JP4245465B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum are integrally assembled, and an image forming apparatus having the process cartridge. is there.

  A process cartridge of the above type that is detachably mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus configured as an electronic copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine thereof has been known. When such a process cartridge is mounted at a predetermined position in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum is detachably connected to the rotating shaft of the transmission device, and the photosensitive drum is rotationally driven by the transmission device during the image forming operation. Is done. At this time, in the conventional process cartridge, speed unevenness occurs in the photosensitive drum, and there is a possibility that density unevenness occurs in the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum. Further, when a color image is formed on a recording medium by using a plurality of process cartridges, uneven speed is generated on the photosensitive drum of each process cartridge, thereby causing a color shift in the color image and degrading the image quality. I can't escape my shortcomings.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of effectively suppressing the above-described conventional defects and an image forming apparatus having the process cartridge.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rotating shaft, a transmission member fixed to the rotating shaft so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft, and fixed to the rotating shaft by at least one of press fitting and welding. The rotary shaft of the transmission device having a regulating member that is in pressure contact with one end face of the transmission member and regulates the angle of the transmission member with respect to the axis of the rotary shaft so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft. A photosensitive drum detachably coupled to the rotating shaft and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum are integrally assembled, and the rotating shaft has an axial direction thereof. A screw head that is screwed into the screw hole or a washer of the screw pressurizes the other end surface of the transmission member, whereby one end surface of the transmission member and the regulating member are We propose a process cartridge, characterized in that for pressing (claim 1).
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rotating shaft, a transmission member fixed to the rotating shaft so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft, and at least one of press fitting and welding to the rotating shaft. And the rotation shaft of the transmission device having a regulating member that is in pressure contact with one end face of the transmission member and regulates the angle of the transmission member with respect to the axis of the rotation shaft, and rotates together with the rotation shaft As described above, a photosensitive drum that is detachably connected to the rotating shaft and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum are integrally assembled. A male thread portion extending in the axial direction is formed, and a nut screwed to the male thread portion or a washer of the nut pressurizes the other end surface of the transmission member, thereby regulating the one end surface of the transmission member. We propose a process cartridge, characterized in that for pressing the member (claim 2).
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an elastic member is interposed between a head portion of the screw screwed into the screw hole and the other end surface of the transmission member, and the elastic member is interposed between the elastic member and the process member. It is advantageous that the other end face of the transmission member is pressed by the head of the screw so that the one end face of the transmission member and the regulating member are brought into pressure contact with each other (Claim 3).
Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to claim 2, an elastic member is interposed between the nut screwed to the male thread portion and the other end surface of the transmission member, It is advantageous if the other end surface of the transmission member is pressurized by the nut so that the one end surface of the transmission member is brought into pressure contact with the regulating member (Claim 4).

  Further, in the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, it is advantageous that the photosensitive drum is configured to be connected to the rotation shaft via a claw member attached to the rotation shaft. (Claim 5).

  Further, in the process cartridge according to claim 5, the photosensitive drum engages with the claw member or the engagement thereof when the photosensitive drum moves in the axial direction with respect to the rotation shaft. It is advantageous to have an engaging portion that is released from the engagement (claim 6).

  The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the restricting member is fixed to the rotating shaft by press fitting, and the diameter of the rotating shaft portion into which the restricting member is fitted is attached to the transmission member. It is advantageous if it is formed larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft portion (claim 7).

  Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a restriction surface that presses only a part of a surface of the restriction member facing one end face of the transmission member against the one end face of the transmission member. It is advantageous if the other part of the surface of the restricting member is a non-contact surface that does not contact the transmission member (claim 8).

  Further, in the process cartridge according to claim 8, it is advantageous that the restricting surface is located on the radially outer side of the restricting member with respect to the non-contact surface (claim 9).

  Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, at least three portions in the circumferential direction of the restriction member are protrusions that protrude radially outward of the restriction member from other circumferential portions. It is advantageous that the surface of the projecting portion opposed to one end surface of the transmission member is a restricting surface that is in pressure contact with one end surface of the transmission member.

  In the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, it is advantageous that the process cartridge further includes a relative rotation prohibiting means for prohibiting relative rotation of the transmission member and the restricting member (claim 11). .

  Further, in the process cartridge according to claim 11, it is advantageous that the relative rotation prohibiting means comprises a stepped screw that penetrates the transmission member and is screwed to the restricting member (claim 12).

  13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the step screw is inserted into the transmission member from the other end face side of the transmission member, and when the screw portion of the step screw is fastened to the regulating member, the step screw It is advantageous that the head of the head is configured not to press the other end face of the transmission member directly or through a washer.

  Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 13, the relative rotation prohibiting means includes an engaging protrusion that protrudes from one end surface of the transmission member and engages with the restricting member. (Claim 14).

  The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein at least three locations in the circumferential direction of the regulating member are projecting portions that project outward in the radial direction of the regulating member from other circumferential portions. The surface of the projecting portion facing one end surface is a restricting surface that is in pressure contact with one end surface of the transmission member, and has a plurality of engagement projections arranged in the circumferential direction of the transmission member, and each engagement projection It is advantageous if the projection is positioned between the projections and engages with the projections (claim 15).

  Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 15, the relative rotation prohibiting means protrudes from the restricting member and fits into an engaging hole formed in the transmission member. It is advantageous if it comprises (claim 16).

  The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein only a part of the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft fitted with the transmission member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft is a central hole of the transmission member. It is advantageous that the inner peripheral surface is brought into contact with the fitting (claim 17).

  Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to claim 17, of the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, only the portion closer to the regulating member is in contact with and fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the transmission member. (Claim 18).

  In the process cartridge according to claim 18, it is advantageous that the axial length of the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft that is in contact with and fitted in the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the transmission member is 5 mm or less. (Claim 19).

  The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the regulating member is finished to form a regulating surface of the regulating member that is in pressure contact with one end surface of the transmission member, and the regulating member It is advantageous if the is made of stainless steel (claim 20).

