JP2022020013A - Drum unit, cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To develop a conventional coupling that transmits driving force.

SOLUTION: A drum unit has a photoreceptor drum and a coupling member. The coupling member has an engaging member, and the engaging member has a driving force receiving part configured to enter a concave part of a driving shaft to receive driving force for rotating a photoreceptor drum. The coupling member has a holding member configured to hold the engaging member slidably at least in a radial direction of the drum unit, and an urging member configured to urge the engaging member.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, and a drum unit, a cartridge, a coupling member and the like used therein.

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, it is known that elements such as a photoconductor drum and a developing roller as rotating bodies involved in image forming are integrated as a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body). ing. In such a configuration, many devices adopt a configuration in which a driving force is received from the device main body in order to rotate the photoconductor drum in the cartridge. At that time, there is known a configuration in which a coupling member is engaged with a driving force transmitting portion such as a driving pin on the apparatus main body side to transmit the driving force on the cartridge side.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge provided with a coupling member provided at the end of the photoconductor drum so as to be tiltable with respect to the rotation axis of the photoconductor drum.

It is to develop the above-mentioned conventional technique.

A typical configuration is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess, and is provided on (1) a photoconductor drum and (2) the photoconductor drum. (2-1) An engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the concave portion, and (2-1). 2-2) The holding member configured to slidably hold the engaging member at least in the radial direction of the drum unit, and (2-3) the engaging member configured separately from the engaging member. A drum unit having an urging member configured to urge the member.

The above-mentioned conventional technique could be developed.

Schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100. External perspective view of the process cartridge 7. Schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 7. Sectional drawing of the process cartridge 7. Sectional drawing of the process cartridge 7. Outline drawing of the main body drive shaft 101. Sectional drawing of the main body drive shaft 101. The perspective view of the main body drive shaft 101. Sectional drawing of the coupling 28 and the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the coupling unit 28 and the main body drive shaft 101. The drive side perspective view of the drum unit 30. The drive side sectional view of the drum unit 30. The perspective view of the engaging member 65. The perspective view of the member constituting the coupling unit 28. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit 28 in the vertical direction of the rotation axis. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing mounting of the cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus main body 100A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus main body 100A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus main body 100A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus main body 100A. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 28 on the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 28 on the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 28 on the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the coupling unit 28 and the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the coupling unit 28 and the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the coupling unit 28 and the main body drive shaft 101. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission engagement surface of the engagement member 65 and the main body drive shaft 101. Schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 4100A. External perspective view of the drum cartridge 4013. Sectional drawing of drum cartridge 4013. External perspective view of the developing cartridge 4004. Sectional drawing of development cartridge 4004. The perspective view of the main body drive shaft 4101. Sectional drawing of the main body drive shaft 4101. Perspective view of the coupling unit 4028. Perspective view of the engaging member 4065. The perspective view of the member constituting the coupling unit 4028. Perspective view of the coupling unit 4028 and the toner supply roller 4020. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the coupling unit 4028 and the main body drive shaft 4101. Sectional drawing of development cartridge 4004. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing mounting of the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 4028 on the main body drive shaft 4101. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 4028 on the main body drive shaft 4101. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 4028 on the main body drive shaft 4101. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting of the coupling unit 4028 on the main body drive shaft 4101. Explanatory drawing which shows the engaging member. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Explanatory drawing which shows the engaging member. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Sectional view of the coupling unit. Sectional view of the coupling unit.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus is for forming an image on a recording medium by using, for example, an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, and the like are included. Further, the cartridge refers to a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body (device main body). Of the cartridges, the one in which the photoconductor and the process means acting on the photoconductor are integrated is called a process cartridge.

Further, a unit in which a photoconductor drum and a coupling member or the like are integrated is called a drum unit.

In the following examples, a full-color image forming apparatus to which four process cartridges can be attached and detached is illustrated. However, the number of process cartridges mounted on the image forming apparatus is not limited to this. Similarly, the materials, arrangements, dimensions, other numerical values, etc. of each configuration disclosed in the examples are not limited unless otherwise limited. Further, unless otherwise specified, the upper part means the upper part in the direction of gravity when the image forming apparatus is installed.

<Example 1>
[Outline of electrophotographic image forming apparatus]
First, the overall configuration of an embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is a first for forming an image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) as a plurality of image forming portions, respectively. It has second, third, and fourth image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK. In this embodiment, the first to fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK are arranged side by side in a substantially horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of the process cartridge 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K) are substantially the same except that the colors of the formed images are different. Therefore, in the following, if no particular distinction is required, Y, M, C, and K will be omitted and a general description will be given.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has, as a plurality of image carriers, a cylinder (hereinafter referred to as a photoconductor drum) 1 having four photosensitive layers arranged side by side in a direction slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction. .. The scanner unit (exposure device) 3 is arranged below the process cartridge 7 in the direction of gravity. Further, around the photoconductor drum 1, a charging roller 2 or the like as a process means (process apparatus, process member) acting on the photosensitive layer is arranged.

The charging roller 2 is a charging means (charging device, charging member) that uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. The scanner unit (exposure device) 3 is an exposure means (exposure device, exposure member) that irradiates a laser based on image information to form an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) on the photoconductor drum 1. A developing device (hereinafter referred to as a developing unit) 4 and a cleaning blade 6 as a cleaning means (cleaning device, cleaning member) are arranged around the photoconductor drum 1.

Further, an intermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer body for transferring the toner image on the photoconductor drum 1 to the recording material (sheet, recording medium) 12 is arranged facing the four photoconductor drums 1. There is.

The developing unit 4 of this embodiment uses a non-magnetic one-component developer (hereinafter, toner) as a developing agent, and a contact developing method in which a developing roller 17 as a developing agent carrier is brought into contact with a photoconductor drum 1 is used. It is adopted.

In the above configuration, the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is transferred onto the sheet (paper) 12, and the transferred toner image is fixed on the sheet. Further, as a process means acting on the photoconductor drum 1, the process cartridge includes a charging roller 2 that charges the photoconductor drum 1 and a cleaning blade 6 that cleans the toner remaining without being transferred onto the photoconductor drum 1. Be prepared. The transfer residual toner that remains on the photoconductor drum 1 without being transferred onto the sheet 12 is recovered by the cleaning blade 6. Further, the transfer residual toner recovered by the cleaning blade 6 is stored in the removal developer accommodating portion (hereinafter referred to as waste toner accommodating portion) 14a through the opening 14b. The waste toner accommodating portion 14a and the cleaning blade 6 are integrated to form a cleaning unit (photoreceptor unit, image carrier unit) 13.

Further, the process cartridge 7 is configured by integrating the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 13 into a unit (cartridge). The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a guide (positioning means) such as a mounting guide and a positioning member (not shown) on the main body frame. The process cartridge 7 is guided by the above-mentioned guide and is configured to be detachably attached to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body) 100A.

The process cartridge 7 for each color contains toners of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively.

The intermediate transfer belt 5 abuts on the photoconductor drum 1 included in each process cartridge and rotates (moves) in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is hung on a plurality of support members (drive roller 51, secondary transfer opposed roller 52, driven roller 53). On the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5, four primary transfer rollers 8 as primary transfer means are arranged side by side so as to face each photoconductor drum 1. Further, a secondary transfer roller 9 as a secondary transfer means is arranged at a position facing the secondary transfer facing roller 52 on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5.

At the time of image formation, first, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2. Next, the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 1 is scanned and exposed by a laser beam corresponding to the image information emitted from the scanner unit 3. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photoconductor drum 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is developed as a toner image by the developing unit 4.

The photoconductor drum is a rotating body (image carrier) that rotates while carrying an image (developer image, toner image) formed of a developer (toner) on its surface.

The toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by the action of the primary transfer roller 8.

For example, when forming a full-color image, the above-mentioned processes are sequentially performed in four process cartridges 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K). Then, the toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drum 1 of each process cartridge 7 are sequentially primary-transferred so as to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. After that, the recording material 12 is transferred to the secondary transfer unit in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5. Then, the four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively transferred onto the recording material 12 conveyed to the secondary transfer unit formed by the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 9.

The recording material 12 to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 10 as a fixing means. By applying heat and pressure to the recording material 12 in the fixing device 10, the toner image is fixed to the recording material 12. Further, the primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 1 after the primary transfer step is removed by the cleaning blade 6 and recovered as waste toner. Further, the secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer step is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 11.

It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 100 can also form a monochromatic or multicolor image by using a desired single or some (but not all) image forming portions.

[Outline of process cartridge]
Next, the outline of the process cartridge 7 (cartridge 7) mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100A of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5.

The cartridge 7a containing the yellow toner, the cartridge 7b containing the magenta toner, the cartridge 7c containing the cyan toner, and the cartridge 7d containing the black toner have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, the cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d will be collectively referred to as the cartridge 7. The cartridge components will also be generically described in the same manner.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge 7. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the rotation axis direction of the photoconductor drum 1 is the Z direction (arrow Z1, arrow Z2), the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is the X direction (arrow X1, arrow X2), and the vertical direction in FIG. Is in the Y direction (arrow Y1, arrow Y2).

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 7 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 and in a state (posture) in which the photoconductor drum 1 and the developing roller 17 are in contact with each other along the Z direction.

The process cartridge 7 is composed of two units, a cleaning unit 13 in which a photoconductor drum 1, a charging roller 2, and a cleaning blade 6 are unitized, and a developing unit 4 having a developing member such as a developing roller 17.

The developing unit 4 has a developing frame body 18 that supports various elements in the developing unit 4. The developing unit 4 is provided with a developing roller 17 as a developing agent carrier that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow D (counterclockwise) in the drawing. The developing rollers 17 are rotatably supported by the developing frame 18 via the developing bearings 19 (19R, 19L) at both ends in the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction). Here, the developing bearings 19 (19R, 19L) are attached to both side portions of the developing frame body 18, respectively.

Further, the developing unit 4 has a developing agent storage chamber (hereinafter referred to as a toner storage chamber) 18a and a developing chamber 18b in which a developing roller 17 is arranged.

In the developing chamber 18b, the toner supply roller 20 as a developer supply member that comes into contact with the developing roller 17 and rotates in the direction of arrow E, and the developing blade 21 as a developing agent regulating member for regulating the toner layer of the developing roller 17. Is placed. The developing blade 21 is fixed and integrated with the fixing member 22 by welding or the like.

Further, the toner storage chamber 18a of the developing frame 18 is provided with a stirring member 23 for stirring the stored toner and transporting the toner to the toner supply roller 20.

The developing unit 4 is rotatably coupled to the cleaning unit 13 around the fitting shafts 24 (24R, 24L) provided in the bearing members 19R and 19L and fitted in the holes 19Ra and 19La. Further, in the developing unit 4, the developing roller 17 is urged in the direction of contacting the photoconductor drum 1 by the pressure spring 25 (25R, 25L). Therefore, when the image of the process cartridge 7 is formed, the developing unit 4 rotates (rotates) in the direction of arrow F about the fitting shaft 24, and the photoconductor drum 1 and the developing roller 17 come into contact with each other.

The cleaning unit 13 has a cleaning frame body 14 as a frame body that supports various elements in the cleaning unit 13.

4 and 5 are cross-sectional views taken along a virtual surface along the rotation axis of the photoconductor drum 1 of the process cartridge 7.

In FIG. 4, the side where the coupling unit (coupling member) 28 receives the driving force from the image forming apparatus main body (the side in the Z1 direction) is referred to as the driving side of the process cartridge 7. Further, in FIG. 5, the side opposite to the drive side (the side in the Z2 direction) is referred to as the non-drive side of the process cartridge 7.

When the cartridge 7 is inserted into the mounting portion of the image forming apparatus main body, the driving side of the cartridge 7 is arranged on the back side of the mounting portion, and the non-driving side of the cartridge 7 is arranged on the front side of the mounting portion.

At the end opposite to the coupling unit 28 (the end on the non-driving side of the process cartridge), there is an electrode (electrode portion) that contacts the inner surface of the photoconductor drum 1, and this electrode contacts the image forming apparatus main body. By doing so, it plays the role of earth.

A coupling unit 28 is attached to one end of the photoconductor drum 1, and a non-driving side flange member 29 is attached to the other end of the photoconductor drum 1 to form the photoconductor drum unit 30. The photoconductor drum unit 30 obtains a driving force from a main body driving shaft 101 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100A via a coupling unit 28 (driving force is transmitted from the main body driving shaft 101). Although the details will be described later, the coupling unit 28 can be engaged with the main body drive shaft 101 when the cartridge 7 is attached to the main body 100A. The coupling unit 28 can be detached from the main body drive shaft 101 by removing the cartridge 7 from the device main body 100A.

The coupling unit 28 is configured to be coupled and detachable from the main body drive shaft 101.

The coupling unit 28 has a flange member 71 (driving side flange member) attached to the drive side end portion of the photoconductor drum 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the Z1 side of the coupling unit 28 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical portion 71a). The cylindrical portion 71a projects toward the Z1 side (outside in the axial direction) from the end portion of the photoconductor drum 1. In the cylindrical portion 71a, the portion near the tip on the Z1 side is the bearing portion 71c. The bearing portion 71c is rotatably supported by the bearing portion provided on the drum unit bearing member 39R. That is, the bearing portion 71c is supported by the bearing portion of the drum unit bearing member 39R, so that the photoconductor drum unit 30 can rotate.

Similarly, in FIG. 5, the non-driving side flange member 29 provided on the non-driving side of the photoconductor drum unit 30 is rotatably supported by the drum unit bearing member 39L. The non-driving side flange member 29 has a cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion) protruding from the end portion of the photoconductor drum 1, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 29a is rotatably supported by the drum unit bearing member 39L.

The drum unit bearing member 39R is arranged on the drive side of the process cartridge 7, and the drum unit bearing member 39L is arranged on the non-drive side of the process cartridge 7.

When the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100A, the drum unit bearing member 39R abuts on the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 100A, as shown in FIG. Further, the drum unit bearing member 39L abuts on the front cartridge positioning portion 110 of the image forming apparatus main body 100A. As a result, the cartridge 7 is positioned on the image forming apparatus 100A.

In the Z direction of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the position where the drum unit bearing member 39R supports the bearing portion 71c is close to the position where the drum unit bearing member 39R is positioned at the rear cartridge positioning portion 108. Placed in position. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the coupling unit 28 from tilting when the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100A.

The bearing portion 71c is arranged so that the position where the bearing member 39R supports the bearing portion 71c and the position where the bearing member 39R is positioned at the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 can be brought close to each other. That is, the bearing portion 71c is arranged on the tip end side (Z1 direction side) of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 71a provided in the coupling unit 28.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the drum unit bearing member 39L is positioned on the front cartridge positioning portion 110 at a position where the drum unit bearing member 39L rotatably supports the non-drive side flange member 29 in the Z direction. It was placed close to the position. This prevents the non-drive side flange member 29 from tilting.

Drum unit bearing members 39R and 39L are attached to both sides of the cleaning frame 14, respectively, and support the photoconductor drum unit 30 respectively. As a result, the photoconductor drum unit 30 is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame body 14.

Further, a charging roller 2 and a cleaning blade 6 are attached to the cleaning frame body 14, and these are arranged so as to be in contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. Further, a charging roller bearing 15 (15R, 15L) is attached to the cleaning frame body 14. The charging roller bearing 15 is a bearing for supporting the shaft of the charging roller 2.

Here, the charged roller bearings 15 (15R, 15L) are movably attached in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. The rotating shaft 2a of the charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the charging roller bearing 15 (15R, 15L). Then, the charging roller bearing 15 is urged toward the photoconductor drum 1 by the pressure spring 16 as an urging means. As a result, the charging roller 2 comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 and rotates in a driven manner.

The cleaning frame 14 is provided with a cleaning blade 6 as a cleaning means for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. The cleaning blade 6 is a combination of a blade-shaped rubber (elastic member) 6a that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 to remove toner on the photoconductor drum 1 and a support sheet metal 6b that supports the blade-shaped rubber (elastic member) 6a. In this embodiment, the support sheet metal 6b is fixed and attached to the cleaning frame body 14 with screws.

As described above, the cleaning frame body 14 has an opening 14b for collecting the transfer residual toner collected by the cleaning blade 6. The opening 14b is provided with a blowout prevention sheet 26 that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 and seals between the photoconductor drum 1 and the opening 14b, thereby suppressing toner leakage in the upper direction of the opening 14b.

By adopting a configuration in which elements related to image formation are integrated into a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the device in this way, ease of maintenance is improved. In other words, the user can easily maintain the device by attaching and detaching the process cartridge to and from the device body. Therefore, it is possible to provide an apparatus in which maintenance can be easily performed not only by a service person but also by a user.

[Main unit drive shaft configuration]
The configuration of the main body drive shaft 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

FIG. 6 is an outline view of the main body drive shaft.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis (rotation axis) of the main body drive shaft 101 attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the main body drive shaft.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main body drive shaft 101 cut along the rotation axis (rotation axis).

