JP7367151B2 - Cartridges and drum units used in electrophotographic image forming devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge and a drum unit used in an image forming apparatus using electrophotography, such as a laser beam printer.

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a configuration is known in which elements such as a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as rotating bodies involved in image formation are integrated as a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body). There is. Here, in order to rotate the photosensitive drum in the cartridge, it is desirable to transmit driving force from the main body of the apparatus. At this time, a configuration is known in which a coupling member on the cartridge side is engaged with a drive force transmission part such as a drive pin on the apparatus main body side to transmit the drive force.

Here, some image forming apparatuses are known to have a structure related to a cartridge that can be removed in a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. Further, there is known an apparatus main body that does not include a mechanism for moving a drive pin of the apparatus main body in the rotational axis direction by opening and closing operations of a cover of the apparatus main body. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a coupling member provided at an end of a photosensitive drum is tiltable with respect to a rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. Thereby, a configuration is known in which a coupling member provided on the cartridge is engaged with a drive pin provided on the device main body, and driving force is transmitted from the device main body to the cartridge.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-233867

This is a development of the prior art described above.

Therefore, there is provided a cartridge that can be attached to an apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the apparatus main body includes a holding member, a drive head rotatably supported with respect to the holding member, and a rotation axis of the drive head. a main body side protrusion fixed to the holding member at a position downstream in the mounting direction of the cartridge and protruding toward the photoconductor provided in the cartridge in the direction of the rotational axis, the cartridge The cartridge can be mounted on the main body of the apparatus by moving in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the head, and the cartridge includes a frame body, the photoconductor rotatable while carrying a developer, and the photoconductor . a transmitted member attached to an end of the body to which a rotational force for transmitting to the photoreceptor is transmitted; (ii) a reference surface provided at a first end of the frame, and (ii) a reference surface provided downstream of the rotation axis of the photoreceptor in the mounting direction, and the first end of the frame with respect to the direction of the rotation axis of the photoreceptor; a groove-shaped groove recessed from the reference surface toward a second end on the opposite side of the photoreceptor, and extending parallel to the mounting direction toward the rotation axis of the photoreceptor; A first groove end on the upstream side and a second groove end on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction are open, and when the cartridge is mounted on the device main body, the main body side protrusion passes through the second end and closes in the groove. The present invention provides a cartridge characterized in that the cartridge enters the groove and reaches the end of the first groove.

It was possible to develop the prior art described above.

1 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus main body and a cartridge according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an example. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how a cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how a cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body while the coupling member according to the embodiment is tilted. It is an explanatory view of a coupling member concerning an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a relief portion of a coupling member according to an example. It is an explanatory view of a drum unit concerning an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the drum unit according to the embodiment is assembled into the cleaning unit. It is an exploded view of the drive side flange unit concerning an example. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a drive-side flange unit according to an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a method of assembling the drive-side flange unit according to the embodiment. It is an explanatory view of a bearing member concerning an example. It is an explanatory view of a bearing member concerning an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of how the coupling member according to the embodiment tilts with respect to the axis L1. It is a perspective view of the drive part of the apparatus main body concerning an example. It is an exploded view of the drive part of the device main body concerning an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a driving section of the device main body according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the cartridge according to the embodiment being installed in the main body of the apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the cartridge according to the embodiment being installed in the main body of the apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram when the cartridge according to the embodiment has been completely installed in the apparatus main body. It is an explanatory view regarding a coupling guide concerning an example. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the cartridge according to the embodiment is removed from the apparatus main body. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the cartridge according to the embodiment is removed from the apparatus main body. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the cartridge according to the embodiment being installed in the main body of the apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling member and a main body side engaging portion according to an example. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the disengagement operation between the coupling member and the main body side engaging portion when the cartridge according to the embodiment is removed from the apparatus main body. It is an explanatory view of a coupling guide concerning an example. It is an explanatory view of a coupling member and a drive pin concerning an example. It is an explanatory view of a cartridge and a coupling guide concerning an example. It is an explanatory view of a bearing member concerning an example. It is an explanatory view of a bearing member concerning an example. It is an explanatory view of a bearing member concerning an example.

Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Here, an image forming apparatus that employs an electrophotographic method is referred to as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Note that the electrophotographic method refers to a method in which an electrostatic image formed on a photoreceptor is developed with toner. Here, the developing method does not matter whether it is a one-component developing method, a two-component developing method, a dry developing method, or the like. Furthermore, the term "electrophotographic photosensitive drum" refers to a structure in which a photosensitive member is provided on the surface layer of a drum-shaped cylinder used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Here, a charging roller, a developing roller, and the like that act on the photosensitive drum and are involved in image formation are referred to as process means. Further, a cartridge including a photoreceptor or process means (cleaning blade, developing roller, etc.) involved in image formation is called a process cartridge. In the embodiment, a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller, and a cleaning blade are integrated will be exemplified and explained.

In the embodiment, a laser beam printer will be described as an example of an electrophotographic method used in a wide range of applications such as multifunction peripherals, FAX machines, and printers. Note that the reference numerals in the embodiments are used to refer to the drawings and do not limit the structure. Further, the dimensions and the like in the examples are for clearly explaining the relationships, and are not intended to limit the configuration.

The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge in the embodiment is a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to and removed from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is parallel to the rotational axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (a direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction). In the longitudinal direction, the side of the process cartridge on which the photosensitive drum receives rotational force from the main body of the image forming apparatus is defined as a driving side (driven side), and the opposite side thereof is defined as a non-driving side. In addition, if the word "upward" is written without specifying otherwise, the upper side in the direction of gravity when the image forming apparatus is installed is considered to be the upper side, and the opposite direction (opposite direction) is considered to be the lower side in the direction of gravity (lower side). ).

The laser beam printer in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The cartridge in this embodiment is a process cartridge that integrates a photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member (image carrier/rotating member), a developing roller, a charging roller, and a cleaning blade as process means. This cartridge is removably attachable to the main body of the apparatus. Here, the cartridge includes a rotating body/rotating member (gear, photosensitive drum, flange, developing roller) that rotates by receiving rotational force from the main body of the apparatus, and in particular, the member that carries and conveys the toner image is called a carrier. .

The configuration of a laser beam printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the image forming process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Next, the detailed structure of the process cartridge will be explained using FIGS. 3 and 4.

