JP5167894B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus provided with a photosensitive drum for each color, a full color image formation is not always required, and a single color (for example, black) image formation may be required. In such a case, if a photosensitive drum that is not used for image formation is rotated, abrasion of the photosensitive drum is promoted by a cleaning blade or the like. In view of this, there has been proposed a technique for switching the driven photosensitive drums by changing the arrangement state of the gears (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-181773

Here, when the drive body is detachably provided in the apparatus body provided with the drive source, for example, a rotation member that rotates by the drive source is provided on the apparatus body side, and a connection member that is connected to the rotation member is provided on the drive body side Can be considered. And when a drive body is mounted | worn with an apparatus main body, a rotation member rotates with a connection member, for example, and a rotation member and a connection member can be connected because a phase mutually matches. However, when the rotation of the rotating member is restricted by the drive source and the rotating member and the connecting member are out of phase, the rotating member and the connecting member are not connected, and the driving force applied to the drive body Is difficult to communicate.
It is an object of the present invention to improve the reliability of the connection between the apparatus main body side and the driving body.

The invention according to claim 1 is provided on the same axis as the apparatus main body provided with a driving source, a first rotating member that rotates in one direction by the driving source, and the first rotating member. And a receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the first rotating member, the receiving portion having a facing surface facing the rotating member and an opposite surface located on the opposite side of the facing surface. by but being pressed by the first rotary member from the upstream side in the one direction, a second rotary member which rotates in the one direction, while being connected to the opposite side of the second rotary member A connecting member disposed coaxially with the second rotating member, the connecting member provided with a protrusion that is pressed by the second rotating member from the upstream side in the one direction; and removable driver, the second rotating part The opposite surface is provided with a height that decreases toward the upstream side in the one direction, and the protrusion comes into contact with the second rotating member when the connecting member is connected to the second rotating member. The first inclined surface is provided so as to decrease in height toward the downstream side in the one direction, and the protrusion comes into contact with the second rotating member when the connecting member is connected. And a second inclined surface, and the length of the first inclined surface in the one direction is larger than the length of the second inclined surface in the one direction. Device .
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the state where the receiving portion of the second rotating member and the first rotating member are in contact with each other, the protruding portion is in contact with the second inclined surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion receives a driving force from the second inclined surface, and the connecting member of the driving body rotates in the one direction.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the driving of the driving source is stopped, the second rotating member is in a state where the receiving portion of the second rotating member and the first rotating member are in contact with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating member stops.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shaft penetratingly disposed in both the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and rotatably supporting the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The shaft further includes a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion, and a step portion between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, and the first rotating member includes the step of the shaft. The second rotating member is attached to the small diameter portion of the shaft, and the movement of the second rotating member toward the first rotating member is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is regulated by a step portion.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reliability of the connection between the apparatus main body side and the driving body can be improved as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called tandem type digital color printer using an electrophotographic system, and an image forming process unit that forms an image corresponding to image data of each color inside the apparatus main body 1A. 20 is provided. Further, each unit provided in the apparatus main body 1A and a control unit 70 for controlling the operation of each apparatus are provided. Further, for example, an image processing unit 69 that performs predetermined image processing on image data received from a personal computer (PC) 3 or a scanner 4, and a hard disk (Hard Disk Drive) that stores processing programs, image data, and the like are realized. Main memory (not shown).

  In the image forming process unit 20, four image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “image forming unit 30”) are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction at regular intervals. Each image forming unit 30 includes a photosensitive drum 31 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed while rotating in the direction of arrow A, a charging roll 32 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31, and a static electricity formed on the photosensitive drum 31. A developing unit 33 for developing the electrostatic latent image with toner of each color and a drum cleaner 35 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 after transfer are provided. Here, each image forming unit 30 is arranged to be replaceable (detachable) with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. For example, when the photosensitive drum 31 reaches the end of its life, the image forming unit 30 is replaced in units of image forming units 30. .

The charging roll 32 is composed of a roll member in which a conductive elastic body layer and a conductive surface layer are laminated on a conductive metal core such as aluminum or stainless steel. Then, a charging bias voltage is supplied from a charging power source (not shown), and the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged at a predetermined potential while being driven to rotate relative to the photosensitive drum 31.
The developing device 33 holds, in each image forming unit 30, a two-component developer composed of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners and a magnetic carrier. The electrostatic latent image formed on the body drum 31 is developed with each color toner.
The drum cleaner 35 brings a plate-like member formed of a rubber material such as urethane rubber into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 to remove toner, paper dust, and the like attached on the photosensitive drum 31.