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit 28 and the main body drive shaft 101 cut in the vertical direction of the rotation axis.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main body drive shaft 101 has a gear portion 101e, a shaft portion 101f, a rough guide portion 101g, and a bearing portion 101d.

The image forming apparatus main body 100A is provided with a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The gear portion 101e obtains a rotational drive from this motor, and the main body drive shaft 101 rotates. Further, the main body drive shaft 101 includes a rotatable protrusion-shaped shaft portion 101f that protrudes toward the cartridge side from the gear portion 101e along the rotation axis. Then, the rotational driving force received from the motor is transmitted to the cartridge 7 side via the groove-shaped drive transmission groove 101a (recessed portion, drive transfer portion) provided in the shaft portion 101f. Further, the shaft portion 101f has a hemispherical shape 101c at its tip.

The main body drive transmission groove 101a has a shape in which a part of the engaging portion 65a of the coupling unit 28, which will be described later, can enter. Specifically, the main body drive transmission surface 101b is provided as a surface for transmitting the driving force in contact with the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 65b of the coupling unit 28.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body drive transmission surface 101b is not a flat surface, but has a twisted shape about the rotation axis of the main body drive shaft 101. The twisting direction is such that the Z1 direction side of the main body drive shaft 101 is arranged on the rotation direction upstream side of the main body drive shaft 101 with respect to the Z2 direction side. In this embodiment, the twist amount of the engaging portion 65a along the rotation axis direction of the cylinder was set to about 1 ° per 1 mm. The reason why the main body drive transmission surface 101b has a twisted shape will be described later.

Further, a main body side extraction taper 101i is provided on the surface of the main body drive transmission groove 101a on the Z2 direction side. The main body side extraction taper 101i is a taper (inclined surface, inclined portion) for helping the engaging portion 65a to come out of the drive transmission groove 101a when the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A. Details will be described later.

Here, when the drive is transmitted from the drive transmission groove 101a to the engaging portion 65a, it is desirable that the main body drive transmission surface 101b and the drive force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 65b are surely in contact with each other. Therefore, the main body drive transmission groove 101a has a gap (G) with respect to the engaging portion 65a in each of the rotation axis direction, the circumferential direction, and the radial direction so that the surfaces other than the main body drive transmission surface 101b do not abut on the engaging portion 65a. ) Is adopted (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

Further, in the axial direction of the main body drive shaft 101, the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c is arranged within the range of the main body drive transmission groove 101a (see FIG. 7). In other words, when the center 101h and the main body drive transmission groove 101a are projected onto the axis of the main body drive shaft 101, the center 101h is projected on the axis inside the projection area of the main body drive transmission groove 101a. The area is arranged.

Here, the axis of the main body drive shaft or the drum unit (rotation axis, rotation center line) means a virtual straight line extending so as to pass through the rotation center of the shaft. The axis direction (rotational axis direction) means the direction in which the axis extends. The axial direction of the drum unit 30 has the same meaning as the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the drum unit 30.

Further, "X and Y overlap (overlap) in the A direction" means that when X and Y are projected on a straight line extending parallel to the A direction, at least a part of the projection region of X on the straight line. Means that overlaps with at least a part of the projection area of Y.

When projecting something on a line, the projection direction is perpendicular to the line unless otherwise specified. For example, "projecting A on the axis" means "projecting A in the direction perpendicular to the axis with respect to the axis".

The rough guide portion 101g of the main body drive shaft 101 is provided between the shaft portion 101f and the gear portion 101e in the axial direction (see FIG. 6). The rough guide portion 101g has a tapered shape at the tip on the shaft portion 101f side, and the outer diameter D6 of the rough guide portion 101g is the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 71a of the coupling unit 28, which will be described later, as shown in FIG. It is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of 71b. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer diameter D6 of the rough guide portion 101g is larger than the outer diameter D5 of the shaft portion 101f. As a result, when the cartridge 7 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 100A, the main body drive shaft 101 is attached to the coupling unit 28 so as to reduce the misalignment between the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 71 and the rotation center of the shaft portion 101f. You can guide (guide) to follow. Therefore, the rough guide portion 101g can be paraphrased as an insertion guide.

After the cartridge 7 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100A, the rough guide portion 101g is set in a dimensional relationship so as not to come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 71b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bearing portion 101d of the main body drive shaft 101 is arranged on the opposite side of the rough guide portion 101g with the gear portion 101e interposed therebetween. The bearing portion 101d is rotatably supported (shaft-supported) by the bearing member 102 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 100A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the main body drive shaft 101 is urged toward the cartridge 7 side by the spring member 103 of the image forming apparatus main body 100A. However, the movable amount (play) of the main body drive shaft 101 in the Z direction is about 1 mm, which is sufficiently smaller than the width of the drive force receiving surface 65b described later in the Z direction.

As described above, the main body drive transmission groove 101a is provided in the main body drive shaft 101, the coupling unit 28 is provided with the engaging portion 65a, and the drive is transmitted from the device main body 100A to the cartridge 7 (drum unit 30).

Although details will be described later, the engaging portion 65a is urged by an urging member which is a compression spring that can be elastically expanded and contracted. Therefore, the engaging portion 65a can be moved at least radially outward of the drum unit 30 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100A. As a result, as the cartridge 7 is inserted into the main body 100A, the engaging portion 65a enters the drive transmission groove 101a, and the engaging portion 65a and the main body drive transmission groove 101a can be engaged with each other.

In the following description, the radial direction of the drum unit 30 may be simply referred to as the radial direction. The radial direction of the drum unit 30 is the radial direction of the photoconductor drum 1 and also the radial direction of the coupling unit 28.

[Coupling unit configuration]
Subsequently, the coupling unit 28 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drive side of the drum unit 30 in which the coupling unit 28 is attached to the photoconductor drum 1.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the drive side of the drum unit 30.

13 is a perspective view of the engaging member 65, FIG. 13A is a perspective view seen from the upper left, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view seen from the upper right.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the members constituting the coupling unit 28.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling unit 28.

As shown in FIG. 11, the coupling unit 28 is provided with three engaging portions 65a that engage with the main body drive shaft 101. As shown in FIG. 10, the engaging portion 65a enters the groove portion 101a of the main body drive shaft 101, the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion 65a and the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft 101 come into contact with each other, and the main body drive shaft 101 Is driven and transmitted to the coupling unit 28.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the coupling unit 28 is attached to the photoconductor drum 1. The engaging member 65 having the engaging portion 65a is supported in the coupling unit 28 in a state of being urged by the urging member 66 toward the inside in the radial direction of the coupling unit 28.

The configuration of the coupling unit 28 will be specifically described below. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 and the perspective view of FIG. 14, the coupling unit 28 is composed of a flange member 71, a flange cap member 72, an engaging member 65, and an urging member 66.

The flange member 71 is attached to the inner circumference of the photoconductor drum 1 and is fixed to the photoconductor drum 1. The flange member 71 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a hollow portion. The flange member 71 is open toward the outside in the axial direction of the drum unit.

The flange cap member 72 is attached to the inner surface of the hollow portion of the flange member 71. The flange cap member 72 closes the inside (bottom side) of the flange member 71 in the axial direction of the drum unit.

The flange cap member 72 is fixed to the photoconductor drum 1 via the flange member 71.

The engaging member 65 is movably held by the flange cap member 72 and is configured to be movable (slideable) with respect to the flange cap member 72. The urging member 66 is an elastic member (spring member) and is configured to urge the engaging member 65 at least toward the inside in the radial direction of the drum unit.

In this embodiment, the flange member 71, the flange cap member 72, the engaging member 65, and the urging member 66 are configured as separate bodies (separate members) from each other. Further, in the present embodiment, the engaging member 65 is configured to be movable along the radial direction of the coupling unit (substantially parallel to the radial direction). Further, the engaging member 65 and the urging member 66 are arranged along the radial direction. That is, both the engaging member 65 and the urging member 66 are arranged on the virtual line parallel to the radial direction of the coupling unit.

As shown in FIG. 11, three engaging members 65 are arranged at equal intervals (120 ° intervals, substantially equal intervals) in the circumferential direction of the coupling unit 28. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the engaging member 65 has an engaging portion 65a protruding inward in the radial direction and a driving force receiving surface 65b formed on the engaging portion 65a. Further, the engaging member 65 has a drive shaft contact surface (drive shaft contact portion) 65c formed in an arc shape so as to abut with the outer peripheral surface 101f of the main body drive shaft, which is formed adjacent to the drive force receiving surface 65b. Have. The driving force receiving surface 65b is a driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force from the main body driving shaft 101 by coming into contact with the driving groove 101a. Further, the engaging portion 65a is a protruding portion (projecting portion) protruding (projecting) from the surface of the engaging member 65.

The engaging member 65 is a driving force receiving member provided with a driving force receiving portion (driving force receiving surface 65b), and is also a support member for supporting the driving force receiving surface 65b.

Further, the engaging member 65 has a first guided surface 65d and a second guided surface 65e to be guided (guided) in a radial direction in the coupling unit. The first guided surface 65d is a position-regulating portion for restricting the position of the engaging member 65 in the circumferential direction, and is arranged on the side closer to the engaging portion 65a. The second guided surface 65e is also a positioned restricted portion for restricting the position of the engaging member 65 in the circumferential direction, and is arranged on the side far from the engaging portion 65a.

The first guided surface 65d and the second guided surface 65e are guided portions guided by the flange cap member 72 described later. Further, the first guided surface 65d and the second guided surface 65e are regulated portions whose positions in the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the drum unit are restricted by the flange cap member 72. The first guided surface 65d is an upstream guided portion (and an upstream regulated portion) located on the downstream side of the engaging member 65 in the rotational direction of the coupling unit. The second guided surface 65e is a downstream guided portion (and a downstream regulated portion) located on the upstream side of the engaging member 65 in the rotational direction.

The first guided surface 65d and the second guided surface 65e are substantially parallel to each other.

Further, it has a third guided surface 65f and a fourth guide surface 65g for restricting the position of the engaging member 65 in the axial direction. The third guided surface 65f and the fourth guided surface 65g are guided portions guided by the flange cap member 72 described later. Further, the third guided surface 65f and the second guided surface 65g are regulated portions whose positions in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the drum unit are restricted by the flange cap member 72. The third guided surface 65f is an outer guided portion (and an outer regulated portion) located outside the engaging member 65 in the axial direction of the drum unit. The fourth guide surface 65g is a downstream side guided portion (and a downstream side regulated portion) located on the downstream side of the engaging member 65 in the axial direction.

The third guided surface 65f and the fourth guided surface 65e are substantially parallel to each other.

Further, the engaging member 65 has a contact surface (imposed portion, urged surface) 65h (FIG. 10) for receiving the urging force by the urging member 66. Further, the engaging member 65 has a position regulating protrusion 65i for abutting with the flange cap member 72 by the urging force of the urging member 66 and regulating the position of the engaging member 65. In particular, the urging force position-regulating surface (locked portion) 65j formed on the position-regulating projection comes into contact with the flange cap member 72. The position restricting protrusions 65i are provided on both sides of the engaging member 65 with the contact surface 65h with the urging member 66 interposed therebetween.

Further, the engaging member 65 has an insertion tapered surface 65k on the outside (Z1 direction side) of the photoconductor drum unit 30 in the Z direction. The insertion tapered surface 65k is an inclined portion facing outward in the axial direction. The insertion tapered surface 65k is a mounting force receiving portion that receives a force for retracting the engaging member 65 in the radial direction when the cartridge is mounted. Further, the engaging member 65 has a pull-out tapered portion 65l as a force receiving portion at the time of removal inside the photoconductor drum unit 30 (on the Z2 direction side) in the Z direction. The removed tapered surface 65l is a removing force receiving portion that receives a force for retracting the engaging member 65 in the radial direction when the cartridge is removed.

The flange cap member 72 has a coupling hole portion 72a for passing the main body drive shaft 101 and a mounting hole portion 72b for supporting the engaging member 65 so as to be movable in the radial direction. In order to engage the engaging member with the main body drive shaft, the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member 65 is exposed from the coupling hole portion 72a. The mounting hole portion 72b has a first guide surface 72d that abuts on the first guided surface 65d, which is a surface that restricts the position of the engaging member 65 in the circumferential direction, and a second that abuts on the second guided surface 65e. It has a guide surface 72e. Further, the mounting hole portion 72b has a third guide surface 72f that abuts on the third guided surface 65f, which is a surface that restricts the position of the engaging member 65 in the axial direction, and a second surface that faces the third guided surface. It has a fourth guide surface 72 g that comes into contact with the four guide surface 65 g.

The first guide surface 72d, the second guide surface 72e, the third guide surface 72f, and the fourth guide surface 72g are guide portions for guiding the engaging member 65, respectively, and for restricting the position of the engaging member. It is also a regulation department (position regulation department).

The first guide surface 72d is an upstream guide (upstream regulating portion) that guides the upstream side of the engaging member 65 in the rotation direction of the drum unit and regulates the position. Similarly, the second guide surface 72e is a downstream guide (downstream regulation portion) on the downstream side of the engaging member 65.

The engaging member 65 and the urging member 66 are arranged in the space between the first guide surface 72d and the second guide surface 72e.

Further, the third guide surface 72f is an outer guide portion (outer restricting portion) that guides the outer side of the engaging member 65 in the axial direction of the drum unit and regulates the position. Similarly, the fourth guide surface 72g is an inner guide portion (inner regulating portion) that guides the inside of the engaging member 65 in the axial direction and regulates the position.

The flange cap member 72 is a guide member that guides the engaging member 65 by these guide portions (first guide surface 72d, second guide surface 72e, third guide surface 72f, fourth guide surface 72g). Further, the flange cap member 72 is a holding member that holds the engaging member 65 so as to be movable (guideable).

The first guide surface 72d and the second guide surface 72e are substantially parallel to each other. The third guide surface 72f and the fourth guide surface 72g are substantially parallel to each other.

Further, the engaging member 65 is a moving member movably held by the flange cap member 72, and is also a slide member slidable with respect to the flange cap member 72.

Further, in order to regulate the position of the engaging member 65 against the urging force of the urging member 66, the flange cap member 72 has a regulating surface (locking portion) 72j.

The restricting surface (locking portion) 72j abuts on the urging force position restricting surface (diameter stop portion) 65j to regulate the engaging member 65 from moving inward in the radial direction. That is, the regulating surface (locking portion) 72j locks the locking member 65 against the urging force of the urging member 66. In the state where the cartridge 7 is not mounted on the main body of the apparatus (natural state in which no external force is applied to the cartridge 7), the locking member 65 is urged / pressed toward the regulation surface 72j by the urging force of the urging member 66. It will be done.

Further, the flange cap member 72 has a fitting surface 72k that fits with the inner peripheral surface of the flange member 71, and a position regulating groove 72l for restricting the position of the flange member 71 in the rotational direction. Further, the flange cap member 72 has a conical surface 72m for contacting the hemispherical shape 101c of the main body drive shaft 101 and positioning the main body drive shaft 101 with respect to the flange cap member 72.

The positioning portion does not have to be a conical recess like the conical surface 72 m. The radial positioning portion and the longitudinal positioning portion may have any shape as long as the position of the photoconductor drum unit 30 can be determined with respect to the main body drive shaft 101 when the tip of the main body drive shaft 101 (half-rest shape 101c) is in contact with the main body drive shaft 101. For example, they are preferably recessed towards the bottom. As such, a non-conical pyramid shape such as a pyramid (square pyramid, etc.) can also be used. However, if the concave portion has a conical shape symmetrical with respect to the axis of the coupling unit 28 as in the conical shape 72 m of the present embodiment, the position of the coupling unit 28 can be kept particularly accurately.

Since the conical shape 72m may have a region for contact with the main body drive shaft 101, the non-contact region may have any shape. For example, a portion that does not come into contact with the main body drive shaft 101 is unnecessary. The bottom of the conical shape 72m is unnecessary, and the conical shape 72m may be a concave portion with the bottom removed.

The flange member 71 has a fitting portion 71d for the photoconductor drum and a flange portion 71e formed at the axial end portion of the fitting portion. Further, the flange member 71 has a cylindrical portion 71a further extending in the axial direction from the flange portion 71e. The cylindrical portion 71a is formed with an inner peripheral surface 71b for passing the main body drive shaft 101 and a bearing portion 71c supported by the bearing member. As shown in FIG. 14, the flange portion 71e has a shape protruding outward from the fitting portion 71d in the radial direction. When the coupling unit 28 is assembled to the photoconductor drum 1, the position of the photoconductor drum 1 and the coupling unit 28 in the Z direction is determined by abutting the end face of the photoconductor drum 1 against the end face of the flange portion 71e.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fitting portion 71d of the flange member 71 is press-fitted into the inner diameter of the cylinder of the photoconductor drum 1. The coupling unit 28 is formed by pushing the flange member 71 into the cylinder in the axial direction until the flange portion 71e of the flange member 71 abuts on the end face of the photoconductor drum, and press-fitting the fitting portion 71d into the photoconductor drum 1. Is accurately positioned with respect to the photoconductor drum 1. Specifically, the inner diameter of the cylinder of the photoconductor drum 1 and the outer diameter of the fitting portion 71d are sized so as to have a tight fitting relationship.