§1 (Explanation of laser beam printer and image forming process)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a laser beam printer main body A (hereinafter referred to as apparatus main body A) and a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as cartridge B), which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the term "apparatus main body A" refers to a portion of a laser beam printer, which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, excluding a removable process cartridge B.

First, the configuration of a laser beam printer, which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, will be described with reference to FIG.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology in which a process cartridge B is removably attached to the apparatus main body A (installable and detachable). When the process cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main body A, the process cartridge B is placed below the laser scanner unit 3 serving as an exposure means (exposure device) in the direction of gravity.

Further, a sheet tray 4 is disposed below the process cartridge B in the direction of gravity, and stores a sheet P as a recording medium (sheet material) on which the image forming apparatus forms an image.

Further, in the apparatus main body A, in order from the upstream side along the conveyance direction A device 9, a pair of discharge rollers 10, and a discharge tray 11 are arranged. Note that the fixing device 9 as a fixing means includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

Next, an outline of the image forming process will be explained using FIGS. 1 and 2.

Based on the print start signal, the photosensitive drum 62 (hereinafter referred to as drum 62), which is a rotating body (photosensitive member) that can rotate while carrying developer, moves at a predetermined circumferential speed (process speed) in the direction of arrow R. Rotationally driven.

The charging roller 66 to which a bias voltage is applied comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62, and uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

A laser scanner unit 3 serving as an exposure means outputs laser light L according to image information input to the laser printer. The laser beam L passes through an exposure window 74 on the upper surface of the process cartridge B, and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. As a result, a portion of the charged photoreceptor is neutralized, and an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, in the developing unit 20 as a developing device, the developer (hereinafter referred to as "toner T") in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and conveyed by rotation of a conveying screw 43 as a conveying member. The toner is then sent to the toner supply chamber 28.

Toner T as a developer is supported on the surface of a developing roller 32 as a developing means (process means/rotating body) by the magnetic force of a magnet roller 34 (fixed magnet). Note that the developing roller 32 functions as a rotating body that carries and conveys developer to a developing area in order to develop the electrostatic image formed on the photoreceptor. The layer thickness of the toner T conveyed to the developing area on the circumferential surface of the developing blade 42 and the developing roller 32 is regulated. Note that the toner T is frictionally charged between the developing roller 32 and the developing blade 42.

The electrostatic image formed on the drum 62 is developed (visualized) by the toner T carried on the surface of the developing roller, which is a rotating body that carries and conveys the toner. That is, the drum 66 carries the developed toner (toner image) on its surface and rotates in the direction of arrow R.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in synchronization with the output timing of the laser beam L, the sheet P stored in the lower part of the apparatus main body A is transferred to the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the pair of feeding rollers 5b, and the pair of conveying rollers 5c. Sent from.

Then, the sheet P is supplied to a transfer position (transfer nip) between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 62 as an image carrier to the sheet P as a recording medium.

The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 62 as an image carrier and is conveyed to the fixing device 9 along the conveyance guide 8 . Then, the sheet P passes through a fixing nip portion between a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b that constitute the fixing device 9. In this fixing nip, the unfixed toner image on the sheet P is fixed onto the sheet P by being pressurized and heated. Thereafter, the sheet P with the toner image fixed thereon is conveyed by a pair of discharge rollers 10 and discharged onto a discharge tray 11 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, on the surface of the drum 62 after the toner T has been transferred to the sheet, residual toner remains on the drum surface without being transferred to the sheet. This transfer residual toner is removed by a cleaning blade 77 that is in contact with the circumferential surface of the drum 62. As a result, the toner remaining on the drum 62 is cleaned, and the cleaned drum 62 is charged again and used for the image forming process. The toner (residual transfer toner) removed from the drum 62 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b of the cleaning unit 60.

In the above, the charging roller 66, the developing roller 32, and the cleaning blade 77 all function as process means that act on the drum 62. Although the image forming apparatus of this embodiment uses a cleaning blade to remove the transfer residual toner, it is also possible to adopt a method (cleanerless method) in which the charge-adjusted transfer residual toner is collected by the developing device at the same time as development. good. In the cleanerless method, an auxiliary charging member (such as an auxiliary charging brush) for adjusting the charge of the residual toner after transfer also functions as a process means.

§2 (Explanation of process cartridge configuration)
Next, the detailed structure of the process cartridge B will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge B as a cartridge. The frame of the process cartridge can be disassembled into multiple units. The process cartridge B of this embodiment has two units, a cleaning unit 60 and a developing unit 20, integrated together. In this embodiment, the developing unit 20 that holds the drum 62 and the cleaning unit 60 will be described using a configuration in which the two units are connected by two connecting pins 75 as connecting members, but it is not possible to separate them into three or more units. Also good. Naturally, the configuration may be such that the plurality of units are not connected by a connecting member such as a pin, and only some of the units can be replaced.

The cleaning unit 60 includes a cleaning frame 71, a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning blade 77, and the like. The drum (cylinder) 62 as a rotating body is provided with a coupling member 86 (coupling) as a driving force transmitting part at the end on the driving side. Note that driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body to the drum 62 as a rotating body via a coupling member 86 (coupling). Therefore, it can be said that the coupling member 86 (coupling) as a drive transmission component is provided at the end of the drum 62 driven by the apparatus main body A (driven end).

As shown in FIG. 3, the drum 62 (photosensitive drum) as a rotating body is rotatable around a rotation axis L1 (hereinafter referred to as axis L1) as a drum axis (rotation axis of the drum 62). Further, the coupling member 86 as a driving force transmission member is rotatable around a rotation axis L2 (hereinafter referred to as axis L2) as a coupling axis (rotation axis of the coupling). Here, the coupling member 86 as a drive transmission member (driving force transmission component) is configured to be tiltable (tiltable) with respect to the drum 62. In other words, the axis L2 can be tilted with respect to the axis L1 (details will be described later).