  Further, in the process cartridge according to claim 20, it is advantageous that the rotating shaft is made of stainless steel (claim 21).

  Furthermore, in the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 21, it is advantageous that the transmission member is a gear (claim 22).

  In the process cartridge according to claim 22, it is advantageous that the gear is a helical gear (claim 23).

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes an image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 23 (claim 24).

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of process cartridges, and forms toner images of different colors on the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges, and the toner images are directly formed. Alternatively, a recording image can be obtained by transferring to a recording medium via an intermediate transfer member (claim 25).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of uneven density in the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a transmission device to be described later. The image forming apparatus shown here is configured as a printer, and has four photosensitive drums 3 disposed in the image forming apparatus main body 1. A yellow toner image and a magenta toner image are formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum. A cyan toner image and a black toner image are respectively formed. When it is necessary to identify these photosensitive drums, they are referred to as first, second, third and fourth photosensitive drums, which are indicated by reference numerals 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3BK, Each photoconductor drum is not particularly identified, and when these are shown generically, they are indicated by reference numeral 3.

  A recording medium conveyance belt 4 is disposed opposite to the first to fourth photosensitive drums 3Y to 3BK, and this recording medium conveyance belt 4 is wound around a plurality of support rollers and driven to run in the direction of arrow A. .

  Since the operation of the toner image is substantially the same as that of the first to fourth photosensitive drums 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3BK, the toner image is formed on the first photosensitive drum 3Y. Only the configuration to be described will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the photosensitive drum 3Y and process equipment provided around the photosensitive drum 3Y. The photosensitive drum 3Y is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 1 and 2, and at this time, the charging device 7 uniformly charges the surface of the first photosensitive drum 3Y to a predetermined polarity. Next, the charged surface is irradiated with a light-modulated laser beam L emitted from the laser writing unit 8. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the first photosensitive drum 3Y, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a yellow toner image by the developing device 9. The developing device 9 shown here has a developing roller 31 that is rotationally driven, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by the dry developer DS carried on the developing roller 31.

  On the other hand, a recording medium P made of, for example, transfer paper or a resin film is fed in a direction indicated by an arrow B from a paper supply unit 5 disposed at the lower part of the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the recording medium P is a first recording medium P. The photosensitive drum 3 </ b> Y and the recording medium conveyance belt 4 are fed and carried by the recording medium conveyance belt 4. A transfer roller 10, which is an example of a transfer device, is disposed at a position substantially opposite to the first photosensitive drum 3 </ b> Y across the recording medium conveyance belt 4, and the first photosensitive drum is operated by the action of the transfer roller 10. The yellow toner image on 3Y is transferred onto the recording medium P. The transfer residual toner that is not transferred to the recording medium P and remains on the first photosensitive drum 3Y is removed by the cleaning device 11.

  In exactly the same manner, magenta toner images, cyan toner images, and black toner images are respectively formed on the second to fourth photosensitive drums 3M, 3C, and 3BK shown in FIG. The images are sequentially transferred onto the recording medium P on which the image has been transferred. The recording medium P carrying the four-color unfixed toner images in this manner is sent to the fixing device 2 and passes between the pair of fixing rollers 2A and 2B of the fixing device 2. At this time, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium P by the action of heat and pressure, and the recording medium that has passed through the fixing device 2 is discharged onto the paper discharge unit 6 as indicated by the arrow C direction.

  Around each photosensitive drum 3, a plurality of process devices for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum, that is, a charging device 7, a developing device 9, a cleaning device 11, and the like are provided. At that time, the photosensitive drum and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum are integrally assembled to form a process cartridge, and the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. It can be configured to be worn. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 71 is configured by integrally assembling the charging device 7, the developing device 9, the process devices of the cleaning device 11, and the photosensitive drum 3. That is, the charging device 7 is supported by the case 72 of the process cartridge 71, and a developing case 78 of the developing device 9 is constituted by a part of the case 72, and the developing roller 31 and the developer conveying screw are included in the developing case 78. 79A and 79B are rotatably supported, and the doctor blade 80 and the toner density sensor 81 are supported by the developing case 78. The developing roller 31 is positioned close to the surface of the photosensitive drum 3, and the doctor blade 80 is positioned so that the tip end is close to the surface of the developing roller 31. The developing case 78 contains a dry developer DS having toner and a carrier.

  When the conveying screws 79A and 79B are rotated, the toner and carrier of the developer DS are frictionally charged in opposite polarities, and the developing roller 31 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The DS is carried and conveyed in the rotation direction of the developing roller 31. At this time, the layer thickness of the developer on the developing roller 31 is regulated by the doctor blade 80, and the developer that has passed through the doctor blade 80 is conveyed to the developing area between the developing roller 31 and the photosensitive drum 3, where The toner is electrostatically transferred to the electrostatic latent image, and the latent image is visualized as a toner image.

  When the toner concentration sensor 81 detects that the toner concentration of the developer DS stored in the developing case 78 has decreased, the toner stored in the toner storage container 82 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The toner is supplied to the developing case 78 by the pump 83.

  Further, a cleaning case 73 of the cleaning device 11 is formed by a part of the case 72, and a base end portion of the cleaning blade 74 is fixed to the cleaning case 73 via a blade holder 75, and the cleaning brush 76 is attached to the cleaning case 73. The toner conveying screw 77 is rotatably supported. Both the cleaning blade 74 and the cleaning brush 76 are in contact with the peripheral surface of the drum body 50 formed in the cylindrical shape of the photosensitive drum 3. Transfer residual toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum after the transfer of the toner image is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum by the cooperative action of the cleaning brush 76 and the cleaning blade 74 of the cleaning device 11. The removed toner is conveyed outside the cleaning case 73 by the toner conveying screw 77.

