cover 4. The shape of the side cover recess 422b and the position of the side cover recess 422b in the side cover are represented by a dotted circle in FIG. L is the center line of the side lid 4. The upper part of the protrusion 423b is a thin tip. The protrusion 423b has a protrusion vertex 423b1, vertex inclined surfaces 423b2, 423b3 located on both sides of the protrusion vertex 423b1, and vertex planes 423b4, 423b5 located on both sides of the protrusion vertex 423b1.

  The assembly relationship of the rotational force drive unit 6 should be understood from the description of the configuration of each member of the rotational force drive unit 6. The assembled state of the rotational force drive unit 6 is shown in FIG. First, the wedge-shaped base stand 133 is attached in the side lid hollow portion 421 of the side lid 4 whose shape engages with the wedge-shaped base stand 133. The positional relationship after the wedge-shaped base table 133 is attached in the side lid hollow portion 421 of the side lid 4 is shown in FIG. 27, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, the base table protrusions 1332a and 1332b of the wedge-shaped base table 133 are positioned in the side cover recesses 422a and 422b of the side cover 4, respectively. Next, the rotational force receiving member 61 is mounted in the base base through-hole 1331 of the wedge-shaped base base 133, and the locking spring 134 is locked in the locking groove 1314. Thereby, the rotational force receiving member 61 is fixed to the wedge-shaped base table 133. Next, one end of the flexible shaft 135 is inserted into the rectangular hole 1374 of the photoconductor 1003, and the spring 136 is externally fitted to the flexible shaft 135. Further, the pre-assembled wedge-shaped base 133, the rotational force receiving member 61, and the side cover 4 are integrated and attached to the photoreceptor hub 137. Moreover, it is necessary to align and attach the blind via hole 1312 of the rotational force receiving member 61 to the other end of the flexible shaft 135. Next, the side lid is fixed to the process cartridge with screws. In this way, the rotational force driving unit 6 is fixed to the process cartridge 1. By fitting the end of the flexible shaft 135 with the photoconductor hub 137 and the base base through-hole 1331 of the wedge-shaped base base 133, the purpose of transmitting power can be achieved. After assembly, the photoreceptor hub 137 is fixed coaxially to the photoreceptor 1003. The flexible shaft 135 and the spring 136 are installed between the photoreceptor hub 137 and the rotational force receiving member 61. One end of the spring 136 is brought into contact with the hub boss 1372 of the photoreceptor hub 137 and the other end is brought into contact with the lower bottom surface of the wedge-shaped base table 133. Further, after assembly, the spring 136 has a certain amount of compression so that the wedge-shaped base table 133 is brought into contact with the hollow portion in the side cover 4 and the wedge-shaped base table 133 is slid with respect to the side cover 4. Is possible. At the same time that the wedge-shaped base 133 slides with respect to the side cover 4, the rotational force receiving member 61 has a displacement in the direction of its own axis L2, and the axis L2 is the axis L1 of the photoconductor hub (the axis of the photoconductor hub). Is substantially parallel to the axis of the photosensitive member). Before the wedge-shaped base table 133 slides with respect to the side lid 4, the base table protrusions 1332a and 1332b of the wedge-shaped base table are positioned above the protrusion vertices 423b1 and 423a1 of the protrusions 423b and 423a of the side cover 4, respectively. At the same time as the wedge-shaped base table 133 slides with respect to the side cover 4, the wedge-shaped base table base table protrusions 1332a and 1332b can simultaneously slide with respect to the concave inclined surfaces 422b1 and 422a2, or the concave inclined surface 422b2. 422a1 can slide simultaneously.