On the other hand, the developing unit 20 includes a toner storage container 21, a lid 22, a developing container 23, a first side member 26L (driving side), a second side member 26R (non-driving side), a developing blade 42, a developing roller 32, and a magnet roller. Consists of 34. Here, the toner storage container 21 includes a conveying screw 43 (stirring sheet) as a conveying member for conveying toner, and toner T as a developer. The developing unit 20 also uses a spring (in this embodiment, a helical spring 46 (coil spring)) as a biasing member that applies a biasing force between the developing unit 20 and the cleaning unit 60 in order to regulate the attitude of the unit. ). Further, the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are rotatably connected to each other by a connecting pin 75 (coupling pin) as a connecting member, thereby forming a process cartridge B.

Specifically, rotation holes 23bL and 23bR are provided at the tips of arm portions 23aL and 23aR formed in the developer container 23 at both ends of the developing unit 20 in the longitudinal direction (in the axial direction of the developing roller 32). The rotation holes 23bL and 23bR are provided parallel to the axis of the developing roller 32.

Furthermore, fitting holes 71a into which the connecting pins 75 are fitted are formed at both longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame 71, which is a frame (casing) on the cleaning unit side. Then, the arm portions 23aL, 23aR are aligned with predetermined positions of the cleaning frame 71, and the connecting pin 75 is inserted into the rotation holes 23bL, 23bR and the insertion hole 71a. Thereby, the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are coupled together so as to be rotatable about the coupling pin 75 as a coupling member.

At this time, the helical spring 46 (coil spring) as a biasing member attached to the base of the arm portions 23aL and 23aR hits the cleaning frame 71, and the developing unit 20 is moved to the cleaning unit 60 with the connecting pin 75 as the rotation center. It is energizing.

Thereby, the developing roller 32 as a process means is reliably pressed toward the drum 62 as a rotating body. As a result, the developing roller 32 is maintained at a predetermined distance from the drum 62 by spacers (not shown) serving as ring-shaped distance maintaining members attached to both ends of the developing roller 32 .

§3 (Explanation of attaching and detaching the process cartridge)
In the above-described configuration, the operation of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of how the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A. FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view seen from the non-drive side, and FIG. 4(b) is a perspective view seen from the drive side. Note that the drive side refers to the longitudinal end of the process cartridge B where the coupling member 86 is provided.

An opening/closing door 13 is rotatably attached to the main body A of the apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main body of the apparatus with the opening/closing door 13 open.

The inside of the device main body A includes a drive head 14 as a main body side engaging portion and a guide member 12 as a guide mechanism. Here, the drive head 14 is a drive transmission mechanism provided on the apparatus main body A side that transmits driving force to a cartridge installed in the apparatus, and engages with a coupling member 86 of the cartridge provided on the main body side. Rotation of the drive head 14 after engagement allows rotational force to be transmitted to the cartridge. Note that the drive head 14 can be regarded as a coupling on the main body side in that it engages with a coupling provided in the process cartridge B and transmits drive. Here, the drive head 14 as a main body side engaging portion is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body A. Further, the drive head 14 includes a drive shaft 14a as a shaft portion, and a drive pin 14b as an applying portion that applies rotational force (see FIG. 5(b3)). In this embodiment, the drive pin 14b is described as a drive pin, but it has a protrusion (projection) that protrudes radially outward from the rotational axis of the drive shaft 14a, and transmits the driving force from the surface of the protrusion to the cartridge side. It may be a configuration. Alternatively, the drive pin 14a may be press-fitted into a hole provided in the drive shaft 14a and then welded. The hatched portions (shaded portions) in FIGS. 5(b1) to 5(b4) represent cut surfaces. Note that hatching (shading processing) is performed on the cross-sectional views in FIG. 5 and subsequent figures as well.

Further, the guide member 12 serving as a guide mechanism is a main body side guide member that guides the process cartridge B into the apparatus main body A. The guide member 12 may be a plate-shaped member provided with a guide groove, or may be a member provided to guide the process cartridge B while supporting it from below.

Next, using FIG. 5, a description will be given of how the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A while the coupling member 86 as a driving force transmission component is tilted (tilting, swinging, turning). .

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of how the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A while the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted, rocked, pivoted). FIGS. 5(a1) to 5(a4) are enlarged views of the vicinity of the coupling member 86 when viewed from the driving side toward the non-driving side. Further, FIG. 5(b1) is a cross-sectional view (S1 cross-sectional view) taken along the line S1-S1 shown in FIG. 5(a1). Similarly, FIG. 5(b2) shows FIG. 5(a2), FIG. 5(b3) shows FIG. 5(a3), and FIG. 5(b4) shows FIG. 5(a4) in the same S1- It is a sectional view (S1 sectional view) taken along the S1 cutting line.

Note that FIG. 5(a1) to FIG. 5(a4) show how the process cartridge B is installed into the apparatus main body A in order, and FIG. It shows the state that has been applied. Further, in FIG. 5, two parts, the guide member 12 and the drive head 14, are drawn as parts of the apparatus main body A, and the other parts are parts of the process cartridge B.

Here, the directions indicated by arrows X2 and X3 in FIG. 5 are substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L3 of the drive head 14. Hereinafter, the direction indicated by arrow X2 will be referred to as the X2 direction, and the direction indicated by arrow X3 will be referred to as the X3 direction. Similarly, the X2 direction and the X3 direction are substantially orthogonal to the axis L1 of the drum 62 of the process cartridge. In FIG. 5, the direction indicated by arrow X2 is the direction in which the process cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main body A (downstream in the cartridge installation direction). Further, the direction indicated by arrow X3 is the direction in which the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body (upstream side in the cartridge mounting direction). Furthermore, the direction indicated by arrow X2 and the direction indicated by arrow X3 can be collectively regarded as the attachment/detachment direction. It can also be considered that attachment and detachment include the meaning of direction. In this case, expressions such as upstream in the attachment direction, downstream in the attachment direction, upstream in the detachment direction, and downstream in the detachment direction may be used for explanation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge B has a spring as a biasing member (elastic member). In this embodiment, a torsion spring 91 (also known as a torsion spring, torsion coil spring, or kick spring) is used as this spring. This torsion spring 91 urges the free end 86a of the coupling member to fall in a direction toward the drive head 14. In other words, during the mounting process of the process cartridge B, the torsion spring 91 urges the coupling member 86 so that the free end 86a faces downstream in the mounting direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive head 14. The process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body A while the coupling member 86 maintains the attitude (state) in which the free end 86a faces the drive head 14 (details will be described later).

