JP2018112661A - Driving device and image formation device - Google Patents

Driving device and image formation device Download PDF

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JP2018112661A
JP2018112661A JP2017002985A JP2017002985A JP2018112661A JP 2018112661 A JP2018112661 A JP 2018112661A JP 2017002985 A JP2017002985 A JP 2017002985A JP 2017002985 A JP2017002985 A JP 2017002985A JP 2018112661 A JP2018112661 A JP 2018112661A
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driven
driving
drive
engagement member
ratchet
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JP6946004B2 (en
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健 塚原
Ken Tsukahara
健 塚原
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driving device which absorbs impact.SOLUTION: A clutch device 50 connects a drive from a driving source to at least one driving target member or releases the connection. The clutch device engages an engagement member 52 on a driving side and an engagement member 53 on a driven side with each other or releases the engagement, by rotating a cam gear member 58 provided with a second cam surface engaging with a first cam surface of a releasing member 59 by control means to move the releasing member 59 into an axial direction, thereby moving the engagement member 52 on a driving side into an axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

本発明は、複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ装置等の画像形成装置に用いられる駆動装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a driving device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine.

従来、画像形成装置において現像剤の浪費、劣化の問題を解消するために、感光体と現像ユニットの回転を別々に制御して、現像ユニットの回転を最低限に抑える方法が考えられている。回転を別々にする構成としては、低コストや小型化を実現するために、一つのモータで感光体と現像ユニットを駆動し、現像ユニットの駆動系に回転または停止の状態を制御するクラッチを設ける方法が考えられている。   Conventionally, in order to solve the problem of waste and deterioration of the developer in the image forming apparatus, a method of controlling the rotation of the photosensitive member and the developing unit separately to minimize the rotation of the developing unit has been considered. In order to realize low cost and downsizing, the configuration in which rotation is separated is that the photosensitive member and the development unit are driven by a single motor, and a clutch for controlling the rotation or stop state is provided in the drive system of the development unit. A method is considered.

従来の画像形成装置の駆動系では、クラッチとして電磁クラッチやバネクラッチを用いていた。しかし、電磁クラッチはコストが高く、バネクラッチは高負荷ではスリップや異音等の不具合を発生する可能性があった。   In the drive system of the conventional image forming apparatus, an electromagnetic clutch or a spring clutch is used as the clutch. However, electromagnetic clutches are expensive, and spring clutches may cause problems such as slips and abnormal noises at high loads.

特許文献１には、機械式のクラッチ装置が記載されている。この種のクラッチ装置を図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０を用いて説明する。クラッチ装置１１０は、カム面が設けられたカムギア部材１１８が回転する。これによりカムギア部材１１８のカム面と係合するカム面が設けられた解除部材１１９を軸１１５方向（図８の上下方向）に移動する。   Patent Document 1 describes a mechanical clutch device. This type of clutch device will be described using a clutch device 110 of a comparative example shown in FIG. In the clutch device 110, the cam gear member 118 provided with the cam surface rotates. As a result, the release member 119 provided with the cam surface engaged with the cam surface of the cam gear member 118 is moved in the direction of the shaft 115 (vertical direction in FIG. 8).

これに伴い駆動側の係合部材１１２も該解除部材１１９により軸１１５方向（図８の上下方向）に移動させられる。これにより駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との間で連結及び解除を行う。駆動側の係合部材１１２は、従動側の係合部材１１３と係合する方向に付勢部材１１７により付勢されている。解除部材１１９は、カムギア部材１１８により軸１１５方向（図８の下方向）に移動させられると、付勢部材１１７の付勢力に抗して駆動側の係合部材１１２を従動側の係合部材１１３から解放する方向に移動させる。   Along with this, the engagement member 112 on the driving side is also moved in the direction of the shaft 115 (vertical direction in FIG. 8) by the release member 119. As a result, connection and release are performed between the engagement member 112 on the driving side and the engagement member 113 on the driven side. The driving-side engaging member 112 is urged by the urging member 117 in a direction to engage with the driven-side engaging member 113. When the release member 119 is moved in the direction of the shaft 115 (downward in FIG. 8) by the cam gear member 118, the drive-side engagement member 112 is driven against the biasing force of the biasing member 117. It is moved in the direction of releasing from 113.

特開２００３−２０８０２４号公報JP 2003-208024 A

しかしながら、図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０では、駆動側の係合部材１１２が回転した状態で、停止した状態の軸１１５に固定された従動側の係合部材１１３と連結させることで、従動側の係合部材１１３に駆動を伝達させる。この連結時に衝撃が生じ易い。   However, in the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, when the driving engagement member 112 is rotated, it is connected to the driven engagement member 113 fixed to the stopped shaft 115. Drive is transmitted to the engagement member 113 on the driven side. Impact is likely to occur during this connection.

このようなクラッチ装置１１０は画像形成の駆動系で採用されおり、画像形成中に駆動の連結動作を行う。このため駆動連結時に発生する衝撃がギア列を伝達し、感光体の駆動列に衝撃が伝わると画像にスジを発生させる可能性がある。また、駆動連結時の衝突音も発生する。画像形成装置は更なる高速化が進んでおり、駆動連結時に発生する衝撃は大きくなる傾向にある。この連結時の衝撃は、従動側の係合部材１１３が金属製の軸１１５に固定されているため剛性の高いものが間に入ることで衝撃を吸収することができない。   Such a clutch device 110 is employed in an image forming drive system, and performs a drive connecting operation during image formation. For this reason, an impact generated at the time of driving connection is transmitted to the gear train, and when the impact is transmitted to the drive train of the photosensitive member, streaks may be generated in the image. Also, a collision sound is generated when the drive is connected. The image forming apparatus is further increased in speed, and the impact generated when the drive is connected tends to increase. Since the driven engagement member 113 is fixed to the metal shaft 115, the shock at the time of connection cannot be absorbed when a member having high rigidity enters between them.

本発明は前記課題を解決するものであり、その目的とするところは、衝撃を吸収する駆動装置を提供するものである。   The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that absorbs an impact.

前記目的を達成するための本発明に係る駆動装置の代表的な構成は、駆動源からの駆動を少なくとも一つ以上の被駆動部材に連結又は解除するクラッチ手段を有する駆動装置において、前記クラッチ手段は、フレームに回転不可能に支持されている軸に対して回転可能に支持され、前記駆動源からの駆動を伝達する駆動部材と、前記駆動部材と同期して回転し、軸方向に移動可能な駆動側の係合部材と、前記軸に対して回転可能に支持され、前記駆動側の係合部材と係合する従動側の係合部材と、前記従動側の係合部材と同期して回転する従動部材と、前記駆動側の係合部材を前記従動側の係合部材と係合する方向に付勢する付勢手段と、第一のカム面が設けられた解除部材と、前記第一のカム面と係合する第二のカム面が設けられたカムギア部材と、前記カムギア部材を回転させる制御手段と、を有し、前記制御手段により前記カムギア部材を回転させることで、前記解除部材が軸方向に移動して前記駆動側の係合部材を軸方向に移動させて前記駆動側の係合部材と前記従動側の係合部材とを係合または解除することを特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, a typical structure of a driving apparatus according to the present invention is a driving apparatus having a clutch means for coupling or releasing driving from a driving source to at least one driven member. Is rotatably supported with respect to a shaft that is non-rotatably supported by the frame, and a drive member that transmits drive from the drive source, and rotates in synchronization with the drive member and can move in the axial direction. A drive-side engagement member, a driven-side engagement member that is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft, and engages with the drive-side engagement member; and the driven-side engagement member A driven member that rotates, a biasing means that biases the engagement member on the driving side in a direction to engage with the engagement member on the driven side, a release member provided with a first cam surface, and the first Cam with a second cam surface that engages with one cam surface And a control means for rotating the cam gear member. When the cam gear member is rotated by the control means, the release member moves in the axial direction and the engagement member on the driving side is moved in the axial direction. And the engagement member on the driving side and the engagement member on the driven side are engaged or released.

本発明によれば、衝撃を吸収する駆動装置を提供することができる。   ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the drive device which absorbs an impact can be provided.

本発明に係る駆動装置を備える画像形成装置の構成を示す断面説明図である。1 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus including a driving device according to the present invention. 本発明に係る駆動装置の第１実施形態におけるクラッチ装置の構成を示す斜視説明図である。It is a perspective explanatory view showing the configuration of the clutch device in the first embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention. 第１実施形態のクラッチ装置の連結状態を示す断面説明図である。It is a section explanatory view showing the connection state of the clutch device of a 1st embodiment. 第１実施形態のクラッチ装置の解除状態を示す断面説明図である。It is a section explanatory view showing the release state of the clutch device of a 1st embodiment. （ａ）は、第１実施形態のクラッチ装置の従動側の係合部材に設けられた溝形状の構成を示す断面説明図である。（ｂ）は、第１実施形態のクラッチ装置の従動側の係合部材と従動部材とが係合状態にあるときの溝形状の構成を示す断面説明図である。(A) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the groove shape provided in the engagement member of the driven side of the clutch apparatus of 1st Embodiment. (B) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows a groove-shaped structure when the engaging member and driven member of the driven side of the clutch apparatus of 1st Embodiment are in an engagement state. 第１実施形態のクラッチ装置の変形例の構成を示す斜視説明図である。It is a perspective view showing the composition of the modification of the clutch device of a 1st embodiment. 本発明に係る駆動装置の第２実施形態におけるクラッチ装置の構成を示す斜視説明図である。It is a perspective explanatory view showing the configuration of the clutch device in the second embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention. 比較例のクラッチ装置の構成を示す断面説明図である。It is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the clutch apparatus of a comparative example.

図により本発明に係る駆動装置を備える画像形成装置の一実施形態を具体的に説明する。   An embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with a driving device according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

〔第１実施形態〕
図１〜図５を用いて本発明に係る駆動装置を備える画像形成装置の第１実施形態の構成について説明する。 [First Embodiment]
The configuration of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus including the driving device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

＜画像形成装置＞
先ず、図１を用いて本発明に係る駆動装置を備える画像形成装置の構成について説明する。図１は、本発明に係る駆動装置を備える画像形成装置の構成を示す断面説明図である。図１に示す画像形成装置１は、カラーレーザプリンタの一例である。画像形成装置１の下部には、記録材を収容する給送カセット１１が画像形成装置１本体に対して着脱可能に設けられている。給送カセット１１内に収容された記録材は、ピックアップローラ１２により繰り出され、給送ローラ１３により一枚ずつ分離搬送されて最上位の記録材が取り出される。その後、搬送ローラ１４により挟持搬送されて停止したレジストローラ１５のニップ部に記録材の先端部が付き当てられて記録材の斜行が補正される。 <Image forming apparatus>
First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus including a driving device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus including a driving device according to the present invention. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a color laser printer. A feeding cassette 11 that accommodates a recording material is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 at the lower part of the image forming apparatus 1. The recording material stored in the feeding cassette 11 is fed out by the pickup roller 12 and separated and conveyed one by one by the feeding roller 13 to take out the uppermost recording material. Thereafter, the leading end portion of the recording material is applied to the nip portion of the registration roller 15 that has been nipped and conveyed by the conveying roller 14 and stopped, and the skew of the recording material is corrected.

＜画像形成部＞
画像形成部は、イエローＹ、マゼンタＭ、シアンＣ、ブラックＫの四色のプロセスカートリッジ２Ｙ，２Ｍ，２Ｃ，２Ｋが図１の左から右に順に配置されている。尚、説明の都合上、プロセスカートリッジ２Ｙ，２Ｍ，２Ｃ，２Ｋを代表してプロセスカートリッジ２を用いて説明する場合もある。他の画像形成プロセス手段についても同様である。 <Image forming unit>
In the image forming unit, process cartridges 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K of four colors of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K are arranged in order from the left to the right in FIG. For convenience of explanation, the process cartridges 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K may be representatively described using the process cartridge 2. The same applies to other image forming process means.

＜画像形成動作＞
各プロセスカートリッジ２内に設けられた図示しない帯電手段となる帯電ローラにより図１の時計回り方向に回転する像担持体となる感光ドラム２２の表面が一様に帯電される。その後、像露光手段となるレーザスキャナ２１から画像情報に応じたレーザ光を一様に帯電された各感光ドラム２２の表面に照射する。これにより各感光ドラム２２の表面上に画像情報に応じた静電潜像が形成される。 <Image forming operation>
The surface of the photosensitive drum 22 serving as an image carrier that rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 is uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown) provided in each process cartridge 2. Thereafter, a laser beam corresponding to the image information is irradiated from the laser scanner 21 serving as an image exposure unit onto the surface of each uniformly charged photosensitive drum 22. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 22.