  The image forming apparatus includes a printer and the process cartridge described above. Hereinafter, how the process cartridge is installed in the printer will be described in detail. FIGS. 28a to 28d are views showing a process of engaging the rotational force receiving member 61 located at the end of the process cartridge 1 with the power transmission member 21 located in the printer when the process cartridge is attached to the printer. 28A to 28D, the direction indicated by the arrow represents the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1 (the mounting direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the process cartridge). When the process cartridge 1 is mounted in the printer in the direction indicated by the arrow, the end of the rotational force receiving member 61 contacts the end of the power transmission member 21 in the printer. In this case, as shown in FIG. 28 b, the end of the rotational force receiving member 61 interferes with the end of the power transmission member 21. As the process cartridge 1 is attached, the rotational force receiving member 61 causes the wedge-shaped base 133 to slide relative to the side lid 4 due to the interaction between the rotational force receiving member 61 and the power transmission member 21. In this case, the rotational force receiving member 61 moves in the direction opposite to the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1, that is, the base table inclined surface 1333 a of the wedge-shaped base table 133 moves relative to the side lid inclined surface 421 a that meshes with it. At this time, the base table protrusion 1332b installed on the wedge-shaped base table slides along the concave inclined surface 422b2 in the side cover 4, and the base table protrusion 1332a slides along the concave inclined surface 422a1. As shown in FIGS. 28b and 28c, the rotational force receiving member 61 has its axis F2 shifted in parallel to the axis F1 of the photoreceptor hub 137, and in the direction of the axis F2 and to the processor unit of the rotational force receiving member 61. It retracts in the direction opposite to the extended end. The flexible shaft 135 is gradually deformed into a certain curve until the end of the rotational force receiving member 61 is retracted from the power transmission member 21 (see FIG. 28c). Further, the rotational force receiving member 61 protrudes due to the restoring force of the spring 136 and is engaged with the driving head protrusion 211 at the end of the power transmission member 21 by the engaging claw 1311 at the end. In this case, as shown in FIG. 28d, the flexible shaft 135 returns to the original state. Thereby, the process cartridge was attached. When the printer is activated, the power is transmitted to the rotational force receiving member 61 via the power transmission member 21, and then the rotational power is transmitted to the photosensitive hub 137 via the flexible shaft 135, and further to the rotational member in the process cartridge. Transmit power.

  FIGS. 29A to 29D are views showing a process in which the rotational force receiving member 61 at the end of the process cartridge is disengaged from the engagement with the power transmission member 21 installed in the printer when the process cartridge is removed from the printer. . FIG. 29 a shows a state in which the rotational force receiving member 61 is engaged with the power transmission member 21. When removing the process cartridge along the arrow direction shown in FIG. 29 a, the rotational force receiving member 61 slides on the wedge-shaped base 133 with respect to the side lid 4 due to the interaction between the power transmission member 21 and the rotational force receiving member 61. Let In this case, the inclined surface of the wedge-shaped base stand 133 shown in FIG. 29a slides with respect to the side lid inclined surface 433b in the side lid 4 in contact therewith. At the same time, the base table protrusion 1332b installed on the wedge-shaped base table 133 slides along the concave inclined surface 422b1 in the side cover 4, and the base table protrusion 1332a slides along the concave inclined surface 422a2. Further, the rotational force receiving member 61 is gradually retracted by the interaction with the power transmission member 21, and its axis F 2 is shifted in parallel to the axis F 1 of the photoreceptor hub 137. With the removal of the process cartridge 1 from the printer, as shown in FIGS. 29b and 29c, the flexible shaft 135 is moved until the rotational force receiving member 61 completely disengages from the engagement with the power transmission member 21 (see FIG. 29c). Is deformed into a curve. As shown in FIG. 29d, due to the action of the spring 136, the rotational force receiving member 61 returns to its original state, and the flexible shaft 135 also returns to its original state. Finally, the process cartridge 1 is removed from the printer.

  30 to 33 are views showing the relative movement of the wedge-shaped base and the side lid in the process in which the rotational force driving unit is engaged with the power transmission member of the printer. In order to easily explain the state of relative movement between the wedge-shaped base and the side cover, only the wedge-shaped base 133 is shown by a dotted line, and other members are shown by sectional views. As shown in FIG. 30, the dotted line portion represents the wedge-shaped base table 133, the side cover 4 is installed at the end of the photoreceptor hub 137, the wedge-shaped base table 133 is installed in the middle of the side cover 4, The protrusion 423 a is installed, the base table protrusion 1332 a is installed on the side surface of the wedge-shaped base table 133, and the base table protrusion 1332 a slides inside the side cover recess 422 b installed on the side cover 4. In a state where the rotational force drive unit is not subjected to the action of external force, the base table protrusion 1332a of the wedge-shaped base table 133 is positioned above the protrusion 423a of the side lid 4.