  In the process cartridge 71 shown in FIG. 3, the developing device 9 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured as an element different from the process cartridge 71. Other configurations of the process cartridge 71 shown in FIG. 3 are the same as those of the process cartridge 71 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, four process cartridges 71 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are arranged along the recording medium conveyance belt 4.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the photosensitive drum 3 of the process cartridge and the transmission device 12 that transmits the rotation to the photosensitive drum 3. The photosensitive drums 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3BK of the process cartridges 71 shown in FIG. 1 are all supported in the same manner and can transmit rotation to the photosensitive drums 3Y to 3BK. 4 to 14 show the structure of these photosensitive drums, the support structure thereof, the configuration of a transmission device that transmits rotation to each of the photosensitive drums, and the like. These elements are not shown.

  4 indicates the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 1, and R indicates the back side thereof. The main body frame 13 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 has a front plate 14 positioned on the front side of the main body 1. A back plate 15 located on the back side, a stay 16 for fixing and connecting these side plates 14 and 15, and a main body bracket 17 fixed to the back plate 15 by screws (not shown).

  The photosensitive drum 3 includes the above-described drum body 50 and the front flange 18 and the back flange 19 that are press-fitted to each end of the drum body 50 in the axial direction. Thus, a toner image is formed. The front flange 18 and the back flange 19 are detachably fixed to the rotating shaft 20 as will be described later, and the rotating shaft 20 and the photosensitive drum 3 are configured to rotate integrally.

  A positioning member 22 is detachably fixed to the front plate 14 by a plurality of screws 21, and a front flange 18 is rotatably supported by the positioning member 22 via a bearing 23. The front end of the rotary shaft 20 is detachably fitted to the front flange 18. The front flange 18 and the front portion of the rotary shaft 20 pass through an opening 24 formed in the front plate 14.

  The inner portion of the rotary shaft 20 extends through the inner plate 15 and the body bracket 17 and is rotatably supported by a pair of rolling bearings 26 and 27 held by a cylindrical holder 25. The holder 25 is detachably fixed to the back side plate 15 by screws 28. Further, the outer rings of the respective rolling bearings 26 and 27 are fitted into the holes 29 and 30 formed in the rear side plate 15 and the main body bracket 17 without rattling, whereby the both rolling bearings 26 and 27 and the holder 25 are connected to the main body frame. 13 is positioned. Thus, the rotary shaft 20 is correctly positioned with respect to the main body frame 13 and is rotatably supported, and the front flange 18 and the back flange 19 of the photosensitive drum 3 are supported concentrically with the rotary shaft 20. Further, the front flange 18 and the back flange 19 of the photosensitive drum 3 are rotatably assembled to the case 71 of the process cartridge 71 shown in FIGS.

  The transmission device 12 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of a transmission shaft 20 that is rotatably supported as described above, and a transmission member that is fixed to the rotation shaft 20 so as to rotate together with the rotation shaft 20. A certain gear 32, a regulating member 33, which will be described later, and a connecting device 34 that removably connects the back flange 19 to the rotary shaft 20 are provided. The gear 32 is disposed at the back end of the rotating shaft 20 and is disposed concentrically with the rotating shaft 20. It is desirable that the gears 32 for the respective photoconductive drums 3Y to 3BK shown in FIG. The gear 32 may be in any form such as a spur gear or a helical gear, but a helical gear is used here. Moreover, although the gear 32 is comprised with a metal or resin etc., the said gear 32 shall consist of resin molded products here.

  A drive motor 35 is supported on the main body bracket 17, and an output gear 36 fixed to the output shaft meshes with the external teeth of the gear 32 described above. The rotation of the drive motor 35 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 20 via the output gear 36 and the gear 32, and the rotation of the rotary shaft 20 is transmitted to the inner flange 19 of the photosensitive drum 3 via the coupling device 34. The body drum 3 is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction in FIG. The rotation of the output gear 36 can be transmitted to the gear 32 via another gear.

  Instead of the gear 32, a transmission member composed of a pulley or a roller is fixed concentrically with respect to the rotary shaft 20, and this pulley or roller is rotationally driven via a belt, whereby the rotary shaft 20 and the photosensitive drum 3 are driven. It can also be configured to drive. The transmission member made of such a pulley or roller can also be formed of a resin molded product, for example.

  The photosensitive drum 3 can be attached to and detached from the rotating shaft 20 by moving the photosensitive drum 3 in the direction of the axis X with respect to the rotating shaft 20. FIG. The state when 19 is made to detach | leave from the rotating shaft 20 is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the coupling device 34 attaches a claw member 37 that is fitted to the rotary shaft 20 so as to be movable in a predetermined stroke in the direction of the axis X, and the claw member 37 is attached to the axis of the rotary shaft 20. The pin 40 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20, and a long hole 41 formed in the claw member 37 is relatively slidable in the direction of the axis X of the rotary shaft 20. It is mated. In the state shown in FIG. 5, the claw member 37 is pressed by the compression spring 39, the pin 40 is pressed against one end of the long hole 41, and the claw member 37 is held at the position shown in FIG. . When the pin 40 fixed to the rotating shaft 20 is fitted into the long hole 41 of the claw member 37, the claw member 37 is prohibited from rotating with respect to the rotating shaft 20.

  On the other hand, the back flange 19 of the photosensitive drum 3 is formed with an engaging portion including a plurality of engaging grooves 38 arranged in an annular shape. The photosensitive drum 3 is moved as shown by an arrow D in FIG. 5, and the rotating shaft 20 is inserted into the rear flange 19 and the front flange 18 (FIG. 4) to fit the photosensitive drum 3 to the rotating shaft 20. When the photosensitive drum 3 is assembled to the main body frame 13 as shown in FIG. 4, the claw member 37 is pressed against the back flange 19 by the compression spring 39 and formed in the circumferential direction of the claw member 37. The plurality of claws 42 engaged with the engaging portion formed by the engaging groove 38 of the back flange 19 prohibits relative rotation of the photosensitive drum and the rotating shaft 20.