各プロセスカートリッジ２内に設けられた図示しない現像手段となる現像装置内に収容された各色のトナーが図示しない供給ローラを介して現像剤担持体となる図示しない現像ローラの表面に供給されて該現像ローラの表面に担持される。この現像ローラには、図示しない現像バイアス電源から現像バイアスが印加され、該現像ローラの表面に担持されたトナーが感光ドラム２２の表面に形成された静電潜像に供給されてトナー像として現像される。   Each color toner accommodated in a developing device (not shown) provided in each process cartridge 2 is supplied to the surface of a developing roller (not shown) serving as a developer carrier via a supply roller (not shown). It is carried on the surface of the developing roller. A developing bias is applied to the developing roller from a developing bias power source (not shown), and the toner carried on the surface of the developing roller is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 to be developed as a toner image. Is done.

各感光ドラム２２の表面に対向して張架ローラ３ａ，３ｂにより図１の反時計回り方向に回転可能に張架された中間転写ベルト２３が設けられている。中間転写ベルト２３の内周面側には、各感光ドラム２２に対向して一次転写手段となる一次転写ローラ２４が設けられている。図示しない一次転写バイアス電源により各一次転写ローラ２４に一次転写バイアスが印加される。これにより各感光ドラム２２の表面上に形成されたトナー像は、中間転写ベルト２３の外周面上に順次、一次転写されて重畳される。   An intermediate transfer belt 23 is provided opposite to the surface of each photosensitive drum 22 so as to be able to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by stretching rollers 3a and 3b. A primary transfer roller 24 serving as a primary transfer unit is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 23 so as to face each photosensitive drum 22. A primary transfer bias is applied to each primary transfer roller 24 by a primary transfer bias power source (not shown). Thus, the toner images formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 22 are sequentially primary-transferred and superimposed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 23.

張架ローラ３ａと二次転写手段となる二次転写ローラ２５とにより中間転写ベルト２３を介在して二次転写ニップ部Ｎが形成される。中間転写ベルト２３の外周面上に形成されたトナー像が二次転写ニップ部Ｎに到達するタイミングに合わせてレジストローラ１５により記録材が挟持搬送される。   A secondary transfer nip portion N is formed by the tension roller 3a and the secondary transfer roller 25 as a secondary transfer unit with the intermediate transfer belt 23 interposed therebetween. The recording material is nipped and conveyed by the registration roller 15 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 23 reaches the secondary transfer nip N.

図示しない二次転写バイアス電源により二次転写ローラ２５に二次転写バイアスが印加される。これにより中間転写ベルト２３の外周面上に形成されたトナー像が記録材に二次転写される。トナー像が二次転写された記録材は、定着手段となる定着装置３１に搬送され、定着装置３１に設けられた定着ローラと加圧ローラとにより挟持搬送される過程において加熱及び加圧されてトナー像が熱溶融して記録材に熱定着される。   A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 25 by a secondary transfer bias power source (not shown). As a result, the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 23 is secondarily transferred to the recording material. The recording material on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 31 serving as a fixing unit, and is heated and pressed in a process of being nipped and conveyed by a fixing roller and a pressure roller provided in the fixing device 31. The toner image is melted by heat and fixed on the recording material.

トナー像が定着された記録材は、図示しないフラッパにより進路が選択され、装置外に設けられた排出トレイ３４上に排出する場合には、図示しないフラッパにより排出路４に導かれて排出ローラ３２により挟持搬送されて排出トレイ３４上に排出される。   The recording material on which the toner image is fixed is selected by a flapper (not shown), and when the recording material is discharged onto a discharge tray 34 provided outside the apparatus, the recording material is guided to the discharge path 4 by a flapper (not shown). And are discharged onto the discharge tray 34.

一方、両面印刷が指定された場合で、記録材の二面目に印刷する場合には、図示しないフラッパにより反転路５に導かれて反転ローラ３３により挟持搬送される。そして、記録材の進行方向後端部が反転ローラ３３により挟持された状態で、該反転ローラ３３が逆回転して記録材は反転路６に導かれて搬送ローラ４１，４２により挟持搬送されて表裏が反転する。   On the other hand, when duplex printing is designated and printing is performed on the second surface of the recording material, it is guided to the reverse path 5 by a flapper (not shown) and is nipped and conveyed by the reverse roller 33. Then, with the rear end portion of the recording material in the traveling direction being sandwiched by the reversing roller 33, the reversing roller 33 rotates reversely and the recording material is guided to the reversing path 6 and is nipped and transported by the transport rollers 41 and 42. The front and back are reversed.

その後、再び搬送路７に合流して停止したレジストローラ１５のニップ部に記録材の先端部が付き当てられて記録材の斜行が補正される。その後、中間転写ベルト２３の外周面上に形成された二面目に印刷するトナー像が二次転写ニップ部Ｎに到達するタイミングに合わせてレジストローラ１５により記録材が挟持搬送される。その後は、一面目と同様の手順で二面目にトナー像が形成され、定着されて図示しないフラッパにより排出路４に導かれて排出ローラ３２により挟持搬送されて排出トレイ３４上に排出される。   Thereafter, the leading end portion of the recording material is brought into contact with the nip portion of the registration roller 15 that has joined the transport path 7 and stopped, and the skew of the recording material is corrected. Thereafter, the recording material is nipped and conveyed by the registration roller 15 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image to be printed on the second surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 23 reaches the secondary transfer nip N. Thereafter, a toner image is formed on the second surface in the same procedure as the first surface, fixed, guided to the discharge path 4 by a flapper (not shown), nipped and conveyed by the discharge roller 32, and discharged onto the discharge tray 34.

＜駆動装置＞
画像形成装置１本体内には、各プロセスカートリッジ２内の感光ドラム２２や図示しない現像ローラ等を回転駆動する駆動手段として駆動装置が設けられている。駆動装置には、駆動源となる複数のモータが設けられている。第一の被駆動部材として感光ドラム２２を回転駆動する駆動列がある。更に、第二の被駆動部材として図示しない現像ローラを回転駆動する駆動列がある。更に、第三の被駆動部材として、感光ドラム２２、図示しない現像ローラ、中間転写ベルト２３等を回転駆動する駆動列がある。 <Drive device>
In the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, a driving device is provided as a driving unit that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 22 in each process cartridge 2 and a developing roller (not shown). The drive device is provided with a plurality of motors serving as drive sources. There is a drive train that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 22 as the first driven member. Furthermore, there is a drive train that rotationally drives a developing roller (not shown) as a second driven member. Further, as a third driven member, there is a drive train that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 22, a developing roller (not shown), the intermediate transfer belt 23, and the like.

これらの駆動列に一つの駆動源となるモータから分岐して回転駆動力を伝達する。即ち、本実施形態では、一つの駆動源となるモータにより少なくとも二つ以上の被駆動部材を回転駆動する。このような被駆動部材としては、感光ドラム２２（像担持体）と、現像ローラ（現像剤担持体）とを含む。   A rotational driving force is transmitted to these drive trains by branching from a motor serving as one drive source. In other words, in the present embodiment, at least two or more driven members are rotationally driven by a motor serving as one driving source. Such driven members include a photosensitive drum 22 (image carrier) and a developing roller (developer carrier).

＜クラッチ装置＞
次に、図２〜図５を用いて第二の被駆動部材として図示しない現像ローラを回転駆動する駆動列内に設けられたクラッチ手段となるクラッチ装置５０の構成について説明する。図２は、本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の構成を示す斜視説明図である。図３は、本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の連結状態を示す断面説明図である。図４は、本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の解除状態を示す断面説明図である。図５（ａ）は、本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の従動側の係合部材に設けられた溝形状の構成を示す断面説明図である。図５（ｂ）は、本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の従動側の係合部材と従動部材とが係合状態にあるときの溝形状の構成を示す断面説明図である。 <Clutch device>
Next, a configuration of the clutch device 50 serving as a clutch unit provided in a drive train that rotationally drives a developing roller (not shown) as a second driven member will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view showing the configuration of the clutch device 50 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a connected state of the clutch device 50 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a released state of the clutch device 50 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a groove-shaped configuration provided in the driven engagement member of the clutch device 50 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a groove-shaped configuration when the driven-side engaging member and the driven member of the clutch device 50 of the present embodiment are in an engaged state.

駆動装置に設けられるクラッチ装置５０（クラッチ手段）は、駆動源となるモータからの回転駆動力（駆動）を少なくとも一つ以上の被駆動部材に連結又は解除する。図３に示すように、クラッチ装置５０を連結させると、図示しない現像ローラが回転駆動され、図４に示すように、クラッチ装置５０を解除すると、図示しない現像ローラの回転が止まる構成である。   A clutch device 50 (clutch means) provided in the drive device connects or releases rotational drive force (drive) from a motor serving as a drive source to at least one or more driven members. As shown in FIG. 3, when the clutch device 50 is connected, a developing roller (not shown) is rotationally driven. As shown in FIG. 4, when the clutch device 50 is released, the developing roller (not shown) stops rotating.

図２〜図４に示すクラッチ装置５０の側板５６ａには、回転方向への移動が規制された状態で軸５５が支持されている。軸５５には、駆動源となる図示しないモータから回転駆動力を受け取る駆動部材５１が回転可能に支持されている。   A shaft 55 is supported on the side plate 56a of the clutch device 50 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 in a state where movement in the rotational direction is restricted. A driving member 51 that receives a rotational driving force from a motor (not shown) serving as a driving source is rotatably supported on the shaft 55.

駆動部材５１は、側板５６ａ（フレーム）に回転不可能に支持されている軸５５に対して回転可能に支持され、駆動源となるモータからの回転駆動力（駆動）を伝達する。駆動部材５１は、歯車の内側が大きく肉抜きされており、肉抜き部の内周面は、駆動側の係合部材５２の位置決め面であって、かつ摺動面として構成されている。   The drive member 51 is rotatably supported with respect to a shaft 55 that is non-rotatably supported by the side plate 56a (frame), and transmits a rotational drive force (drive) from a motor serving as a drive source. The drive member 51 is largely hollowed on the inner side of the gear, and the inner peripheral surface of the thinned portion is a positioning surface of the engagement member 52 on the drive side and is configured as a sliding surface.

駆動側の係合部材５２は、駆動部材５１と同期して軸５５を中心にして回転し、軸５５方向（軸方向）に移動可能に構成される。駆動側の係合部材５２は、回転止め部５２ｂを有しており、該回転止め部５２ｂが駆動部材５１の溝部５１ａに係合する。これにより駆動側の係合部材５２は、駆動部材５１と同期して回転する。   The driving-side engaging member 52 is configured to rotate around the shaft 55 in synchronization with the driving member 51 and move in the direction of the shaft 55 (axial direction). The driving-side engaging member 52 has a rotation stopper 52 b, and the rotation stopper 52 b engages with the groove 51 a of the driving member 51. As a result, the driving-side engaging member 52 rotates in synchronization with the driving member 51.

駆動側の係合部材５２は、駆動部材５１に対して軸５５方向（図３及び図４の上下方向）に移動可能に支持されている。駆動部材５１と駆動側の係合部材５２との間には、付勢部材５７が設けられている。付勢部材５７は、駆動側の係合部材５２を従動側の係合部材５３と係合する方向に付勢する。   The driving-side engaging member 52 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of the axis 55 (the vertical direction in FIGS. 3 and 4) with respect to the driving member 51. A biasing member 57 is provided between the drive member 51 and the engagement member 52 on the drive side. The urging member 57 urges the engagement member 52 on the driving side in a direction to engage with the engagement member 53 on the driven side.

付勢部材５７は、駆動側の係合部材５２を駆動部材５１から離れる方向へ付勢している。本実施形態の付勢部材５７は、圧縮バネを使用している。駆動側の係合部材５２の円筒部５２ｅの外周面にはスナップフィット部５２ｃが設けられている。スナップフィット部５２ｃが駆動部材５１に設けられた抜け止め部５１ｂに引っ掛かる。これにより付勢部材５７の付勢力により駆動側の係合部材５２が駆動部材５１から外れることを規制している。   The urging member 57 urges the driving side engaging member 52 in a direction away from the driving member 51. The urging member 57 of the present embodiment uses a compression spring. A snap fit portion 52c is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52e of the driving side engaging member 52. The snap fit portion 52 c is caught by the retaining portion 51 b provided on the drive member 51. Accordingly, the urging force of the urging member 57 restricts the driving-side engaging member 52 from being detached from the driving member 51.

軸５５に回転可能に支持されている従動側の係合部材５３は、側板５６ｂに設けられた貫通穴からなるバーリング部５６ｂ１に対して摺動可能に設けられている。軸５５は、従動側の係合部材５３を介して側板５６ｂに対して支持されている。従動側の係合部材５３は、軸５５に対して回転可能に支持され、駆動側の係合部材５２と係合する。   The driven engagement member 53 that is rotatably supported by the shaft 55 is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the burring portion 56b1 formed of a through hole provided in the side plate 56b. The shaft 55 is supported with respect to the side plate 56b through the engagement member 53 on the driven side. The driven side engaging member 53 is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft 55 and engages with the driving side engaging member 52.