After the flange member 71 is attached to the photoconductor drum 1 in this way, the flange member 71 and the photoconductor drum 1 are fixed by using a fixing method by caulking. Specifically, a portion obtained by plastically deforming the cylinder end portion of the photoconductor drum 1 is inserted into a groove (not shown) formed in the fitting portion 71d of the flange member 71, and the photoconductor drum 1 and the flange member 71 are inserted. Tightly bond. Here, caulking refers to the operation of plastically working and joining a part of a plurality of parts.

The method of fixing by caulking is an example of a means for firmly fixing the flange member 71 to the photoconductor drum 1, and another fixing means such as fixing between the inner diameter of the cylinder and the fitting portion 71d by adhesive is used. You can also do it.

As described above, the cylindrical portion 71a of the flange member 71 has a bearing portion 71c on the tip end side (Z1 direction side) of the outer peripheral surface thereof (FIGS. 4 and 9 are shown). In other words, the coupling unit has a bearing portion 71c having a cylindrical outer shape on the Z1 direction side (outside in the axial direction) with respect to the engaging member. With such a shape, the engaging portion 65a is not exposed on the outer surface of the cartridge 7. Therefore, the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member 65 can be protected by the drum unit bearing member 39R and the bearing portion 71c. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the engaging portion 65a, or to prevent something from directly hitting the engaging portion 65a when the cartridge 7 is dropped. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the inner peripheral surface 71b of the cylindrical portion 71 has a tapered shape 71g at the tip on the front side (Z1 direction). The tapered shape 71g is an inclined portion (inclined surface) for guiding the main body drive shaft 101 inserted inside the cylindrical portion 71.

The urging member 66 is a compression coil spring that can be elastically expanded and contracted, and exerts a reaction force in the direction in which the compression spring expands with respect to an external force in the direction in which the compression spring contracts. In addition to the compression coil spring as in the present embodiment, the urging member 66 may be configured to exert an urging force inward in the radial direction on the engaging member 65, and therefore, for example, a leaf spring or a torsion coil spring. An urging member (elastic member, spring member) such as the above may be used.

It is also possible to integrate the urging member 66 with the engaging member 65 or the flange cap member 72. However, in this embodiment, the urging member 66 is configured separately from the engaging member 65 and the flange cap member 72. By doing so, the degree of freedom in selecting the urging member 66 is increased, and it becomes easier to select an appropriate urging member 66. For example, it becomes easy to select the urging member 66 having an appropriate urging force (elastic force) for urging the engaging member 65.

Regarding the coupling unit 28 configured as described above, the support configuration of the engaging member 65 will be described in detail. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the coupling unit.

The first guided surface 65d and the second guided surface 65e of the engaging member 65 abut and guide the first guide surface 72d and the second guide surface 72e of the flange cap member 72, respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the third guided surface 65f and the fourth guide surface 65g of the engaging member 65 abut and guide the third guide surface 72f and the fourth guide surface 72g of the flange cap member 72, respectively. .. The contact of these guide surfaces guides and supports the engaging member 65 with respect to the flange cap member 72 so as to be movable at least in the radial direction. That is, the vector along the direction in which the engaging member 65 moves has at least a radial component of the drum unit. In this embodiment, the engaging member 65 can move substantially in parallel in the radial direction.

The engaging member 65 is urged inward in the radial direction of the coupling unit 28 by the urging member 66. Since the urging member 66 is compressed while being sandwiched between the contact surface 65h of the engaging member 65 and the inner peripheral surface of the flange member 71, the urging member 66 is engaged by exerting an urging force in the extending direction. The coupling member 65 is urged.

The position of the engaging member 65 is restricted by the position-regulating surface 65j of the engaging member 65 and the restricting surface 72j of the flange cap member 72 in contact with the urging force.

The engaging member 65 is supported by the flange cap member 72 in a state where the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member 65 is exposed from the hole portion 72a of the flange cap member 72. Further, the drive shaft contact surface 65c formed in an arc shape on the engaging member 65 is also exposed from the hole portion 72a of the flange cap member 72. The engaging portion 65a of the engaging member 65 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 72a of the flange cap member 72.

The amount of protrusion of the engaging portion 65a with respect to the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member 65 is such that the engaging portion 65a surely enters the groove 101a of the drive shaft. Further, this protrusion amount is such that the driving force receiving surface 65b formed on the engaging portion 65a has a strength corresponding to the load torque of the photoconductor drum unit 30 which is a rotated member. That is, it is sufficient that the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion 65a can stably transmit the driving force from the main body driving shaft 101. In the case of this embodiment, when the distance from the inner surface of the flange cap member 72 to the tip of the engaging portion 65a is measured along the radial direction of the coupling unit, the engaging portion is measured so that the distance is 1 mm to 3 mm. The amount of protrusion of 65a was specified.

Similarly, the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member 65 also protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion (hollow portion) 72a of the flange cap member 72. The amount of protrusion (exposure amount) of the drive shaft contact surface 65c protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the hole 72a ensures that the drive shaft contact surface 65c is inside the hole 72a even when the dimensions of each part vary. It is desirable that it protrudes from the peripheral surface. In the case of this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft contact surface 65c from the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 72a is preferably 0.3 mm to 1 mm. That is, when the distance from the inner surface of the flange cap member 72 to the drive shaft contact surface 65c is measured along the radial direction of the coupling unit, the distance is 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

In this way, the engaging portion 65a and the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member 65 are exposed from the hole portion 72a, and can be engaged and contacted with the main body drive shaft 101. The configuration in which the engaging member 65 engages with the main body drive shaft 101 and is driven and transmitted will be described later.

[Mounting the cartridge on the image forming device body]
The attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 7 to / from the image forming apparatus main body will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view for explaining mounting of the cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus main body 100A.

17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are cross-sectional views for explaining the mounting operation of the cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus main body 100A.

The image forming apparatus main body 100A of this embodiment adopts a configuration in which a cartridge can be mounted in a substantially horizontal direction. Specifically, the image forming apparatus main body 100A has a space inside which a cartridge can be mounted. Further, the image forming apparatus main body 100A has a cartridge door 104 (front door) for inserting the cartridge into the above-mentioned space on the front side (direction in which the user stands during use).

As shown in FIG. 16, the cartridge door 104 of the image forming apparatus main body 100A is provided so as to be openable and closable. When the cartridge door 104 is opened, the cartridge lower guide rail 105 for guiding the cartridge 7 is arranged on the bottom surface of the space, and the cartridge upper guide rail 106 is arranged on the upper surface. The cartridge 7 is guided to the mounting position by the upper and lower guide rails (105, 106) provided above and below the space. The cartridge 7 is inserted into the mounting position substantially along the axis of the photoconductor drum unit 30.

Hereinafter, the operation of attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the image forming apparatus main body 100A will be described with reference to FIGS. 17, 18, and 19.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the cartridge 7, the drum unit bearing member 39R and the photoconductor drum 1 do not come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5 at the start of insertion. In other words, the photoconductor drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 5 do not come into contact with each other while the end portion of the cartridge 7 on the back side in the insertion direction is supported by the guide rail 105 under the cartridge.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the image forming apparatus main body 100A includes a rear cartridge lower guide 107 protruding upward in the gravity direction from the cartridge lower guide rail 105 on the rear side in the insertion direction of the cartridge lower guide rail 105. The rear cartridge lower guide 107 is provided with a tapered surface 107a on the front side in the insertion direction of the cartridge 7. Along with the insertion, the cartridge 7 rides on the tapered surface 107a and is guided to the mounting position.

The position and shape of the back cartridge lower guide 107 may be provided so that a part of the cartridge does not rub against the image forming region 5A of the intermediate transfer belt 5 when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body 100A. Here, the image forming region 5A refers to a region on which the toner image transferred to the recording material 12 of the intermediate transfer belt 5 is supported. Further, in the present embodiment, among the cartridges that maintain the mounting posture, the unit bearing member 39R provided on the back side in the insertion direction of the cartridge 7 protrudes most upward in the direction of gravity. Therefore, if the arrangement and shape of each element are appropriately selected so that the locus drawn by the innermost end of the drum unit bearing member 39R in the insertion direction at the time of insertion (hereinafter referred to as the insertion locus) and the image forming region 5A do not interfere with each other. good.

Then, the cartridge 7 is further inserted into the back side of the image forming apparatus main body 100A from the state where the cartridge 7 rides on the back side cartridge lower guide 107. Then, the drum unit bearing member 39R abuts on the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100A. At this time, the cartridge 7 (photoreceptor drum unit 30) is tilted by about 0.5 to 2 ° from the state in which the cartridge 7 (photoreceptor drum unit 30) is completely mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100A (FIG. 17 (d)). That is, in the insertion direction of the cartridge 7, the downstream side of the cartridge 7 (photoreceptor drum unit 30) is lifted from the upstream side.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state of the apparatus main body and the cartridge in a state where the cartridge door 104 is closed. The image forming apparatus 100A has a front cartridge lower guide 109 on the front side in the insertion direction of the cartridge lower guide rail 105. The front cartridge lower guide 109 is configured to move up and down in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cartridge door (front door) 104.

When the cartridge door 104 is closed by the user, the front cartridge lower guide 109 is raised. Then, the drum unit bearing member 39L and the front cartridge positioning portion 110 of the image forming apparatus main body 100A come into contact with each other, and the cartridge 7 is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100A.

By the above operation, the cartridge 7 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100A.

Further, the removal of the cartridge 7 from the image forming apparatus main body 100A is in the reverse order of the above-mentioned insertion operation.

Since the diagonal mounting configuration is adopted as described above, it is possible to suppress rubbing between the photoconductor drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 5 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of minute scratches (scratches) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 or the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 5.

Further, the configuration disclosed in this embodiment can simplify the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 100A as compared with the configuration in which the cartridge 7 is horizontally moved and mounted on the apparatus main body 100A and then the entire cartridge is lifted. ..

[The process of engaging the coupling unit with the drive shaft of the main body]
Subsequently, the engagement process between the coupling unit 28 and the main body drive shaft 101 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.

20, 21, and 22 are cross-sectional views for explaining the mounting operation of the coupling unit 28 on the main body drive shaft 101.

23 and 24 show the main body drive shaft 101 when the main body drive shaft 101 rotates from a state where the main body drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 65 (driving force receiving surface 65b) are out of phase and have a phase. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the mounting operation of the coupling unit 28 to 101.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the forces acting on the engaging member.

FIG. 26 is an axial sectional view showing an engaging surface of the drive transmission between the engaging member and the main body drive shaft.

21 and 23 are views for explaining a state in which the main body drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 65 (driving force receiving surface 65b) are out of phase with each other.

The cartridge 7 is mounted in the apparatus main body 100A as described above. Then, as the cartridge is mounted, the coupling unit abuts on the hemispherical shape 101c formed at the tip of the main body drive shaft 101 and the inclined surface formed at the end of the rough guide portion 101g of the main body drive shaft. .. As a result, the main body drive shaft 101 is guided to the inner surface 71b of the flange member 71 of the coupling unit.

FIG. 20 shows a state in which the main body drive shaft 101 guided in this way is in contact with the engaging member 65 of the coupling unit. The hemispherical shape 101c of the main body drive shaft abuts on the insertion tapered surface 65k formed on the engaging member 65.

From this state, a force is further applied in the direction in which the cartridge 7 is mounted in the back. Then, the force in the cartridge mounting direction exerts a force in the direction of retracting the engaging member 65 to the outside in the radial direction by the insertion tapered surface 65k. Therefore, the cartridge 7 can be further moved to the back of the main body of the apparatus with the tip of the main body drive shaft 101 in contact with the insertion tapered surface 65k.

21 and 23 show a state in which the cartridge 7 is moved to the back in this way and the cartridge 7 is completely mounted on the device main body 100A. In this state, the hemispherical shape 101c of the main body drive shaft abuts on the conical surface 72 m of the coupling unit, and the main body drive shaft 101 is positioned axially and radially with respect to the coupling unit 28.

As described above, the engaging member 65 is guided by the first, second, third, and fourth guide surfaces of the flange cap member 72 to guide the first, second, third, and fourth guided surfaces of the engaging member 65. , The tip of the engaging portion retracts in the radial direction until it comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft. At this time, as shown in FIG. 23, the restricting surface 65j for the urging force of the engaging member 65 is separated from the restricting surface 72j of the flange cap member. Further, the urging member 66 is in a state of being further compressed and contracted as compared with the state of FIG. 15 in which the main body drive shaft 101 is not inserted into the coupling unit 28.

After that, the main body drive shaft 101 rotates when the main body of the image forming apparatus is started or when the image forming operation is started. Then, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member enters the groove 101a of the main body drive shaft. As a result, the engaging member 65 moves inward in the radial direction until the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft. Note that FIG. 24 shows a state in which the position regulating surface 65j of the engaging member is in contact with the regulating surface 72j of the flange cap member.

However, in order to more reliably bring the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft, a predetermined position is always provided between the position regulation surface 65j and the regulation surface 72j. It is desirable to set the dimensions so that there is a gap. That is, even if the dimensions vary, the position restricting surface 65j and the restricting surface 72j are surely provided in a state where the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft. Make sure there is a gap between them.
Then, when the main body drive shaft 101 further rotates from the state of FIG. 24, as shown in FIG. 25, the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft and the drive force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion come into contact with each other. The drive can be transmitted to the photoconductor drum 1. As described above, the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member engages with the main body drive shaft 101.

In FIG. 22, the length L2 of the driving force receiving surface 65b is L1> with respect to the distance L1 from the front end surface of the cylindrical portion 71 to the front end surface of the engaging portion 65a in the Z direction of the engaging portion 65a. Arrange so that the relationship is L2.

As shown in FIG. 22, the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c has a conical shape 72m arranged so as to come within L2 of the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging member 65 in the Z direction. When the engaging portion 65a and the center 101h are projected onto the axis of the drum unit 30, the center of the center 101h is arranged inside the projection region L2 of the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion 65a. By establishing such an arrangement relationship, the following effects can be obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 19, the drum unit bearing member 39R and the drum unit bearing member 39L abut against the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 and the front cartridge positioning portion 110, respectively. As a result, the position of the cartridge 7 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100A is determined. Here, the relative positions of the main body drive shaft 101 and the coupling unit 28 are affected by the component tolerance. Specifically, the position shifts due to the influence of the component tolerance from the drum unit bearing member 39R to the coupling unit 28 and the component tolerance from the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 to the main body drive shaft 101.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 22, the main body drive shaft 101 has a hemispherical shape 101c that abuts against the inverted conical shape 533a, and has a bearing portion 101d and a hemispherical shape 101c that support both sides. That is, the main body drive shaft 101 is tilted about the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c when viewed from the coupling unit 28. The same position as the center 101h in the Z-axis direction is the position that is least affected by this tilt. The fact that the driving force receiving surface 65b is arranged at the same position as the center 101h in the Z-axis direction is a position where the influence of the positional deviation can be minimized. That is, the position is such that the photoconductor drum 1 can be stably driven.

In this embodiment, the engaging member 65 is provided with a protrusion for receiving the driving force, but the engaging member is provided with a groove for receiving the driving and moves radially toward the main body driving shaft 101. It is also possible to provide a movable protrusion that can be engaged with the groove. However, compared to the cartridge 7, the image forming apparatus main body 100A is required to have higher durability. It is preferable to provide a movable portion (engagement portion 65) that moves in the radial direction on the coupling unit 28 side of the cartridge 7 as in the present embodiment in order to improve the durability of the image forming apparatus main body 100A.

[Drive of coupling unit by main body drive shaft]
A configuration for transmitting a rotational driving force to the coupling unit 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

First, the support configuration of the engaging member 65 at the time of driving the coupling will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 25, when the main body drive shaft 101 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow R, the drive transmission surface 101b formed in the groove 101a of the main body drive shaft is driven by the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member. It abuts on the force receiving surface 65b and exerts a force F in the normal direction of the driving force receiving surface 65b. When the driving force F acts on the driving force receiving surface, the first guided surface 65d of the engaging member and the first guide surface 72d of the flange cap come into contact with each other by this force. Further, more preferably, the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft. As a result, the engaging member 65 is firmly supported between the flange cap member 72 and the main body drive shaft 101.

Next, the force generated in the engaging member 65 and the support configuration of the engaging member 65 using this force will be described.

The driving force receiving surface 65b is inclined with respect to the moving direction S of the engaging member 65, so that it faces at least the outer side in the radial direction. That is, the normal vector of the driving force receiving surface 65b (the vector extending perpendicular to the driving force receiving surface 65b toward the side facing the driving force receiving surface 65b) is an outward component in the radial direction of the coupling unit. Have.