Here, the rotational axis of the drum 62 is referred to as an axis L1, the rotational axis of the coupling member 86 is referred to as an axis L2, and the rotational axis of the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engaging portion is referred to as an axis L3. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 5(b1) to 5(b3), the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 and the axis L3. Note that the rotational axis of the drive head 14 is substantially the same as the rotational axis of the drive shaft 14a. Furthermore, since the drive-side flange 87 is provided at the end of the drum 62 and rotates together, the rotation axis of the drive-side flange 87 is substantially the same as the rotation axis of the drum 62.

When the process cartridge B is inserted to the extent shown in FIGS. 5(a3) and 5(b3), the coupling member 86 comes into contact with the drive head 14. FIG. 5(b3) shows an example in which the drive pin 14b, which serves as an application section that applies rotational force, is in contact with the standby section 86k1 of the coupling member. This contact restricts the position (tilting) of the coupling member 86, and the amount of inclination (tilting) of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 (axis L3) gradually decreases.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the drive pin 14b serving as the applying portion is in contact with the standby portion 86k1 of the coupling member. However, depending on the phase state of the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 in the rotational direction, the portion where the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 come into contact changes. Therefore, the contact position is not limited to that of this embodiment. Any part of the free end 86a of the coupling member (details will be described later) may come into contact with any part of the drive head 14.

When the process cartridge B is inserted to the mounting completion position, the axis L2 is located substantially on the same straight line as the axis L1 (axis L3), as shown in FIGS. 5(a4) and 5(b4). In other words, the rotation axes of the coupling member 86, the drive head 14, and the drive side flange 87 are substantially aligned.

In this manner, the coupling member 86 provided on the process cartridge B engages with the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engaging portion, thereby making it possible to transmit rotational force from the apparatus main body to the cartridge. When the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A, the states shown in FIGS. 5(a4) and 5(b4) are changed to the states shown in FIGS. 5(a1) and 5(b1). Similar to the mounting operation, the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) with respect to the axis L1, so that the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engagement portion. That is, the process cartridge B moves in the X3 direction (substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L3 of the drive head 14) opposite to the X2 direction, and the coupling member 86 separates from the drive head 14.

Note that the process cartridge B only needs to move in the X2 direction or the X3 direction near the installation completion position. The process cartridge B may move in any direction except in the vicinity of the mounting completion position. That is, the locus of movement of the cartridge just before the coupling member 86 engages with or disengages from the drive head 14 may move in a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L3 of the drive head 14.

§4 (Description of coupling member)
Next, the coupling member 86 will be explained using FIG. 6. Note that the direction of rotation is expressed as clockwise (Clockwise), counterclockwise (Counter Clockwise), clockwise, or counterclockwise based on the hand movement direction of the clock. The rotation direction R in FIG. 6 is counterclockwise when the cartridge is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side.

Further, in order to explain the configuration of each element shown in the drawings, a line drawn on a plane for explanation will be called a virtual line, and a plane drawn for explanation in a perspective view or the like will be called a virtual plane. Furthermore, when it is necessary to explain using a large number of virtual lines, expressions such as a first virtual line, a second virtual line, a third virtual line, etc. are used. Similarly, when it is necessary to explain using a large number of virtual surfaces, expressions such as a first virtual surface, a second virtual surface, a third virtual surface, etc. are used. Unless otherwise specified, when referring to the inside of the cartridge (towards the inside of the cartridge) or the outside of the cartridge (towards the outside of the cartridge), the inside is considered to be the inside (towards the inside) and the outside is to be considered to be the outside (towards the outside) based on the frame. .

FIG. 6(a) is a side view of the coupling member 86. Further, FIG. 6(b) is an S2 cross-sectional view of the coupling member 86 taken along the line S2-S2 in FIG. 6(a). Note that, in FIG. 6(b), the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engaging portion is shown in an uncut state.

FIG. 6(c) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 are engaged. Specifically, this is a view of the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 viewed from the drive side end (end surface) of the cartridge and the outside of the drive head 14 in the direction of arrow V1 in FIG. 6(a). Further, FIG. 6(d) is a perspective view of the coupling member 86. FIG. 6(e) is an explanatory view of the vicinity of the free end portion 86a (described later), and is a side view seen in a direction along receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 that receive rotational force (direction V2 in FIG. 6(c)).

As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling member 86 mainly has three parts. Simply put, it consists of two end parts and a middle part between them.

The first portion is a free end portion 86a that engages with the drive head 14 as a main body side engagement portion and receives rotational force from the drive head 14. Furthermore, the free end portion 86a has an opening portion 86m that widens toward the drive side.

The second portion is a substantially spherical coupling portion 86c (accommodated portion). This coupling portion 86c is tiltably held (coupled/connected) by a drive side flange 87 which is a transmitted member. Among the drum ends (cylinder ends), a drive side flange 87 is attached to one end of the drum, and a non-drive side flange 64 is attached to the other end.

Note that the first portion can be considered to include one end side of the coupling member, and the second portion can be considered to include the other end side of the coupling member. Further, the second portion can be considered to include the center of rotation when the coupling member rotates (tilts) when held by the drive side flange 87.

The third portion is a connecting portion 86g that connects the free end portion 86a and the connecting portion 86c.

Here, the maximum rotational diameter φZ2 of the connecting portion 86g is smaller than the maximum rotational diameter φZ3 of the coupling portion 86c (φZ2<φZ3), and smaller than the maximum rotational diameter φZ1 of the free end portion 86a (φZ2<φZ1). In other words, the diameter of at least a portion of the connecting portion 86g is smaller than the largest portion of the diameter of the connecting portion. Furthermore, the diameter of at least a portion of the connecting portion 86g is smaller than the largest portion of the diameter of the free end portion 86a. This diameter is the maximum rotational diameter of the coupling member around its rotational axis, and refers to the part with the largest diameter among the imaginary circles drawn by each cross section of the coupling member on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coupling member. ing.

Further, the maximum rotational diameter φZ3 of the coupling portion 86c is larger than the maximum rotational diameter Z1 of the free end portion 86a (φZ3>φZ1). As a result, when the coupling member 86 is passed through a hole having a diameter of φZ1 or more and φZ3 or less from the free end 86a side, the coupling member 86 gets caught in the hole and does not pass through. Therefore, when assembling the coupling member 86 or after assembling it, it becomes easy to prevent the coupling member from falling off from the assembled unit. In this embodiment, the maximum rotational diameter φZ1 of the free end portion 86a is larger than the maximum rotational diameter φZ2 of the connecting portion 86g and smaller than the maximum rotational diameter φZ3 of the coupling portion 86c (φZ3>φZ1>φZ2).