従動側の係合部材５３は、ラチェット部５３ａを有している。ラチェット部５３ａは、軸５５を中心として周方向に９０度の位相差を有して４つのラチェット爪部が形成されている。一方、駆動側の係合部材５２には、従動側の係合部材５３のラチェット部５３ａに対向するラチェット部５２ａが設けられている。ラチェット部５２ａは、軸５５を中心として周方向に９０度の位相差を有してラチェット部５３ａの爪形状部と対応する形状を有する４つのラチェット爪部が形成されている。第一、第二のラチェット部５２ａ，５３ａは、軸５５を回転中心として周方向に９０度の位相差を有して４つのラチェット爪部が形成されている。   The driven engagement member 53 has a ratchet portion 53a. The ratchet portion 53a has a phase difference of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the shaft 55, and four ratchet pawl portions are formed. On the other hand, the drive-side engagement member 52 is provided with a ratchet portion 52 a that faces the ratchet portion 53 a of the driven-side engagement member 53. The ratchet portion 52a has four ratchet pawl portions having a phase difference of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the shaft 55 and having a shape corresponding to the pawl shape portion of the ratchet portion 53a. The first and second ratchet portions 52a and 53a have a phase difference of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the shaft 55 as a rotation center, and four ratchet claws are formed.

図３に示すように、駆動側の係合部材５２の円筒部５３ｃの内周面側に第一のラチェット部５２ａが設けられている。従動側の係合部材５３に設けられた第二のラチェット部５３ａが第一のラチェット部５２ａに係合する。これによりクラッチ装置５０が連結状態となり、駆動側の係合部材５２から従動側の係合部材５３に駆動を伝達する。   As shown in FIG. 3, a first ratchet portion 52 a is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 53 c of the engagement member 52 on the driving side. A second ratchet portion 53a provided on the driven side engagement member 53 engages with the first ratchet portion 52a. As a result, the clutch device 50 is brought into a connected state, and the drive is transmitted from the driving-side engaging member 52 to the driven-side engaging member 53.

また、図４に示すように、駆動側の係合部材５２のラチェット部５２ａと、従動側の係合部材５３のラチェット部５３ａとが離れると、クラッチ装置５０が解除状態となる。従動部材５４は、従動側の係合部材５３と同期して軸５５を中心として回転する。   Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the ratchet portion 52a of the driving-side engaging member 52 and the ratchet portion 53a of the driven-side engaging member 53 are separated, the clutch device 50 is released. The driven member 54 rotates around the shaft 55 in synchronization with the engagement member 53 on the driven side.

従動部材５４の中心部には、図５（ａ）に示す溝部５４ａが設けられている。図５（ｂ）に示すように、従動部材５４の溝部５４ａが従動側の係合部材５３に設けられた回転止め部５３ｂと係合する。これにより従動部材５４が従動側の係合部材５３と一体的に同期して回転する。   A groove portion 54 a shown in FIG. 5A is provided at the center of the driven member 54. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the groove 54 a of the driven member 54 engages with a rotation stopper 53 b provided on the driven side engaging member 53. As a result, the driven member 54 rotates in synchronization with the driven-side engaging member 53.

図５（ｂ）に示すように、従動側の係合部材５３の円筒部５３ｃの外周面に設けられた複数の第一の回転止め部５３ｂが従動部材５４に設けられた複数の溝部５４ａに嵌合される。溝部５４ａの壁面の一部には、図５（ａ）に示す突起部５４ｂが設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 5 (b), a plurality of first rotation stop portions 53 b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 53 c of the driven side engaging member 53 are formed in the plurality of groove portions 54 a provided on the driven member 54. Mated. A protrusion 54b shown in FIG. 5A is provided on a part of the wall surface of the groove 54a.

従動側の係合部材５３の円筒部５３ｃに支持された軸受け部材６０は、側板５６ｂに設けられた貫通穴５６ｂ２に対してリブ６０ａが挿入されている。これにより軸受け部材６０は、側板５６ｂに対して軸５５を中心とした回転方向の移動は規制されている。   In the bearing member 60 supported by the cylindrical portion 53c of the driven side engaging member 53, a rib 60a is inserted into a through hole 56b2 provided in the side plate 56b. As a result, the bearing member 60 is restricted from moving in the rotational direction about the shaft 55 with respect to the side plate 56b.

カム部５８ａが設けられたカムギア部材５８は、軸受け部材６０により回転可能に支持されている。カムギア部材５８は、制御手段となる図示しないＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit；中央演算装置）により駆動制御される駆動源となるモータの回転駆動力が図示しないギア列に噛合する歯車５８ｂを介して伝達されて回転駆動される。カムギア部材５８には、解除部材５９に設けられた第一のカム面となる天面部５９ａ１と底面部５９ａ２と斜面部５９ａ３と当接摺動して係合する第二のカム面となるカム部５８ａが設けられている。   The cam gear member 58 provided with the cam portion 58 a is rotatably supported by the bearing member 60. The cam gear member 58 is transmitted via a gear 58b that meshes with a gear train (not shown) that is a rotational driving force of a motor that is a drive source that is driven and controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that serves as a control means. Is rotated. The cam gear member 58 includes a cam portion serving as a second cam surface that comes into contact with and slides on a top surface portion 59a1, a bottom surface portion 59a2, and a slope portion 59a3 that are provided on the release member 59. 58a is provided.

解除部材５９に設けられた凹部５９ｂに対して軸受け部材６０に設けられた凸部６０ｂが軸５５方向に摺動可能に嵌合する。これにより解除部材５９は、軸受け部材６０に対して軸５５を中心とした回転方向の移動が規制されている。解除部材５９は、軸受け部材６０に対して軸５５方向にのみ移動可能に支持されている。   The convex part 60b provided in the bearing member 60 is slidably fitted in the direction of the shaft 55 with respect to the concave part 59b provided in the release member 59. As a result, the release member 59 is restricted from moving in the rotational direction about the shaft 55 with respect to the bearing member 60. The release member 59 is supported so as to be movable only in the direction of the shaft 55 with respect to the bearing member 60.

解除部材５９は、カムギア部材５８と対向する面にカム部５９ａを有する。解除部材５９のカム部５９ａは、第一のカム面となる天面部５９ａ１と底面部５９ａ２とが設けられており、該天面部５９ａ１と底面部５９ａ２とは斜面部５９ａ３により連続的に接続されている。カムギア部材５８に設けられたカム部５８ａは、解除部材５９に設けられたカム部５９ａに対応した形状を有している。   The release member 59 has a cam portion 59 a on the surface facing the cam gear member 58. The cam portion 59a of the release member 59 is provided with a top surface portion 59a1 and a bottom surface portion 59a2 serving as a first cam surface, and the top surface portion 59a1 and the bottom surface portion 59a2 are continuously connected by an inclined surface portion 59a3. Yes. The cam portion 58 a provided on the cam gear member 58 has a shape corresponding to the cam portion 59 a provided on the release member 59.

＜駆動伝達経路＞
次に、図２及び図３を用いてクラッチ装置５０が連結状態にあるときの駆動伝達経路について説明する。駆動源となるモータの回転駆動力が駆動部材５１の外周面に設けられた歯車５１ｃに噛合する図示しないギア列を介して該駆動部材５１に伝達される。該駆動部材５１の溝部５１ａに駆動側の係合部材５２の回転止め部５２ｂが係合している。これにより駆動部材５１が受け取った回転駆動力は、駆動側の係合部材５２に伝達される。 <Drive transmission path>
Next, a drive transmission path when the clutch device 50 is in a connected state will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. A rotational driving force of a motor serving as a driving source is transmitted to the driving member 51 through a gear train (not shown) that meshes with a gear 51 c provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driving member 51. The rotation stop portion 52b of the engagement member 52 on the drive side is engaged with the groove portion 51a of the drive member 51. Thus, the rotational driving force received by the driving member 51 is transmitted to the engaging member 52 on the driving side.

駆動側の係合部材５２のラチェット部５２ａは、従動側の係合部材５３のラチェット部５３ａと係合している。これにより駆動側の係合部材５２に伝達された回転駆動力は、従動側の係合部材５３に伝達される。図５（ｂ）に示すように、従動側の係合部材５３の回転止め部５３ｂと、従動部材５４の溝部５４ａとが係合している。これにより従動側の係合部材５３に伝達された回転駆動力は、従動部材５４に伝達される。その後、従動部材５４に伝達された回転駆動力は、該従動部材５４の外周面に設けられた歯車５４ｃに噛合する図示しないギア列等の駆動伝達部材を介して図示しない現像ローラに伝達される。   The ratchet portion 52 a of the driving side engaging member 52 is engaged with the ratchet portion 53 a of the driven side engaging member 53. As a result, the rotational driving force transmitted to the driving-side engaging member 52 is transmitted to the driven-side engaging member 53. As shown in FIG. 5B, the rotation stop portion 53b of the driven side engaging member 53 and the groove portion 54a of the driven member 54 are engaged. As a result, the rotational driving force transmitted to the driven engagement member 53 is transmitted to the driven member 54. Thereafter, the rotational driving force transmitted to the driven member 54 is transmitted to a developing roller (not shown) via a driving transmission member such as a gear train (not shown) that meshes with a gear 54 c provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driven member 54. .

＜連結／解除の変更＞
クラッチ装置５０の回転駆動力の連結と解除とは、カムギア部材５８の外周面に設けられた歯車５８ｂに噛合する図示しないギア列等の駆動伝達部材を介して図示しない駆動源となるステッピングモータから回転駆動力が入力されることにより制御される。 <Change connection / disconnection>
The connection and release of the rotational driving force of the clutch device 50 is performed by a stepping motor that is a driving source (not shown) via a driving transmission member such as a gear train (not shown) that meshes with a gear 58b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam gear member 58. It is controlled by inputting a rotational driving force.

図示しないステッピングモータから回転駆動力が伝達されたカムギア部材５８が回転する。すると、カムギア部材５８に設けられたカム部５８ａと、解除部材５９に設けられたカム部５９ａとが同位相になる。すると、カム部５８ａと、カム部５９ａの天面部５９ａ１とが接触している状態になる。これにより解除部材５９を軸５５方向に沿って駆動部材５１に向かう方向に移動する。   The cam gear member 58 to which the rotational driving force is transmitted from a stepping motor (not shown) rotates. Then, the cam portion 58a provided on the cam gear member 58 and the cam portion 59a provided on the release member 59 have the same phase. Then, the cam portion 58a and the top surface portion 59a1 of the cam portion 59a are in contact with each other. Accordingly, the release member 59 is moved in the direction toward the driving member 51 along the direction of the shaft 55.

解除部材５９は、駆動側の係合部材５２と接触して該駆動側の係合部材５２と一体的に付勢部材５７の付勢力に抗して軸５５方向に沿って駆動部材５１に向かう方向に移動する。駆動側の係合部材５２が駆動部材５１方向に移動すると、図４に示すように、係合していた駆動側の係合部材５２のラチェット部５２ａと、従動側の係合部材５３のラチェット部５３ａと引き離される。これにより駆動側の係合部材５２と従動側の係合部材５３との間の駆動伝達経路を遮断することができる。   The release member 59 contacts the driving-side engaging member 52 and moves toward the driving member 51 along the direction of the shaft 55 against the biasing force of the biasing member 57 integrally with the driving-side engaging member 52. Move in the direction. When the drive-side engagement member 52 moves in the direction of the drive member 51, as shown in FIG. 4, the ratchet portion 52a of the drive-side engagement member 52 and the ratchet of the driven-side engagement member 53 are engaged. Separated from the portion 53a. As a result, the drive transmission path between the driving-side engaging member 52 and the driven-side engaging member 53 can be blocked.

クラッチ装置５０を図４に示す解除状態から図３に示す連結状態に変更するときは、図示しないステッピングモータからの回転駆動力をカムギア部材５８に伝達して該カムギア部材５８を回転させる。これによりカムギア部材５８のカム部５８ａと、解除部材５９のカム部５９ａとの位相が異なる状態になる。すると、カム部５８ａと、カム部５９ａの底面部５９ａ２とが接触する。   When the clutch device 50 is changed from the released state shown in FIG. 4 to the connected state shown in FIG. 3, a rotational driving force from a stepping motor (not shown) is transmitted to the cam gear member 58 to rotate the cam gear member 58. As a result, the cam portion 58a of the cam gear member 58 and the cam portion 59a of the release member 59 are in different phases. Then, the cam portion 58a and the bottom surface portion 59a2 of the cam portion 59a come into contact with each other.