  As described above, the photosensitive drum 3 is fitted to the rotation shaft 20 of the transmission device 12 and is rotated through the claw member 37 attached to the rotation shaft 20 so as to rotate together with the rotation shaft 20. 20. Conversely, by moving the photosensitive drum 3 along the rotation axis 20 in the direction opposite to the arrow D, the engagement between the claw member 37 and the engagement portion formed by the engagement groove 38 can be released. . As described above, the photosensitive drum 3 is engaged with the claw member 37 or released from the engagement when the photosensitive drum 3 itself moves in the direction of the axis X with respect to the rotation shaft 20. It has a joint part and is attached to and detached from the rotary shaft 20 by moving in the axial direction with respect to the rotary shaft 20. The photosensitive drum 3 is detachably coupled to the rotary shaft 20 of the transmission device 12 so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft 20.

  It is also possible to directly connect the photosensitive drum 3 to the rotating shaft 20 without using the connecting device as described above. The photosensitive drum 3 is connected to the rotary shaft 20 directly or via another member.

  As described above, the photosensitive drum 3 can be attached to and detached from the rotary shaft 20. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 3 is removed from the main body frame 13 by removing the positioning member 22 shown in FIG. Can be pulled out to the side. That is, the entire process cartridge 71 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 through the opening 24. Further, the process drum 71 can be mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 1 by assembling the photoconductive drum 3 to the main body frame 13 and fixing the photoconductive drum 3 to the rotary shaft 20 by the reverse operation. .

  With the process cartridge 71 mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 1 in this way, the gear 32 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 35, and the rotation is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 3 via the rotary shaft 20, and the photosensitive member The drum 3 is driven to rotate. At this time, in the transmission device of this example, the gear 32 and the output gear 36 meshing with the gear 32 are made of helical gears, so that the meshing ratio increases, and the rotation is smoothly transmitted from the output gear 36 to the gear 32. Can do.

  By the way, if the angle α formed by the gear 32 with respect to the axis X of the rotating shaft 20 is greatly deviated from 90 °, the linear velocity at the tooth portion on the outer periphery of the gear 32 is not constant, and the gear 32 has large speed unevenness. As a result, uneven speed occurs on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3. If the speed unevenness becomes severe, the toner image transferred to the recording medium has uneven density and color misregistration, and the image quality deteriorates.

  Therefore, the transmission device 12 of this example is provided with the regulating member 33 as described above. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20 and is in pressure contact with one end surface 43 in the axial direction of the gear 32, which is an example of a transmission member. The angle of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X at the center of the rotating shaft 20 is regulated so as to be perpendicular to the axis X of the rotating shaft 20. The restricting member 33 is manufactured so that the restricting surface 44 of the restricting member 33 pressed against one end face 43 of the gear 32 is perpendicular to the axis X of the rotating shaft 20 with high accuracy, and the gear 32 is provided on the restricting surface 44. The one end face 43 is pressed and the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X is increased. The restriction member 33 is made of a material having high rigidity and hardness, preferably a metal sintered material, or other metal.

  Here, as described above, in the past, the regulating member was fixed to the rotating shaft with a screw. However, when the screw is tightened, the regulating member is distorted, and this causes the axis of the rotating shaft to be distorted. There is a possibility that the perpendicularity of the regulating surface of the regulating member may be lowered.

  Therefore, in the transmission device 12 of this example, the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20 by press fitting. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, when the inner diameter of the center hole 45 of the regulating member 33 is d1, and the outer diameter of the portion of the rotary shaft 20 fitted in the center hole 45 is d2, the inner diameter d1 and the outer diameter The diameter d2 is set equal, or the outer diameter d2 is set slightly larger than the inner diameter d1, and the center hole 45 and the rotary shaft 20 of the restricting member 33 are forcibly fitted while being pressed to couple them together. And unite them. The fixing position of the regulating member 33 in the direction of the axis X of the rotary shaft 20 is determined by a jig used when the two are fitted.

  In addition, the restricting member 33 can be fitted to the rotating shaft 20 and the restricting member 33 can be fixed to the rotating shaft 20 by welding. Alternatively, press-fitting and welding can be used in combination.

  As described above, since the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20 by at least one of press fitting and welding, it is not necessary to fix the regulating member 33 to the rotary shaft 20 with a screw. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that the squareness of the regulating surface 44 with respect to the axis X decreases due to the screw tightening. As a result, the accuracy of the squareness of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X is improved. It is possible to prevent the deviation from occurring.

  In order to increase the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X by the restriction member 33, it is necessary to press the one end face 43 of the gear 33 against the restriction surface 44 of the restriction member 33 as described above. Conventionally, for this purpose, the gear portion radially outward from the rotary shaft 20 and the regulating member 33 are fixed with screws, and thereby, one end face 43 of the gear 32 and the regulating surface 44 of the regulating member 33 are pressed against each other. It was. However, according to this configuration, when the screw is tightened, the gear 32 is slightly deformed, whereby the gear 32 is inclined with respect to the axis X, and the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X may be reduced. In particular, when the gear is made of resin, the gear 32 is locally deformed by tightening the screw, and the perpendicularity is likely to be lowered.

  Therefore, in the transmission device 12 of this example, as shown in FIG. 7, a screw hole 90 extending in the axial direction is formed in the center of the end surface on the back side of the rotating shaft 20, and the screw 47 is screwed into the screw hole 90. The washer 48 of the screw 47 is in pressure contact with the end face of the gear 32 opposite to the side where the restricting member 33 is located, that is, the other end face 49. The gear 32 has a center hole 51 fitted to the rotary shaft 20 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis X, and a washer 48 is attached to the other end surface portion in the vicinity of the center hole 51 of the gear 32 fitted to the rotary shaft 20. Is in pressure contact.

  At that time, the fixing position of the regulating member 33 is set so that the end surface 52 on the back side of the rotating shaft 20 is positioned slightly closer to the regulating member 33 than the other end surface 49 in the axial direction of the gear 32. . For this reason, by tightening the screw 47, the washer 48 strongly presses the other end face 49 of the gear 32 and presses against the end face 49. As a result, the gear 32 movably fitted to the rotary shaft 20 is strongly pressed against the regulating member 33, and one end surface 43 thereof is strongly pressed against the regulating surface 44 of the regulating member 33, so that the gear 32 is regulated. The gear 32 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20. The washer 48 may be omitted, and the head 53 of the screw 47 may directly press the other end surface 49 of the gear 32.