Further, the image forming process unit 20 is provided with a laser exposure unit 26 that exposes the photosensitive drum 31 provided in each image forming unit 30. The laser exposure unit 26 acquires image data for each color from the image processing unit 69, and scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 31 of each image forming unit 30 with laser light whose lighting is controlled based on the acquired image data. To do.
Further, the image forming process unit 20 is provided with a belt unit 50. Here, the belt unit 50 can be detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A (from the apparatus main body 1A to the front side (paper surface in the figure) in order to enable maintenance and the like and to allow the installation of a new belt unit 50. It is detachably provided on the front side). The belt unit 50 includes an intermediate transfer belt 51, primary transfer rolls 52y, 52m, 52c, and 52k, a drive roll 53, and an idle roll 54.

Here, the intermediate transfer belt 51 is an endless belt member, which is stretched by at least an idle roll 54 and a drive roll 53 and driven by a motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed. 53 is circularly moved. Each color toner image formed on each photoconductive drum 31 of each image forming unit 30 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 51 in a multiple manner.
Each of the primary transfer rolls 52 y, 52 m, 52 c, 52 k is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 51 and at a position facing each photosensitive drum 31. Then, each of the primary transfer rolls 52y, 52m, 52c, and 52k forms a transfer electric field with each of the photosensitive drums 31 so that each color toner image of each image forming unit 30 is intermediated at the primary transfer portion T1. Transfer (primary transfer) is sequentially performed on the transfer belt 51.

  The image forming process unit 20 collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 51 of the belt unit 50 onto the paper P as a recording material (recording paper) at the secondary transfer unit T2. A secondary transfer roll 80 and a fixing device 81 for fixing the secondary transferred image onto the paper P. Further, the image forming process unit 20 includes a collection container 83 that collects toner, paper dust, and the like that are removed by a drum cleaner 35 and a belt cleaner 55 (described later) and are conveyed by a conveyance path (not shown).

Here, the collection container 83 as an example of the driving body is attached to the apparatus main body 1A so as to be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body 1A. That is, it is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A. For example, when the container is full due to toner or the like, the collection container 83 is pulled out by the user or the like, and a new collection container 83 is pushed into the apparatus main body 1A. The collection container 83 includes a container main body 831 for storing collected toner and the like, and a transport member 832. The conveying member 832 is formed in a spiral shape, receives a driving force from a motor M as an example of a driving source, rotates in the direction of arrow C in the drawing, and conveys toner or the like in the container body 831.
Further, in the present embodiment, a driving device 40 that includes a motor M and drives the developing device 33 in the image forming unit 30K and the conveying member 832 in the collection container 83 is provided on the rear side of the apparatus main body 1A.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming process unit 20 performs an image forming operation under the control of the control unit 70. That is, the image data input from the PC 3 or the scanner 4 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 69 and supplied to the laser exposure unit 26. In the cyan (C) image forming unit 30 </ b> C, for example, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 that is uniformly charged with a predetermined potential by the charging roll 32 is based on the image data from the image processing unit 69 by the laser exposure unit 26. Then, scanning exposure is performed with the laser light whose lighting is controlled, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 33, and a cyan (C) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31. Similarly, in the image forming units 30Y, 30M, and 30K, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and black (K) toner images are formed.

  Each color toner image formed by each image forming unit 30 is applied with a predetermined primary transfer bias from a transfer power source (not shown) on an intermediate transfer belt 51 that is circulated and moved in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The applied primary transfer rolls 52y, 52m, 52c, and 52k are sequentially electrostatically transferred, and a toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 51 is formed. Then, the superimposed toner image is conveyed toward the secondary transfer portion T <b> 2 in which the secondary transfer roll 80 and the drive roll 53 are disposed as the intermediate transfer belt 51 moves.

  On the other hand, the sheet P as an example of the transfer medium is taken out from the sheet holding unit 71 by a pickup roll 72 for sending out, and is transported to the position of a registration roll 74 for regulating the position of the sheet P along the transport path R1. The Then, the sheet P is conveyed from the registration roll 74 toward the secondary transfer portion T2 in synchronization with the timing at which the superimposed toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion T2. In the secondary transfer portion T2, the superimposed toner images are collectively and statically formed on the paper P by the action of the transfer electric field formed between the secondary transfer roll 80 to which the secondary transfer bias voltage is applied and the drive roll 53. Electrotransfer (secondary transfer) is performed. Note that the sheet P is also transported to the secondary transfer unit T2 from the duplex transport path R2 and the transport path R3 from the manual sheet holding unit 75.

  Thereafter, the sheet P on which the superimposed toner image is electrostatically transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 51 and conveyed to the fixing device 81. The unfixed toner image on the paper P conveyed to the fixing device 81 is fixed on the paper P by being subjected to fixing processing by heat and pressure by the fixing device 81. The paper P on which the fixed image is formed is conveyed to a paper stacking unit 91 provided in the discharge unit of the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, toner (transfer residual toner) and paper dust adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 51 after the secondary transfer are removed by the belt cleaner 55 disposed so as to contact the intermediate transfer belt 51, and the next image forming cycle. Prepared for. As described above, the toner or the like removed by the belt cleaner 55 is transported to the collection container 83 through a transport path (not shown).