  When the process cartridge is attached to the printer, the rotational force receiving member 61 of the rotational force driving unit comes into contact with the power transmission member 21 in the printer. The acting force generated by the contact between the two members acts on the rotational force receiving member 61. Further, when the wedge-shaped base table 133 is urged by the rotational force receiving member 61, it slides with respect to the side cover 4 as shown in FIG. That is, the base pedestal slope 1333 a of the wedge-shaped base pedestal 133 slides relative to the side lid inclined surface 421 a of the side lid 4. The base table protrusion 1332a of the wedge-shaped base table 133 slides with respect to the inclined surface 423a3 of the protrusion of the side lid 4. For this reason, the wedge-shaped base stand 133 shifts the rotational force receiving member 61 in parallel with the axis of the photoconductor hub 137. Further, since the inclined surface 421a and the inclined surface 423a3 are parallel to each other, the swinging of the wedge-shaped base table 133 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photoreceptor hub 137 can be restricted.

  After the wedge-shaped base table 133 slides within a certain range with respect to the side lid 4, the lower end portion of the base table slope 1333 a of the wedge-shaped base table 133 contacts the inner surface 1375 of the photoreceptor hub 137 as shown in FIG. 32. To come.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the base table slope 1333 a of the wedge-shaped base table 133 comes into contact with the inner surface of the photoconductor hub 137, thereby preventing the wedge-shaped base table 133 from shifting from the axis of the photoconductor hub 137. The rotational force receiving member 61 further receives an acting force and urges the wedge-shaped base table 133. In the wedge-shaped base table 133, the base table slope 1333 a comes into contact with the inner surface 1375 of the photoreceptor hub 137, and the base table protrusion 1332 a comes into contact with the side surface 423 a 4 of the protrusion 423 a of the side lid 4. By doing so, sliding of the wedge-shaped base table 133 is restricted by the two parallel surfaces 1375 and 423a4, and the wedge-shaped base table 133 has a displacement amount in a direction parallel to the axis of the photoreceptor hub.

  34 is a cross-sectional view in the opposite direction to the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 30 to 33. The dotted line in FIG. 34 represents the wedge-shaped base table 133. As shown in FIG. 34, on the plane of the wedge-shaped base table 133 that faces the plane on which the protrusion 1332a is located, the base table protrusion is installed without being symmetrical with the protrusion 1332a and has the same configuration as the base table protrusion 1332a. 1332b is further installed. Similarly, a concave portion 1322a having the same configuration as the concave portion 1322b is further installed in the hollow portion of the side lid 132 in a plane opposite to the plane where the concave portion 1322b is located. At the same time as the base table projection 1332a slides in the recess 1322b, the base table projection 1332b slides in the recess 1322a. Since the sliding form is the same as the sliding form shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  According to the above aspect, the locus of sliding of the wedge-shaped base table with respect to the side lid can be regulated, and the rotational force can be controlled by preventing the wedge-shaped base table from tilting or swinging during sliding. The stability of the operation of the drive unit can be ensured.

  When the process cartridge is removed from the printer, the power transmission member 21 installed in the printer is urged against the rotational force receiving member 61. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 35, the rotational force receiving member 61 urges the wedge-shaped base table 133 to slide the wedge-shaped base table 133 relative to the side lid 4. In this case, the other base table slope 1333b of the wedge-shaped base table 133 slides with respect to the other inclined surface 1322b1 of the side lid 132. The base base protrusion 1332a of the wedge-shaped base base slides with respect to the inclined surface 423a2 of the protrusion 423a of the side lid 4 and the flat surface 1323a5 on the other side. The wedge-shaped base table 133 moves as described above, and is restricted by the flat surface 1323a2, the inclined surface 1322b1, the flat surface 1323a5, and the inner surface 1375 of the photoconductor hub 137. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the wedge-shaped base table 133 from being inclined or swinging during sliding, and to ensure the stability of the operation of the rotational force driving unit. Similarly, since the protrusion 1332b slides relative to the side lid recess 422a in the same manner as described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The above state is obtained when the rotational force receiving member receives an external force. When the acting force from the outside is lost, the wedge-shaped base can be returned to the original state by the spring.