In other words, the radial inside of the driving force receiving surface 65b (the tip side of the engaging portion 65a) is the drum unit rotation direction more than the radial outside of the driving force receiving surface 65b (the rear end side of the engaging portion 65a). It is on the upstream side of.

When the driving force F is applied perpendicularly to the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion, the direction in which the driving force F is generated so as to be inward in the radial direction with respect to the circumferential direction (circumferential direction) of the coupling unit. Is inclined to. That is, when a virtual circle passing through the driving force receiving surface 65b is drawn concentrically with the coupling unit, the driving force F is inclined inward in the radial direction with respect to the tangent line of the virtual circle.

Therefore, the driving force F is divided into a force F1 which is a tangential direction component (circumferential direction component and a rotational direction component) along the tangential line of the virtual circle and a force F2 as a radial component toward the inside in the radial direction. ..

The driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging member is urged inward in the radial direction by the force F2 acting on the driving force receiving surface 65b. Since it is possible to prevent the driving force receiving surface 65b from moving outward in the radial direction, it is also possible to prevent the driving force receiving surface 65b from eliminating the contact state with the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft. can.

Further, the moving direction S in which the engaging member is guided inward in the radial direction so that the engaging member can move to the flange cap member with respect to the direction of the force F acting in the normal direction of the driving force receiving surface is a direction inclined by an angle θ. be. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25B, a component FS acting in the moving direction S of the engaging member is generated in the force F acting on the driving force receiving surface. This force FS prevents the engaging member 65 from moving to the opposite side in the moving direction S, and the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging member engaging member comes off from the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft and falls off. Can be prevented from doing so. In other words, the direction of the driving force receiving surface 65b is inclined in the direction in which the driving force receiving surface 65b bites into the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member 65. I can say.

Further, more preferably, the drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member may be brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft.

As shown in FIG. 25, the drive shaft contact surface 65c is provided on the side opposite to the direction of the drive force F with respect to the drive force receiving surface 65b. Thereby, the rotational moment M generated in the engaging member 65 by the force F acting on the driving force receiving surface is supported by the driving shaft contact surface 65c, so that the engaging member 65 can be supported more firmly. The drive shaft contact surface 65c of the engaging member protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 72a of the hole portion of the flange cap member. As a result, even if the dimensions of each part and the assembly accuracy vary, the drive shaft contact surface 65c can be reliably brought into contact with the drive shaft 101f outer peripheral surface. That is, it is desirable that at least a part of the drive shaft contact surface 65c is arranged on the upstream side of the drive force receiving surface 65b in the rotation direction of the drum unit.

As described above, the engaging member 65 is firmly supported between the flange cap member 72 and the main body drive shaft 101. This prevents the engaging member 65 from coming off from the main body driving shaft 101 and can stably transmit the driving force from the main body driving shaft 101 to the engaging member 65. Then, it is possible to improve the drive stability of the photoconductor drum 1 and improve the image quality.

Next, the inclination of the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion in the axial direction will be described. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the engaging portion 65a of the engaging member cut out from a surface extending in the normal direction of the driving force receiving surface 65b. That is, it is a cross-sectional view cut in the direction of the arrow of the force F in FIG. Here, the main body drive transmission surface 101b formed in the drive transmission groove 101a of the main body drive shaft 101 and the drive force receiving surface 65b formed in the engagement portion 65a of the engaging member come into contact with each other, and the main body drive shaft 101 The driving force is transmitted to the engaging member 65.

As described above, the main body drive transmission surface 101b has a shape twisted about the axis of the coupling unit 28, and in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 26, the main body drive transmission surface 101b is relative to the rotation axis of the main body drive shaft 101. Is tilted. Since the driving force receiving surface 65b of the engaging portion also has the same twist shape because it comes into contact with the main body driving transmission surface 101b, the driving force receiving surface 65b is inclined with respect to the rotation shaft of the main body driving shaft 101. More specifically, the driving force receiving surface 65b is arranged on the outer side in the axial direction of the drum unit on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum unit than on the inner side.

Therefore, the force F in the normal direction acting from the main body drive transmission surface 101b to the drive force receiving surface 65b has a force F3 as a component in the rotation axis direction. That is, a force F3 that urges the engaging member 65 and the coupling unit 28 outward in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor drum is generated. As a result, it is possible to prevent a force from being applied to the main body drive shaft 101 in the direction in which the coupling unit 28 is displaced in the axial direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, a force is generated that urges the hemispherical shape 101c formed at the tip of the main body drive shaft to abut against the conical shape 72m formed on the flange cap member. As a result, the hemispherical shape 101c of the main body drive shaft can be reliably abutted against the conical shape 72m of the flange cap member, and the main body drive shaft 101 can be more accurately positioned with respect to the coupling unit 28. ..

The driving force received by the driving force receiving surface 65b is transmitted from the engaging member 65 to the flange cap member 72. That is, the driving force is transmitted from the first guided surface 65d of the engaging member 65 to the first guide surface 72d of the flange cap member 72. The first guide surface 72d is a transmitted portion to which the driving force is transmitted, and the flange cap member 72 is a transmitted member. Further, the first guide surface 72d is also a backup unit that prevents the engaging portion 65a from moving to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum unit when a driving force is applied to the engaging member 65. Further, the first guided surface 65d is a transmission unit for transmitting a driving force to the flange cap member 72.

Further, the first guide surface 72d is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving surface 65b. Therefore, the driving force F applied perpendicularly to the driving force receiving surface 65d has a component that goes inward in the radial direction along the first guide surface 72d.

By the component of the driving force F, the engaging portion 65a is guided inward in the radial direction of the coupling unit 28 along the first guide surface 72d. That is, the first guide surface 72d urges the engaging portion 65a and the driving force receiving surface 65b toward the inside in the radial direction (that is, the back side of the driving transmission groove 101a) when the driving force F is transmitted. Facing in the right direction.

In FIG. 25, when the tangent line of the first guide surface 72d and the tangent line of the drive receiving surface 65d are extended, these two tangent lines intersect with each other on the outer side in the radial direction from the first guide surface 72d and the drive receiving surface 65d. It is composed.

Further, in the rotation direction R of the drum unit, the radial inner side of the first guide surface 72d is arranged on the downstream side of the radial outer side (see FIG. 25).

The driving force transmitted from the engaging member 65 to the flange cap member 72 is transmitted to the photoconductor drum 1 via the flange member 71. As a result, the photoconductor drum 1 rotates together with the coupling unit 28.

That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the flange cap member 72 has a position restricting groove 72l (engagement portion, concave portion) for engaging with the convex portion provided on the flange member 71. It also has a fitting surface 72k that fits into the inner circumference of the flange member 71. The driving force is transmitted to the flange member 71 via the fitting surface 72k and the position regulating groove 72l. Since the flange member 71 is attached to the photoconductor drum 1, the driving force is finally transmitted from the flange member 71 to the photoconductor drum 1.

The flange member 71 is provided with a convex portion, and the flange cap member 72 is provided with a concave portion (position regulating groove 72l) for engaging with the convex portion, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the driving force may be transmitted from the flange cap member 72 to the flange member 71 by providing the flange member 71 with a concave portion and providing the flange cap member 72 with a convex portion that engages with the concave portion.

As described above, by making the surface twisted to the driving force receiving surface 65b, the drum unit 30 is urged to the outside in the axial direction when the driving force F is applied to the driving force receiving surface 65b. bottom. That is, when the driving force is applied to the driving force receiving surface 65b from the main body driving shaft 101, the drum unit 30 and the main body driving shaft 101 are configured to attract each other. The driving force receiving surface 65b does not necessarily have to have a twisted shape as long as it has the same function as the twisted surface. The driving force receiving surface 65b may be a surface inclined in a direction in which the urging force Fc2 is generated with respect to the above-mentioned driving force F, and the surface shape may be, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the flange member 71 is subjected to a radial outer force which is a reaction force to the radial inner urging force received by the engaging member 65 from the urging member 66. A contact surface (contact portion of the urging member) 71f with the urging member to be received is provided. The contact surface 71f is a pressing force receiving portion (urging force receiving portion) that is pressed and urged from the urging member. It is also a urging member support portion for supporting the urging member.

As shown in FIG. 12, the contact surface 71f of the flange member 71 is arranged at a position where at least a part of the contact surface 71f overlaps a part of the photoconductor drum 1 in the longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor drum 1. Will be done. That is, when the contact surface 71f and the photoconductor drum 1 are projected perpendicularly to the axis of the photoconductor drum, at least a part of the projection regions of the contact surface 71f and the photoconductor drum 1 overlap each other. In other words, at least a part of the contact surface 71f is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the entire contact surface 71f is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1. This is due to the following reasons.

The contact surface 71f of the flange member 71 is arranged in a thin portion of the flange member due to space limitations in the radial direction. The contact surface 71f of the flange member 71 receives the urging force generated on the contact surface 71f from the urging member 66 to the outside in the radial direction by the photoconductor drum 1 generally made of an aluminum alloy, which has higher strength than the flange member. Deformation of the surroundings can be suppressed. By suppressing the deformation of the flange member 71, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the bearing portion 71c formed on the flange member 71 for rotatably supporting the photoconductor drum 1, and to improve the accuracy of the photoconductor drum 1. It made it possible to support it rotatably well.

In order to arrange at least a part of the contact surface 71f inside the photoconductor drum 1, at least a part of the urging member 66 is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1.

Strictly speaking, at least a part of the abutting portion (urging portion) of the urging member 66 that abuts on the abutting surface 71f is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the entire urging member 66 is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1.

Further, at least a part of the engaging member 65, the engaging portion 65a, and the driving force receiving surface 65b is also arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1. That is, especially in this embodiment, the entire engaging member 65 is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1.

By arranging the movable engaging member 65 and the elastically deformable urging member 66 inside the photoconductor drum 1, it becomes difficult for the user to touch them. It is also suitable for protecting the engaging member 65 and the urging member 66.

Further, by arranging at least a part of the engaging member 65 inside the photoconductor drum, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, if the engaging member 65 is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the shaft portion 101f on which the drive transmission groove 101a is formed is also inside the photoconductor drum 1. It will enter (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Since the drive transmission shaft 101 is supported at two locations, the bearing portion 101d and the shaft portion 101f, the longer the distance between the bearing portion 101d and the shaft portion 101f, the more the inclination of the drive transmission shaft 101 with respect to the drum unit is suppressed. Suitable for. By allowing the shaft portion 101f to enter the inside of the photoconductor drum 1, it is easy to secure the distance between the bearing portion 101d and the shaft portion 101f while keeping the apparatus main body compact.

[Removal of the coupling unit from the main body drive shaft]
The operation of removing the coupling unit 28 from the main body drive shaft 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 20, 21, and 22.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the rotational drive of the main body drive shaft 101 is stopped, the drive force receiving surface 65b and the main body drive transmission surface 101b are in contact with each other. In this state, the engaging portion 65a has entered the main body drive transmission groove 101a.

When the cartridge 7 is started to be removed from the image forming apparatus main body 100A, as shown in FIG. 22, the removal tapered surface 65l of the engaging portion 65a abuts against the main body side removal taper 101i. When the extraction taper surface 65l abuts on the main body side extraction taper 101i, the urging member 66 begins to shrink, and the engaging member 65 is moved radially outward along the main body side extraction taper 101i.

Further, when the coupling unit 28 is removed from the main body drive shaft 101, the state is the same as in FIG. 21, the urging member 66 contracts, and the engaging portion 65a moves to the outer diameter of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft 101. do. By moving the engaging portion 65a to the outer diameter of the shaft portion 101f, the coupling unit 28 can be removed from the main body drive shaft 101.

Further, when the coupling unit 28 is removed from the main body drive shaft 101, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 15, the positions of the engaging member 65 are the regulating portion 65j of the engaging member and the regulating portion 72j of the flange cap member. It returns to the state where the position is regulated in the urging direction, which is in contact with the.

By the above operation, the coupling unit 28 can be removed from the main body drive shaft 101.
As described above, the driving force receiving surface 65b has a twisted shape about the rotation axis of the flange member 71. The twisting direction is such that the outside (Z1 direction side) of the photoconductor drum unit 30 of the driving force receiving surface 65b is arranged on the inside (Z2 direction side) and the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum 1.

When the coupling unit 28 is to be removed from the main body drive shaft 101 in this state, the drive force receiving surface 65b is arranged in a direction that hinders the removal operation. That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the outside (Z1 direction side) of the driving force receiving surface 65b is arranged on the upstream side in the rotation direction with respect to the inside (Z2 direction side). When attempting to remove from the drive shaft 101, the removal load becomes larger than the insertion load.

On the other hand, the main body drive shaft 101 may be rotated in the reverse direction until the rotation drive of the main body drive shaft 101 is stopped and the cartridge 7 is started to be removed from the image forming apparatus main body 100A. As a result, the cartridge 7 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 100A after the state in which the driving force receiving surface 65b is in contact with the driving transmission surface 101b is released, so that the removal load can be reduced.

As a method of reverse rotation, the main body drive shaft 101 may be reversely rotated by a link mechanism or the like in conjunction with the opening operation of the cartridge door 104, or the main body drive shaft 101 drive source motor may be reversely rotated. good.

In the examples described above, the actions and effects related to the present invention will be summarized.

In this embodiment, since the engaging member 65 that can move in the radial direction is provided in the coupling unit 28, the cartridge 7 can be satisfactorily attached / detached and the cup can be attached / detached without using a mechanism for retracting the main body drive shaft 101 in the axial direction. Drive transmission by the ring unit 28 is possible.

The engaging portion 65a formed on the engaging member 65 projects inward in the radial direction from the hole portion 72a of the coupling unit 28. This makes it possible to protect the engaging portion 65a in the cartridge 7 that is detachably configured from the device main body 100A.

Further, the driving force receiving surface 65b formed in the engaging portion extends inward in the radial direction. Therefore, after the engaging portion enters the groove portion 101a of the main body drive shaft, the driving force receiving surface 65b and the drive transmission surface 101b formed in the groove portion 101a come into contact with each other to enable good drive transmission.

Further, when the coupling unit 28 is driven, the direction of the driving force F received by the driving force receiving surface 65b in the normal direction is the tangential direction of the virtual circle centered on the rotation axis of the photoconductor drum 1. The drum 1 is tilted inward in the radial direction. Further, the direction of the driving force F is inclined with respect to the direction in which the engaging member 65 is movably guided, so that the angle formed by the engaging member 65 is an acute angle. This prevents the force from being applied to the engaging member 65 outward in the radial direction, prevents the driving force receiving surface 65b from falling off from the drive transmission surface 101b, and stabilizes the driving force from the main body drive shaft 101. It became possible to transmit to the engaging member 65. Then, it is possible to improve the drive stability of the photoconductor drum 1 and improve the image quality.

Further, the engaging member 65 is provided with a drive shaft contact surface 65c that abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main body drive shaft. As a result, by supporting the rotational moment M generated in the engaging member 65 by the drive shaft contact surface 65c, the engaging member 65 can be supported more firmly and the driving stability can be improved.

Further, the direction of the driving force F received by the driving force receiving surface 65b in the normal direction is inclined toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor drum 1 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis of the photoconductor drum 1. bottom. As a result, it is possible to prevent a force from being applied to the main body drive shaft 101 in the direction in which the coupling unit 28 is displaced in the axial direction.

Further, the engaging portion 65a has an insertion tapered surface 65k at one end on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor drum 1 and a removal tapered surface 65l at the other end on the opposite side to the one end having the insertion tapered surface 65k. I tried to form it. As a result, when the cartridge is attached / detached, the insertion tapered surface 65k or the removal tapered surface 65l is brought into contact with the groove portion 101a of the main body drive shaft, so that the cartridge 7 can be smoothly attached / detached without being caught.

Further, the contact surface 71f with the urging member provided on the flange member 71 is configured so that at least a part thereof is arranged at a position where it overlaps with the photoconductor drum 1 in the longitudinal direction. The engaging member 65 receives an urging force on the inner side in the radial direction from the urging member 66, while the contact portion 71f receives a force on the outer side in the radial direction, which is a reaction force of the urging force. By arranging such an abutting surface 71f inside the photoconductor drum 1, deformation of the bearing portion 71c formed on the flange member 71 can be suppressed, and the photoconductor drum 1 can be supported accurately and rotatably. It will be possible.

<Example 2>
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 47. By giving the same name to the elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiment, the description of the same points as those of the above-mentioned elements may be omitted. These will be explained focusing on the points different from the above-mentioned elements.

The coupling unit disclosed in the above-described embodiment is a member to which a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum 1 is transmitted. However, it is also possible to use the above-mentioned coupling unit to rotate a member other than the photoconductor drum 1.

As an example of such a configuration, the present embodiment discloses a developing roller and a coupling unit 4028 in which a driving force for rotating a toner supply roller is transmitted.

The photoconductor drum 1, the developing roller 4017, and the toner supply roller 4020 are all rotating bodies configured to rotate with a developer (toner) supported on their surfaces.