Here, the drive device 40 will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the drive device 40 from the front side of the apparatus main body 1A.
The drive device 40 in this embodiment includes a motor M having a pinion gear M1. Further, the drive device 40 includes a first transmission unit 10 that includes the first gear 11 to the third gear 13 and the shaft 14 and transmits the driving force from the motor M to the developing device 33 in the image forming unit 30K. The second transmission unit 60 includes a first gear 61 to a fourth gear 64, a rotating member 65, and the like, and transmits the driving force from the motor M to the conveying member 832 in the collection container 83. Furthermore, it has the 3rd transmission part 90 provided with the some gearwheel provided by connecting with the 2nd transmission part 60, and transmitting the driving force from the 2nd transmission part 60 to the paper conveyance system which conveys the paper P. ing. In addition, each gear in the 1st transmission part 10, the 2nd transmission part 60, and the 3rd transmission part 90 is comprised by the helical gear.

Here, an outline of the operation of the driving device 40 will be described.
In the present embodiment, when the pinion gear M1 is rotationally driven by the motor M, the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 in the first transmission unit 10 are rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow D, and the third gear 13 is rotated by the arrow E. It is rotated in the direction shown in As a result, the driving force is transmitted to the developing device 33 in the image forming unit 30K, and the developing device 33 executes a predetermined operation.

  When the pinion gear M1 is rotationally driven, the driving force is transmitted to the fourth gear 64 via the first gear 61 to the third gear 63 in the second transmission portion 60, and the fourth gear 64 is indicated by an arrow F in the figure. Rotate in the direction. When the fourth gear 64 is rotated, the rotating member 65 is also rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow F in conjunction with the rotation of the fourth gear 64. Then, a driving force is transmitted from the rotating member 65 to the conveying member 832, and the conveying member 832 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. Further, the driving force transmitted to the fourth gear 64 is transmitted to a paper transport system including a transport roll and the like via the third transmission unit 90.

Next, the second transmission unit 60 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows the fourth gear 64, the rotation member 65, the collection container 83, and the like in the second transmission unit 60.
As shown in the figure, in addition to the container main body 831 and the conveying member 832, the rotating container 83 is provided with a transmission member 833 that is rotatably provided on the container main body 831 and transmits the driving force from the rotating member 65 to the conveying member 832. Prepare. The conveying member 832 is attached to the transmission member 833 and rotates together with the transmission member 833. In the drawing, a conveyance path 834 for toner or the like removed by the belt cleaner 55 or the like is shown, and the toner or the like is carried into the collection container 83 from the conveyance path 834.

In the present embodiment, a columnar shaft 42 is provided on the frame 41 provided in the driving device 40. The shaft 42 includes a large-diameter portion 42a formed with an outer diameter D1 on the frame 41 side. Further, a small diameter portion 42b formed with an outer diameter D2 smaller than the outer diameter D1 is provided on the opposite side of the frame 41 with the large diameter portion 42a interposed therebetween.
On the other hand, the 4th gearwheel 64 as an example of a 1st rotation member is provided with the through-hole 642 formed along the axial direction in the center of the base | substrate 641 formed in disk shape. The fourth gear 64 is disposed around the large-diameter portion 42 a of the shaft 42 with the shaft 42 penetrating through the through hole 642. As a result, the fourth gear 64 rotates around the shaft 42.

  Similarly to the fourth gear 64, the rotating member 65 as an example of the second rotating member also includes a through hole 652 formed along the axial direction at the center of the base 651 formed in a substantially disc shape. . The rotating member 65 is also disposed around the shaft 42 with the shaft 42 penetrating through the through hole 652. Accordingly, the rotating member 65 is arranged coaxially with the fourth gear 64 and rotates around the shaft 42. The diameter of the through hole 652 in the rotating member 65 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the large diameter portion 42a in the shaft 42. For this reason, the rotation member 65 is in a state where the movement toward the frame 41 is restricted by the end portion (an example of a restriction portion) of the large diameter portion 42a and the rotation member 65 is disposed around the small diameter portion 42b.

  Next, the fourth gear 64, the rotating member 65, and the transmission member 833 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the fourth gear 64 and the rotating member 65, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the fourth gear 64. As shown in FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a side surface of the rotating member 65 on the frame 41 side, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a side surface of the rotating member 65 on the collection container 83 side. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the transmission member 833.