  While preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed above, they are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to each preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art can change the technical idea described in each of the preferred embodiments described above, or part or all of the technical idea. Can be exchanged. However, such various changes and exchanges fall within the scope of seeking protection of the present invention.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Process cartridge 14a, 14b Guide rail slope 12 Developing section 11 Cleaning section 1311 Locking claw 1312 Blind via hole 1313 Cylindrical boss 1314 Locking groove 133 Wedge base bases 1333a, 1333b, 1321b Base Base slope 1331 Base base through-hole 134 Locking springs 1332a and 1332b Base base protrusion 135 Flexible shaft 1352 First end 1334 Upper top surface 1351 Main body 1353 Second end 137 Photoconductor hub 136 Spring 1373 Hub gear 1371 Hollow part 1372 Hub boss 1374 Square hole 21 Power transmission member 2 Case body 211 Drive head projection 4 Side lid 41, 42 Slope 4a, 4b Second slope 422a, 422b Side lid recess 421 Side lid hollow portion 423a, 423b Projection 421a 421b, 433b Side lid inclined surface 5 Developing member 613 Recessed hole 421c, 421d Side lid flat surface 6 Rotational force drive unit 611, 612 Claw portion 422a1, 422a2, 422b1, 422b2 Recessed inclined surface 61 Rotational force receiving member 62 Position regulating member 423a1, 423b1 Projection vertex 621 Arc portion 631 Circular sleeve 423b2, 423b3 Vertex inclined surface 63 Adjusting mechanism 163a Second circular sleeve 423b4, 423b5 Vertex plane 632, 633 Boss slope 64 Upper end 624, 623 Inner ring slope 163b, 163c Second boss 66 Column 622, 625 Inner ring plane 65 Intermediate slider 67 Cone spring 62a, 62b Position regulating plane 7a1 Step surface 68 Snap 7b Toner feed member gear 1006 Rod 7a Gear 7c Developer member gear 1003 Photoconductor 7a2 Gear through hole 000 an image forming apparatus 1001a head unit 1004 transfer tape 1001b, 1001 c drive pin 1005 fixing apparatus 110 lid 101 twisted projection 102 rotational force drive head 103 cam mechanism 104 elastic member 105 connecting rod

Claims (24)