Note that the maximum rotational diameters φZ1, φZ2, and φZ3 can be measured as shown in FIG. 6(a). Specifically, the diameter in the radial direction of each part of the coupling member is measured on a cross section that includes the rotation axis of the coupling member, and the largest diameter of each part is determined. Note that a three-dimensional figure formed by the coupling member rotating around the rotation axis may be considered as a basis. Specifically, a point located at a position farthest in the radial direction from the rotational axis among the parts constituting the coupling member is specified. Then, the trajectory drawn when the identified point rotates around the rotation axis of the coupling member may be treated as a virtual circle, and the diameter of the virtual circle may be expressed as the maximum rotation diameter.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the opening 86m has a conical shape as an expanded portion (widening portion) that widens toward the drive head 14 side when the coupling member 86 is attached to the device main body A. It has a receiving surface 86f. Further, the receiving surface 86f is an outer circumferential surface of the free end, and the receiving surface 86f protrudes outward, thereby forming a recess 86z inside the free end. Note that the recess 86z has an opening 86m (opening) on the side opposite to the side where the drum 62 is provided (cylinder side) in the direction of the axis L2.

As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(c), on the distal end side of the free end portion 86a and on the circumference centered on the axis L2, two claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are located at points with respect to the axis L2. placed in symmetrical positions. Moreover, standby parts 86k1 and 86k2 are provided between the claw parts 86d1 and 86d2. Although a configuration including a pair of protrusions has been described here, a single protrusion may be sufficient for transmitting the driving force. In this case, the area between the clockwise downstream surface and the upstream surface of the protrusion can be regarded as the standby section. Here, the standby section is a space required when the drive pin 14b of the drive head 14 provided in the apparatus main body A stands by without coming into contact with the claw section 86d. This space is larger than the diameter of the drive pin 14b, which serves as the applying section that applies the rotational force.

This space functions as play when the cartridge is installed in the apparatus main body A. Further, in the radial direction of the coupling member 86, the recessed portion 86z is located inside the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2. The radial width of the claw portion 86d is approximately equal to the width of the standby portion.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), when waiting for the rotational force to be transmitted from the drive head 14 to the coupling member 86, the drive pin 14b that applies the rotational force to the standby parts 86k1 and 86k2 is position (ready position/standby position). Furthermore, in FIG. 6(d), receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 (see FIG. 6(a)) that receive rotational force intersecting the R direction are provided on the upstream side of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 when rotated in the R direction. Each is provided. Note that the R direction in the figure is the direction in which the apparatus rotates by receiving a driving force from the driving head 14 of the apparatus main body during image formation.

Here, the drive head 14 and the drive pin 14b that transmit the drive to the process cartridge B constitute a drive transmission mechanism. Naturally, depending on the shape of the drive head, it is possible for one member to perform multiple functions. In this case, the surface of the member that actually contacts other members and transmits the drive is considered to be the part that performs that function.

When the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 are engaged and the drive head 14 is rotating, the surface of the drive pin 14b on the main body side contacts the side surfaces of the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 of the coupling member 86. As a result, rotational force is transmitted from the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging portion to the coupling member 86 as the drive transmission component.

Furthermore, relief parts 86n1 and 86n2 are provided at the bases of the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2, which are recessed closer to the coupling part 86c than the standby parts 86k1 and 86k2. The relief portions 86n1 and 86n2 will be described in detail using FIG. 7. FIG. 7(b) is a cross section S3 in FIG. 7(a).

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the coupling member 86 is tilted along the drive pin 14b that applies rotational force from a state where the drive pin 14b and the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 are in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 7, when the coupling member 86 is tilted with the receiving parts 86e1, 86e2 and the drive pin 14b in contact, in order to avoid interference between the standby parts 86k1, 86k2 and the drive pin 14b, Escape parts 86n1 and 86n2 are provided. Therefore, if the entire standby portions 86k1, 86k2 are cut closer to the coupling portion 86c, or if the drive pin 14b is shortened, it is not necessary to provide it. However, in this embodiment, when the standby parts 86k1 and 86k2 are cut toward the coupling part 86c side, the rigidity of the coupling member 86 may be reduced, so that relief parts 86n1 and 86n2 are provided.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 6(c), in order to stabilize the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 as much as possible, it is desirable that the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 be arranged at points symmetrical positions with respect to the axis L2. . As a result, the rotational force transmission radius becomes constant, and the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 becomes stable. Further, in order to stabilize the position of the coupling member 86 that receives the rotational force as much as possible, it is desirable to arrange the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 at positions facing each other by 180°. In particular, in a configuration like this embodiment in which there is no protrusion (flange) on the outer periphery of the free end near the receiving part that encloses the outer periphery of the receiving part and the standby part, the number of receiving parts is small. Preferably, the number is two. In addition, if the receiving part is configured to include an annular flange on the outer periphery, the receiving part will not be exposed when viewed from the outside in the radial direction along the rotation axis. Therefore, regardless of the orientation of the coupling member, the receiving portion can be relatively easily protected during cartridge transportation. However, in a configuration in which the receiving portion is not visible due to the collar when viewed from the outside along the rotational axis of the coupling member, the collar tends to interfere with the engaging portion.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6(d) and (e), in order to stabilize the position of the coupling member 86 that has received the rotational force, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 are moved so that the distal ends thereof approach the axis L2. It is desirable to incline at an angle θ3 with respect to the axis L2. This is because, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 causes the coupling member 86 to be drawn toward the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging portion. As a result, the conical receiving surface 86f and the spherical portion 14c of the drive head 14 come into contact with each other, and the position of the coupling member 86 becomes more stable.