[Outline of electrophotographic image forming apparatus]
First, the overall configuration of an embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 4100A of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 27, the image forming apparatus 4100A is a first for forming an image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) as a plurality of image forming portions, respectively. It has second, third, and fourth image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK. In this embodiment, the first to fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK are arranged side by side in a substantially horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of each drum cartridge 4013 (4013Y, 4013M, 4013C, 4013K) are substantially the same except that the colors of the formed images are different. Similarly, the configuration and operation of each developing cartridge 4004 (4004Y, 4004M, 4004C, 4004K) is substantially the same except that the colors of the images formed are different. Therefore, hereinafter, when no particular distinction is required, the drum cartridge 4013 and the developing cartridge 4004 will be comprehensively described by omitting Y, M, C, and K.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 4100A has, as a plurality of image carriers, a cylinder (hereinafter referred to as a photoconductor drum) 1 having four photosensitive layers arranged side by side in a direction slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction. .. The scanner unit (exposure device) 3 is arranged below the drum cartridge 4013 and the developing cartridge 4004 in the direction of gravity. Further, around the photoconductor drum 1, a charging roller 2 or the like as a process means (process apparatus, process member) acting on the photosensitive layer is arranged.

The charging roller 2 is a charging means (charging device, charging member) that uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. The scanner unit (exposure device) 3 is an exposure means (exposure device, exposure member) that irradiates a laser based on image information to form an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) on the photoconductor drum 1. A cleaning blade 6 and a developing cartridge 4004 as cleaning means (cleaning device, cleaning member) are arranged around the photoconductor drum 1.

Further, an intermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer body for transferring the toner image on the photoconductor drum 1 to the recording material (sheet, recording medium) 12 is arranged facing the four photoconductor drums 1. There is.

The developing cartridge 4004 of this embodiment uses a non-magnetic one-component developer (hereinafter, toner) as a developing agent, and a contact developing method in which a developing roller 4017 as a developing agent carrier is brought into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 is used. It is adopted.

In the above configuration, the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is transferred onto the sheet (paper) 12, and the transferred toner image is fixed on the sheet. Further, as a process means acting on the photoconductor drum 1, the drum cartridge 4013 includes a charging roller 2 that charges the photoconductor drum 1, a cleaning blade 6 that cleans the toner remaining without being transferred onto the photoconductor drum 1. To be equipped with. The transfer residual toner that remains on the photoconductor drum 1 without being transferred onto the sheet 12 is recovered by the cleaning blade 6. Further, the transfer residual toner recovered by the cleaning blade 6 is stored in the removal developer accommodating portion (hereinafter referred to as waste toner accommodating portion) 4014a through the opening 4014b. The waste toner accommodating portion 4014a and the cleaning blade 6 are integrated to form a drum cartridge (photoreceptor unit, drum unit, image carrier unit) 4013.

Further, the image forming apparatus 4100A is provided with a guide (positioning means) such as a mounting guide and a positioning member (not shown) on the main body frame. The developing cartridge 4004 and the drum cartridge 4013 are guided by the above-mentioned guides and are configured to be removable from the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

The developing cartridge 4004 for each color contains toners of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively.

The intermediate transfer belt 5 abuts on the photoconductor drum 1 included in each drum cartridge 4013 and rotates (moves) in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is hung on a plurality of support members (drive roller 51, secondary transfer opposed roller 52, driven roller 53). On the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5, four primary transfer rollers 8 as primary transfer means are arranged side by side so as to face each photoconductor drum 1. Further, a secondary transfer roller 9 as a secondary transfer means is arranged at a position facing the secondary transfer facing roller 52 on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5.

At the time of image formation, first, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2. Next, the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 1 is scanned and exposed by a laser beam corresponding to the image information emitted from the scanner unit 3. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photoconductor drum 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is developed as a toner image by the developing cartridge 4004. The toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by the action of the primary transfer roller 8.

For example, when forming a full-color image, the above process is sequentially performed on four drum cartridges 4013 (4013Y, 4013M, 4013C, 4013K) and a developing cartridge 4004 (4004Y, 4004M, 4004C, 4004K). Then, the toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drum 1 of each drum cartridge 4013 are sequentially primary-transferred so as to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. After that, the recording material 12 is transferred to the secondary transfer unit in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5. Then, the four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively transferred onto the recording material 12 conveyed to the secondary transfer unit formed by the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 9.

The recording material 12 to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 10 as a fixing means. By applying heat and pressure to the recording material 12 in the fixing device 10, the toner image is fixed to the recording material 12. Further, the primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 1 after the primary transfer step is removed by the cleaning blade 6 and recovered as waste toner. Further, the secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer step is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 11.

It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 4100A can also form a monochromatic or multicolor image by using a desired single or some (but not all) image forming portions.

[Outline of process cartridge]
Next, with respect to the outline of the drum cartridge 4013 (4013Y, 4013M, 4013C, 4013K) and the developing cartridge 4004 (4004Y, 4004M, 4004C, 4004K) mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 4100A of this embodiment, FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

The drum cartridge 4013Y, the drum cartridge 4013M, the drum cartridge 4013C, and the drum cartridge 4013K have the same configuration. Further, the development cartridge 4004Y containing the yellow toner, the development cartridge 4004M containing the magenta toner, the development cartridge 4004C containing the cyan color toner, and the development cartridge 4004K containing the black toner have the same configuration. .. Therefore, in the following description, the drum cartridges 4013Y, 4013M, 4013C, and 4013K are collectively referred to as the drum cartridge 4013, and the developing cartridges 4004Y, 4004M, 4004C, and 4004K are collectively referred to as the developing cartridge 4004. The cartridge components will also be generically described in the same manner.

FIG. 28 is an external perspective view of the drum cartridge 4013. Here, as shown in FIG. 28, the rotation axis direction of the photoconductor drum 1 is the Z direction (arrow Z1, arrow Z2), the horizontal direction in FIG. 27 is the X direction (arrow X1, arrow X2), and the vertical direction in FIG. 27. Is in the Y direction (arrow Y1, arrow Y2).

Drum unit bearing members 4039R and 4039L are attached to both sides of the cleaning frame body 4014, respectively, and support the photoconductor drum unit 4030, respectively. As a result, the photoconductor drum unit 4030 is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame body 4014.

Further, a charging roller 2 and a cleaning blade 6 are attached to the cleaning frame body 4014, and these are arranged so as to be in contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. Further, a charging roller bearing 15 is attached to the cleaning frame body 4014. The charging roller bearing 15 is a bearing for supporting the shaft of the charging roller 2.

Here, the charged roller bearings 15 (15R, 15L) are movably attached in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 29. The rotating shaft 2a of the charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the charging roller bearing 15 (15R, 15L). Then, the charging roller bearing 15 is urged toward the photoconductor drum 1 by the pressure spring 16 as an urging means. As a result, the charging roller 2 comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 and rotates in a driven manner.

The cleaning frame body 4014 is provided with a cleaning blade 6 as a cleaning means for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. The cleaning blade 6 is a combination of a blade-shaped rubber (elastic member) 6a that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 to remove toner on the photoconductor drum 1 and a support sheet metal 6b that supports the blade-shaped rubber (elastic member) 6a. In this embodiment, the support sheet metal 6b is fixed and attached to the cleaning frame body 4014 with screws.

As described above, the cleaning frame body 4014 has an opening 4014b for collecting the transfer residual toner collected by the cleaning blade 6. The opening 4014b is provided with a blowout prevention sheet 26 that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 and seals between the photoconductor drum 1 and the opening 4014b to prevent toner leakage in the upper direction of the opening 4014b.

FIG. 30 is an external perspective view of the developing cartridge 4004.

The developing cartridge 4004 has a developing frame body 4018 that supports various elements. The developing cartridge 4004 is provided with a developing roller 4017 as a developing agent carrier that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 1 and rotates in the arrow D direction (counterclockwise direction) shown in FIG. The developing roller 4017 is rotatably supported by the developing frame body 4018 via the developing bearings 4019 (4019R, 4019L) at both ends in the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction). Here, the developing bearings 4019 (4019R, 4019L) are attached to both side portions of the developing frame body 4018, respectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the developing cartridge 4004 has a developing agent storage chamber (hereinafter referred to as a toner storage chamber) 4018a and a developing chamber 4018b in which a developing roller 4017 is arranged.

In the developing chamber 4018b, a toner supply roller 4020 as a developing agent supplying member that contacts the developing roller 4017 and rotates in the direction of arrow E, and a developing blade 21 as a developing agent regulating member for regulating the toner layer of the developing roller 4017. Is placed. The developing blade 21 is fixed and integrated with the fixing member 22 by welding or the like.

Further, the toner storage chamber 4018a of the developing frame body 4018 is provided with a stirring member 23 for stirring the stored toner and transporting the toner to the toner supply roller 4020.

[Main unit drive shaft configuration]
The configuration of the main body drive shaft 4101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 32 is an outline view of the main body drive shaft 4101.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis (rotation axis) of the main body drive shaft 4101 in a state of being attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 32, the main body drive shaft 4101 is composed of a gear member 4101e, an intermediate body 4101p, an output member 4101q, and a drive transmission member 4101r.

The image forming apparatus main body 4100A is provided with a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The gear member 4101e obtains a rotational drive from this motor, and the drive is transmitted in the order of the intermediate 4101p, the output member 4101q, and the drive transmission member 4101r, and the main body drive shaft 4101 rotates. Further, the gear member 4101e, the intermediate body 4101p, and the output member 4101q have an oldham joint mechanism and can move a certain distance in the X direction and the Y direction. Therefore, the drive transmission member 4101r provided on the cartridge side of the main body drive shaft 4101 via the Oldham joint can also move a certain distance in the X direction and the Y direction. The drive transmission member 4101r includes a rotatable shaft portion 4101f, and the rotational drive force received from the motor is passed through a groove-shaped drive transmission groove 4101a (recessed portion, drive transfer portion) provided in the shaft portion 4101f. It is transmitted to the development cartridge 4004 side. Further, the shaft portion 4101f has a conical shape 4101c at its tip.

The main body drive transmission groove 4101a has a shape that allows the engaging portion 4065a, which will be described later, to enter. Specifically, the main body driving transmission surface 4101b is provided as a surface for transmitting the driving force in contact with the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 4065b of the coupling unit 4028.

Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the main body drive transmission surface 4101b is not a flat surface but has a shape twisted around the center of the rotation axis of the main body drive shaft 4101. The twisting direction is such that the Z1 direction side of the main body drive shaft 4101 is arranged on the rotation direction upstream side of the main body drive shaft 4101 with respect to the Z2 direction side. In this embodiment, the twist amount of the engaging portion 4065a along the rotation axis direction of the cylinder was set to about 1 ° per 1 mm. The reason why the main body drive transmission surface 4101b has a twisted shape will be described later.

Further, a main body side extraction taper 4101i is provided on the surface of the main body drive transmission groove 4101a on the Z2 direction side. The main body side extraction taper 4101i is a taper (inclined surface, inclined portion) for helping the engaging portion 4065b to come out of the drive transmission groove 4101a when the developing cartridge 4004 is removed from the apparatus main body 4100A.

As shown in FIG. 33, the bearing portion 4101d provided on the gear member 4101e is rotatably supported (shafted) by the bearing member 4102 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 4100A. Next, the output member 4101q is rotatably supported by the coupling holder 4101s. Further, the drive transmission member 4101r is supported by the output member 4101q so as to be movable in the Z direction, and is urged toward the developing cartridge 4004 side (Z2 direction) by the spring member 4103. However, the movable amount (play) of the drive transmission member 4101q in the Z direction is about 1 mm, which is sufficiently smaller than the width of the drive force receiving surface 4065a described later in the Z direction.

Further, the coupling holder 4101s is urged in the substantially Y2 direction by the urging spring 4101t. Therefore, as will be described later, when the developing cartridge 4004 is mounted, the drive transmission member 4101r is in a position shifted substantially in the Y2 direction with respect to the axis of the gear member 4101e.

As described above, the drive transmission member 4101r is provided with the main body drive transmission groove 4101a, and the coupling unit 4028 is provided with the engagement portion (projection portion, protrusion portion) 4065a so that the drive is transmitted from the apparatus main body 4100A to the developing cartridge 4004. There is. The developing roller and the supply roller rotate at k when the driving force is transmitted to the coupling unit 4028.

Although details will be described later, the engaging portion 4065a is formed on an engaging member (slide member, moving member, driving force receiving member) 4065 that can move while being urged by the urging member. Therefore, the engaging portion 4065a is configured to be movable at least outward in the radial direction when the developing cartridge 4004 is mounted on the apparatus main body 4100A. As a result, as the developing cartridge 4004 is inserted into the main body 4100A, the engaging portion 4065a enters the drive transmission groove 4101a, and the engaging portion 4065a and the body drive transmission groove 4101a can be engaged with each other.

[Coupling unit configuration]
Subsequently, the coupling unit 4028 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view in which the coupling unit 4028 is attached to the toner supply roller 4020.

35 is a perspective view of the engaging member 4065, FIG. 35 (a) is a perspective view seen from the upper left, and FIG. 35 (b) is a perspective view seen from the upper right.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the members constituting the coupling unit 4028.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the coupling unit 4028 and the toner supply roller 4020.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit 4028 in a state of being engaged with the drive transmission member 4101r.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 4004.

The coupling unit 4028 of the present embodiment has a similar configuration to the coupling unit 28 of the first embodiment, except that the member to be driven is the toner supply roller 4020.

As shown in FIG. 34, the coupling unit 4028 is provided with three engaging portions 4065a that engage with the drive transmission member 4101r. The engaging portion 4065a is fitted into the groove portion 4101a of the drive transmission member 4101r as shown in FIG. 38, and drive transmission is performed.
The configuration of the coupling unit (coupling member) 4028 will be specifically described below. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 36 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 38, the coupling unit 4028 is composed of a coupling cover member 4071, a coupling holder member 4072, an engaging member 4065, and an urging member 4066.

The coupling cover member 4071 is a cylindrical member having a hollow portion, and the coupling holder 4072 is arranged in the internal space of the coupling cover member 4071.

The coupling holder 4072 is a holding member that holds the engaging member 4065 so as to be slidable.

As shown in FIG. 38, the engaging member 4065 having the engaging portion 4065a is supported in the coupling unit 4028 in a state of being urged by the urging member 4066 inward in the radial direction of the coupling unit 4028. To.

As shown in FIG. 35, the engaging member 4065 has a first guided surface 4065d and a second guided surface 4065e so as to be guided so as to be movable in the radial direction in the coupling unit. Further, it has a third guided surface 4065f and a fourth guide surface 4065g for restricting the position of the engaging member 4065 in the axial direction.

Similar to the first embodiment, the first to fourth guided surfaces (4065d, 4065e, 4065f, 4065g) are guided portions guided by the coupling holder 4072, and their positions are restricted by the coupling holder 4072. It is also a position-controlled part (controlled part). It is also the same as the first embodiment that the coupling holder 4072 has the first to fourth guide surfaces corresponding to the first to fourth guided surfaces.

The engaging member 4065 has a contact surface (forced portion, pressed portion) 4065h for receiving the urging force by the urging member 4066. Further, the engaging member 4065 comes into contact with the coupling holder member 4072 by the urging force of the urging member 66, and is formed on the position regulating protrusion 4065i and the position regulating protrusion for regulating the position of the engaging member 4065. It has a power position regulation surface 4065j. Similar to the first embodiment, the urging force position regulating surface 4065j is a locked portion whose movement toward the inside in the radial direction is restricted and locked by the coupling holder member 4072.

Further, the engaging member 4065 has an insertion tapered surface 4065k.

The coupling holder member 4072 has a coupling hole portion 4072a for passing the drive transmission member 4101r and a mounting hole portion 4072b for supporting the engaging member 4065 so as to be movable in the radial direction.

As shown in FIG. 36, the coupling cover member 4071 has a cylindrical shape and is attached to the outer peripheral surface 4072k of the coupling holder member 4072.
The urging member 4066 is an elastic member (compression coil spring) that can be elastically expanded and contracted, and exerts a reaction force in the direction in which the compression spring expands against an external force in the direction in which the compression spring contracts.

The engaging member 4065 is urged by the urging member 4066 toward at least the inside (diametrically inside) of the coupling unit 4028. Since the urging member 4066 is compressed while being sandwiched between the contact surface 4065h of the engaging member 4065 and the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cover member 4071, the urging member 4066 exerts an urging force in the extending direction. , The engaging member 65 is urged.

The engaging member 4065 is supported by the coupling holder member 4072 in a state where the engaging portion 4065a of the engaging member 4065 is exposed from the hole portion 4072a of the coupling holder member 4072. Further, the drive shaft contact surface 4065c formed in an arc shape on the engaging member 4065 is also exposed from the hole portion 4072a of the coupling holder member 4072.