First, the fourth gear 64 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth gear 64 includes two pieces disposed along the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the fourth gear 64 around the side surface 643 and the through hole 642 of the base body 641 on the collection container 83 side. A protrusion 644 is provided. Note that the two protrusions 644 are arranged in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the axis of the fourth gear 64.
Here, each protrusion 644 is provided eccentrically with respect to the axis of the fourth gear 64. Each protrusion 644 includes a first flat surface 644 a along the radial direction of the fourth gear 64 and substantially orthogonal to the side surface 643 on the end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction (see arrow F in the drawing). . Further, a second flat surface 644b substantially parallel to the side surface 643 is provided on the upstream side in the rotational direction from the first flat surface 644a. Furthermore, an inclined surface 644c whose height gradually decreases toward the upstream side in the rotational direction is provided on the upstream side in the rotational direction from the second flat surface 644b. Note that the upstream side of each projecting portion 644 in the rotational direction is constituted by two ribs, and the inclined surface 644c is formed on the upper surface of these ribs.

Next, the side surface of the rotating member 65 on the frame 41 side will be described with reference to FIG.
The rotating member 65 has two protrusions arranged around the side surface 653 and the through hole 652 on the frame 41 side of the base 651 along the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the rotating member 65, similar to the fourth gear 64. 654. Note that the two protrusions 654 are arranged in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the axis of the rotating member 65. Each protrusion 654 is disposed so as to enter between one protrusion 644 and the other protrusion 644 of the fourth gear 64 when attached to the shaft 42 (see FIG. 3).

  Here, each protrusion 654 is provided eccentrically with respect to the axis of the rotating member 65. In addition, a first flat surface 654a is provided on the upstream end surface in the rotation direction (see arrow F in the drawing) along the radial direction of the rotation member 65 and substantially orthogonal to the one side surface 653. Further, a second flat surface 654b substantially parallel to the one side surface 653 is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction from the first flat surface 654a. Further, an inclined surface 654c whose height gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the rotational direction is provided on the downstream side in the rotational direction from the second flat surface 654b. In addition, the rotation direction downstream side of each protrusion part 654 is comprised by two ribs, and the inclined surface 654c is formed in the upper surface of these ribs.

Next, the side surface of the rotating member 65 on the collection container 83 side will be described with reference to FIG.
The rotating member 65 has two protrusions arranged around the other side surface 655 and the through hole 652 on the collection container 83 side of the base 651 along the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the rotating member 65, similarly to the one side surface 653 side. A portion 656 is provided. Note that the two protruding portions 656 are arranged in a point-symmetrical relationship with the axis of the rotating member 65 as the center.

  Here, each protrusion 656 is provided eccentrically with respect to the axis of the rotating member 65. Further, a top portion 656a is provided at a position farthest from the other side surface 655. Each protrusion 656 includes a first inclined surface 656b that gradually approaches the other side surface 655 toward the upstream side in the rotational direction on the upstream side in the rotational direction (see arrow F in the drawing) from the top portion 656a. In other words, the first inclined surface 656b having one end on the side close to the transmission member 833 arranged oppositely and having the other end on the side away from the transmission member 833 is provided. In addition, each protrusion 656 includes a second inclined surface 656c (an example of an imparting portion) that gradually approaches the other side surface 655 toward the downstream side in the rotational direction on the downstream side in the rotational direction from the top portion 656a. Furthermore, each protrusion 656 includes a flat surface 656d provided to be connected to the second inclined surface 656c on the downstream side in the rotation direction from the second inclined surface 656c. The flat surface 656d is disposed along the radial direction of the rotating member 65 and in a relationship substantially orthogonal to the other side surface 655. In addition, the upstream side in the rotation direction of each projecting portion 656 is configured by two ribs, and the first inclined surface 656b is formed on the upper surface of these ribs.

Next, the transmission member 833 will be described with reference to FIG.
A transmission member 833 as an example of a connecting member includes an end face 833b disposed at one end portion of a base body 833a formed in a substantially columnar shape so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axial direction. The transmission member 833 has two protrusions 833d arranged along the rotation direction of the transmission member 833 around the end surface 833b and the center hole 833c. Here, the two protrusions 833d are arranged in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the axis of the transmission member 833. In addition, each protrusion 833d is disposed between one protrusion 656 and the other protrusion 656 in the rotation member 65 when the collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A. In addition, the said conveyance member 832 (refer FIG. 3) is attached to the other end part side in the transmission member 833 in this figure.