  As described above, the head 53 of the screw 47 screwed into the screw hole 90 formed in the rotating shaft 20 or the washer 48 of the screw 47 presses the other end face 49 of the gear 32 which is an example of the transmission member. Thus, the one end face 43 of the transmission member and the regulating member 33 are brought into pressure contact with each other. As a result, the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X is increased, and the gear 32 and the restricting member 33 are integrated by the pressure contact between them. This rotation is transmitted to the rotary shaft 20, and the rotary shaft 20 can be reliably rotated. Moreover, since the screw 47 is screwed into the central portion of the rotary shaft 20, even if the screw 47 is strongly tightened and the other end surface 49 of the gear 32 is pressurized by the screw 47, even if the end surface 49 is slightly deformed, Since the portion of the end face 49 in the vicinity of the center hole 51 is uniformly deformed over the entire circumference, even if the gear 32 is made of resin, the gear 32 is not inclined at all or almost with respect to the axis X. The perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X can be kept high.

  Further, an elastic member 91 such as a spring washer or a rubber plate can be used instead of the washer 48 shown in FIG. The elastic member 91 and the washer 48 can be used in combination. A screw hole 90 extending in the axis X direction is formed in the rotary shaft 20, and an elastic member 91 is interposed between the head 53 of the screw 47 screwed into the screw hole 90 and the other end surface 49 of the transmission member. The other end surface 49 of the transmission member is pressed by the head 53 of the screw 47 through the elastic member 91, whereby the one end surface 43 of the transmission member and the regulating member 33 are brought into pressure contact with each other. When the elastic member 91 is provided in this way, the force when the screw 47 is tightened is evenly transmitted to the gear 32, and the squareness of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X can be further increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a male thread portion 92 extending in the direction of the axis X is formed at the back end of the rotating shaft 20, and the nut 93 or the nut 93 is screwed to the male thread portion 92. Even if the washer 94 is configured to press the other end face 49 of the transmission member made of the gear 32 so that the one end face 43 of the transmission member and the regulating member 33 are pressed against each other, the configuration shown in FIG. The same operational effects can be achieved.

  Also in this case, an elastic member 95 is interposed between the nut 93 and the other end surface 49 of the transmission member, and the other end surface 49 of the transmission member is pressurized by the nut 93 via the elastic member 95. Thereby, it can also comprise so that the one end surface 43 of the transmission member and the control member 33 may be press-contacted.

  Further, as will be described later, when the regulating member 33 and the gear 32 are attached to the rotary shaft 20, the regulating member 33 is first fitted from the end on the back side of the rotary shaft 20, and then the gear 32 is similarly connected to the rotary shaft 20. It is fitted from the back end. At this time, when the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20 by press-fitting, the diameter of the rotary shaft portion into which the regulating member 33 is fitted is larger than the diameter of the rotary shaft portion to which the gear 32 is attached. It is preferable that If comprised in this way, when the regulating member 33 is fitted to the rotating shaft 20, the regulating member 33 can prevent a problem that the rotating shaft portion into which the gear 32 is fitted is damaged.

  By the way, the restriction surface 44 of the restriction member 33 that is in pressure contact with one end face 43 of the gear 32 serves as a reference surface that determines the perpendicularity of the gear 32, so the smoothness of the restriction surface 44 needs to be increased. Therefore, it is preferable that after the restriction member 33 is processed and manufactured, a surface portion that becomes the restriction surface 44 is finished to increase the smoothness of the restriction surface. At this time, the entire surface of the restriction member 33 facing the one end face 43 of the gear 32 may be finished and the entire surface may be used as the restriction surface. However, in this case, the cost of the restriction member 33 increases.

  Therefore, only a part of the surface of the transmission member, in this example, the regulating member 33 facing the one end surface 43 of the gear 32 is used as the regulating surface 44 that presses against the one end surface 43 of the transmission member. The other part of the surface is preferably a non-contact surface that does not contact the transmission member. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a portion 54 in the vicinity of the center hole 45 on the surface of the regulating member 33 facing the one end surface 43 of the gear 32 is disposed on the radially outer side. It is recessed from the portion 55, and only the outer portion 55 is finished, and this is used as a regulating surface 44. The central portion 54 is recessed, and this is a non-contact surface that does not contact the end surface 43 of the gear 32. In this way, compared to the case where the entire surface of the regulating member 33 facing the end face 43 of the gear 32 is finished, the area to be finished is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the regulating member 33 can be reduced.

  At this time, if the restricting surface 44 of the restricting member 33 is arranged on the radially outer side of the restricting member 33 with respect to the non-contact surface 54 as in the example shown in FIGS. The angle can be further increased. The restricting surface 44 also has some minute irregularities, and it is inevitable that the angle of the restricting surface 44 with respect to the axis X deviates from a right angle, although it is very slight. At this time, if the restricting surface is located on the center side in the radial direction and the restricting surface is in pressure contact with the end surface portion on the center side of the gear 32, the above-described slight deviation of the restricting surface may be caused by And the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X decreases. On the other hand, if the regulating surface 44 is located at a position away from the radial center of the regulating member 33 and the end surface portion on the radially outer side of the gear 32 is in pressure contact with the regulating surface 44, the regulating surface 44. Even if there is a slight deviation, the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X does not greatly decrease.

  As can be seen from the above, if the restricting member 33 is formed large in the radial direction and the restricting surface formed on the radially outer portion thereof is pressed against one end face 43 of the gear 32, the gear 32 with respect to the axis X The perpendicularity can be increased. However, if the restricting member 33 is formed large in this way, its cost increases. Moreover, in the illustrated image forming apparatus, when the assembly is performed, the rotary shaft 20 to which the regulating member 33 is fixed is supported by the rolling bearings 26 and 27 held by the holder 25 as shown in FIG. 25 is fixed to the back plate 15, and then the hole 30 of the main body bracket 17 is fitted to the outer ring of the rolling bearing 27 to fix the main body bracket 17 to the back side plate 15, and then the gear 32 is attached to the rotary shaft 20. Therefore, if the restricting member 33 has a large size in the radial direction, the hole 30 of the bracket 17 cannot pass through the restricting member 33 when the main body bracket 17 is attached. Can not be assembled.