Further, although the number of claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 installed is two in this embodiment, it can be changed as appropriate as long as the drive pin 14b can enter the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 as described above. However, since it is necessary for the drive pin 14b to enter the standby section, the width of the claw itself (width in the circumferential direction in FIG. 6(c)) may need to be reduced by increasing the number of claws installed. There is. In such a case, it is preferable to use two protrusions (one pair) as in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 may be arranged radially inside the receiving surface 86f. Alternatively, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 may be arranged at locations that protrude radially outward from the receiving surface 86f in the direction of the axis L2. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the driving force from the driving head 14 is received from the side surfaces of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 that protrude from the receiving surface 86f in a direction away from the drum 62 along the rotational axis. Therefore, the protrusions themselves of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the free end portion 86a that receive the driving force from the device main body are exposed. This is because if an annular collar that surrounds the protrusion (claw) is provided, when the coupling member 86 is tilted, it will interfere with surrounding parts and limit the angle at which the coupling member 86 can tilt. . Alternatively, if an annular flange is provided, the cartridge B will have to be arranged in such a way that surrounding parts can escape, resulting in an increase in the size of the cartridge B.

It should be noted that, therefore, the cartridge B (and the apparatus main body A) can be made smaller by not providing any shape other than the portions that receive the driving force from the apparatus main body (in this embodiment, the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2). On the other hand, since there is no collar surrounding the protrusion, there is an increased risk that it will come into contact with other parts during transportation. However, as will be described later, by biasing the coupling member 86 with a spring, the claws 86d1 and 86d2 can be housed within the outermost portion of the bearing member 76. Thereby, the possibility that the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 will be damaged during transportation can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the protrusion amount Z15 of the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 from the standby portions 86k1 and 86k2 is set to 4 mm. This is a suitable amount to ensure that the standby portions 86k1, 86k2 do not interfere with the drive pin 14b and to reliably engage the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 with the drive pin 14b, even in consideration of component tolerances. It can be changed depending on the accuracy of the parts. However, if the standby parts 86k1 and 86k2 are moved away from the drive pin 14b more than necessary, there is a risk that deformation when the drive is transmitted to the coupling member 86 will increase. On the other hand, if the amount of protrusion of the claws 86d1 and 86d2 is increased, the cartridge B and the main body A of the apparatus will become larger. Therefore, the protrusion amount Z15 is preferably in a range of 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

In this embodiment, the length of the free end portion 86a in the direction of the axis L1 is approximately 6 mm. Therefore, the length of the base (portions other than the claws 86d1 and 86d2) of the free end 86a is approximately 2 mm, and as a result, in the axis L1 direction, the length of the claws 86d1 and 86d2 is approximately 2 mm. (portions other than 86d1 and 86d2).

Note that the inner diameter φZ4 of the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 is set larger than the maximum rotational diameter φZ2 of the connecting portion 86g. In this embodiment, φZ4 is 2 mm larger than φZ2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling portion 86c includes a substantially spherical shape 86c1 having a center C as a tilting center substantially on the axis L2, arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2, and a hole portion 86b.

The maximum rotational diameter φZ3 of the coupling portion 86c is configured to be larger than the maximum rotational diameter φZ1 of the free end portion 86a. In this embodiment, φZ3 is 1 mm larger than φZ1. Note that for spherical parts, the actual diameters may be compared, and if the shape is partially cut out for molding reasons, the diameters of virtual spheres may be compared. Further, the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 are arcuate surfaces having a circular arc shape having the same diameter as the connecting portion 86g and extending along the axis L2. The hole portion 86b, which is a through hole, penetrates in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the axis L2. The hole portion 86b, which is the through hole, includes first inclined restricted portions 86p1 and 86p2 that are perpendicular to the axis L2, and transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 that are parallel to the axis L2.

Here, the first inclined regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 have a planar shape that is equidistant from the center C of the spherical shape 86c1 (Z9=Z9). Further, the transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 also have a planar shape that is equidistant from the center C of the spherical shape 86c1 (Z8=Z8). Note that the pin 88 that passes through the hole 86b and supports the coupling member 86 in a tiltable manner has a diameter of 2 mm. Therefore, if Z9 exceeds 1 mm, the coupling member 86 becomes tiltable. Further, when Z8 is 1 mm, the pin 88 can pass through the hole, and when Z8 exceeds 1 mm, the coupling member 86 has a degree of freedom such that it can rotate a certain amount around the axis L1.

In addition, the end portions of the holes 86b of the first inclined restricted portions 86p1 and 86p2 in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2 reach the outer edges of the arc surface portions 86q1 and 86q2. Furthermore, the end portions of the transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2 of the hole portion 86b reach the outer edge of the spherical shape 86c1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 86g has a cylindrical shape that connects the free end portion 86a and the connecting portion 86c, and is a cylindrical (or cylindrical) shaft portion substantially along the axis L2. be.

The material of the coupling member 86 in this embodiment may be a resin such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, PPS, or liquid crystal polymer. Furthermore, the rigidity may be increased by blending glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc. with these resins, or by inserting metal into the resins. Further, the entire coupling member 86 may be made of metal or the like. In this embodiment, the best metal for making the coupling smaller was used. Specifically, a zinc die-cast alloy was used. The spherical portion on the free end side 86a of the connecting portion 86c is configured so that a part of the spherical surface on the side closer to the connecting portion 86g is gouged out. In addition, by devising the shape of the coupling member, the total length including the first part to the third part was configured to be approximately 21 mm or less. Further, the length in the longitudinal direction from the tilting center C to the end of the free end that engages with the main body drive pin is 15 mm or less. Note that the shorter the distance from the center of the coupling member's tilting, the smaller the distance that the coupling will retreat from the drive pin when tilted at the same angle. In other words, if the coupling member is shortened in order to downsize the cartridge, it becomes necessary to take measures such as increasing the tilting angle (tilting angle) required to avoid the drive pin. Further, the free end portion 86a, the coupling portion 86c, and the connecting portion 86g may be integrally molded, or may be formed separately and then coupled together. It should be noted that when the three members, the photosensitive drum and the flange to which the coupling member is attached, are taken out from the cartridge, the coupling member is attached so that it can be tilted (tilted freely) in any direction.

§5 (Description of drum unit configuration)
The configuration of the photosensitive drum unit U1 (hereinafter referred to as drum unit U1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the drum unit U1, in which FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view as seen from the driving side, FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view as seen from the non-driving side, and FIG. 8(c) is an exploded view. FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of how the drum unit U1 is assembled into the cleaning unit 60.