  Here, each protruding portion 833d has a top portion 833e at a position farthest from the end face 833b. Each protrusion 833d includes a first inclined surface 833f that gradually approaches the end surface 833b toward the upstream side in the rotational direction on the upstream side in the rotational direction (see arrow G) from the top portion 833e. Furthermore, each protrusion 833d includes a flat surface 833g provided in connection with the first inclined surface 833f on the upstream side in the rotation direction from the first inclined surface 833f. The flat surface 833g is disposed along the radial direction of the transmission member 833 and substantially orthogonal to the end surface 833b. Furthermore, each protrusion 833d includes a second inclined surface 833h that gradually approaches the end surface 833b toward the downstream side in the rotational direction on the downstream side in the rotational direction from the top portion 833e. In addition, the rotation direction downstream side of each protrusion part 833d is comprised by two ribs, and the 2nd inclined surface 833h is formed in the upper surface of these ribs.

Here, operations of the fourth gear 64, the rotating member 65, the transmission member 833, and the like will be described.
When the motor M is driven, the fourth gear 64 is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow F as shown in FIG. As a result, the first flat surface 644 a (see also FIG. 5) of the fourth gear 64 presses the first flat surface 654 a (see also FIG. 6) of the rotating member 65, and the fourth gear 64 against the rotating member 65. Driving force is transmitted. As a result, the rotating member 65 is also rotationally driven in the direction of arrow F in FIG. When the rotation member 65 rotates in the direction of arrow F, the flat surface 656d (see FIG. 7) of the rotation member 65 presses the flat surface 833g (see FIG. 8) of the transmission member 833, and the transmission member 833 from the rotation member 65. Driving force is transmitted. As a result, the transmission member 833 rotates in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 8, and the conveyance member 832 rotates in the direction of arrow C in FIG.

  By the way, the collection container 83 is detachably provided to the apparatus main body 1A as described above. When the collection container 83 becomes full with, for example, toner, the collection container 83 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A. Then, a new collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A. Further, there is a case where the collection container 83 is once pulled out by the user without being full, and this collection container 83 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1A again. In this case, when the collection container 83 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A, the engagement (connection) between the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 is released. Further, when the collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A, the protruding portion 833 d of the transmission member 833 enters between the two protruding portions 656 of the rotating member 65. Thereby, the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 can be engaged (connected) again.

Here, the meshing between the rotating member 65 and the transmission member 833 will be described in detail.
As described above, when the collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A, the protrusion 833d of the transmission member 833 enters between the two protrusions 656 of the rotation member 65, and the rotation member 65, the transmission member 833, and the like. Can be engaged again. By the way, when the collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A, the protrusion 833d of the transmission member 833 may abut against the protrusion 656 of the rotating member 65. That is, the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 are not in a predetermined phase state, and the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 may not be connected. In this case, the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 perform the following operations.

For example, the protrusion 833d of the transmission member 833 may abut against the first inclined surface 656b of the rotating member 65 in the state of FIG. In this case, the first inclined surface 656b of the rotation member 65 and the top portion 833e of the transmission member 833 are in contact with each other. As a result, the rotating member 65 (first inclined surface 656b) receives a pressing force in the circumferential direction from the transmission member 833, and rotates in the direction of arrow F in FIG. In other words, the rotation member 65 receives the pressing force from the transmission member 833 and rotates relative to the fourth gear 64.
As a result, the protrusion 833d of the transmission member 833 enters between the two protrusions 656 of the rotating member 65. In other words, the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 are in a predetermined phase state, and the rotation member 65 and the transmission member 833 are connected. Therefore, when the motor M is driven and the rotating member 65 rotates in the direction of arrow F in the figure, the flat surface 656d of the rotating member 65 and the flat surface 833g of the transmission member 833 come into contact with each other, and the rotating member 65 and the transmission member Engagement with 833 is formed.

  When the collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A, the first flat surface 644a of the fourth gear 64 and the first flat surface 654a of the rotating member 65 are usually in contact with each other as shown in FIG. Is in a state of being. This is because when the collection container 83 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A, the first flat surface 644a of the fourth gear 64 and the first flat surface 654a of the rotating member 65 are usually in contact with each other. This is because this state is maintained until the collection container 83 is mounted.

  For this reason, when the collection container 83 is mounted, the rotation member 65 is allowed to rotate in a direction in which the first flat surface 654a and the first flat surface 644a are separated from each other. That is, the rotation member 65 is allowed to rotate in the direction of arrow F in FIG. In other words, the rotating member 65 is rotatable within a predetermined range (within a predetermined angle range). Therefore, as described above, when the top portion 833e of the transmission member 833 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 656b of the rotation member 65, the rotation member 65 rotates in the direction of arrow F.

  On the other hand, when the collection container 83 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A, the protruding portion 833d of the transmission member 833 may abut against the second inclined surface 656c of the rotating member 65. In this case, the second inclined surface 656c of the rotating member 65 and the top portion 833e of the transmission member 833 are in contact with each other. As a result, the transmission member 833 receives a pressing force in the circumferential direction from the second inclined surface 656c of the rotating member 65, and rotates in the arrow G direction in FIG. In other words, the transmission member 833 receives a rotational driving force from the second inclined surface 656c of the rotating member 65 and rotates in the arrow G direction. As a result, the protrusion 833d of the transmission member 833 enters between the two protrusions 656 of the rotating member 65. In other words, the rotating member 65 and the transmission member 833 are connected.