  Therefore, in the transmission device 12 of the present example, as shown in FIG. 8, the protruding portions 56 protruding outward in the radial direction are formed at three locations on the outer peripheral portion of the regulating member 33, and the protruding portions 56 are gears. It is configured as a regulating surface pressed against one end surface 43 of 32. Three or more protrusions 56 may be provided. In this way, at least three locations in the circumferential direction of the regulating member 33 are the protruding portions 56 that project outward in the radial direction of the regulating member 33 from other circumferential portions of the regulating member 33, and are examples of a transmission member. The surface of the protruding portion 56 facing the one end surface 43 of the gear 32 is used as a regulating surface that is in pressure contact with the one end surface 43 of the transmission member.

  If comprised as mentioned above, since the control member 33 receives the gear 32 by the some protrusion part 56, the gear 32 can be fixed stably. If the three protrusions 56 are provided, the stability of the gear 32 can be particularly improved. In addition, since the protruding portion 56 is located at the radially outer portion of the restricting member 33, the squareness of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X can be increased for the reasons described above. Furthermore, since the radius of the regulating member 33 is not increased over the entire circumference but only the protruding portion 56 is enlarged, the regulating member 33 can be prevented from increasing in size and its cost. Can be suppressed. In addition, the shape of the hole 30 of the main body bracket 17 is such that, for example, the protruding portion 56 of the restricting member 33 escapes as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. The restriction member 33 can be passed, and the hole 30 can be fitted to the outer ring of the rolling bearing 27.

  By the way, in the transmission device 12 of this example, the one end face 43 of the gear 32 can be pressed against the regulating member 33 by tightening the screw 47 to the rotary shaft 20 as described above. The gear 32 and the regulating member 33 can be fixed to each other, the rotation of the gear 32 can be transmitted to the regulating member 33, and the rotation of the regulating member 33 can be transmitted to the rotary shaft 20. However, if the screw 47 is somewhat loose over time, the pressure contact force between the end face 43 of the gear 32 and the restricting surface 44 of the restricting member 33 may be reduced, and a slight slip may occur between them. In this case, the rotation of the gear 32 cannot be correctly transmitted to the rotary shaft 20.

  Therefore, it is preferable to provide relative rotation prohibiting means for prohibiting relative rotation of the transmission member and the regulating member. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the relative rotation prohibiting means is configured by a stepped screw 57 that passes through a through hole 58 formed in a gear 32 that is an example of a transmission member and is screwed to a regulating member 33. be able to. If the relative rotation between the gear 32 and the regulating member 33 is prohibited by the stepped screw 57, the rotation of the gear 32 can be reliably transmitted to the regulating member 33 even if the screw 47 is somewhat loosened.

  At that time, the step screw 57 is inserted into the through hole 58 of the gear 32 from the other end face 49 side of the gear 32 as an example of the transmission member as indicated by an arrow Q in FIG. When the screw portion is tightened to the regulating member 33, the step screw 57 is fixed to the regulating member 33, but the step screw 57 is not screwed to the gear 32, and the head 59 of the step screw 57. Alternatively, a gap S is formed between the washer 60 and the other end face 49 of the gear 32. Since the head 58 of the stepped screw 57 is configured not to press the other end surface 49 of the transmission member directly or via the washer 60 when the threaded portion of the stepped screw 57 is tightened to the regulating member 33. is there. According to such a configuration, when the step screw 57 is tightened, the gear 32 is not deformed by the tightening. For this reason, the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X can be increased.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of engagement protrusions 61 project from one end face 43 of the gear 32, and these engagement protrusions 61 are engaged with the regulating member 33 to rotate the gear 32. Can also be configured to be transmitted to the regulating member 33. The engagement protrusions 61 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are formed in a rib shape extending annularly around the center of the gear 32, and a plurality of such engagement protrusions 61, three in the illustrated example, are provided. The mating protrusions 61 are respectively engaged with the above-described protrusions 56 provided on the restriction member 33.

  The rotation of the gear 32 can be reliably transmitted to the restricting member 33 also by the relative rotation prohibiting means including the engaging protrusion 61 described above. In addition, when the gear 32 is assembled to the rotary shaft 20, the engagement protrusions 61 formed on the gear 32 are engaged with the protrusions 56 of the restriction member 33, so that the gear 32 is fixed to the restriction member 33. It can also be positioned.

  As described above, the relative rotation prohibiting means is configured to include the engaging protrusion 61 that protrudes from one end face 43 of the gear 32 that is an example of the transmission member and engages the restriction member 33, A plurality of engagement protrusions 61 are provided, and the plurality of engagement protrusions 61 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the transmission member, and each engagement protrusion 61 is positioned between the protrusions 56 formed on the regulating member 33. The protrusions 56 are configured to engage with each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the restricting member 33 is provided with a protrusion 62 protruding in the axial direction, and the protrusion 62 is fitted into an engagement hole 63 formed in the gear 32 to restrict the rotation of the gear 32. It can also be configured to transmit to the member 33. The relative rotation prohibiting means is configured to include a protrusion 62 that protrudes from the restricting member 33 and fits into an engagement hole 63 formed in the transmission member.

  The relative rotation prohibiting means having the step screw 57, the engagement protrusion 61, and the protrusion 62 has been described above. However, by employing at least one of these, the gear 47 can be used even when the screw 47 is loosened. The rotation of 32 can be reliably transmitted to the rotating shaft 20.

  By the way, the gear 32 is attached to the rotating shaft 20 by fitting the center hole 51 formed in the gear 32 to the rotating shaft 20, and the gear 32 is fixed to the regulating member 33 by the screw 47. However, in order to further increase the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X, the entire length in the axis X direction of the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft portion into which the center hole 51 of the gear 32 is fitted is fitted into the center hole 51 without rattling. It is preferable that the concentricity between the gear 32 and the rotating shaft 20 is enhanced. However, with this configuration, when the gear 32 is fitted to the rotary shaft 20, there is no rattling or little rattling between the two, so that the fitting work becomes difficult and the workability is reduced. descend.