As shown in FIG. 8, the drum unit U1 includes a drum 62, a drive side flange unit U2 to which rotational force is transmitted from the coupling member, a non-drive side flange 64, and a ground plate 65. The drum 62 as a rotating body is a conductive member such as aluminum whose surface is coated with a photosensitive layer. Note that the drum 62 may be hollow or solid inside.

The drive-side flange unit U2, which serves as a transmitted member to which rotational force is transmitted from the coupling member, is arranged at the drive-side end of the drum 62. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(c), in the drive-side flange unit U2, the fixed portion 87b of the drive-side flange 87, which is a transmitted member, fits into the opening 62a1 at the end of the drum 62. , and is fixed to the drum 62 by gluing, caulking, or the like. When the drive side flange 87 rotates, the drum 62 rotates integrally. Here, the drive side flange 87 is fixed to the drum 62 so that the rotational axis of the drive side flange 87 as a flange axis is substantially coaxial (on the same straight line) with the axis L1 of the drum 62.

In addition, "substantially coaxial (on the same straight line)" refers to not only completely coaxial (on the same straight line), but also cases where the parts are slightly deviated from the same axis (on the same straight line) due to variations in component dimensions, etc. include. The same applies to the following description.

Similarly, non-drive flange 64 is located substantially coaxially with drum 62 at the non-drive end of drum 62 . In this embodiment, the non-drive side flange 64 is made of resin. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the non-drive side flange 64 is fixed to the drum 62 through an opening 62a2 at the longitudinal end of the drum 62 by adhesive, caulking, or the like. Further, a conductive (mainly metal) ground plate 65 is arranged on the non-drive side flange 64. The ground plate 65 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the drum 62 and is electrically connected to the main body A of the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drum unit U1 is supported by a cleaning unit 60.

On the non-drive side of the drum unit U1, a bearing portion 64a (see FIG. 8(b)) of the non-drive side flange 64 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 78. Note that the drum shaft 78 is press-fitted and fixed to a support portion 71b provided on the non-driving side of the cleaning frame 71.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, a bearing member 76 that contacts and supports the flange unit U2 is provided on the drive side of the drum unit U1. A wall surface (plate-shaped portion) 76h as a base portion (fixed portion) of the bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 with screws 90. Specifically, the bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 with screws. The drive side flange 87 is supported by the cleaning frame 71 via the bearing member 76 (details of the bearing member 76 will be described later). Note that when the plate-like portion 76h of the bearing member 76 is used as a reference surface, this support member has protrusions inside and outside the cartridge, respectively. Since the bearing member 76, which is a supporting member, is the frame of the cartridge, the protrusion projecting from the bearing member 76 can be regarded as a frame protrusion (protrusion). Similarly, since the bearing member 76 is attached to the cartridge frame body, the protrusion (first protrusion) that receives the biasing force from the device body and the protrusion (second protrusion) for attaching the spring are protrusions extending from the frame body. It can be considered as Note that the bearing member 76 and the frame of the cartridge may be provided with ribs, grooves, and cutouts in locations other than those explicitly shown in this embodiment in order to ensure shrinkage and strength during resin molding.

In this embodiment, the bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 with screws 90, but it may be fixed by adhesive or bonded by molten resin. Further, the cleaning frame 71 and the bearing member 76 may be integrated.

§6 (Description of drive side flange unit)
The configuration of the drive-side flange unit U2 will be described using FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit U2, with FIG. 10(a) being a view from the driving side and FIG. 10(b) being a view from the non-driving side. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the drive side flange unit U2, FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view of the drive side flange unit U2, and FIG. 11(b) is a cut along the S4-S4 section in FIG. 11(a). FIG. 11(c) is a sectional view taken along the line S5-S5 in FIG. 11(a). FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a method of assembling the drive side flange unit U2.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the drive-side flange unit U2 includes a coupling member 86, a pin 88 as a shaft, a drive-side flange 87, and a lid member 89 as a regulating member. Here, the coupling member 86 engages with the drive head 14 and receives a rotational force. The pin 88 has a substantially cylindrical shape (or cylindrical shape) and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1. Here, the pin 88 receives rotational force from the coupling member 86 and transmits the rotational force to the drive side flange 87. At this time, the pin 88 as a shaft part is a rotation regulating part that contacts a part of the through hole and restricts rotation in the rotational direction of the coupling member in order to contact the through hole of the coupling member and transmit rotational force. Equipped with In addition, in order to restrict the tilting of the pin 88 and the coupling member 86 as a shaft portion, a tilting regulating portion is provided which comes into contact with a portion of the penetrating shaft to restrict the tilting of the coupling member.

Further, the drive side flange 87 receives rotational force from the pin 88 and transmits the rotational force to the drum 62. The lid member 89 serving as a regulating member regulates the coupling member 86 and pin 88 from falling off from the drive side flange 87. Thereby, the coupling member 86 can take various postures with respect to the drive side flange 87. In other words, the coupling member 86 is held so as to be tiltable about the rotation center, such as a first attitude and a second attitude different from the first attitude. Note that, if attention is paid to the free end of the coupling member, it can take various positions (a first position, a second position different from the first position).

Note that, as described above, the drive side flange unit U2 is composed of a plurality of members, and the drive side flange 87 as the first member and the lid member 89 as the second member are integrated to play a role as a flange. The drive side flange 87 serves both as a portion receiving the drive from the pin 88 and as a portion transmitting the drive to the drum 62. Conversely, the lid member 89 holds the pin 88 together with the drive side flange 87 without substantially contacting the interior of the drum.

Next, each component will be explained using FIG. 10.

As described above, the coupling member 86 is provided with a free end portion 86a and a coupling portion 86c (accommodated portion). A hole portion 86b serving as a through hole is provided in the coupling portion 86c. Transmission parts 86b1 and 86b2 for transmitting rotational force to the pin 88 are provided inside (inner wall) of the hole 86b. Furthermore, on the inside (inner wall) of the hole 86b, there are first inclined regulated parts 86p1 and 86p2 as inclined regulated parts that come into contact with the pin 88 in order to regulate the amount of inclination of the coupling member 86 (FIG. 15). See also b2). Here, a part of the circumferential surface of the pin 88 serving as the shaft functions as an inclination regulating part (first inclination regulating part).