The engaging portion 4065a of the engaging member 4065 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 4072a of the coupling holder member 4072. The amount of protrusion is such that the engaging portion 4065a surely enters the groove 4101a of the drive shaft. Further, this protrusion amount is such that the driving force receiving surface 4065b formed on the engaging portion 4065a has a strength corresponding to the load torque of the toner supply roller 4020 which is a rotated member. By setting such a protrusion amount, it is sufficient that the engaging portion 4065a can stably transmit the driving force from the main body driving shaft 4101.

In the case of this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the engaging portion 4065a is preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. That is, when the distance from the inner surface of the coupling holder member 4072 to the tip of the engaging portion 4065a is measured along the radial direction of the coupling member, the distance is 1 mm to 3 mm.

Similarly, the drive shaft contact surface 4065c of the engaging member 4065 also protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 4072a of the flange cap member 4072. In the case of this embodiment, the amount of protrusion is preferably from 0.3 mm so that the drive shaft contact surface 4065c surely protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 4072a even when the dimensions of each part vary. It is 1 mm.

Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the coupling holder member 4072 is formed with a hole portion 4072h for passing the shaft portion (shaft) 4020a of the toner supply roller 4020. The toner supply roller 4020 and the coupling unit 4028 rotate integrally due to the detent shape formed in the hole portion 4072h and the shaft portion 4020a. That is, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the coupling unit 4028 is fixed to the shaft (shaft portion 4020a) of the rotating body (toner supply roller). The coupling unit 4028 is arranged coaxially with the toner supply roller 4020.

The distance from the axis (center) of the coupling unit 4028 to the driving force receiving portion (driving force receiving surface 4065b) is longer than the radius of the shaft portion 4020a. By doing so, the force applied to the driving force receiving surface 4065b can be made smaller with respect to the load torque required to rotate the shaft portion 4020a of the toner supply roller 4020.

As shown in FIG. 39, the toner supply roller 4020 has a gear 4098 on the side opposite to the drive side (non-drive side) to which the coupling unit 4028 is attached. This gear meshes with the gear 4099 attached to the shaft of the developing roller 4017.

When the toner supply roller 4020 is rotated by the driving force transmitted from the coupling unit 4028, the developing roller 4017 is also rotated by the above two gears.

[Mounting the cartridge on the image forming device body]
With reference to FIGS. 40, 41, 42, and 43, attachment / detachment of the developing cartridge 4004 to / from the image forming apparatus main body will be described.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view for explaining mounting of the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

41, 42, and 43 are cross-sectional views for explaining the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

The image forming apparatus main body 4100A of this embodiment adopts a configuration in which a developing cartridge 4004 and a drum cartridge 4013 can be mounted in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the image forming apparatus main body 4100A includes a space in which the developing cartridge 4004 and the drum cartridge 4013 can be mounted. Further, a cartridge door 4104 (front door) for inserting the developing cartridge 4004 and the drum cartridge 4013 into the above-mentioned space is provided on the front side (direction in which the user stands during use) of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

As shown in FIG. 40, the cartridge door 4104 of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A is provided so as to be openable and closable. When the cartridge door 4104 is opened, the cartridge lower guide rail 4105 that guides the developing cartridge 4004 is arranged on the bottom surface of the space, and the cartridge upper guide rail 4106 is arranged on the upper surface. The developing cartridge 4004 is guided to the mounting position by the upper and lower guide rails (4105, 4106) provided above and below the space. The developing cartridge 4004 is inserted into the mounting position substantially along the axis of the developing roller 4020.

Hereinafter, the operation of attaching / detaching the developing cartridge 4004 to / from the image forming apparatus main body 4100A will be described with reference to FIGS. 41, 42, and 43.

As shown in FIG. 41, in the developing cartridge 4004, the lower end of the development cartridge 4004 is supported and guided by the lower guide rail 4105 on the back side in the insertion direction, and the upper end of the back side in the insertion direction is supported and guided by the guide rail 4016 (not shown) on the upper end of the cartridge. It is inserted in a guided state. At this time, the developing frame body 4018 and the developing bearing 4019 have a dimensional relationship so that the intermediate transfer belt 5 does not come into contact with each other.

Next, as shown in FIG. 42, the developing cartridge 4004 is inserted in the horizontal direction while being supported by the guide rail 4105 under the cartridge, and is inserted until it hits the rear cartridge positioning portion 4108 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 4100A. Will be done.

Further, when the developing cartridge 4004 is mounted, the drive transmission member 4101r of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A engages with the coupling unit 4028 in a state of being urged in the substantially Y2 direction as described above.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a state of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A and the developing cartridge 4004 in a state where the cartridge door 4104 is closed. The cartridge lower guide rail 4105 of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A is configured to move up and down in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cartridge door (front door) 4104.

When the cartridge door 4104 is closed by the user, the guide rail 4105 under the cartridge is raised. Then, both ends of the developing cartridge 4004 come into contact with the cartridge positioning portions (4108/4110) of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A, and the developing cartridge 4004 is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 4100A. Further, the drive transmission member 4101r of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A also follows the developing cartridge 4004 and rises.

By the above operation, the development cartridge 4004 is completely attached to the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

Further, the removal of the developing cartridge 4004 from the image forming apparatus main body 4100A is in the reverse order of the above-mentioned insertion operation.

[The process of engaging the coupling unit with the drive shaft of the main body]
Subsequently, the engagement process between the coupling unit 4028 and the main body drive shaft 4101 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 44, 45, 46, and 47.

44, 45, 46, and 47 are cross-sectional views for explaining the mounting operation of the coupling unit 4028 on the main body drive shaft 4101.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a state in which the coupling unit 4028 has started engaging with the drive transmission member 4101r. Further, FIG. 47 shows a state in which the developing cartridge 4004 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 4100A. In particular, FIG. 47 shows a state in which the guide rail 4105 under the cartridge is raised as the cartridge door 4104 is closed, and the developing cartridge 4004 is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

Here, FIGS. 45 and 46 are views for explaining the mounting process of the coupling unit 4028 and the drive transmission member 4101r between FIGS. 44 and 47. The drive transmission member 4101r is urged in the substantially Y2 direction by the urging spring 4101t, and the axis of the drive transmission member 4101r is urged to a position shifted in the substantially Y2 direction from the axis of the coupling unit 4028.

As described with reference to FIG. 40, the developing cartridge 4004 is inserted in the horizontal direction while being supported by the guide rail 4105 under the cartridge of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a state before the drive transmission member 4101r engages with the coupling unit 4028. As described above, in this state, the axis of the drive transmission member 4101r and the axis of the coupling unit 4028 are deviated from each other. Therefore, first, the tapered surface 4072p formed at the inlet of the hole portion 4072a of the coupling holder member 4072 of the coupling unit 4028 comes into contact with the conical shape 4101c of the drive transmission member 4101r.

As shown in FIG. 45, the coupling unit 4028 is further inserted from FIG. 44 toward the inner side of the drive transmission member 4101r. Then, the conical shape 4101c of the drive transmission member 4101r is guided to the insertion tapered surface 4065k of the engagement member 4065, and the axis of the coupling unit 4028 and the axis of the drive transmission member 4101r become substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 46, the coupling unit 4028 is further inserted from FIG. 45 toward the inner side of the drive transmission member 4101r. Then, the coupling unit 4028 is inserted into the drive transmission member 4101r until the extraction taper surface 4065l of the engagement member 4065 comes to the back side in the Z direction from the main body side extraction taper 4101i of the drive transmission member 4101r.

Further, the coupling unit 4028 is inserted into the drive transmission member 4101r. Then, the conical concave portion 4072m, which is a positioning portion formed in the coupling holder member 4072 of the coupling unit 4028, comes into contact with the conical shape 4101c of the drive transmission member 4101r.

After that, as described above, the developing cartridge 4004 is lifted by the guide rail 4105 under the cartridge, so that the developing cartridge 4004 is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 4100A (FIG. 43). At this time, as shown in FIG. 47, the drive transmission member 4101r also rises as the developing cartridge 4004 rises.

As described above, as the developing cartridge 4004 is mounted on the main body 4100A, the main body drive transmission groove 4101a and the engaging portion 4065a are in a state where they can be engaged with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the main body drive shaft 4101 to engage with the coupling unit 4028. That is, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the main body drive shaft 4101 so as to engage with the coupling unit 4028 in the device main body 4100A of the image forming apparatus.

That is, after mounting the developing cartridge 4004 on the image forming apparatus main body 4100A, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the main body driving shaft 4101 so as to engage with the coupling unit 4028.

When the developing cartridge 4004 is mounted on the main body 4100A, the engaging member 4065 of the coupling unit 4028 comes into contact with the main body drive shaft 4101 and retracts outward in the radial direction. The engaging member 4065 is configured to engage with the groove of the main body drive shaft 4101 (main body drive transmission groove 4101a) by moving inward in the radial direction.

Here, it is also possible to provide a groove for receiving the drive on the coupling unit side and provide a movable protrusion portion on the main body drive shaft 4101 side that can be engaged with the groove by moving in the radial direction. However, the image forming apparatus main body 4100A is required to have higher durability than the developing cartridge 4004. It is preferable to provide a movable portion (engagement member 4065) that moves in the radial direction on the coupling unit 4028 side of the developing cartridge 4004 as in the present embodiment in order to improve the durability of the image forming apparatus main body 4100A.

The engaging member 4065 provided in the coupling unit 4028 of this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that provided in the coupling unit 28 described in the first embodiment. That is, the coupling unit 4028 of this embodiment has a partially modified configuration of the coupling unit 28 described in the first embodiment so as to be applied to the developing cartridge (developing apparatus) 4004. Therefore, the coupling unit 4028 in the present embodiment also has the same operation and effect as the coupling unit 28 described in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

The configuration of the coupling unit shown in this embodiment may be used as a coupling unit for rotating the photoconductor drum 1.

<Example 3>
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 48 to 50. In this embodiment, the shape of the engaging portion of the engaging member is different from that in the above-described embodiment. The shape of the engaging portion will be mainly described.

In this embodiment, the coupling unit provided in the drum cartridge will be described as an example as in the first embodiment, but it can also be used for the coupling unit provided in the developing cartridge.

[Engaging part of engaging member]
48 (a) and 48 (b) are perspective views of the engaging member 5065 in this embodiment, and FIG. 48 (c) is a front view. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a state in which a driving force is generated from the main body drive shaft 101 to the coupling unit 5028, and is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the coupling unit 5028. More specifically, FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis of the coupling unit 5028 (the axis of the drum unit).

As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, as in the case of the first embodiment, the engaging member 5065 is provided with an engaging portion 5065a protruding inward in the radial direction of the photoconductor drum 1. The tip end side of the engaging portion 5065a is rounded and bulges (protrudes) toward the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum unit.

More specifically, the engaging portion 5065a has a convex portion (bulging portion) 5065 m having a semicircular shape protruding in the circumferential direction toward the side where the drive shaft contact surface 5065c is formed, and a convex portion 5065 m. A recess 5065n is formed at the base of the engaging portion 5065a with respect to the engaging portion 5065a. That is, the convex portion 5065m is a portion that protrudes (bulges) toward the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum unit with respect to the concave portion 5065n. Conversely, the concave portion 5065n is a portion recessed toward the downstream side in the rotational direction with respect to the convex portion 5065 m.

FIG. 49 shows a state in which a driving force F is generated from the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft 101 on the engaging portion 5065a having such a shape. Since a recess 5065n is formed at the base of the engaging portion 5065a protruding from the engaging member 5065, the entrance side corner portion 101j on the drive transmission surface 101b side is formed in the recess 5065n in the groove 101a of the main body drive shaft 101. It is possible to get in. As a result, the engaging portion 5065a receives the driving force F acting in the normal direction of the driving transmission surface 101b and can be driven and transmitted.

That is, the driving force receiving portion 5065r for receiving the driving force from the driving transmission surface 101b faces at least the radial outer side of the coupling unit. Therefore, the driving force F received by the driving force receiving portion 5065r from the driving transmission surface 101b works inward in the radial direction of the coupling unit. The engaging portion 5065a and the driving force receiving portion 5065r are urged at least toward the inside in the radial direction (that is, the inner side of the drive transmission groove 101a).

As a result, the engaging portion 5065a and the driving force receiving portion 5065r can be stably engaged with the drive transmission groove 101a.

The shape of the engaging portion 5065a will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 49, when a tangent line T parallel to the moving direction S of the engaging member 5065 is drawn with respect to the convex portion 5065 m, the tangent line T and the convex portion 5065 m have a vertex 5065 p as a contact point. The apex 5065p is arranged so as to project from the root 5065q of the engaging portion 5065a at a position separated by a distance L3 along the moving direction S of the engaging member 5065.

A recess 5065n recessed with respect to the tangent line T is formed between the apex 5065p and the root 5065q. When the corner portion 101j of the drive shaft enters the recess 5065n, the engaging portion 5065a receives the driving force F at the contact portion (driving force receiving portion 5065r) with the drive transmission surface 101b arranged in the recess 5065n. It is possible.

The surface (curved surface between the apex 5065p and the root 5065q) provided with the driving force receiving portion 5065r is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member 5065, and faces at least outward in the radial direction of the coupling unit. ing. That is, the normal vector of the driving force receiving portion 5065r (the vector extending perpendicular to the driving force receiving portion 5065r in the direction facing the driving force receiving portion 5065r) has an outward component in the radial direction. As shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, the driving force F is a force acting perpendicularly to the driving transmission surface 101b and the driving force receiving portion 5065r. Therefore, the driving force F has a component toward the inside in the radial direction.

Further, the driving force F is a force acting in a direction inclined by an angle θ with respect to the moving direction S of the engaging member 5065. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49 (b), the driving force F has a force FS as a component of the moving direction S of the engaging member. This force FS prevents the engaging member 5065 from moving to the opposite side in the moving direction S, and prevents the driving force receiving portion 5065r of the engaging member from coming off from the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft and falling off. Can be prevented.

In FIG. 49, a circular shape is given as an example of the shape of the convex portion (bulging portion) 5065 m, but the shape of the convex portion is not limited to this, and the engaging portion 5065a has a force FS with respect to the driving force F. It suffices if it is formed so as to occur. That is, it has a vertex 5065p as a contact point at a position protruding from the root 5065q of the engaging portion with respect to the tangent line T, and a recess 5065n recessed with respect to the tangent line T is formed between the apex 5065p and the root 5065q. Just do it.

The cross-sectional shape of the convex portion (bulging portion) 5065 m may be any bulge for engaging with the drive transmission groove 101a. For example, a substantially circular polygon (such as a pentagon) can also be used as a bulge. Further, the cross-sectional shape may be elliptical or the like. Such an example will be described with reference to FIG. 55 of the fourth embodiment.

As described above, in this embodiment, the contact portion (driving force receiving portion) 5065r for contacting the drive transmission surface 101b is arranged between the apex 5065p of the convex portion (bulging portion) 5065m and the root 5065q. desirable.

In order for the drive transmission surface 101b to reliably contact the contact portion 5065r arranged in this way, at least the engaging member 5065 can move at least the distance from the center to the surface in the cross section of the convex portion 5065 m. Is desirable. That is, it is desirable that the engaging member 5065 is movable above the radius of the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 5065 m. More preferably, it is desirable that the convex portion having a width of 5065 m or more (that is, a diameter or more) can be moved with a margin.

If the amount of movement of the engaging member 5065 is small, the convex portion 5065m comes into contact with the drive transmission groove 101a on the tip end side of the convex portion 5065m rather than the apex 5065p. In this case, when the convex portion 5065m receives a driving force, a force in a direction away from the driving transmission groove 101a may be applied to the engaging member 5065. Therefore, in order to ensure the engagement state between the engaging member 5065 and the drive transmission groove 101a, the urging force of the urging member for urging the engaging member 5065 may be increased, or the convex portion 5065m and the drive transmission groove 101a may be increased. It is desirable to increase the frictional force generated between them. By taking these measures, it becomes difficult for the engaging member 6065 to retract from the drive transmission groove 101a.

Next, modifications of Example 3 are shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. As shown in FIG. 50, the entire engaging portion 6065a may be a bulging portion formed in a substantially circular shape. Since it is formed in such a simple shape, the dimensional accuracy of the engaging portion 6065a can be easily controlled.

The engaging portion 6065a also has a vertex 6065p as a contact point with the tangent line T parallel to the moving direction S of the engaging member 6065. Further, the apex 6065p is arranged so as to project from the root 6065q of the engaging portion at a position separated by a distance L4 along the moving direction S. Then, a recess 6065n recessed with respect to the tangent line T is provided between the apex 6065p and the root 6065q of the engaging portion. A contact portion (driving force receiving portion 6065r) for contacting the drive transmission surface 101b is also arranged between the apex 6065p and the base 6065q of the engaging portion. The contact portion (driving force receiving portion) 6065r faces the driving force F in a direction that causes a force FS as a component generated in the direction opposite to the moving direction S of the engaging member. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engaging member 6065 from coming off from the drive transmission surface 101b of the main body drive shaft to the outside.