Therefore, when the motor M is driven and the rotating member 65 rotates in the direction of arrow F as shown in FIG. 7, the flat surface 656d of the rotating member 65 and the flat surface 833g of the transmission member 833 come into contact with each other and rotate. The engagement between the member 65 and the transmission member 833 is formed.
In addition, when the 2nd inclined surface 656c in the rotation member 65 and the top part 833e of the transmission member 833 collide, the rotation member 65 does not rotate. As shown in FIG. 4, the first flat surface 644 a of the fourth gear 64 and the first flat surface 654 a of the rotating member 65 are in contact with each other, and the rotating member 65 is rotated by the fourth gear 64. This is because it is regulated.

Here, for example, when the rotation member 65 is omitted and the transmission member 833 and the fourth gear 64 in the collection container 83 are directly connected, the fourth gear 64 is connected to the transmission member when the collection container 83 is mounted. There is a risk of damage or breakage due to 833. In addition, not only the fourth gear 64 but also the gears in the third transmission unit 90, the third gear 63, and the like are affected, and there is a possibility that problems such as deterioration in meshing accuracy between the gears may occur.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a rotating member 65 is separately provided between the fourth gear 64 and the transmission member 833. In the present embodiment, as described above, the movement of the rotating member 65 toward the frame 41 is restricted by the end of the large diameter portion 42a. For this reason, even when the rotation member 65 receives a load from the transmission member 833 when the collection container 83 is mounted, the load is received by the shaft 42. For this reason, damage or the like of the fourth gear 64 is suppressed.

  Further, when the rotation member 65 is omitted and the transmission member 833 and the fourth gear 64 in the collection container 83 are directly connected, there is a possibility that the engagement between the fourth gear 64 and the transmission member 833 is not formed. Here, the fourth gear 64 is connected to the motor M, and is also connected to the developing device 33 via the first transmission unit 10. In other words, the fourth gear 64 is arranged so as to interlock with the motor M and the developing device 33. As a result, when the fourth gear 64 and the transmission member 833 come into contact with each other, the rotation of the fourth gear 64 by the transmission member 833 becomes difficult. In this case, a situation may occur in which the projecting portion 833d of the transmission member 833 cannot enter between the two projecting portions 644 of the fourth gear 64. In this case, when the collection container 83 is empty, the transmission member 833 side can rotate. However, when the collection container 83 contains toner or the like to some extent, it is difficult to rotate the transmission member 833 side. It becomes.

  On the other hand, the rotating member 65 in the present embodiment is not disposed so as to be interlocked with the motor M, other gears, or the like like the fourth gear 64, but is disposed in a non-interlocking state. In other words, the rotating member 65 is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the fourth gear 64. That is, the rotating member 65 is in a state where it is easier to rotate than the fourth gear 64. In addition, although rotation in one direction is restricted, rotation in the other direction is possible. As a result, the protrusion 833d of the transmission member 833 can enter between the two protrusions 656 of the rotation member 65, and the fourth gear 64 and the transmission member 833 are engaged via the rotation member 65. Is possible.

Next, the first transmission unit 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 from the second gear 12 side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the second gear 12 from the first gear 11 side. FIG.

First, the first gear 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the first gear 11 includes a first protrusion 113 protruding toward the second gear 12 on the side surface 112 of the base 111 formed in a disk shape on the second gear 12 side. Further, the side surface 112 is provided with a second protrusion 114 protruding toward the second gear 12 side.

  Here, the 1st protrusion part 113 is eccentrically provided with respect to the axial center of the 1st gearwheel 11, and is provided around the through-hole 115 in which the shaft 14 (refer FIG. 2) is inserted. Further, the first gear 11 is arranged along the rotation direction. Further, the first protrusion 113 includes a flat surface 113a along the radial direction of the first gear 11 and substantially orthogonal to the side surface 112 on the end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction (see arrow D in the figure). Yes. In addition, an inclined surface 113b whose height gradually decreases toward the upstream side in the rotational direction is provided upstream of the flat surface 113a in the rotational direction. Note that the upstream side of the first protrusion 113 in the rotational direction is formed by two ribs along the circumferential direction, and the inclined surface 113b is formed on the upper surface of these ribs. Here, the fourth gear 64, the rotating member 65, and the like have a configuration in which two protrusions are provided, but the first protrusion 113 in the first gear 11 is one.