この状態になると、図３に示すように、付勢部材５７の付勢力により駆動側の係合部材５２が軸５５方向に沿って従動側の係合部材５３に向かう方向に移動する。これにより駆動側の係合部材５２のラチェット部５２ａと、従動側の係合部材５３のラチェット部５３ａとが係合される。これにより駆動側の係合部材５２に伝達された回転駆動力が従動側の係合部材５３に伝達される。   In this state, as shown in FIG. 3, the urging force of the urging member 57 moves the driving side engaging member 52 in the direction toward the driven side engaging member 53 along the shaft 55 direction. As a result, the ratchet portion 52a of the driving-side engaging member 52 and the ratchet portion 53a of the driven-side engaging member 53 are engaged. As a result, the rotational driving force transmitted to the driving side engaging member 52 is transmitted to the driven side engaging member 53.

このように、制御手段となる図示しないＣＰＵにより駆動制御されるステッピングモータによりカムギア部材５８を回転させる。これにより解除部材５９が軸５５方向に移動して駆動側の係合部材５２を軸５５方向に移動させて該駆動側の係合部材５２と従動側の係合部材５３とを係合または解除する。   Thus, the cam gear member 58 is rotated by the stepping motor that is driven and controlled by the CPU (not shown) serving as the control means. As a result, the release member 59 moves in the direction of the shaft 55 and the engagement member 52 on the drive side moves in the direction of the shaft 55 to engage or release the engagement member 52 on the drive side and the engagement member 53 on the driven side. To do.

このようなクラッチ装置５０は、図１に示す各プロセスカートリッジ２の図示しない現像ローラの駆動列に設けられている。全色のクラッチ装置５０を図３に示す連結状態にすればカラーポジションとなる。ブラック色のクラッチ装置５０のみを図３に示す連結状態にすれば、モノポジションとなる。全色のクラッチ装置５０を図４に示す解除状態にすれば、ホームポジションに切り替えることができる。   Such a clutch device 50 is provided in a drive row of a developing roller (not shown) of each process cartridge 2 shown in FIG. If all the color clutch devices 50 are in the connected state shown in FIG. If only the black clutch device 50 is in the connected state shown in FIG. If all the color clutch devices 50 are in the released state shown in FIG. 4, they can be switched to the home position.

それぞれのポジションが成立するように、各クラッチ装置５０のカムギア部材５８のカム部５８ａと、解除部材５９のカム部５９ａとの位相は、適宜調整して組み立てられている。カムギア部材５８に回転駆動力を伝達する駆動源であるステッピングモータのステップ数を制御する。これにより各ポジションを切り替えることができる。   The phases of the cam portion 58a of the cam gear member 58 of each clutch device 50 and the cam portion 59a of the release member 59 are assembled by appropriately adjusting so that the respective positions are established. The number of steps of a stepping motor, which is a driving source that transmits a rotational driving force to the cam gear member 58, is controlled. Thereby, each position can be switched.

各プロセスカートリッジ２の長寿命化に伴い、図示しない現像装置に設けられる現像ローラ、供給ローラ、該現像装置内に収容されるトナーの各寿命を延命する。そのために現像ローラや供給ローラを回転駆動する時間を最低限に抑えることが必要となる。そのため、感光ドラム２２が回転して表面に静電潜像を形成している間は、クラッチ装置５０を図４に示す解除状態にして現像ローラや供給ローラの回転を止める。そして、感光ドラム２２の表面に形成された静電潜像に現像ローラの表面に担持したトナーを供給してトナー像として現像する直前にクラッチ装置５０を図３に示す連結状態にして現像ローラや供給ローラを回転駆動する。   As the life of each process cartridge 2 is extended, the lifespan of a developing roller and a supply roller provided in a developing device (not shown) and toner stored in the developing device are extended. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the time for rotationally driving the developing roller and the supply roller. Therefore, while the photosensitive drum 22 rotates and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface, the clutch device 50 is set in the released state shown in FIG. 4 to stop the rotation of the developing roller and the supply roller. Then, immediately before the toner carried on the surface of the developing roller is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 and developed as a toner image, the clutch device 50 is brought into the connected state shown in FIG. The supply roller is driven to rotate.

本実施形態では、図示しない現像ローラと、感光ドラム２２とは、同一の駆動源で構成される。クラッチ装置５０を図４に示す解除状態から図３に示す連結状態に変更するときは、駆動部材５１と駆動側の係合部材５２とは、一体的に回転している状態である。   In the present embodiment, the developing roller (not shown) and the photosensitive drum 22 are configured by the same drive source. When the clutch device 50 is changed from the released state shown in FIG. 4 to the connected state shown in FIG. 3, the driving member 51 and the driving-side engaging member 52 are in a state of rotating integrally.

＜比較例＞
図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０の駆動伝達経路は、図示しない駆動源となるモータから駆動部材１１１に回転駆動力が入力される。駆動部材１１１から付勢部材１１７を介して駆動側の係合部材１１２に回転駆動力が伝達される。付勢部材１１７は、駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３とを金属製の軸１１５に沿って図８の上方向に付勢している。 <Comparative example>
In the drive transmission path of the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, a rotational driving force is input to the drive member 111 from a motor (not shown) as a drive source. A rotational driving force is transmitted from the driving member 111 to the driving-side engaging member 112 via the biasing member 117. The urging member 117 urges the engagement member 112 on the driving side and the engagement member 113 on the driven side along the metal shaft 115 in the upward direction in FIG.

これにより駆動側の係合部材１１２から従動側の係合部材１１３に回転駆動力が伝達される。更に、従動側の係合部材１１３から金属製の軸１１５に設けられた平行ピン１２１ａに回転駆動力が伝達される。更に、平行ピン１２１ａから金属製の軸１１５に回転駆動力が伝達される。更に、金属製の軸１１５に設けられた平行ピン１２１ｂに回転駆動力が伝達される。更に、平行ピン１２１ｂから従動部材１１４の順に回転駆動力が伝達されていく。   As a result, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the driving side engaging member 112 to the driven side engaging member 113. Further, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the engagement member 113 on the driven side to the parallel pin 121 a provided on the metal shaft 115. Further, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the parallel pin 121a to the metal shaft 115. Further, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the parallel pins 121b provided on the metal shaft 115. Further, the rotational driving force is transmitted in the order of the driven member 114 from the parallel pin 121b.

クラッチ装置１１０を解除状態から連結状態へ切り替えるときは、駆動側の係合部材１１２が回転している状態で、駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３とが摺動しつつ連結する。このため駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との摺動連結時に衝撃が生じ易い。   When switching the clutch device 110 from the released state to the connected state, the driving side engaging member 112 and the driven side engaging member 113 are sliding while the driving side engaging member 112 is rotating. Link. For this reason, an impact is likely to occur during the sliding connection between the driving-side engaging member 112 and the driven-side engaging member 113.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０は、感光ドラム２２に回転駆動力を伝達する駆動列と繋がっている。このためクラッチ装置１１０を解除状態から連結状態へ切り替える際に駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との摺動連結時に衝撃が生じると、感光ドラム２２に回転駆動力を伝達する駆動列のギアに衝撃が伝わり、ギアの回転が不安定になる。これによりスジ等の画像不良が発生する。   The clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 is connected to a drive train that transmits a rotational driving force to the photosensitive drum 22. Therefore, when the clutch device 110 is switched from the released state to the connected state, if an impact occurs during the sliding connection between the driving side engaging member 112 and the driven side engaging member 113, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 22. The impact is transmitted to the gears in the drive train and the rotation of the gears becomes unstable. This causes image defects such as streaks.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０の駆動伝達経路は、剛性の高い金属製で回転可能な軸１１５を介在している。このためクラッチ装置１１０を解除状態から連結状態に切り替える際に駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との摺動連結時に生じる大きな衝撃が吸収され難い。これにより感光ドラム２２に回転駆動力を伝達する駆動列のギアに衝撃が伝わり、ギアの回転が不安定になり、スジ等の画像不良が発生する恐れがあった。   The drive transmission path of the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 has a shaft 115 that is made of a highly rigid metal and is rotatable. For this reason, when the clutch device 110 is switched from the released state to the connected state, it is difficult to absorb a large impact generated during the sliding connection between the driving side engaging member 112 and the driven side engaging member 113. As a result, an impact is transmitted to the gear of the drive train that transmits the rotational driving force to the photosensitive drum 22, the rotation of the gear becomes unstable, and image defects such as streaks may occur.

画像不良以外にもクラッチ装置１１０を解除状態から連結状態に切り替える際に駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との摺動連結時に衝突音が発生する可能性があった。また、画像形成装置１の印刷速度の高速化に伴い駆動側の係合部材１１２の回転速度がより速くなっている。これによりクラッチ装置１１０を解除状態から連結状態に切り替える際に駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との摺動連結時に生じる衝撃が大きくなっており、画像不良や衝突音への影響が大きくなっている。   Besides the image failure, when the clutch device 110 is switched from the released state to the connected state, there is a possibility that a collision noise is generated at the time of sliding connection between the driving side engaging member 112 and the driven side engaging member 113. Further, as the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 1 is increased, the rotational speed of the engagement member 112 on the driving side is increased. As a result, when the clutch device 110 is switched from the released state to the connected state, the impact generated at the time of sliding connection between the driving-side engaging member 112 and the driven-side engaging member 113 is increased, resulting in image defects and collision noise. The influence of is increasing.

図２〜図５に示す本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０は、駆動源となるモータから被駆動部材となる現像ローラや感光ドラム２２への駆動を伝達する駆動伝達経路を構成する。このような駆動伝達経路を構成する部材である駆動部材５１、駆動側の係合部材５２、従動側の係合部材５３、従動部材５４は、全て樹脂材料で形成されている。更に、該駆動伝達経路を解除する解除手段を構成するカムギア部材５８、軸受け部材６０、解除部材５９の部品も全て樹脂材料で形成されている。   The clutch device 50 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 constitutes a drive transmission path for transmitting drive from a motor as a drive source to a developing roller as a driven member and the photosensitive drum 22. The drive member 51, the drive-side engagement member 52, the driven-side engagement member 53, and the driven member 54 that are members constituting such a drive transmission path are all formed of a resin material. Further, the cam gear member 58, the bearing member 60, and the release member 59 constituting the release means for releasing the drive transmission path are all made of a resin material.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０では、駆動伝達経路の一部に剛性の高い金属製で回転可能な軸１１５を介在している。一方、図２〜図５に示す本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０では、剛性の高い金属製の軸５５は、フレームとなる側板５６ａに回転不可能に支持されている。このため軸５５は、駆動伝達経路を構成する駆動部材５１、駆動側の係合部材５２、従動側の係合部材５３、従動部材５４を回転可能に支持するだけで駆動伝達経路の一部を構成するものではない。また、軸５５は、該駆動伝達経路を解除する解除手段を構成するカムギア部材５８、軸受け部材６０、解除部材５９を回転可能に支持するだけで駆動伝達経路を解除する解除手段の一部を構成するものでもない。   In the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, a rotatable shaft 115 made of metal having high rigidity is interposed in a part of the drive transmission path. On the other hand, in the clutch device 50 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the highly rigid metal shaft 55 is non-rotatably supported by the side plate 56 a serving as a frame. For this reason, the shaft 55 only partially supports the drive member 51, the drive-side engagement member 52, the driven-side engagement member 53, and the driven member 54 that constitute the drive-transmission path in a rotatable manner. It does not constitute. Further, the shaft 55 constitutes a part of the release means for releasing the drive transmission path only by rotatably supporting the cam gear member 58, the bearing member 60, and the release member 59 constituting the release means for releasing the drive transmission path. It's not something to do.

このため図２に示すクラッチ装置５０の駆動側の係合部材５２と、従動側の係合部材５３とを連結した際に生じる衝撃を比較的剛性の低い樹脂材料が吸収することができる。クラッチ装置５０が感光ドラム２２に回転駆動力を伝達する駆動列と繋がっている場合を考慮する。その場合でもクラッチ装置５０を図４に示す解除状態から図３に示す連結状態に切り替える際に駆動側の係合部材５２と、従動側の係合部材５３とを連結した際に生じる衝撃を樹脂材料が吸収する。これにより感光ドラム２２の駆動列に衝撃が伝わり難くすることができる。これにより画像品質を向上させることができる。また、衝撃時に発生する衝突音も低減することができる。   For this reason, a relatively low-rigidity resin material can absorb an impact generated when the driving-side engaging member 52 and the driven-side engaging member 53 of the clutch device 50 shown in FIG. Consider a case in which the clutch device 50 is connected to a drive train that transmits rotational driving force to the photosensitive drum 22. Even in that case, when the clutch device 50 is switched from the released state shown in FIG. 4 to the connected state shown in FIG. 3, the impact generated when the driving-side engaging member 52 and the driven-side engaging member 53 are connected is resin. The material absorbs. This makes it difficult for the impact to be transmitted to the drive train of the photosensitive drum 22. Thereby, the image quality can be improved. Moreover, the collision sound generated at the time of impact can be reduced.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０では、駆動伝達経路の一部に剛性の高い金属製で回転可能な軸１１５を介在している。この場合には、金属製の軸１１５に平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂを取り付けて金属製の軸１１５の回転を介して回転駆動力を伝達する必要があった。平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂが挿入される金属製の軸１１５を貫通する貫通穴１１５ａは、平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂの外径よりも大きな径を有して形成される。このため金属製の軸１１５の貫通穴１１５ａと、平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂとの間にガタが発生する。   In the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, a rotatable shaft 115 made of metal having high rigidity is interposed in a part of the drive transmission path. In this case, it is necessary to attach the parallel pins 121 a and 121 b to the metal shaft 115 and transmit the rotational driving force through the rotation of the metal shaft 115. The through hole 115a that penetrates the metal shaft 115 into which the parallel pins 121a and 121b are inserted has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the parallel pins 121a and 121b. For this reason, play occurs between the through hole 115a of the metal shaft 115 and the parallel pins 121a and 121b.