  Therefore, in the transmission device 12 of the present example, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 13, the axial line of the rotary shaft 20 in the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotary shaft 20 with which the center hole 51 of the gear 32 is fitted. Only the portion 64 in the X direction contacts the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the gear 32 and does not rattle or hardly rattle, and the other rotary shaft portion 65 is rotated by the rotation of the portion 64. The rotating shaft portion 65 is formed so as not to contact the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the gear 32. If comprised in this way, since the gear 32 can be attached to the rotating shaft 20 only by pushing only the part 64 of the rotating shaft 20 into the center hole 51, the workability | operativity is improved. Moreover, since the part 64 of the rotating shaft 20 is fitted to the center hole 51 without rattling or almost without rattling, the concentricity between the gear 32 and the rotating shaft 20 is not harmed. It is possible to minimize the rattling of the gear 32 with respect to the rotating shaft 20.

  At that time, of the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft 20 with which the center hole 51 of the gear 32 is fitted, only the portion 64 closer to the regulating member 33 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the gear 32 and rattles. However, the other rotating shaft portion 65 is configured so that the other rotating shaft portion 65 does not come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the center hole by fitting with little or no rattling and making the diameter of the other rotating shaft portion 65 smaller than the diameter of the above portion. When the gear 32 is fitted to the rotary shaft 20, the small-diameter rotary shaft portion 65 is inserted into the center hole 51 of the gear 32 at the beginning of fitting, so that the gear 32 is smoothly fitted into the rotary shaft 20. It is possible to perform the fitting work easily. According to experiments, when the axial length of the outer peripheral surface portion 64 of the rotary shaft 20 that contacts and fits the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the gear 32 is 5 mm or less, the gear 32 can be easily fitted to the rotary shaft 20. It has been found that it can be combined.

  By the way, when the regulating member 33 is manufactured, the surface of the regulating member 33 can be prevented from being rusted by preventing the surface from rusting over a long period of time. However, as described above, the restriction member 33 is finished by cutting or polishing to form the restriction surface 44 of the restriction member 33 that is in pressure contact with one end face 43 of the gear 32. Since this will be removed, if this is left unattended, there is a risk of rusting. Therefore, it is preferable that the regulating member 33 is made of a material that does not generate rust, such as stainless steel or aluminum. In particular, stainless steel is suitable as a material for the regulating member 33 because it is excellent in strength and rigidity. At this time, if the rotating shaft 20 is made of the same stainless steel as the restricting member 33, when the rotating shaft 20 and the restricting member 33 are recycled, they can be processed without being separated, and the operation can be simplified.

  In addition, in order to form the regulation surface 44, the regulation member 33 can be finished and then the regulation member 33 can be press-fitted and fixed to the rotary shaft 20. Even if the processing accuracy of 45 is increased, the perpendicularity with respect to the axis X of the restricting surface 44 of the restricting member 33 fixed to the rotating shaft 20 may decrease due to a slight deviation or the like. Therefore, when the transmission device 12 is manufactured, after the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20 and before the transmission member made of the gear 32 is attached to the rotating shaft 20, the regulating member 33 is finished and finished. The processing surface is preferably a restriction surface 44 that is in pressure contact with one end surface 43 of the gear 32. When the transmission device 12 is manufactured in this way, even when the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20 with a screw as in the conventional case, the regulating surface is finished and formed after the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20. The perpendicularity of the restricting surface 44 with respect to the axis X of the rotating shaft 20 can be increased. However, also in this case, it is preferable to fix the regulating member 33 to the rotating shaft 20 by press-fitting.

  Further, if the portion 64 of the rotating shaft 20 into which the center hole 51 of the gear 32 fits without rattling is finished, the surface accuracy can be improved and the perpendicularity of the gear 32 with respect to the axis X can be increased. Even in this case, after the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20 and before the gear 32 is attached to the rotating shaft 20, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 20 is finished and the processed surface is used as the gear. It is preferable to make the peripheral surface 64 that fits in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 32 without rattling or most of it. If the rotary shaft 20 is finished before the restricting member 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20, when the restricting member 33 is fitted to the rotary shaft 20, the finished rotary shaft portion is damaged by the restricting member 33. Although there is a possibility that the accuracy may be lowered, as described above, if the rotary shaft 20 is finished after the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20, such a problem can be prevented.

  Further, when the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 20 and then the regulating member 33 and the rotary shaft 20 are finished at the same time, the accuracy of both finished surfaces can be further improved.

  In each of the finishing processes described above, for example, after the regulating member 33 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20, the rotating shaft 20 is fixed by a jig, and the regulating member 33 is perpendicular to the axis X of the rotating shaft 20. Can be finished to form the regulating surface 44, and the rotary shaft can be finished in the same manner.

  In the example described above, the rotary shaft 20 is directly fitted in the center hole 51 of the gear 32. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the regulating member 33 is press-fitted or welded to the rotary shaft 20, or both of them. The gear 32 can be fixed to the rotary shaft 20 by being fixed by a fixing means and fitting the center hole 51 of the gear 32 into the step portion 33A of the regulating member 33. The gear 32 or other transmission member can also be fixed to the rotary shaft 20 via another member such as the restriction member 33.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is configured to directly transfer the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 3Y to 3BK to the recording medium P, but each toner formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums. The above-described configurations can also be adopted in an image forming apparatus configured to transfer an image superimposed on an intermediate transfer member and transfer the superimposed toner image to a recording medium. In addition, a plurality of process cartridges 71 are provided, toner images of different colors are formed on the photosensitive drums 3Y to 3BK of the process cartridges 71, and the toner images are directly or via an intermediate transfer member. An image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, although a high-quality color image with suppressed color misregistration can be obtained by employing the above-described configurations in an image forming apparatus that obtains a recorded image by transferring to a recording medium Also, the above-described configurations can be employed.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of a process cartridge. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a support structure for a photosensitive drum and a transmission device that transmits rotation to the photosensitive drum. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a photosensitive drum is detached from a rotation shaft. It is an expanded sectional view of a regulating member fixed to a rotating shaft and a gear. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is the front view which looked at the control member from the right side of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the fixing method of the gear to a rotating shaft. It is the figure which looked at the control member and the gear from the left of FIG. It is sectional drawing of a gear single-piece | unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of a relative rotation prohibition means. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which removed the gear from the rotating shaft. It is a figure which shows the other attachment method of the gear to a rotating shaft.