The surface (curved surface between the apex 6065p and the root 6065q of the engaging portion) provided with the abutting portion (driving force receiving portion) 6065r is inclined with respect to the moving direction S of the engaging member 6065. In detail, the tangent line of the driving force receiving portion 6065r is inclined with respect to the moving direction S.

The driving force receiving portion 6065r faces outward at least in the radial direction of the coupling unit. That is, the normal vector of the driving force receiving portion 6065r toward the side facing the driving force receiving portion 6065r has at least a component outward in the radial direction of the coupling unit.

The shape of the cross section of the engaging portion (bulging portion) convex 6065a does not have to be rounded, but may be a bulge for engaging with the drive transmission groove 101a. For example, a substantially circular polygon (such as a pentagon) is also suitable as a bulge. Further, the cross-sectional shape may be elliptical or the like.

Further, in order for the contact portion (driving force receiving portion) 6065r arranged between the apex 6065p and the root 6065q to reliably contact the drive transmission surface 101b, it is preferable that the movement amount of the engaging member 6065 satisfies the following. That is, it is desirable that the engaging member 6065 can be moved beyond the distance from the center to the surface in the cross section of the engaging portion 6065a. That is, it is desirable that the engaging member 6065 (engaging portion 6065a) is movable beyond the radius of the cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion 6065a.

More preferably, it is desirable that the engaging portion 6065a is movable so as to be equal to or larger than the width (that is, the diameter) of the cross-sectional shape of the engaging member engaging portion 6065a.

<Example 4>
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 52 to 57. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the configurations corresponding to the engaging member and the urging member are integrated with the resin will be described. In this embodiment, the coupling unit provided in the drum cartridge will be described as an example as in the first and third embodiments, but it can also be used for the coupling unit provided in the developing cartridge. ..

52 (a) and 52 (b) are sectional views of a drum unit. FIG. 52A shows a state in which the engaging portion 565a is engaged with the drive transmission groove 101a to receive a driving force. FIG. 52B shows a state before the engaging portion 565a and the drive transmission groove 101a are engaged.

Similar to the first and third embodiments, the flange member 571 is attached to the inside of the photoconductor drum 1. This flange member 571 is a coupling unit (coupling member) in this embodiment.

The flange member 571 is integrally formed with the flange member 571 with a support portion 565 for movably supporting the driving force receiving portion 565r. Three support portions 565 are provided on the flange member 571. Each of these support portions 565 has a extending portion 565t, a bulging portion (engaging portion 565a) provided at the tip of the extending portion, and a connecting portion 565s for connecting the extending portion 565t and the engaging portion 565a. And have.

The extending portion 565t is connected to the inner circumference of the flange member 571. That is, the fixed end 565t of the extending portion 565t is provided on the inner circumference of the flange member 571. The extending portion 565t is a portion extending from the fixed end 565t toward the inside of the hollow portion of the flange member 571. The details will be described later, but the extending portion 565t is an elastic portion capable of elastic deformation.

Further, the free end side of the extending portion 565t (that is, the side provided with the connecting portion 565s) is located downstream of the fixed end 565t1 of the extending portion 575t in the rotation direction R of the drum unit (coupling unit). That is, the extending portion 565t is a portion extending from the fixed end 565t1 toward the free end at least on the downstream side in the rotation direction R. Further, the free end of the extending portion 575t (that is, the connecting portion 565s and the engaging portion 565a) is located inside the fixed end 565t1 of the extending portion 575t in the radial direction.

Further, the engaging portion 565a is a bulging portion provided at the tip of the extending portion 565t, and is a portion for entering the inside of the drive transmission groove 101a of the main body drive shaft 101. The engaging portion 565a is connected by a connecting portion 575s provided at the tip of the extending portion 575t. The connecting portion 575s is a portion formed by bending the tip end side of the extending portion 565t. Further, the engaging portion 565a and the connecting portion 565s are protruding portions (projecting portions) protruding in a direction intersecting from the extending direction of the extending portion 565t.

The engaging portion 565a is provided with a driving force receiving portion 565r. As shown in FIG. 52 (a), the driving force receiving portion 565r contacts the driving transmission groove 101a and receives the driving force. When the driving force receiving portion 565r receives the driving force, this driving force is transmitted to the flange member 571 via the fixed end 565t1 of the support portion 565. Since the flange member 571 is fixed to the photoconductor drum 1, the flange member 571 and the photoconductor drum 1 rotate integrally.

The extending portion 575t and the engaging portion 565a are integrally configured with the flange member 570. The extending portion 575t and the engaging portion 565a are a part of the support portion 565 that movably supports the driving force receiving portion 565r.

As described above, the extending portion 565t can be elastically deformed. That is, as shown in FIG. 52B, the engaging portion 565a comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the main body drive shaft 101 in the process of inserting the cartridge 7 into the main body of the apparatus. Then, the extending portion 565a is elastically deformed, so that the engaging portion 565a moves at least outward in the radial direction of the coupling unit.

Here, the extending portion 565t is deformed so as to be tilted with its own fixed end 565t as a fulcrum. As a result, the engaging portion 565a moves in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the extending portion 565t.

When the main body drive shaft 101 is rotationally driven after the cartridge 7 is inserted into the main body of the apparatus, the engaging portion 565a enters the inside of the drive transmission groove 101a when the phases of the engaging portion 565a and the drive transmission groove 101a match. do.

That is, by eliminating at least a part of the elastic deformation of the extending portion 565t, the engaging portion 565a is urged inside the drive transmission groove 101a. The extending portion 565t can also be regarded as an urging portion that urges the engaging portion 565a at least inward in the radial direction.

That is, the engaging portion 565a is urged toward the inside of the drive transmission groove 101a by the elastic force (urging force) of the extending portion 565t. The extending portion 565t plays a role corresponding to the urging member 72 in the first embodiment. That is, the support portion 565 is a portion that has both the role of the urging member 72 and the role of the engaging member 65 of the first embodiment.

At least a part of the support portion 565 and at least a part of the driving force receiving portion 565r provided on the support portion 565 are arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1 (see FIG. 52). This is the same as the urging member 72 and the engaging member 65 in the first embodiment.

Inside the photoconductor drum 1, the flange member 571 is held by the photoconductor drum 1, so that the flange member 571 is not easily deformed. In particular, if at least a part of the fixed end 565t of the support portion 565 is arranged inside the photoconductor drum 1, even if the driving force is transmitted to the flange member 571 via the fixed end 565t, the flange member 571 is deformed. It is suitable for suppressing.

Although the extending portion is made of resin, the elastic force and strength of the extending portion are increased by inserting an elastic metal (for example, a leaf spring) inside the resin constituting the extending portion. May be good.

When the engaging portion 565a enters the inside of the drive transmission groove 101a, the driving force receiving portion 565r provided in the engaging portion 565a receives a force from the inside of the drive transmission groove 101a. In order to ensure the engagement state between the drive transmission shaft 101a and the engaging portion 565a when the drive transmission shaft 101a is driven, the engaging portion 565a is the drive transmission shaft for more than half of the engaging portion 565a. It is desirable to enter the inside of.

Therefore, it is desirable that the engaging portion 565a can move beyond the radius (distance from the center of the engaging portion to the surface) of the cross section of the engaging portion 565a. More preferably, the engaging portion 565a can move at least the diameter of the cross section of the engaging portion 565a (more than the width of the cross section of the engaging portion 565a and at least twice the distance from the center of the engaging portion to the surface). ..

In addition, in FIG. 53, the state where the driving force receiving part 565r received the driving force F is shown. Further, a straight line LN1 was drawn in the normal direction of the driving force receiving portion 565r. The straight line LN1 extends toward the side where the driving force receiving portion 565r faces, and is also a straight line along a vector indicating the driving force F.

The fixed end 565t1 of the extending portion 565t is arranged further upstream of the straight line LN1 in the rotation direction R. That is, the support portion 565 is arranged so as to straddle the straight line L1.

In such a case, when the driving force receiving portion 565r receives the driving force F, a moment M1 is generated in the extending portion 565t in the same direction as the rotation direction of the drum unit (counterclockwise direction in the figure) with the fixed end 565t as a fulcrum. .. This moment M1 works to bring the support portion 565 closer to the main body drive shaft 101. That is, the moment M1 acts to urge the engaging portion 565a toward the back of the drive transmission groove 101a. As a result, the engaged state between the engaging portion 565a and the drive transmission groove 101a can be stabilized. In this embodiment, since the support portion 565 can be formed by a mold as a part of the flange member 571, the flange member 571 having the support portion 565 can be easily manufactured.

Hereinafter, a modified example of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 54 to 58. 54 to 58 are cross-sectional views of the coupling unit (flange member).

First, in the modification shown in FIG. 54, the extending portion (665t, 665s) is bent, and the extending portion has a first extending portion 665s and a second extending portion 665t extending in different directions from each other. The boundary between the first extending portion 665ts and the second extending portion 665t is a bent portion. The first extending portion 665s in this modification corresponds to the connecting portion 565s shown in FIG. 52. That is, the extension of the connecting portion 565s (FIG. 52) is the first extending portion 665s (FIG. 54), and the first extending portion 665s is also the connecting portion connecting the second extending portion 665t and the engaging portion 665a. be. On the contrary, the connecting portion 565s shown in FIG. 52 can be regarded as the first extending portion, and the extending portion 565t can be regarded as the second extending portion.

The engaging portion 665a shown in FIG. 54 is a bulging portion provided at the tip of the extending portion (first extending portion 665s). The first extending portion 665s and the engaging portion 665a can also be regarded as a protruding portion (projecting portion) protruding in a direction intersecting with the second extending portion 665t.

The first extending portion 665s of this modification is longer than the connecting portion 565s shown in FIG. 52. Therefore, the flange member 671 of this modified example becomes thinner (thickness becomes smaller) by that amount.

Next, another modification is shown in FIG. 55. FIG. 55 shows a modified shape of the bulging portion (engaging portion). This indicates that the bulging portion may be a polygon or the like as described in the third embodiment. In FIG. 55, the cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion 765a is substantially hexagonal. Such a cross-sectional shape can also be regarded as a substantially circular shape. In the modified examples shown below (see FIGS. 56 and 57), the cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion (bulging portion) may be polygonal.

Another modification is shown in FIG. In the configuration shown in FIG. 56, the extending portion 865t is directly connected to the bulging portion (engaging portion 865a) to the extending portion 865t without bending. However, the center of the engaging portion 865a is offset from the extension line of the extending portion 865t, and the engaging portion 865a is a protruding portion protruding in a direction intersecting with the extending portion 865t. In this modification, the position of the fixed end 856t1 of the extending portion 865t is changed from the configuration shown in FIG. 52. That is, the fixed end 865t1 is located on the downstream side of the rotation direction R with respect to the straight line L1 extending in the normal direction of the driving force receiving portion 865r.

In such a configuration, when the support portion 865 receives a driving force, a clockwise moment in the figure may be applied to the support portion 865 with the fixed end 865t1 as a fulcrum. This moment acts to keep the engaging portion 865a away from the drive transmission groove 101a.

In this case, it is desirable to increase the elastic force of the extending portion 865t (that is, to make the extending portion 865t less likely to be deformed) so that the engagement between the engaging portion 865a and the drive transmission groove 101a is not disengaged. .. Alternatively, it is desirable that a large frictional force is generated between the engaging portion 865a and the drive transmission groove 101a.

FIG. 57 describes yet another modification. In the configuration of FIG. 56 described above, the engaging portion is arranged at a position deviated from the extension line of the extending portion. On the other hand, in the present modification shown in FIG. 57, the center of the engaging portion 965a is arranged on the extension line of the extending portion 965t.

The engaging portion 965a is a protruding portion provided at the tip of the extending portion 965t, or protrudes (swells) toward the entire peripheral direction of the extending portion 965t.

In this modification shown in FIG. 57, the fixed end 965t1 of the support portion 965 is further arranged on the downstream side in the rotation direction R as compared with the above-described configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, when the driving force receiving portion of the engaging portion 965a receives the driving force, a moment may be applied to the support portion 965 in a direction that tends to separate the engaging portion 965a from the drive transmission groove 101a.

Therefore, in order to ensure the engaged state between the engaging portion 965a and the drive transmission groove 101a, the elastic force of the extending portion 965t is further increased, or the friction coefficient on the surface of the engaging portion 965a is increased as described above. It is preferable to take the measures of.

However, if the elastic force of the extending portion 965t is increased and the extending portion 965t is less likely to bend, the force required for mounting the cartridge 7 on the main body of the apparatus increases. That is, in order to mount the cartridge 7, it is necessary to bend the extending portion 965t, which increases the load. Therefore, it is preferable to set a necessary and sufficient elastic force as the extending portion 965t in consideration of the mountability of the cartridge 7.

According to the present invention, a removable drum unit is provided for the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

A typical configuration is
A drum unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
Photoreceptor drum and
A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (i) an engaging portion having a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the axis of the photoconductor drum, and (ii) arranged along the axis. A coupling member comprising a hollow portion,
Have,
The engaging portion includes a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum, and the distance between the first position and the second position is equal to or larger than the radius of the cross section. Distance, movable,
The engaging portion is closer to the axis when in the first position than when in the second position.
The engaging portion is a drum unit that is located inside the hollow portion when it is at least in the first position.
Another typical configuration is
A cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
A rotating body that supports a developer on its surface and can rotate,
A coupling member comprising: (i) an engaging portion having a substantially circular cross section in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the rotating body, and (ii) a hollow portion arranged along the axis. With the coupling member
Have,
The engaging portion includes a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and can move between the first position and the second position by a distance equal to or larger than the radius of the cross section. There,
The engaging portion is closer to the axis when in the first position than when in the second position.
The engaging portion is a cartridge that is located inside the hollow portion when at least in the first position.

Claims (277)

A drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) a driving force configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the recess. An engaging member having a receiving portion, (2-2) a holding member configured to hold the engaging member slidably at least in the radial direction of the drum unit, and (2-3) the engaging member. An urging member configured to urge, and
Drum unit with. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the urging member urges the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding member has a locking portion for restricting the radial movement of the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 3, wherein the engaging member is urged to the locking portion by the urging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the engaging member has a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged toward the concave portion of the driving shaft by receiving the driving force. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least the outer side in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging member has a drive shaft contact portion for contacting the peripheral surface of the drive shaft. The drum unit according to claim 9, wherein at least a part of the drive shaft contact portion is arranged on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum unit with respect to the drive force receiving portion. The drum unit according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the drive shaft contact portion bends along the circumferential direction of the drum unit and faces inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. The engaging member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the drive shaft contact portion.
The drum unit according to claim 11, wherein the driving force receiving portion is provided on the protruding portion. The drum unit according to claim 12, wherein the protruding portion protrudes at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the engaging member is urged toward the inside of the hollow portion. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the driving force receiving portion is exposed inside the hollow portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least a part of the engaging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the urging member is an elastic member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. 21. The drum unit according to claim 21, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion toward the concave portion when the driving force is transmitted. The drum unit according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the transmitted portion also serves as a guide for guiding the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the holding member is fixed to the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the holding member has a guide for guiding the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 26, wherein the guide guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to claim 26, wherein the guide guides the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum. The guides include an upstream guide for guiding the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the photoconductor drum, and a downstream guide for guiding the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction. 26. The drum unit according to claim 26. 29. The drum unit according to claim 29, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The holding member has two guides that are substantially parallel to each other.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the engaging member is guided by the two guides. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the driving force receiving unit is configured to attract the drum unit and the driving shaft by receiving the driving force. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the inside of the driving force receiving portion is arranged downstream of the outside of the driving force receiving portion in the rotational direction of the drum unit in the axial direction of the drum unit. Drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least inward in the axial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the holding member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the urging member and the engaging member are arranged along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the urging member is configured to be expandable and contractible. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. A drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) a driving force configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the recess. An engaging member having a receiving portion, and (2-2) a holding member configured to movably hold the engaging member.
Have,
The holding member (2-2-1) guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the drum unit, and (2--2-2) guides the downstream side of the engaging member. A cartridge with a downstream guide. The drum unit according to claim 40, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 41, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion toward the concave portion when the driving force is transmitted. The drum unit according to claim 42, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the transmitted portion is provided on the downstream guide. The drum unit according to any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The drum unit according to any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 40 to 46, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 40 to 47, which has an urging member for urging the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 48, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to claim 48 or 49, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. A drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) a driving force configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the recess. A hold having an engaging member having a receiving portion and (2-2) two guides arranged substantially parallel to each other and configured to hold the engaging member guideably by the two guides. Members and
Drum unit with. The drum unit according to claim 51, wherein the two guides guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 51 or 52, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 51 to 53, which has an urging member configured to urge the engaging member. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to claim 54, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. A drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) a driving force configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the recess. An engaging member having a receiving portion, and (2-2) an urging member configured to urge the driving force receiving portion inward at least in the radial direction of the drum unit.
Have,
The urging member and the engaging member are cartridges arranged along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 56, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to claim 56 or 57, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. A drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) a driving force configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the recess. A movable engaging member having a receiving portion and (2-2) stretchable and configured to urge the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. A coupling member having a force member, and a coupling member,
Drum unit with. The drum unit according to claim 60, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. The drum unit according to claim 60 or 61, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum. And (2-2) a holding member configured to hold the engaging member slidably, and (2-3) an urging member configured to urge the engaging member.
Have,
The engaging member is a drum unit having a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to claim 64, wherein the urging member urges the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 64 or 65, wherein the holding member has a locking portion for restricting the radial movement of the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 66, wherein the engaging member is urged to the locking portion by the urging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged at least inward in the radial direction by receiving the driving force. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 69, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least the outer side in the radial direction of the drum unit. The engaging member has a curved surface that bends along the circumferential direction of the drum unit and faces inward in the radial direction of the drum unit.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein the protruding portion protrudes from the curved surface of the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 71, wherein at least a part of the curved surface of the engaging member is arranged on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum unit with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 72, wherein the protruding portion projects at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 73, wherein the engaging member is urged toward the inside of the hollow portion. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 73, wherein the driving force receiving portion is exposed inside the hollow portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 75, wherein at least a part of the engaging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 76, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 77, wherein the urging member is configured to be expandable and contractible. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 77, wherein the urging member is an elastic member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 79, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 80, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 81, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 82, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 83, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion at least toward the inside in the radial direction of the drum unit when the driving force is transmitted. The drum unit according to claim 83 or 84, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 83 to 85, wherein the transmitted portion also serves as a guide for guiding the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 86, wherein the holding member is fixed to the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 87, wherein the holding member has a guide for guiding the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 88, wherein the guide guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to claim 88, wherein the guide guides the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum. The guides include an upstream guide for guiding the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the photoconductor drum, and a downstream guide for guiding the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction. 88. The drum unit according to claim 88. The drum unit according to claim 91, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The holding member has two guides that are substantially parallel to each other.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 87, wherein the engaging member is guided to the two guides. 6. Drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 93, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least inward in the axial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 95, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the holding member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 96, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 64 to 97, wherein the urging member and the engaging member are arranged along the radial direction of the drum unit. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum. And (2-2) a holding member configured to hold the engaging member slidably, and (2-3) an urging member configured to urge the engaging member.
Have,
The driving force receiving portion is a drum unit that extends inward at least in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 99, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 99 or 100, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged at least inward in the radial direction by receiving the driving force. The drum unit according to any one of claims 99 to 101, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least the outer side in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 99 to 102, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum and having an engaging portion having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of the drum unit.
Have,
The engaging portion is a drum unit that has a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum and can move a distance equal to or larger than the radius of the cross section. The drum unit according to claim 104, wherein at least a part of the engaging portion faces the outside at least in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 104 or 105, wherein at least a part of the engaging portion is arranged at least inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 104 to 106, wherein the engaging portion can move a distance equal to or larger than the diameter of the cross section. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum and having a bulging portion having a bulging cross section perpendicular to the axis of the drum unit.
Have,
The bulging portion has a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum, and is a drum unit capable of moving a distance or more from the center of the cross section to the surface. The drum unit according to claim 108, wherein at least a part of the bulge faces outward at least in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 108 or 109, wherein the bulge can move a distance equal to or larger than the diameter of the cross section. The drum unit according to any one of claims 108 to 110, wherein at least a part of the bulging portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 108 to 111, wherein at least a part of the bulging portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 108 to 112, which can move at least twice the distance from the center of the cross section to the surface. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum. And (2-2) a holding member configured to hold the engaging member movably.
Have,
The holding member (2-2-1) guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the drum unit, and (2--2-2) guides the downstream side of the engaging member. With a downstream guide,
The driving force receiving portion is a drum unit that extends inward at least in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 114, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The drum unit according to claim 115, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion inward in the radial direction of the drum unit when the driving force is transmitted. The drum unit according to claim 115 or 115, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The drum unit according to any one of claims 115 to 117, wherein the transmitted portion is provided on the downstream guide. The drum unit according to any one of claims 114 to 118, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The drum unit according to any one of claims 114 to 119, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to any one of claims 114 to 120, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 114 to 121, which has an urging member for urging the engaging member. The drum unit according to any one of claims 122, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to claim 122 or 123, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) a driving force configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum by entering the recess. A hold having an engaging member having a receiving portion and (2-2) two guides arranged substantially parallel to each other and configured to hold the engaging member guideably by the two guides. Members and
Drum unit with. The drum unit according to claim 125, wherein the two guides guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 125 or 126, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 125 to 127, which has an urging member for urging the engaging member. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to claim 128, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum. And (2-2) an urging member configured to urge the driving force receiving portion at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit.
Have,
The urging member and the engaging member are drum units arranged along the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 130, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to claim 130 or 131, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 130 to 132, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. It is a drum unit that is detachably configured on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) Photoreceptor drum and
(2) A coupling member provided on the photoconductor drum, (2-1) having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor drum, and moving. A cup comprising a possible engaging member and (2-2) an urging member that is stretchable and configured to urge the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the drum unit. With the ring member,
Have,
The driving force receiving portion is a drum unit that extends inward at least in the radial direction of the drum unit. The drum unit according to claim 134, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. The drum unit according to claim 134 or 135, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The drum unit according to any one of claims 134 to 136, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the photoconductor drum. The drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 137, and the drum unit.
A frame for rotatably supporting the drum unit and
A cartridge that has and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A cartridge that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body by entering the concave portion. (2-2) A holding member configured to hold the engaging member slidably at least in the radial direction of the coupling member, and (2-3) configured to urge the engaging member. With the urging member
Cartridge with. The cartridge according to claim 139, wherein the urging member urges the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 139 or 140, wherein the holding member has a locking portion for restricting the radial movement of the coupling member of the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 114, wherein the engaging member is urged to the locking portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 142, wherein the engaging member has a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 143, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 144, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged toward the concave portion of the driving shaft by receiving the driving force. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 145, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least the outer side in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 146, wherein the engaging member has a drive shaft contact portion for contacting the peripheral surface of the drive shaft. The cartridge according to claim 147, wherein at least a part of the drive shaft contact portion is arranged on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the cartridge with respect to the drive force receiving portion. The cartridge according to claim 148, wherein the drive shaft contact portion bends along the circumferential direction of the cartridge and faces inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The engaging member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the drive shaft contact portion.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 147 to 149, wherein the driving force receiving portion is provided on the protruding portion. The cartridge according to claim 150, wherein the protrusion protrudes at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 151, wherein the engaging member is urged toward the inside of the hollow portion. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 152, wherein the driving force receiving portion is exposed inside the hollow portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 153, wherein at least a part of the engaging member is arranged inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 154, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 155, wherein the urging member is an elastic member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 156, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the rotating body. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 157, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to claim 158, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 159, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion toward the concave portion when the driving force is transmitted. The cartridge according to claim 159 or 160, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 159 to 161 in which the transmitted portion also serves as a guide for guiding the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 162, wherein the holding member is fixed to the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 163, wherein the holding member has a guide for guiding the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 164, wherein the guide guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the rotating body. The cartridge according to claim 164, wherein the guide guides the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the rotating body. The guide includes an upstream guide for guiding the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the rotating body and a downstream guide for guiding the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction. The cartridge according to claim 164 having. 167. The cartridge according to claim 167, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The holding member has two guides that are substantially parallel to each other.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 163, wherein the engaging member slides with respect to the two guides. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 169, wherein the driving force receiving unit is configured to attract the cartridge and the driving shaft by receiving the driving force. One of claims 139 to 170, wherein the inside of the driving force receiving portion is arranged downstream of the outside of the driving force receiving portion in the rotational direction of the coupling member in the axial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge described in the section. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 171, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least inward in the axial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 172, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the holding member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 171, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 174, wherein the urging member and the engaging member are arranged along the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 175, wherein the urging member is configured to be expandable and contractible. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 176, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 177, wherein the rotating body is a photoconductor drum. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 177, wherein the rotating body is a developing roller. The cartridge according to claim 179, wherein the cartridge has a supply roller that supplies a developer to the developing roller. The cartridge according to claim 180, wherein the supply roller is rotated by a driving force received by the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 177, wherein the rotating body is a supply roller for supplying a developer to the developing roller. The cartridge according to any one of claims 139 to 182, wherein the rotating body has a shaft and the coupling member is attached to the shaft. A cartridge that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body by entering the concave portion. (2-2) A holding member configured to movably hold the engaging member and a holding member.
Have,
The holding member (2-2-1) guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the cartridge, and (2--2-2) guides the downstream side of the engaging member. A cartridge with a downstream guide. The cartridge according to claim 184, which has an urging member for urging the engaging member. 185. The cartridge according to claim 185, wherein the urging member is arranged between the upstream guide and the downstream guide. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 186, wherein the holding member has a locking portion for restricting the radial movement of the coupling member of the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 187, wherein the engaging member is urged to the locking portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 188, wherein the engaging member has a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 189, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 190, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged toward the concave portion of the driving shaft by receiving the driving force. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 190, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 192, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion toward the recess when the driving force is transmitted. The cartridge according to claim 192 or 193, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 192 to 194, wherein the transmitted portion is provided on the downstream guide. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 195, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The cartridge according to any one of claims 184 to 195, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the coupling member. A cartridge that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body by entering the concave portion. (2-2) A holding member having two guides arranged substantially parallel to each other and configured to hold the engaging member guideably by the two guides.
Cartridge with. The cartridge according to claim 198, wherein the two guides guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the coupling member. A cartridge that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body by entering the concave portion. (2-2) An urging member configured to urge the driving force receiving portion at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member.
Have,
The urging member and the engaging member are cartridges arranged along the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 200, wherein the urging member urges the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 200 or 201, which has a locking portion for restricting the radial movement of the coupling member of the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 202, wherein the engaging member is urged to the locking portion by the urging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 200 to 203, wherein the engaging member has a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 200 to 204, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 200 to 205, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged toward the concave portion of the driving shaft by receiving the driving force. A cartridge that is detachably configured on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with a drive shaft having a recess.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) It is a coupling member, and (2-1) has a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body by entering the concave portion, and is movable. A cup comprising an engaging member and (2-2) an urging member that is stretchable and configured to urge the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. With the ring member,
Cartridge with. The cartridge according to claim 207, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. The cartridge according to claim 207 or 208, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the rotating body. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and (2-2) the engagement member. A holding member configured to hold the mating member slidably, and (2-3) an urging member configured to urge the engaging member.
Have,
The engaging member is a cartridge having a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to claim 210, wherein the urging member urges the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 210 or 211, wherein the holding member has a locking portion for restricting the radial movement of the coupling member of the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 212, wherein the engaging member is urged to the locking portion by the urging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 213, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The one according to any one of claims 210 to 214, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged at least inward in the radial direction by receiving the driving force. cartridge. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 215, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least the outer side in the radial direction of the coupling member. The engaging member has a curved surface that bends along the circumferential direction of the cartridge and faces inward in the radial direction of the coupling member.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 216, wherein the protruding portion protrudes from the curved surface of the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 217, wherein at least a part of the curved surface of the engaging member is arranged on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the cartridge with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 218, wherein the protruding portion protrudes at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 219, wherein the engaging member is urged toward the inside of the hollow portion. The holding member has a hollow portion and has a hollow portion.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 220, wherein the driving force receiving portion is exposed inside the hollow portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 221, wherein at least a part of the engaging member is arranged inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 222, wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving portion is arranged inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 223, wherein the urging member is configured to be expandable and contractible. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 224, wherein the urging member is an elastic member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 225, wherein the urging member is a coil spring. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 226, wherein at least a part of the urging member is arranged inside the rotating body. The coupling member has an urging member support portion for supporting the urging member by receiving an urging force from the urging member.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 227, wherein at least a part of the urging member support portion is arranged inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 228, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 229, wherein the transmitted portion is configured to urge the driving force receiving portion at least toward the inside in the radial direction of the coupling member when the driving force is transmitted. .. The cartridge according to claim 229 or 230, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 229 to 231, wherein the transmitted portion also serves as a guide for guiding the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 232, wherein the holding member is fixed to the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 233, wherein the holding member has a guide for guiding the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 234, wherein the guide guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the rotating body. The cartridge according to claim 234, wherein the guide guides the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotation direction of the rotating body. The guide includes an upstream guide for guiding the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the rotating body and a downstream guide for guiding the downstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction. The cartridge according to any one of claims 234 to 236 having. 237. The cartridge according to claim 237, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The holding member has two guides that are substantially parallel to each other.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 238, wherein the engaging member is guided to the two guides. One of claims 210 to 239, wherein the inside of the driving force receiving portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational direction of the coupling member with respect to the outside of the driving force receiving portion in the axial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge described in the section. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 240, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least inward in the axial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 241, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the holding member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 242, wherein the urging member is configured separately from the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 243, wherein the urging member and the engaging member are arranged along the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 244, wherein the rotating body is a photoconductor drum. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 244, wherein the rotating body is a developing roller. The cartridge according to claim 246, wherein the cartridge has a supply roller that supplies a developer to the developing roller. The cartridge according to claim 247, wherein the supply roller is rotated by a driving force received by the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 244, wherein the rotating body is a supply roller for supplying a developer to the developing roller. The cartridge according to any one of claims 210 to 249, wherein the rotating body has a shaft and the coupling member is attached to the shaft. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and (2-2) the engagement member. A holding member configured to hold the mating member slidably, and (2-3) an urging member configured to urge the engaging member.
Have,
The driving force receiving portion is a cartridge extending at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 251, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 251 or 252, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined so as to be urged at least inward in the radial direction by receiving the driving force. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 253, wherein the driving force receiving portion faces at least the outer side in the radial direction of the coupling member. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member having an engaging portion having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge.
Have,
The engaging portion is a cartridge that has a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body and can move a distance equal to or larger than the radius of the cross section. 25. The cartridge according to claim 255, wherein at least a part of the engaging portion faces the outer side in the radial direction of the coupling member at least. The cartridge according to any one of claims 255 to 256, wherein at least a part of the engaging portion is arranged at least inside the rotating body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 255 to 257, wherein the engaging portion can move a distance equal to or larger than the diameter of the cross section. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member having a bulging portion having a bulging portion having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge, which is a coupling member.
Have,
The bulging portion has a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and is a cartridge capable of moving more than a distance from the center of the cross section to the surface. The cartridge according to claim 259, wherein at least a part of the bulge faces outward at least in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 259 or 260, wherein the bulge is movable over a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of the cross section. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and (2-2) the engagement member. A holding member configured to hold the mating member movably,
Have,
The holding member (2-2-1) guides the upstream side of the engaging member in the rotational direction of the cartridge, and (2--2-2) guides the downstream side of the engaging member. With a downstream guide,
The driving force receiving portion is a cartridge extending at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to claim 262, wherein the urging member urges the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 262 to 263, wherein the engaging member has a protruding portion provided with the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 262 to 264, wherein the holding member has a transmitted portion for transmitting the driving force from the engaging member. The cartridge according to claim 265, wherein the transmitted portion is inclined with respect to the driving force receiving portion. The cartridge according to claim 265 or 266, wherein the transmitted portion is provided in the downstream guide. The cartridge according to any one of claims 262 to 267, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The cartridge according to any one of claims 262 to 268, which has the urging member for urging the engaging member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 262 to 269, wherein the upstream guide and the downstream guide guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the coupling member. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, and (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body by entering the concave portion. (2-2) A holding member having two guides arranged substantially parallel to each other and configured to hold the engaging member guideably by the two guides.
Cartridge with. 271. The cartridge according to claim 271, wherein the two guides guide the engaging member along the radial direction of the coupling member. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, (2-1) an engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and (2-2) the driving. An urging member configured to urge the force receiving portion at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member.
Have,
The urging member and the engaging member are cartridges arranged along the radial direction of the coupling member. A cartridge that is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) A rotating body configured to carry a developer on its surface and rotate.
(2) A coupling member, (2-1) a movable engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and (2). -2) A coupling member having a stretchable and urging member configured to urge the engaging member at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member.
Have,
The driving force receiving portion is a cartridge extending at least inward in the radial direction of the coupling member. The cartridge according to any one of claims 138 to 274, and
The main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus having. A coupling member configured to be engageable and disengageable with respect to a drive shaft provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
A driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating a rotating body having a developer on its surface by entering a recess provided in the driving shaft.
A holding member that slideably holds the driving force receiving portion, and
An urging member configured to urge the engaging member and
Coupling member with. A coupling member configured to be engageable and disengageable with respect to a drive shaft provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
(1) An engaging member having a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating a rotating body carrying a developer on its surface.
(2) A holding member configured to hold the engaging member so as to be slidable, and a holding member.
(3) An urging member configured to urge the engaging member, and
Have,
The driving force receiving portion is a coupling member extending inward at least in the radial direction of the coupling member.

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