駆動を伝達する部材間でガタをもっていると動体が静止体に衝突しながら駆動を伝達していくことになる。このため図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０を解除状態から連結状態に切り替える際に駆動側の係合部材１１２と従動側の係合部材１１３との摺動連結時に生じる衝突音が大きくなる。   If there is a backlash between the members that transmit the drive, the moving body will transmit the drive while colliding with the stationary body. For this reason, when the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 is switched from the released state to the connected state, a collision sound generated at the time of sliding connection between the driving side engaging member 112 and the driven side engaging member 113 becomes large.

また、図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０の軸１１５と平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂとは、何れも剛性の高い金属材料で構成される。軸１１５の貫通穴１１５ａと、平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂとの間にガタがあるため、これらの金属部材同士が衝突すると、樹脂材料からなる部材同士が衝突するときよりも大きな衝突音が発生する。   Further, the shaft 115 and the parallel pins 121a and 121b of the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 are both made of a highly rigid metal material. Since there is a backlash between the through-hole 115a of the shaft 115 and the parallel pins 121a and 121b, when these metal members collide with each other, a larger collision sound is generated than when the members made of the resin material collide with each other.

軸１１５の貫通穴１１５ａと、平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂとの間のガタを無くすためには、平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂの外径よりも軸１１５の貫通穴１１５ａの径を僅かに小さくして圧入することが考えられる。金属同士を圧入するには、圧入工具を使用して金属製の軸１１５を温めて熱膨張させた状態で平行ピン１２１ａ，１２１ｂを挿入する等の作業が必要になり、組み立て工程が煩雑になる。一方、剛性の低い樹脂材料を使用すれば、部材間のガタを無くすために部材を変形させながら組み付けることができ、軽く圧入することでガタを無くすことが可能である。   In order to eliminate the backlash between the through hole 115a of the shaft 115 and the parallel pins 121a and 121b, the diameter of the through hole 115a of the shaft 115 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the parallel pins 121a and 121b and press-fitted. It is possible. In order to press-fit metals, it is necessary to perform operations such as inserting parallel pins 121a and 121b in a state where the metal shaft 115 is heated and thermally expanded using a press-fit tool, and the assembly process becomes complicated. . On the other hand, if a low-rigidity resin material is used, the members can be assembled while being deformed to eliminate backlash between the members, and play can be eliminated by lightly press-fitting.

本実施形態では、駆動伝達に使用されている部材を樹脂材料で構成し、軽く圧入してガタを無くして衝突音を低減している。図５（ａ）に示すように、樹脂製の従動部材５４の溝部５４ａの入り口付近に円弧状の突起部５４ｂを設けている。これにより図５（ｂ）に示す従動側の係合部材５３の外周面に突出して設けられた回転止め部５３ｂのリブ幅よりも溝部５４ａの溝幅を少し小さく設定している。   In the present embodiment, a member used for drive transmission is made of a resin material, and lightly press-fitted to eliminate backlash and reduce a collision sound. As shown in FIG. 5A, an arcuate protrusion 54b is provided near the entrance of the groove 54a of the resin driven member 54. As shown in FIG. Accordingly, the groove width of the groove portion 54a is set slightly smaller than the rib width of the rotation stop portion 53b provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the driven side engaging member 53 shown in FIG.

樹脂製の従動部材５４を従動側の係合部材５３に組み付ける際に、図５（ｂ）に示すように、従動部材５４の溝部５４ａ内に従動側の係合部材５３の回転止め部５３ｂを挿入する。その際に図５（ａ）に示す円弧状の突起部５４ｂが回転止め部５３ｂに押されて変形しながら装着される。これにより従動側の係合部材５３の回転止め部５３ｂが従動部材５４の溝部５４ａ内に軽く圧入された状態となる。これにより従動側の係合部材５３と従動部材５４との間の軸５５を中心とした回転方向のガタを無くすことができる。これにより衝突音を低減することが可能である。   When the resin driven member 54 is assembled to the driven engagement member 53, the rotation stop portion 53b of the driven engagement member 53 is inserted into the groove 54a of the driven member 54 as shown in FIG. insert. At that time, the arcuate protrusion 54b shown in FIG. 5A is pushed by the rotation stop 53b and is mounted while being deformed. As a result, the rotation stop portion 53b of the driven-side engagement member 53 is lightly press-fitted into the groove portion 54a of the driven member 54. As a result, it is possible to eliminate backlash in the rotational direction around the shaft 55 between the engagement member 53 on the driven side and the driven member 54. Thereby, it is possible to reduce a collision sound.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０では、組み立て工程において、金属製の軸１１５に対して、駆動部材１１１、駆動側の係合部材１１２、従動側の係合部材１１３、付勢部材１１７を嵌合する。そして、平行ピン１２１ａを金属製の軸１１５に設けた貫通穴１１５ａ内に挿入して装着する。その後、金属製の軸１１５の外周面に設けた溝部１１５ｂにＥリング１２２を係止する必要があった。Ｅリング１２２により駆動部材１１１の軸１１５方向の移動を規制しないと、付勢部材１１７の付勢力により駆動部材１１１が金属製の軸１１５から外れてしまい、組み立てが困難になるためである。   In the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, in the assembly process, the driving member 111, the driving side engaging member 112, the driven side engaging member 113, and the urging member 117 are arranged on the metal shaft 115. Mating. Then, the parallel pins 121a are inserted into the through holes 115a provided in the metal shaft 115 and attached. After that, it was necessary to lock the E-ring 122 in the groove 115b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the metal shaft 115. If the movement of the drive member 111 in the direction of the shaft 115 is not restricted by the E-ring 122, the drive member 111 is detached from the metal shaft 115 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 117, making assembly difficult.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０では、駆動伝達経路の一部を構成する金属製の軸１１５が回転する。このため側板１１６ａには、軸１１５を回転可能に軸支する軸受け１２３を設ける必要がある。軸受け１２３の上部には、金属製の軸１１５と一体的に回転するＥリング１２２が設けられる。このため軸受け１２３は、Ｅリング１２２に干渉しないスペースを確保した状態で設けられる。駆動部材１１１は、付勢部材１１７の付勢力により金属製の軸１１５に沿って図８の下方に押される。受け部１２３ａは、駆動部材１１１に摺動可能に設けられ駆動部材１１１の軸１１５方向の位置を規制する。   In the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, a metal shaft 115 that constitutes a part of the drive transmission path rotates. For this reason, it is necessary to provide the side plate 116 a with a bearing 123 that rotatably supports the shaft 115. An E ring 122 that rotates integrally with the metal shaft 115 is provided on the bearing 123. For this reason, the bearing 123 is provided in a state in which a space that does not interfere with the E-ring 122 is secured. The driving member 111 is pushed downward in FIG. 8 along the metal shaft 115 by the urging force of the urging member 117. The receiving portion 123a is slidably provided on the driving member 111 and regulates the position of the driving member 111 in the axis 115 direction.

図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０の軸受け１２３やＥリング１２２は、クラッチ装置１１０の軸１１５方向においてスペースを要する部品であった。このため軸１１５方向における側板１１６ａと側板１１６ｂとの間の距離が大きくなりクラッチ装置１１０が軸１１５方向において大型化する。   The bearing 123 and the E ring 122 of the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 are components that require a space in the direction of the shaft 115 of the clutch device 110. For this reason, the distance between the side plate 116a and the side plate 116b in the direction of the shaft 115 increases, and the clutch device 110 increases in size in the direction of the shaft 115.

一方、本実施形態では、図２に示すように、駆動側の係合部材５２にスナップフィット部５２ｃを設けて、駆動部材５１の抜け止め部５１ｂに引っ掛ける。これにより付勢部材５７の付勢力により駆動側の係合部材５２が駆動部材５１から外れることを規制できる。付勢部材５７の付勢力を受けても駆動側の係合部材５２が駆動部材５１から外れずに支持される。このため図８に示すＥリング１２２を使用することなく、クラッチ装置５０の組立性を改善することできる。   On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a snap-fit portion 52 c is provided on the driving-side engaging member 52 and hooked on the retaining portion 51 b of the driving member 51. Accordingly, it is possible to restrict the engagement member 52 on the driving side from being detached from the driving member 51 by the urging force of the urging member 57. Even when the urging force of the urging member 57 is received, the driving-side engaging member 52 is supported without being detached from the driving member 51. Therefore, the assembling property of the clutch device 50 can be improved without using the E-ring 122 shown in FIG.

図３及び図４に示すクラッチ装置５０の金属製の軸５５は、駆動伝達経路の一部を構成しないため回転しない。このため側板５６ａとの間に軸受けを設けなくても良い。本実施形態では、図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０の軸受け１２３と、Ｅリング１２２を設けるスペースを省略することが出来る。これにより図３及び図４に示すクラッチ装置５０の軸５５方向における小型化が可能である。   The metal shaft 55 of the clutch device 50 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 does not rotate because it does not constitute a part of the drive transmission path. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a bearing between the side plate 56a. In this embodiment, the space for providing the bearing 123 and the E-ring 122 of the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 can be omitted. Thus, the clutch device 50 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be downsized in the direction of the shaft 55.

図３及び図４に示すクラッチ装置５０の軸５５方向における小型化により側板５６ａと側板５６ｂとの間の距離を短くすることができる。これによりプロセスカートリッジ２（画像形成部）に駆動源となるモータの回転駆動力を伝達する駆動装置の外形（厚み）を小さくすることができ、画像形成装置１の小型化ができる。図８に示す比較例のクラッチ装置１１０の軸受け１２３と、Ｅリング１２２を省略することでコストダウンを図ることもできる。   The distance between the side plate 56a and the side plate 56b can be shortened by downsizing the clutch device 50 in the direction of the shaft 55 shown in FIGS. As a result, the outer shape (thickness) of the driving device that transmits the rotational driving force of the motor serving as the driving source to the process cartridge 2 (image forming unit) can be reduced, and the image forming device 1 can be downsized. Costs can be reduced by omitting the bearing 123 and the E-ring 122 of the clutch device 110 of the comparative example shown in FIG.

本実施形態のクラッチ装置５０は、駆動伝達経路の一部に剛性の高い金属製の軸を介さずに、衝撃を吸収できる樹脂部品のみで駆動伝達を行うことができる。これにより駆動を連結する際の衝撃を吸収することができる。衝撃を吸収することにより、感光ドラム２２の駆動列に与える衝撃を低減することができ、画像品質を向上でき、衝撃時に発生する衝突音も低減することができる。   The clutch device 50 according to the present embodiment can perform drive transmission only with a resin component capable of absorbing an impact without using a highly rigid metal shaft in a part of the drive transmission path. Thereby, the impact at the time of connecting a drive can be absorbed. By absorbing the impact, the impact applied to the drive train of the photosensitive drum 22 can be reduced, the image quality can be improved, and the collision sound generated during the impact can also be reduced.

＜変形例＞
次に、図６を用いて第１実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の変形例としてのクラッチ装置９０の構成について説明する。図６は、変形例のクラッチ装置９０の構成を示す斜視説明図である。尚、前記第１実施形態と同様に構成したものは同一の符号、或いは符号が異なっても同一の部材名を付して説明を省略する。 <Modification>
Next, a configuration of a clutch device 90 as a modified example of the clutch device 50 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory perspective view showing a configuration of a clutch device 90 according to a modification. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same member name even if the same code | symbol or a code | symbol differs, and abbreviate | omits description.

図６に示す変形例のクラッチ装置９０は、駆動側の係合部材９２と、従動側の係合部材９３の形状のみが図２に示す第１実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の駆動側の係合部材５２と、従動側の係合部材５３の形状と異なる。従動側の係合部材９３は、軸９５に対して回転可能に支持され、駆動側の係合部材９２と係合する。駆動側の係合部材９２は、駆動部材９１と同期して軸９５を中心にして回転し、軸９５方向（軸方向）に移動可能に構成される。   The clutch device 90 of the modified example shown in FIG. 6 has only the shapes of the engaging member 92 on the driving side and the engaging member 93 on the driven side on the driving side of the clutch device 50 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The shapes of the member 52 and the engagement member 53 on the driven side are different. The driven-side engagement member 93 is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft 95 and engages with the drive-side engagement member 92. The drive-side engagement member 92 is configured to rotate about the shaft 95 in synchronization with the drive member 91 and to be movable in the direction of the shaft 95 (axial direction).