A rotational force drive unit that is installed at one end of the process cartridge, receives a driving force from the outside, and transmits the driving force to a rotating member that is installed in the process cartridge along its longitudinal direction,
A rotational force receiving member for receiving the driving force;
An adjustment mechanism coupled to the rotational force receiving member,
The rotational force receiving member has a displacement amount in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge by the adjustment mechanism, and an axis of the rotational force receiving member has a deviation amount with respect to an axis of the photosensitive member. Drive unit. The adjustment mechanism includes a side lid and an adjustment member,
An inclined surface is installed on the bottom surface of the side lid,
The adjustment member is provided with an inclined surface facing the inclined surface on the bottom surface of the side lid,
2. The rotation according to claim 1, wherein after the rotational force driving unit is assembled, the inclined surface of the side cover can slide relative to the inclined surface of the adjusting member. Force drive unit. The rotational force receiving member is installed through the side lid and the adjustment member,
The rotational force driving unit according to claim 2, wherein the rotational force receiving member is slidable with respect to the side lid together with the adjustment member.   The torque driving unit according to claim 3, further comprising a gear fixedly installed at an end of the rotating member and a spring installed in the gear.   5. The rotational force drive unit according to claim 4, further comprising an intermediate coupling portion coupled between the rotational force receiving member and the rotational member for transmitting power. The intermediate connecting portion is a cross coupling,
The cross coupling includes an upper end, an intermediate slider, and a pillar,
The upper end and the intermediate slider are connected through a groove and are relatively slidable,
6. The rotational force drive unit according to claim 5, wherein the column body and the intermediate slider are connected via a groove and are relatively slidable.   The rotational force drive unit according to claim 6, wherein the upper end portion and the column body are installed on opposite sides of the intermediate slider.   The rotational force drive unit according to claim 6, wherein the spring abuts between the gear and the column body.   4. The rotational force drive unit according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment member includes a circular sleeve fitted on the bottom of the rotational force receiving member, and a boss installed symmetrically on the side wall of the circular sleeve. The boss is inclined with respect to the axis of the circular sleeve;
The rotational force drive unit according to claim 9, wherein the inclined surface of the boss is an inclined surface of the adjustment member.   The rotational force drive unit according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment member and the rotational force receiving member are integrally formed.   The rotational force drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the rotational force receiving member includes one U-shaped head portion. At least a part of the intermediate coupling portion between the rotational force receiving member and the rotational member is installed to have flexibility,
The rotational force drive unit according to claim 4, wherein the part having flexibility is one flexible shaft. The adjustment mechanism is one base stand,
The base stand is installed in the side lid and is slidable with respect to the side lid.
The spring is abutted between the base and the gear;
The rotational force receiving member is rotatably connected to the side lid and the base table through the side lid and the base table,
The flexible shaft is configured such that one end is connected to the rotational force receiving member penetrating the side lid and the other end is connected to the gear.
The rotational force drive unit according to claim 13, wherein the spring is fitted on the flexible shaft. The base is a wedge-shaped base;
A through hole that fits into the rotational force receiving member is installed in the middle portion of the wedge-shaped base.
The wedge-shaped base has two inclined surfaces located on opposite sides;
Projections are provided on the other two opposite side surfaces of the wedge-shaped base.
The middle part of the side cover has a hollow part for placing the wedge-shaped base stand,
On the inner surface on the opposite side of the hollow portion, two opposed flat surfaces and a pair of inclined surfaces that are located on the opposite side and that match the inclined surface of the wedge-shaped base stand are installed,
15. The rotational force driving unit according to claim 14, wherein a concave portion that engages with a protrusion of the wedge-shaped base is provided on each of the two opposing planes. The protrusions on the two opposite side surfaces of the wedge-shaped base are installed so that the relative positions are not located on the same connecting line and are shifted from each other.
The rotational force drive unit according to claim 15, wherein the two concave portions are installed such that their relative positions are not located on the same connecting line but are shifted from each other. The recess has an inverted triangular structure in which the upper end opening is narrower than the lower end opening,
The inverted triangular structure has inclined surfaces facing both sides,
The rotational force drive unit according to claim 16, wherein one protrusion is provided at a location close to the narrow portion of the recess. One apex is installed at the upper end of the protrusion of the recess,
Both sides of the apex are inclined surfaces,
The rotational force driving unit according to claim 17, wherein the protrusion further includes two opposing flat surfaces. In the natural state, the planar protrusions on both sides of the wedge-shaped base are located above the apexes of the recess protrusions,
The protrusion on the opposite side surface of the wedge-shaped base table is slidable with respect to one inclined surface of the two concave portions when the rotational force receiving member receives an external force. The rotational force drive unit described in 1. The main body of the rotational force receiving member has a cylindrical structure,
On the outer periphery of the main body, a boss is installed,
The diameter of the boss corresponds to the base base through hole of the wedge-shaped base base,
At one end of the main body, a locking groove is installed,
The rotational force drive unit according to claim 14, wherein the rotational force receiving member is connected to the base table via a locking spring and the locking groove. The flexible shaft is formed by twisting a multilayer wire,
15. The rotational force driving unit according to claim 14, wherein the twisting directions of the inner layer and the outer layer are the same.   The flexible shaft is configured such that one end is connected to the rotational force receiving member via a square hole or a square part, and the other end is connected to the hub of the photoreceptor via a square hole or a square part. The rotational force drive unit according to claim 14. A process cartridge,
23. A process cartridge comprising the rotational force drive unit according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus including a rotational force driving head capable of supplying rotational power,
A process cartridge according to claim 23,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the rotational force driving head is engaged with the rotational force driving unit and transmits power to a rotating member in the process cartridge.