  On the other hand, the second protrusion 114 is formed in a ring shape (annular shape) along the circumferential direction of the first gear 11. Further, the second protrusion 114 is disposed outside the first protrusion 113 in the radial direction of the first gear 11. Furthermore, the protrusion height of the second protrusion 114 from the side surface 112 is larger than the protrusion height of the first protrusion 113.

Next, the second gear 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the second gear 12 includes a protruding portion 123 that protrudes toward the first gear 11 on the side surface 122 of the base 121 formed in a disk shape on the first gear 11 side.
Here, the protruding portion 123 is provided eccentrically with respect to the axis of the second gear 12 and is provided around the through hole 124 into which the shaft 14 (see FIG. 2) is inserted. Further, the second gear 12 is arranged along the rotation direction. Further, the protruding portion 123 includes a flat surface 123 a along the radial direction of the second gear 12 and substantially orthogonal to the side surface 122 on the end surface on the upstream side in the rotational direction (see arrow D in the drawing).

  Further, the protrusion 123 includes an inclined surface 123b whose height gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the rotational direction on the downstream side in the rotational direction from the flat surface 123a. In addition, the rotation direction downstream side of the protrusion part 123 is formed by two ribs along the circumferential direction, and the inclined surface 123b is formed on the upper surface of these ribs. Here, the fourth gear 64, the rotating member 65, and the like have a configuration in which two protrusions are provided, but the number of the protrusions 123 in the second gear 12 is one.

  Here, when the motor M is driven in the present embodiment, the first gear 11 is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow D. As a result, the flat surface 123a of the second gear 12 is pressed by the flat surface 113a of the first gear 11, and the second gear 12 is also rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow D. Then, the driving force from the second gear 12 is transmitted to the developing device 33 via the third gear 13, and the developing device 33 performs a predetermined operation.

Incidentally, the image forming unit 30 </ b> K in the present embodiment is also configured to be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A similarly to the collection container 83. When the extracted image forming unit 30 </ b> K or a new image forming unit 30 </ b> K is attached to the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A, a gear (not shown) in the developing device 33 is engaged with the third gear 13.
The gear in the developing device 33 is also a helical gear. Therefore, when the image forming unit 30K (developing device 33) is attached to the apparatus main body 1A, the third gear 13 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG.

  By the way, the first gear 11 is connected to the motor M. In addition, the second transmission unit 60 and the third transmission unit 90 are also connected. In other words, the motor M, the second transmission unit 60, and the third transmission unit 90 are linked. Therefore, if the second gear 12 is not present and the third gear 13 is directly connected to the first gear 11, the image forming unit 30K (developing device 33) is mounted on the apparatus main body 1A. It becomes difficult to rotate the third gear 13 at that time. As a result, a situation may occur in which the gear on the developing device 33 side and the third gear 13 do not mesh with each other. In such a case, since the image forming unit 30K does not fit in the predetermined position of the apparatus main body 1A, the image forming unit 30K may be excessively pushed into the apparatus main body 1A by the user. As a result, the third gear 13 and the like can be damaged.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, the second gear 12 is provided between the first gear 11 and the third gear 13. In the configuration of the present embodiment, when the third gear 13 is about to rotate by mounting the image forming unit 30K, the second gear 12 is idled. Specifically, the second gear 12 rotates in a direction in which the flat surface 123a (see FIG. 10) is separated from the flat surface 113a (see FIG. 9). As a result, the third gear 13 rotates smoothly, and an engagement is easily formed between the third gear 13 and the gear on the developing device 33 side.

  Here, each gear in the drive device 40 in the present embodiment is constituted by a helical gear as described above. As a result, each gear receives a load (thrust load) in the axial direction from the other meshing gear when it is rotationally driven. As shown in FIG. 9, the first gear 11 in the present embodiment is in a state of receiving a load in the direction from the pinion gear M <b> 1 (see FIG. 2) toward the second gear 12 (see arrow K in the figure). . The second gear 12 is in a state of receiving a load in the direction from the third gear 13 toward the first gear 11 (see arrow M in the figure), as shown in FIG. As a result, when the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 are rotationally driven, the second protrusion 114 of the first gear 11 contacts the side surface 122 (see FIG. 10) of the second gear 12.

  Here, for example, when the second protrusion 114 does not exist in the first gear 11, when the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 are rotationally driven, the first protrusion 113 of the first gear 11 is moved to the second gear 12. The side surface 122 of the contact. Alternatively, the protrusion 123 of the second gear 12 contacts the side surface 112 of the first gear 11. As a result, the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 may be inclined. When the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 are tilted, there may be a problem that, for example, the driving force transmission accuracy deteriorates.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 are rotationally driven, the second protrusion 114 of the first gear 11 is in contact with the side surface 122 of the second gear 12 as described above. Yes. In other words, the first protrusion 113 of the first gear 11 and the side surface 122 of the second gear 12 are not in contact with each other, and the protrusion 123 of the second gear 12 and the side surface 112 of the first gear 11 are not in contact with each other. It becomes the composition which becomes. In the case of such a configuration, the second protrusion 114 formed in a ring shape comes into contact with the side surface 122 of the second gear 12, so that the load is not concentrated in one place but is dispersed in the circumferential direction.