図６に示す変形例のクラッチ装置９０の駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３とが、図２に示す第１実施形態のクラッチ装置５０の駆動側の係合部材５２と従動側の係合部材５３と異なる箇所は以下の通りである。駆動側の係合部材９２のラチェット部９２ａと、従動側の係合部材９３のラチェット部９３ａのそれぞれのラチェット爪の個数が増えていることである。   The drive-side engagement member 92 and the driven-side engagement member 93 of the clutch device 90 of the modification shown in FIG. 6 are connected to the drive-side engagement member 52 of the clutch device 50 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The differences from the driven side engagement member 53 are as follows. The number of ratchet claws of the ratchet portion 92a of the driving side engaging member 92 and the ratchet portion 93a of the driven side engaging member 93 is increased.

図２に示す第１実施形態のクラッチ装置５０では、駆動側の係合部材５２と従動側の係合部材５３のラチェット部５２ａ，５３ａのそれぞれのラチェット爪は、軸５５を中心とする周方向に９０度の位相差を有して４個のラチェット爪が形成された一例であった。   In the clutch device 50 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the ratchet pawls of the ratchet portions 52 a and 53 a of the driving side engaging member 52 and the driven side engaging member 53 are circumferentially centered on the shaft 55. This is an example in which four ratchet claws are formed with a phase difference of 90 degrees.

一方、図６に示す変形例のクラッチ装置９０では、駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３のラチェット部９２ａ，９３ａのそれぞれのラチェット爪は、軸９５を中心とする周方向に６０度の位相差を有して６個のラチェット爪が形成された一例である。ラチェット爪の個数が増えることで、軸９５を中心とする周方向において爪と爪との間隔が短くできる。   On the other hand, in the clutch device 90 of the modified example shown in FIG. 6, the ratchet pawls of the ratchet portions 92 a and 93 a of the driving side engaging member 92 and the driven side engaging member 93 are circumferentially centered about the shaft 95. This is an example in which six ratchet claws are formed with a phase difference of 60 degrees. By increasing the number of ratchet claws, the distance between the claws in the circumferential direction around the shaft 95 can be shortened.

第一、第二のラチェット部９２ａ，９３ａは、軸９５を回転中心として周方向に６０度の位相差を有して６つのラチェット爪部が形成されている。駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３との駆動の連結動作は、付勢部材９７の付勢力を受けて駆動側の係合部材９２のラチェット部９２ａのラチェット爪が、対向する従動側の係合部材９３のラチェット部９３ａのラチェット爪に接触する。   The first and second ratchet portions 92a and 93a have six ratchet pawl portions having a phase difference of 60 degrees in the circumferential direction around the shaft 95 as a rotation center. The drive coupling operation of the drive side engagement member 92 and the driven side engagement member 93 is performed by the ratchet pawl of the ratchet portion 92a of the drive side engagement member 92 receiving the biasing force of the biasing member 97. The ratchet pawl of the ratchet portion 93a of the engagement member 93 on the driven side to be contacted.

駆動側の係合部材９２は、駆動部材９１に対して軸９５方向に移動可能に支持されている。駆動部材９１と駆動側の係合部材９２との間には、付勢部材９７が設けられている。付勢部材９７は、駆動側の係合部材９２を従動側の係合部材９３と係合する方向に付勢する。   The drive-side engagement member 92 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of the axis 95 with respect to the drive member 91. A biasing member 97 is provided between the drive member 91 and the engagement member 92 on the drive side. The urging member 97 urges the engagement member 92 on the driving side in a direction to engage the engagement member 93 on the driven side.

駆動部材９１から回転駆動力が伝達された駆動側の係合部材９２が回転すると、駆動側の係合部材９２のラチェット部９２ａのラチェット爪がラチェット部９３ａの次のラチェット爪と係合する。駆動部材９１は、側板９６ａ（フレーム）に回転不可能に支持されている軸９５に対して回転可能に支持され、駆動源となるモータからの回転駆動力（駆動）を伝達する。   When the driving side engaging member 92 to which the rotational driving force is transmitted from the driving member 91 rotates, the ratchet pawl of the ratchet portion 92a of the driving side engaging member 92 engages with the next ratchet pawl of the ratchet portion 93a. The drive member 91 is rotatably supported with respect to a shaft 95 that is non-rotatably supported by the side plate 96a (frame), and transmits a rotational drive force (drive) from a motor serving as a drive source.

駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３との駆動の連結動作は、爪と爪の間隔が長いと、ラチェット部９２ａが対向するラチェット部９３ａに着地してから次のラチェット爪と係合するまでの距離が長くなる。このため駆動側の係合部材９２の軸９５を中心とする回転方向の運動量が大きくなってラチェット爪が係合するときの衝撃が大きくなり、衝突音が大きくなる。   The drive connecting operation of the driving side engaging member 92 and the driven side engaging member 93 is performed when the ratchet portion 92a is landed on the opposing ratchet portion 93a and the next ratchet nail is moved when the distance between the claws is long. The distance to engage with becomes longer. For this reason, the momentum in the rotation direction about the shaft 95 of the engagement member 92 on the drive side is increased, the impact when the ratchet pawl is engaged is increased, and the collision sound is increased.

本変形例では、図６に示すように、駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３とのラチェット部９２ａ，９３ａの爪と爪との間隔を短くする。これにより駆動側の係合部材９２のラチェット部９２ａのラチェット爪が、対向する従動側の係合部材９３のラチェット部９３ａに着地してから、次のラチェット爪に係合するまでの距離を短くすることができる。そのため駆動側の係合部材９２の軸９５を中心とする回転方向の運動量が小さくなる。これにより駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３との駆動が連結するときに発生する衝撃を小さくでき、衝突音を低減することができる。   In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance between the pawls of the ratchet portions 92a, 93a between the engagement member 92 on the driving side and the engagement member 93 on the driven side is shortened. This shortens the distance from when the ratchet pawl of the ratchet portion 92a of the engagement member 92 on the drive side lands on the ratchet portion 93a of the opposite engagement member 93 on the driven side until it engages with the next ratchet pawl. can do. Therefore, the momentum in the rotational direction around the shaft 95 of the driving-side engaging member 92 is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact generated when the driving side engaging member 92 and the driven side engaging member 93 are connected, and to reduce the collision noise.

駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３とのラチェット部９２ａ，９３ａのラチェット爪の個数が増えると、駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３との駆動が連結する際に一つ一つのラチェット爪にかかる荷重が小さくなる。これにより一つ一つのラチェット爪に対する衝撃を低減することができ、衝突音を低減することができる。   When the number of ratchet claws of the ratchet portions 92a and 93a of the driving side engaging member 92 and the driven side engaging member 93 increases, the driving side engaging member 92 and the driven side engaging member 93 are driven. When connecting, the load applied to each ratchet claw is reduced. Thereby, the impact with respect to each ratchet nail | claw can be reduced and a collision sound can be reduced.

尚、本変形例のクラッチ装置９０では、駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３のラチェット部９２ａ，９３ａのそれぞれのラチェット爪は、軸９５を中心とする周方向に６０度の位相差を有して６個のラチェット爪が形成された一例である。ラチェット爪の数は多くなればなるほど衝突音を低減することができる。   In the clutch device 90 of the present modification, the ratchet pawls of the ratchet portions 92a and 93a of the driving side engaging member 92 and the driven side engaging member 93 are 60 degrees in the circumferential direction about the shaft 95. This is an example in which six ratchet claws are formed with a phase difference of. As the number of ratchet claws increases, the collision sound can be reduced.

図６に示す９６ａ，９６ｂは側板である。９１ａは駆動部材９１に設けられた溝部である。９１ｂは駆動部材９１に設けられた抜け止め部である。９１ｃは駆動部材９１の外周面に設けられた歯車である。９２ｂは駆動部材９１に設けられた溝部９１ａに嵌入される回転止め部である。   96a and 96b shown in FIG. 6 are side plates. 91 a is a groove provided in the drive member 91. Reference numeral 91 b denotes a retaining portion provided on the driving member 91. 91 c is a gear provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drive member 91. Reference numeral 92 b denotes a rotation stopper that is fitted into a groove 91 a provided in the drive member 91.

図６に示す９２ｃは駆動側の係合部材９２の円筒部９２ｅの外周面に設けられるスナップフィット部である。スナップフィット部９２ｃは駆動部材９１の内周面に設けられた抜け止め部９１ｂに係合される。９３ｂは従動側の係合部材９３に設けられた回転止め部である。９３ｃは従動側の係合部材９３に設けられた円筒部である。９９は解除部材である。９９ａはカム部である。９９ａ１はカム部９９ａの天面部である。９９ａ２はカム部９９ａの底面部である。   Reference numeral 92c shown in FIG. 6 denotes a snap fit portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 92e of the engagement member 92 on the driving side. The snap fit portion 92 c is engaged with a retaining portion 91 b provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drive member 91. Reference numeral 93b denotes a rotation stopper provided on the driven engagement member 93. Reference numeral 93 c denotes a cylindrical portion provided on the driven side engaging member 93. Reference numeral 99 denotes a release member. 99a is a cam part. Reference numeral 99a1 denotes a top surface portion of the cam portion 99a. 99a2 is a bottom surface portion of the cam portion 99a.

解除部材９９のカム部９９ａは、第一のカム面となる天面部９９ａ１と底面部９９ａ２とが設けられており、該天面部９９ａ１と底面部９９ａ２とは斜面部９９ａ３により連続的に接続されている。９９ｂは凹部である。１００は軸受け部材である。１００ａはリブである。１００ｂは凸部である。９８はカムギア部材である。９８ａはカム部である。   The cam portion 99a of the release member 99 is provided with a top surface portion 99a1 and a bottom surface portion 99a2 serving as a first cam surface, and the top surface portion 99a1 and the bottom surface portion 99a2 are continuously connected by an inclined surface portion 99a3. Yes. 99b is a recess. Reference numeral 100 denotes a bearing member. 100a is a rib. Reference numeral 100b denotes a convex portion. Reference numeral 98 denotes a cam gear member. Reference numeral 98a denotes a cam portion.

カムギア部材９８には、解除部材９９に設けられた第一のカム面となる天面部９９ａ１と底面部９９ａ２と斜面部９９ａ３と当接摺動して係合する第二のカム面となるカム部９８ａが設けられている。９８ｂはカムギア部材９８の外周面に設けられた歯車である。   The cam gear member 98 is provided with a cam portion serving as a second cam surface that comes into contact with and slides on a top surface portion 99a1, a bottom surface portion 99a2, and a slope portion 99a3 provided as a first cam surface provided on the release member 99. 98a is provided. A gear 98b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam gear member 98.

カムギア部材９８は、制御手段となる図示しないＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit；中央演算装置）により駆動制御される駆動源となるモータの回転駆動力が図示しないギア列に噛合する歯車９８ｂを介して伝達されて回転駆動される。   The cam gear member 98 is transmitted via a gear 98b that meshes with a gear train (not shown) that is a rotational driving force of a motor that is a drive source that is driven and controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that serves as a control means. Is rotated.

９６ｂ１は貫通穴からなるバーリング部である。９６ｂ２は貫通穴である。９４は従動部材である。従動部材９４は、従動側の係合部材９３と同期して軸９５を中心として回転する。９４ａは溝部である。９４ｃは従動部材９４の外周面に設けられた歯車である。従動部材９４の溝部９４ａと、従動側の係合部材９３の回転止め部９３ｂも図５（ａ），（ｂ）に示して前述したと同様に構成される。   Reference numeral 96b1 denotes a burring portion including a through hole. 96b2 is a through hole. 94 is a driven member. The driven member 94 rotates around the shaft 95 in synchronization with the engagement member 93 on the driven side. 94a is a groove. 94 c is a gear provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driven member 94. The groove portion 94a of the driven member 94 and the rotation stop portion 93b of the driven side engaging member 93 are also configured in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS.

図５（ｂ）に示すと同様に、従動側の係合部材９３の円筒部９３ｃの外周面に設けられた複数の第一の回転止め部９３ｂが従動部材９４に設けられた複数の溝部９４ａに嵌合される。溝部９４ａの壁面の一部には、図５（ａ）に示すと同様な図示しない突起部９４ｂが設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of first rotation stop portions 93 b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 93 c of the engagement member 93 on the driven side are a plurality of groove portions 94 a provided on the driven member 94. Fitted. A projection 94b (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 5A is provided on a part of the wall surface of the groove 94a.