Explanation of symbols

3, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3BK Photosensitive drum 20 Rotating shaft 32 Gear 33 Restricting member 37 Claw member 43 One end surface 44 Restricting surface 45 Center hole 47 Screw 48 Washer 49 The other end surface 51 Center hole 53 Head 54 Non-contact Surface 56 Projection 57 Stepped screw 59 Head 60 Washer 61 Engagement projection 62 Projection 63 Engagement hole 64 Part, part, surface 71 Process cartridge 90 Screw hole 91 Elastic member 92 Male thread portion 93 Nut 94 Washer 95 Elastic member P Recording medium X axis

Claims (25)

A rotary shaft, a transmission member fixed to the rotary shaft so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft, and fixed to the rotary shaft by at least one of press-fitting and welding, and one end face of the transmission member The transmission shaft is detachably connected to the rotary shaft so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft, and the rotary shaft of the transmission device having a regulating member that regulates the angle of the transmission member with respect to the axis of the rotary shaft. A photosensitive drum and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum are integrally assembled, and a screw hole extending in the axial direction is formed on the rotating shaft, and the screw hole A screw head screwed in or a washer of the screw presses the other end face of the transmission member to bring the one end face of the transmission member into contact with the regulating member. Cartridge. A rotary shaft, a transmission member fixed to the rotary shaft so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft, and fixed to the rotary shaft by at least one of press-fitting and welding, and one end face of the transmission member The transmission shaft is detachably connected to the rotary shaft so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft, and the rotary shaft of the transmission device having a regulating member that regulates the angle of the transmission member with respect to the axis of the rotary shaft. A photosensitive drum and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum are integrally assembled. The rotating shaft is formed with a male screw portion extending in the axial direction thereof. The process is characterized in that a nut screwed to the threaded portion or a washer of the nut presses the other end surface of the transmission member to bring the one end surface of the transmission member into contact with the regulating member. Cartridge. An elastic member is interposed between the head of the screw screwed into the screw hole and the other end surface of the transmission member, and the other head of the transmission member is interposed by the head of the screw via the elastic member. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein one end surface of the transmission member and the regulating member are pressed against each other by pressurizing the end surface. An elastic member is interposed between the nut screwed to the male thread portion and the other end surface of the transmission member, and the other end surface of the transmission member is pressurized by the nut via the elastic member. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein one end face of the transmission member and the regulating member are brought into pressure contact with each other. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive drum is connected to the rotation shaft via a claw member attached to the rotation shaft. The photosensitive drum has an engaging portion that engages with or releases the claw member when the photosensitive drum moves in the axial direction with respect to the rotation shaft. The process cartridge according to claim 5. The diameter of the rotating shaft part which the said regulating member was fixed to the rotating shaft by press fit, and the regulating member fitted was formed larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft part to which the said transmission member was attached. One of the process cartridges. Only a part of the surface of the restricting member that faces one end surface of the transmission member is a restricting surface that presses against one end surface of the transmission member, and the other part of the surface of the restricting member does not contact the transmission member. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is a contact surface.
The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the restriction surface is located radially outside the restriction member with respect to the non-contact surface. At least three locations in the circumferential direction of the regulating member are projections projecting radially outward of the regulating member from other circumferential portions, and the surface of the projecting portion facing one end surface of the transmission member is The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the restricting surface is in pressure contact with one end surface of the transmission member. 11. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a relative rotation prohibiting unit that prohibits relative rotation of the transmission member and the regulating member. The process cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the relative rotation prohibiting unit includes a stepped screw that penetrates the transmission member and is screwed to the regulating member. The step screw is inserted into the transmission member from the other end face side of the transmission member, and when the screw portion of the step screw is fastened to the regulating member, the head of the step screw is directly or via a washer. The process cartridge according to claim 12, which is configured not to pressurize the other end surface of the cartridge. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the relative rotation prohibiting means includes an engaging protrusion that protrudes from one end face of the transmission member and engages with the restricting member. At least three locations in the circumferential direction of the regulating member are projections projecting radially outward of the regulating member from other circumferential portions, and the surface of the projecting portion facing one end surface of the transmission member is A restricting surface that is in pressure contact with one end surface of the transmission member, and has a plurality of engagement protrusions arranged in the circumferential direction of the transmission member, and each of the engagement protrusions is positioned between the protrusions. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the process cartridge is engaged with each portion. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the relative rotation prohibiting means includes a protrusion protruding from the restriction member and fitted into an engagement hole formed in the transmission member. The outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft with which the transmission member is fitted, only a part in the axial direction of the rotating shaft is in contact with and fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the transmission member. One of the process cartridges. 18. The process cartridge according to claim 17, wherein, of the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, only a portion closer to the regulating member is in contact with and fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the transmission member. 19. The process cartridge according to claim 18, wherein the axial length of the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft that is in contact with and fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the transmission member is 5 mm or less. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the regulating member is finished to form a regulating surface of the regulating member that is pressed against one end face of the transmission member, and the regulating member is made of stainless steel. cartridge. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the rotating shaft is made of stainless steel. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the transmission member is a gear. The process cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the gear is a helical gear. An image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to claim 1. Having a plurality of process cartridges, toner images of different colors are formed on the photosensitive drums of the respective process cartridges, and each toner image is transferred to a recording medium directly or via an intermediate transfer member for recording. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein an image is obtained.

Images