  If a plurality of the first protrusions 113 in the first gear 11 and a plurality of the protrusions 123 in the second gear 12 are provided, the load can be dispersed and the inclination of the first gear 11 and the like can be suppressed. However, when a plurality of protrusions are provided in this way, sink marks (resin shrinkage) tend to occur unevenly, and it is often difficult to ensure accuracy in the first gear 11 and the like. The occurrence of sink marks can be predicted to some extent, but when a plurality of protrusions are provided, the prediction tends to be difficult. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is set as the structure which provides one protrusion part, and the precision of the 1st gearwheel 11 and the 2nd gearwheel 12 is ensured. Since the second protrusion 114 is formed in a ring shape, even if the resin contracts, the contraction occurs substantially evenly in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the deterioration of the accuracy of the first gear 11 due to the second protrusion 114 is unlikely to occur.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first gear 11 is in a state of receiving a load in the direction toward the second gear 12. Further, the second gear 12 is in a state of receiving a load in a direction toward the first gear 11. Here, the configuration in the present embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, it can be configured such that a load toward the frame 41 acts on the first gear 11 from the pinion gear M1. Moreover, it can also comprise so that the load which goes to the flame | frame 41 may act with respect to the 2nd gearwheel 12 from the 3rd gearwheel 13. FIG. That is, a load can be applied to the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 so that the first gear 11 and the second gear 12 are directed toward the frame 41. In this case, the side surface 122 of the second gear 12 is placed in contact with the second protrusion 114 of the first gear 11 positioned by the frame 41.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is the figure which showed the drive device from the front side of the apparatus main body. It is the figure which showed the 4th gearwheel, rotation member, collection | recovery container, etc. in a 2nd transmission part. It is the perspective view which expanded and showed the 4th gearwheel and the rotation member. It is the perspective view which expanded and showed the 4th gearwheel. It is the perspective view which showed the side surface in the frame side of a rotation member. It is the perspective view which showed the side in the collection container side of a rotation member. It is the perspective view which expanded and showed the transmission member. It is the perspective view which showed the 1st gearwheel and the 2nd gearwheel from the 2nd gearwheel side. It is the perspective view which showed the 1st gearwheel and the 2nd gearwheel from the 1st gearwheel side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 1A ... Apparatus main body, 42 ... Shaft, 42a ... Large diameter part, 64 ... 4th gearwheel, 65 ... Rotating member, 656b ... 1st inclined surface, 656c ... 2nd inclined surface, 83 ... Collection container , 833 ... transmission member, M ... motor

Claims (4)

An apparatus body having a drive source;
A first rotating member that rotates in one direction by the drive source;
The first rotating member is provided coaxially and has a facing surface facing the first rotating member and a facing surface located on the opposite side of the facing surface, and from the first rotating member. A receiving portion that receives a driving force is provided on the facing surface, and the receiving portion is pressed by the first rotating member from the upstream side in the one direction, whereby a second rotating member that rotates in the one direction ;
It is a connecting member that is connected to the opposite surface side of the second rotating member and is arranged coaxially with the second rotating member, and is pressed by the second rotating member from the upstream side in the one direction. a connecting member projecting portion that is provided, a drive member detachably mountable to the apparatus main body,
On the opposite surface of the second rotating member,
A first inclined surface that is provided so as to decrease in height toward the upstream side in the one direction, and that the protrusion comes into contact with when the connecting member is connected to the second rotating member;
A second inclined surface that is provided so as to decrease in height toward the downstream side in the one direction, and that the protrusion comes into contact with when the connecting member is connected to the second rotating member;
Is provided,
The length of the first inclined surface in the one direction is larger than the length of the second inclined surface in the one direction. When the protrusion comes into contact with the second inclined surface in a state where the receiving portion of the second rotating member and the first rotating member are in contact with each other, the protruding portion becomes the second inclined The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a driving force is received from a surface, and the connecting member of the driving body rotates in the one direction. When driving of the driving source is stopped, the second rotating member and the first rotating member are stopped in a state where the receiving portion of the second rotating member and the first rotating member are in contact with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A shaft further penetratingly disposed in both the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and rotatably supporting the first rotating member and the second rotating member;
The shaft has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and has a step portion between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion,
The first rotating member is attached to a portion of the large diameter portion of the shaft,
The second rotating member is attached to a portion of the small diameter portion of the shaft,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein movement of the second rotating member toward the first rotating member is restricted by the stepped portion.

Images