このように、制御手段となる図示しないＣＰＵにより駆動制御されるステッピングモータによりカムギア部材９８を回転させる。これにより解除部材９９が軸９５方向に移動して駆動側の係合部材９２を軸９５方向に移動させて該駆動側の係合部材９２と従動側の係合部材９３とを係合または解除する。   Thus, the cam gear member 98 is rotated by a stepping motor that is driven and controlled by a CPU (not shown) serving as a control means. As a result, the release member 99 moves in the direction of the shaft 95 and moves the engagement member 92 on the drive side in the direction of the shaft 95 to engage or release the engagement member 92 on the drive side and the engagement member 93 on the driven side. To do.

駆動側の係合部材９２の円筒部９２ｅの内周面側に第一のラチェット部９２ａが設けられる。従動側の係合部材９３に設けられた第二のラチェット部９３ａが第一のラチェット部９２ａに係合して駆動側の係合部材９２から従動側の係合部材９３に駆動を伝達する。   A first ratchet portion 92 a is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 92 e of the driving-side engaging member 92. A second ratchet portion 93 a provided on the driven side engaging member 93 engages with the first ratchet portion 92 a and transmits drive from the driving side engaging member 92 to the driven side engaging member 93.

図６に示す本実施形態のクラッチ装置９０は、駆動源となるモータから被駆動部材となる現像ローラや感光ドラム２２への駆動を伝達する駆動伝達経路を構成する。このような駆動伝達経路を構成する部材である駆動部材９１、駆動側の係合部材９２、従動側の係合部材９３、従動部材９４の部品は、全て樹脂材料で形成されている。更に、該駆動伝達経路を解除する解除手段を構成するカムギア部材９８、軸受け部材１００、解除部材９９の部品は、全て樹脂材料で形成されている。他の構成は前記第１実施形態と同様に構成され、同様の効果を得ることが出来る。   The clutch device 90 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6 constitutes a drive transmission path for transmitting drive from a motor serving as a drive source to a developing roller serving as a driven member and the photosensitive drum 22. The components of the drive member 91, the drive-side engagement member 92, the driven-side engagement member 93, and the driven member 94 that are members constituting such a drive transmission path are all formed of a resin material. Further, the cam gear member 98, the bearing member 100, and the release member 99 constituting the release means for releasing the drive transmission path are all made of a resin material. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

〔第２実施形態〕
次に、図７を用いて本発明に係る駆動装置を備える画像形成装置の第２実施形態の構成について説明する。尚、前記第１実施形態及び変形例と同様に構成したものは同一の符号、或いは符号が異なっても同一の部材名を付して説明を省略する。 [Second Embodiment]
Next, the configuration of the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus including the driving device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment and a modified example attaches | subjects the same member name even if the same code | symbol or a code | symbol differs, and abbreviate | omits description.

図７に示す本実施形態のクラッチ装置７０は、駆動側の係合部材７２と従動側の係合部材７３の形状が図２に示す第１実施形態の駆動側の係合部材５２と従動側の係合部材５３の形状とは異なる。他の部材は同様に構成されるため重複する説明は省略する。従動側の係合部材７３は、軸７５に対して回転可能に支持され、駆動側の係合部材７２と係合する。   The clutch device 70 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7 has a driving-side engaging member 72 and a driven-side engaging member 73 whose shapes are the driving-side engaging member 52 and the driven-side of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The shape of the engaging member 53 is different. Since the other members are configured in the same manner, redundant description is omitted. The driven side engaging member 73 is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft 75 and engages with the driving side engaging member 72.

駆動側の係合部材７２の円筒部７２ｅの内周面側に第一のラチェット部７２ａが設けられる。従動側の係合部材７３に設けられた第二のラチェット部７３ａが第一のラチェット部７２ａに係合して駆動側の係合部材７２から従動側の係合部材７３に駆動を伝達する。駆動側の係合部材７２は、第二の回転止め部７２ｂと、第一のラチェット部７２ａとの間に円筒部７２ｅが設けられている。該円筒部７２ｅには、貫通穴からなる開口７２ｄが設けられている。   A first ratchet portion 72 a is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 72 e of the driving side engaging member 72. A second ratchet portion 73 a provided on the driven side engaging member 73 engages with the first ratchet portion 72 a and transmits drive from the driving side engaging member 72 to the driven side engaging member 73. The driving-side engaging member 72 is provided with a cylindrical portion 72e between the second rotation stop portion 72b and the first ratchet portion 72a. The cylindrical portion 72e is provided with an opening 72d made of a through hole.

従動側の係合部材７３は、第二のラチェット部７３ａと、第一の回転止め部７３ｂとの間に第二の円筒部７３ｃが設けられている。該第二の円筒部７３ｃには、貫通穴からなる第二の開口７３ｄが設けられている。駆動側の係合部材７２は、駆動部材７１と同期して軸７５を中心にして回転し、軸７５方向（軸方向）に移動可能に構成される。   The driven-side engaging member 73 is provided with a second cylindrical portion 73c between the second ratchet portion 73a and the first rotation stop portion 73b. The second cylindrical portion 73c is provided with a second opening 73d made of a through hole. The driving-side engaging member 72 is configured to rotate about the shaft 75 in synchronization with the driving member 71 and move in the direction of the shaft 75 (axial direction).

図７に示す本実施形態のクラッチ装置７０の駆動側の係合部材７２と、従動側の係合部材７３に対して、図２に示す第１実施形態の駆動側の係合部材５２と、従動側の係合部材５３とが異なる箇所は以下の構成である。駆動側の係合部材７２の円筒部７２ｅと、従動側の係合部材７３の円筒部７３ｃとに、それぞれ貫通穴からなる開口７２ｄ，７３ｄが設けられている。   The driving side engaging member 72 and the driven side engaging member 73 of the clutch device 70 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7 are compared with the driving side engaging member 52 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. A portion different from the engagement member 53 on the driven side has the following configuration. Openings 72d and 73d each having a through hole are provided in the cylindrical portion 72e of the driving side engaging member 72 and the cylindrical portion 73c of the driven side engaging member 73, respectively.

駆動側の係合部材７２の円筒部７２ｅは、以下の部材間に設けられている。駆動部材７１に設けられた溝部７１ａに嵌合されて回転駆動力が入力される回転止め部７２ｂと、従動側の係合部材７３のラチェット部７３ａに噛合して回転駆動力を従動側の係合部材７３側に出力するラチェット部７２ａとの間に設けられている。駆動部材７１は、側板７６ａ（フレーム）に回転不可能に支持されている軸７５に対して回転可能に支持され、駆動源となるモータからの回転駆動力（駆動）を伝達する。   The cylindrical portion 72e of the engagement member 72 on the driving side is provided between the following members. The rotation stopper 72b is fitted into a groove 71a provided in the driving member 71 and receives rotational driving force, and the ratchet 73a of the driven engagement member 73 is engaged with the rotational driving force. It is provided between the ratchet portion 72a that outputs to the joint member 73 side. The drive member 71 is rotatably supported with respect to a shaft 75 that is non-rotatably supported by the side plate 76a (frame), and transmits a rotational drive force (drive) from a motor serving as a drive source.

従動側の係合部材７３の円筒部７３ｃは、以下の部材間に設けられている。駆動側の係合部材７２のラチェット部７２ａに噛合して回転駆動力が入力されるラチェット部７３ａと、従動部材７４の溝部７４ａ内に嵌合して回転駆動力を従動部材７４側に出力する回転止め部７３ｂとの間に設けられている。従動部材７４は、従動側の係合部材７３と同期して軸７５を中心として回転する。   The cylindrical portion 73c of the engagement member 73 on the driven side is provided between the following members. The ratchet portion 73a meshes with the ratchet portion 72a of the engagement member 72 on the driving side and is fitted in the groove portion 74a of the driven member 74 and outputs the rotational driving force to the driven member 74 side. It is provided between the rotation stopper 73b. The driven member 74 rotates around the shaft 75 in synchronization with the engagement member 73 on the driven side.

駆動側の係合部材７２と従動側の係合部材７３とは、回転駆動力を伝達する駆動伝達経路の入力部と出力部との間に設けられる円筒部７２ｅ，７３ｃにそれぞれ開口７２ｄ，７３ｄが設けられている。これにより駆動側の係合部材７２と従動側の係合部材７３の部品単体の剛性を下げることができる。   The driving-side engaging member 72 and the driven-side engaging member 73 have openings 72d and 73d in cylindrical portions 72e and 73c provided between the input portion and the output portion of the drive transmission path for transmitting the rotational driving force, respectively. Is provided. As a result, the rigidity of the single component of the driving side engaging member 72 and the driven side engaging member 73 can be lowered.

回転駆動力を伝達する駆動伝達経路の入力部と出力部との間で開口７２ｄ，７３ｄを設けることで駆動側の係合部材７２と従動側の係合部材７３の部品単体の剛性を下げる。これにより駆動側の係合部材７２と従動側の係合部材７３との駆動が連結するときに発生する衝撃を開口７２ｄ，７３ｄを設けた剛性の低い部分がねじれることで吸収することができる。衝撃を吸収することにより感光ドラム２２の駆動列に衝撃が伝わり難くすることで画像品質を向上させることができ、かつ、衝撃時に発生する衝突音も低減することができる。   By providing the openings 72d and 73d between the input part and the output part of the drive transmission path for transmitting the rotational driving force, the rigidity of the component parts of the driving side engaging member 72 and the driven side engaging member 73 is lowered. Thereby, the impact generated when the driving of the driving-side engaging member 72 and the driven-side engaging member 73 is coupled can be absorbed by twisting the low rigidity portion provided with the openings 72d and 73d. Absorbing the impact makes it difficult for the impact to be transmitted to the drive train of the photosensitive drum 22, so that the image quality can be improved and the collision sound generated at the time of impact can be reduced.

尚、図７に示す７６ａ，７６ｂは側板である。７５は、側板７６ａに設けられる金属製の軸である。７１ｂは駆動部材７１に設けられた抜け止め部である。７１ｃは駆動部材７１の外周面に設けられた歯車である。駆動側の係合部材７２は、駆動部材７１に対して軸７５方向に移動可能に支持されている。駆動部材７１と駆動側の係合部材７２との間には、付勢部材７７が設けられている。付勢部材７７は、駆動側の係合部材７２を従動側の係合部材７３と係合する方向に付勢する。付勢部材７７は、駆動側の係合部材７２を軸７５方向に沿って駆動部材７１から離間させる方向に付勢する。   Note that 76a and 76b shown in FIG. 7 are side plates. Reference numeral 75 denotes a metal shaft provided on the side plate 76a. Reference numeral 71 b denotes a retaining portion provided on the driving member 71. 71 c is a gear provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drive member 71. The driving-side engaging member 72 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of the shaft 75 with respect to the driving member 71. A biasing member 77 is provided between the drive member 71 and the engagement member 72 on the drive side. The urging member 77 urges the engagement member 72 on the driving side in a direction to engage with the engagement member 73 on the driven side. The urging member 77 urges the driving-side engaging member 72 in a direction in which the driving-side engaging member 72 is separated from the driving member 71 along the direction of the shaft 75.

７２ｃは駆動側の係合部材７２の円筒部７２ｅの外周面に設けられるスナップフィット部である。スナップフィット部７２ｃは駆動部材７１の内周面に設けられた抜け止め部７１ｂに係合される。７９は解除部材である。７９ａはカム部である。７９ａ１はカム部７９ａの天面部である。７９ａ２はカム部７９ａの底面部である。   72c is a snap fit portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 72e of the engagement member 72 on the driving side. The snap fit portion 72 c is engaged with a retaining portion 71 b provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drive member 71. Reference numeral 79 denotes a release member. Reference numeral 79a denotes a cam portion. 79a1 is a top surface portion of the cam portion 79a. 79a2 is a bottom surface portion of the cam portion 79a.

解除部材７９のカム部７９ａは、第一のカム面となる天面部７９ａ１と底面部７９ａ２とが設けられており、該天面部７９ａ１と底面部７９ａ２とは斜面部７９ａ３により連続的に接続されている。７９ｂは凹部である。８０は軸受け部材である。８０ａはリブである。８０ｂは凸部である。７８はカムギア部材である。７８ａはカム部である。   The cam portion 79a of the release member 79 is provided with a top surface portion 79a1 and a bottom surface portion 79a2 serving as a first cam surface, and the top surface portion 79a1 and the bottom surface portion 79a2 are continuously connected by an inclined surface portion 79a3. Yes. 79b is a recess. Reference numeral 80 denotes a bearing member. Reference numeral 80a denotes a rib. Reference numeral 80b denotes a convex portion. Reference numeral 78 denotes a cam gear member. Reference numeral 78a denotes a cam portion.

カムギア部材７８には、解除部材７９に設けられた第一のカム面となる天面部７９ａ１と底面部７９ａ２と斜面部７９ａ３と当接摺動して係合する第二のカム面となるカム部７８ａが設けられている。７８ｂはカムギア部材７８の外周面に設けられた歯車である。   The cam gear member 78 includes a cam portion serving as a second cam surface that comes into contact with and slides on a top surface portion 79a1, a bottom surface portion 79a2, and a slope portion 79a3 that are provided on the release member 79. 78a is provided. Reference numeral 78 b denotes a gear provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam gear member 78.

カムギア部材７８は、制御手段となる図示しないＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit；中央演算装置）により駆動制御される駆動源となるモータの回転駆動力が図示しないギア列に噛合する歯車７８ｂを介して伝達されて回転駆動される。   The cam gear member 78 is transmitted through a gear 78b that meshes with a gear train (not shown) of a rotational driving force of a motor serving as a drive source that is driven and controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) serving as a control means. Is rotated.

７６ｂ１は貫通穴からなるバーリング部である。７６ｂ２は貫通穴である。７４ｃは従動部材７４の外周面に設けられた歯車である。従動部材７４の溝部７４ａと、従動側の係合部材７３の回転止め部７３ｂも図５（ａ），（ｂ）に示して前述したと同様に構成される。   Reference numeral 76b1 denotes a burring portion including a through hole. 76b2 is a through hole. 74 c is a gear provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driven member 74. The groove portion 74a of the driven member 74 and the rotation stop portion 73b of the driven side engaging member 73 are also configured in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS.

図５（ｂ）に示すと同様に、従動側の係合部材７３の円筒部７３ｃの外周面に設けられた複数の第一の回転止め部７３ｂが従動部材７４に設けられた複数の溝部７４ａに嵌合される。溝部７４ａの壁面の一部には、図５（ａ）に示すと同様な図示しない突起部７４ｂが設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of first rotation stop portions 73 b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 73 c of the driven side engaging member 73 are provided with a plurality of groove portions 74 a provided on the driven member 74. Fitted. A projection 74b (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 5A is provided on a part of the wall surface of the groove 74a.

このように、制御手段となる図示しないＣＰＵにより駆動制御されるステッピングモータによりカムギア部材７８を回転させる。これにより解除部材７９が軸７５方向に移動して駆動側の係合部材７２を軸７５方向に移動させて該駆動側の係合部材７２と従動側の係合部材７３とを係合または解除する。   In this way, the cam gear member 78 is rotated by a stepping motor that is driven and controlled by a CPU (not shown) serving as a control means. As a result, the release member 79 moves in the direction of the shaft 75 and the engagement member 72 on the drive side moves in the direction of the shaft 75 to engage or release the engagement member 72 on the drive side and the engagement member 73 on the driven side. To do.

図７に示す本実施形態のクラッチ装置７０は、駆動源となるモータから被駆動部材となる現像ローラや感光ドラム２２への駆動を伝達する駆動伝達経路を構成する。このような駆動伝達経路を構成する部材である駆動部材７１、駆動側の係合部材７２、従動側の係合部材７３、従動部材７４の部品は、全て樹脂材料で形成されている。更に、該駆動伝達経路を解除する解除手段を構成するカムギア部材７８、軸受け部材８０、解除部材７９の部品は、全て樹脂材料で形成されている。他の構成は前記第１実施形態と同様に構成され、同様の効果を得ることが出来る。   The clutch device 70 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 7 constitutes a drive transmission path for transmitting drive from a motor as a drive source to a developing roller as a driven member and the photosensitive drum 22. The components of the drive member 71, the drive side engagement member 72, the driven side engagement member 73, and the driven member 74, which are members constituting such a drive transmission path, are all formed of a resin material. Further, the cam gear member 78, the bearing member 80, and the release member 79 constituting the release means for releasing the drive transmission path are all made of a resin material. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

尚、前述した第１、第２実施形態及び変形例では、各軸５５，７５，９５は、各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａにそれぞれ固定せずに回転止めだけされている。他に、各軸５５，７５，９５を各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａにカシメて固定しても良い。各軸５５，７５，９５を各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａに固定する。その場合は、部品精度等を考慮すると、各軸５５，７５，９５が各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａに対向する各側板５６ｂ，７６ｂ，９６ｂに設けられたバーリング部５６ｂ１，７６ｂ１，９６ｂ１の穴中心に対してズレてしまう場合がある。   In the first and second embodiments and the modifications described above, the shafts 55, 75, and 95 are not fixed to the side plates 56a, 76a, and 96a, but are only rotated. In addition, the shafts 55, 75, and 95 may be fixed by caulking to the side plates 56a, 76a, and 96a. The shafts 55, 75, 95 are fixed to the side plates 56a, 76a, 96a. In that case, in consideration of component accuracy and the like, the centers of the holes of the burring portions 56b1, 76b1, 96b1 provided on the side plates 56b, 76b, 96b in which the shafts 55, 75, 95 are opposed to the side plates 56a, 76a, 96a. There is a case where it is misaligned.

このため各従動側の係合部材５３，７３，９３が各側板５６ｂ，７６ｂ，９６ｂとの摺動により過剰な負荷がかかりバーリング部５６ｂ１，７６ｂ１，９６ｂ１の周縁部に接触する部分が削れる可能性がある。そのため各軸５５，７５，９５を各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａにそれぞれ固定する。その場合は、各側板５６ｂ，７６ｂ，９６ｂに設けられたバーリング部５６ｂ１，７６ｂ１，９６ｂ１の穴径を大きくする。そして、各従動側の係合部材５３，７３，９３と、各側板５６ｂ，７６ｂ，９６ｂに設けられたバーリング部５６ｂ１，７６ｂ１，９６ｂ１の周縁部との間にガタを設ける必要がある。   For this reason, the engagement members 53, 73, 93 on the driven side may be excessively loaded due to sliding with the side plates 56b, 76b, 96b, and the portions contacting the peripheral portions of the burring portions 56b1, 76b1, 96b1 may be scraped off. There is. Therefore, the shafts 55, 75, and 95 are fixed to the side plates 56a, 76a, and 96a, respectively. In that case, the hole diameter of burring part 56b1, 76b1, 96b1 provided in each side plate 56b, 76b, 96b is enlarged. Further, it is necessary to provide play between the respective engagement members 53, 73, 93 on the driven side and the peripheral portions of the burring portions 56b1, 76b1, 96b1 provided on the side plates 56b, 76b, 96b.

各側板５６ａ，５６ｂ，７６ａ，７６ｂ，９６ａ，９６ｂは、金属素材の板金で構成されている。他に、強度及び耐熱性に優れた樹脂材料で構成することも出来る。このような樹脂材料としては、ポリカーボネート樹脂とＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル・ブタジエン・スチレン）樹脂とのポリマーアロイ素材が好適である。各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａを樹脂材料で構成する場合は、各軸５５，７５，９５も各側板５６ａ，７６ａ，９６ａと一体で形成することも可能である。   Each of the side plates 56a, 56b, 76a, 76b, 96a, 96b is made of a metal plate. In addition, it can also be comprised with the resin material excellent in intensity | strength and heat resistance. As such a resin material, a polymer alloy material of a polycarbonate resin and an ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin is suitable. When each side plate 56a, 76a, 96a is made of a resin material, each shaft 55, 75, 95 can also be formed integrally with each side plate 56a, 76a, 96a.

５０…クラッチ装置（クラッチ手段）
５２…駆動側の係合部材
５３…従動側の係合部材
５８…カムギア部材
５９…解除部材 50. Clutch device (clutch means)
52 ... Driving side engaging member 53 ... Driving side engaging member 58 ... Cam gear member 59 ... Release member

Claims (11)

駆動源からの駆動を少なくとも一つ以上の被駆動部材に連結又は解除するクラッチ手段を有する駆動装置において、
前記クラッチ手段は、
フレームに回転不可能に支持されている軸に対して回転可能に支持され、前記駆動源からの駆動を伝達する駆動部材と、
前記駆動部材と同期して回転し、軸方向に移動可能な駆動側の係合部材と、
前記軸に対して回転可能に支持され、前記駆動側の係合部材と係合する従動側の係合部材と、
前記従動側の係合部材と同期して回転する従動部材と、
前記駆動側の係合部材を前記従動側の係合部材と係合する方向に付勢する付勢手段と、
第一のカム面が設けられた解除部材と、
前記第一のカム面と係合する第二のカム面が設けられたカムギア部材と、
前記カムギア部材を回転させる制御手段と、
を有し、
前記制御手段により前記カムギア部材を回転させることで、前記解除部材が軸方向に移動して前記駆動側の係合部材を軸方向に移動させて前記駆動側の係合部材と前記従動側の係合部材とを係合または解除することを特徴とする駆動装置。 In a driving apparatus having clutch means for connecting or releasing driving from a driving source to at least one driven member,
The clutch means includes
A drive member that is rotatably supported with respect to an axis that is non-rotatably supported by the frame, and that transmits the drive from the drive source;
A drive-side engagement member that rotates in synchronization with the drive member and is movable in the axial direction;
A driven engagement member that is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft and engages with the drive engagement member;
A driven member that rotates in synchronization with the driven-side engagement member;
A biasing means for biasing the engagement member on the driving side in a direction to engage with the engagement member on the driven side;
A release member provided with a first cam surface;
A cam gear member provided with a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface;
Control means for rotating the cam gear member;
Have
By rotating the cam gear member by the control means, the release member moves in the axial direction and the engagement member on the driving side moves in the axial direction, and the engagement between the engagement member on the driving side and the driven side engages. A drive device characterized by engaging or releasing a joint member. 前記駆動源から前記被駆動部材への駆動を伝達する部材である前記駆動部材、前記駆動側の係合部材、前記従動側の係合部材、前記従動部材が樹脂材料で形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の駆動装置。
The drive member that is a member that transmits drive from the drive source to the driven member, the drive-side engagement member, the driven-side engagement member, and the driven member are formed of a resin material. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is characterized.
前記付勢手段は、前記駆動部材と前記駆動側の係合部材との間に配置され、前記駆動側の係合部材は、前記駆動部材に対して軸方向に移動可能に支持されることを特徴とする請求項１または請求項２に記載の駆動装置。   The biasing means is disposed between the driving member and the driving-side engaging member, and the driving-side engaging member is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the driving member. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is characterized. 前記従動側の係合部材の円筒部の外周面に設けられた複数の第一の回転止め部が前記従動部材に設けられた複数の溝部に嵌合され、前記溝部の壁面の一部に突起部が設けられたことを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置。   A plurality of first rotation stop portions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the driven-side engagement member are fitted into a plurality of groove portions provided on the driven member, and are projected on a part of the wall surface of the groove portion. The drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion is provided. 前記駆動側の係合部材の円筒部の内周面側に第一のラチェット部が設けられ、前記従動側の係合部材に設けられた第二のラチェット部が前記第一のラチェット部に係合して前記駆動側の係合部材から前記従動側の係合部材に駆動を伝達することを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置。   A first ratchet portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion of the driving side engaging member, and a second ratchet portion provided on the driven side engaging member is engaged with the first ratchet portion. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein driving is transmitted from the engagement member on the drive side to the engagement member on the driven side. 前記第一、第二のラチェット部は、回転中心を中心として周方向に９０度の位相差を有して４つのラチェット爪部が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置。   The first and second ratchet portions have four ratchet pawl portions having a phase difference of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the rotation center. The driving device according to claim 1. 前記第一、第二のラチェット部は、回転中心を中心として周方向に６０度の位相差を有して６つのラチェット爪部が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置。   6. The first and second ratchet portions each have six ratchet pawl portions having a phase difference of 60 degrees in the circumferential direction around the rotation center. The driving device according to claim 1. 前記駆動側の係合部材は、第二の回転止め部と、前記第一のラチェット部との間に前記円筒部が設けられ、該円筒部に開口が設けられたことを特徴とする請求項５〜７のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置。   The drive-side engagement member is characterized in that the cylindrical portion is provided between a second rotation stop portion and the first ratchet portion, and an opening is provided in the cylindrical portion. The drive device according to any one of 5 to 7. 前記従動側の係合部材は、前記第二のラチェット部と、前記第一の回転止め部との間に第二の円筒部が設けられ、該第二の円筒部に第二の開口が設けられたことを特徴とする請求項１〜８のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置。   The engagement member on the driven side is provided with a second cylindrical portion between the second ratchet portion and the first rotation stop portion, and a second opening is provided in the second cylindrical portion. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is provided. 請求項１〜９のいずれか１項に記載の駆動装置を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。   An image forming apparatus comprising the driving device according to claim 1. 一つの駆動源で少なくとも二つ以上の前記被駆動部材を回転駆動しており、
前記被駆動部材は、像担持体と、現像剤担持体とを含むことを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の画像形成装置。 At least two or more of the driven members are driven to rotate by one driving source,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the driven member includes an image carrier and a developer carrier.
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CN110231762B (en) * 2019-07-11 2024-05-24 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 Driving assembly, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

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