The drive side flange 87 has a fixed portion 87b, a first cylindrical portion 87j, an annular groove portion 87p, and a second cylindrical portion 87h. Here, the fixed portion 87b is a portion fixed to the drum 62 in order to contact the inner surface of the cylinder of the drum 62 and transmit driving force. Further, the second cylindrical portion 87h is provided inside the first cylindrical portion 87j in the radial direction, and the annular groove portion 87p is provided between the first cylindrical portion 87j and the second cylindrical portion 87h. The first cylindrical portion 87j has a gear portion (helical gear) 87c on the radially outer side and a supported portion 87d on the radially inner side (on the annular groove portion 87p side). As for the tooth shape of the gear portion (gear) 87c, a helical gear is particularly desirable from the viewpoint of drive transmission, but a gear such as a spur gear may also be used. Further, the second cylindrical portion 87h of the drive side flange 87 has a hollow shape and has a storage portion (cavity portion) 87i inside. Here, the housing portion (cavity portion) 87i is a portion in which the coupling portion 86c of the coupling member 86 is housed. Further, on the drive side of the storage portion 87i, there is provided a drop-off prevention portion (an overhang portion/drop-off prevention portion) that comes into contact with the coupling portion 86c to prevent (regulate) the coupling member 86 from falling off toward the drive side. A conical portion 87k is provided. Specifically, the conical portion 87k contacts the outer periphery of the coupling portion 86c of the coupling member 86 to prevent the coupling member from falling off. More specifically, the conical portion 87k comes into contact with a substantially spherical portion of the coupling portion 86c to prevent the coupling member 86 from falling off. That is, the minimum inner diameter of the conical portion 87k is smaller than the inner diameter of the storage portion 87i. In other words, the conical portion 87k protrudes (protrudes, overhangs) from the inner surface of the storage portion 87i toward the axial center (the cavity side) of the coupling member, and comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the coupling portion 86c to prevent it from falling off. be able to.

In this embodiment, the conical portion 87k has a conical shape with the axis L1 as the central axis, but it may have a spherical surface or a plane intersecting the axis L1, for example. An opening 87m for protruding the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is provided on the drive side of the conical portion 87k so that its diameter (φZ10) is larger than the maximum rotational diameter φZ1 of the free end 86a. It is being Further on the drive side of the opening 87m, a second inclination regulating part 87n is provided as another inclination regulating part that comes into contact with the outer periphery of the coupling member 86 when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted). Specifically, the second inclination regulating portion 87n comes into contact with the connecting portion 86g as the second inclination regulated portion when the coupling member 86 is inclined. Further, the gear portion 87c is a portion that transmits rotational force to the developing roller 32. Further, the supported portion 87d is a portion supported by the support portion 76a of the bearing member 76 (support member), and is provided on the thick back side of the gear 87c. These are arranged coaxially with the axis L1 of the drum 62.

Here, when the coupling member 86 comes into contact with the first inclination regulating part, the inclination angle is configured to be smaller than when it comes into contact with the second inclination regulating part (details will be described later).

The storage portion 87i provided inside the second cylindrical portion 87h has a pair of groove portions 87e (concave portions) arranged parallel to the axis L1 at positions 180° out of phase with each other around the axis L1. . The groove portion 87e opens toward the fixed portion 87b in the direction of the axis L1 of the drive side flange 87, and is connected to the cavity portion 87i in the radial direction. Further, the bottom of the groove portion 87e has a retaining portion 87f that is a perpendicular surface orthogonal to the axis L1. Further, the recessed portion 87e has a pair of transmitted portions 87g that receive rotational force from a pin 88, which will be described later. Here, (at least a portion of) the groove portion 87e and (at least a portion of) the annular groove portion 87p overlap in the direction of the axis L1 (see FIG. 12(b)). Therefore, the drive side flange 87 can be made smaller.

The lid member 89 as a regulating member includes a conical base 89a, a hole 89c provided in the base 89a, a hole 89c protruding from the base 89a approximately parallel to the axis L1, and an approximately 180° phase shift around the axis of the base. A pair of protrusions 89b are provided. The protruding portion 89b has a longitudinal regulating portion 89b1 at the tip in the direction of the axis L1.

In this embodiment, the drive side flange 87 is made of resin molded by injection molding, and the material thereof is polyacetal, polycarbonate, or the like. However, depending on the load torque for rotating the drum 62, the drive side flange 87 may be made of metal. Further, in this embodiment, the drive side flange 87 has a gear portion 87c that transmits rotational force to the developing roller 32. However, the rotation of the developing roller 32 does not necessarily have to involve the driving side flange 87. In that case, the gear portion 87c can be eliminated. However, when the gear portion 87c is disposed on the drive side flange 87 as in this embodiment, it is preferable to integrally mold the gear portion 87c with the drive side flange 87.

Next, the bearing member 76 will be explained in detail using FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing only the vicinity of the bearing member 76 in the cleaning unit U1. FIG. 13(a) is a side view seen from the drive side. Further, FIG. 13(b) is a sectional view taken along the line S61-S61 in FIG. 13(a), and FIGS. 13(c) and 13(d) are perspective views. Further, FIG. 13(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S62-S62 in FIG. 13(a). 14 is a perspective view of the bearing member 76, FIG. 14(a) is a view seen from the driving side, and FIG. 14(b) is a view seen from the non-driving side, with a driving side flange 87 added for explanation. ing. FIG. 14(c) is a sectional view taken along plane S71 in FIG. 14(b).

As shown in FIG. 14, the bearing member 76 mainly includes a plate portion 76h, a first protrusion 76j that protrudes from the plate portion 76h to one side (drive side), and a first protrusion 76j that protrudes from the plate portion 76h to the other side (non-drive side). The supporting portion 76a serves as a second protruding portion. Further, the bearing member 76 has a notch 76k as a retracted part (entered part) that is recessed from the plate-like part 76h in the direction in which the support part 76a protrudes (toward the non-driven side). The cutout portion 76k serving as the retracted portion (entered portion) is a recessed portion when viewed from the reference plane of the bearing member 76, and in this embodiment is a groove portion that is wide toward the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction. This recess is preferably in the shape of a groove in order to ensure the rigidity of the bearing member 76, but is not limited to this shape. Here, the recess from the reference plane is referred to as the retraction part because it is a space where the coupling member can tilt and retract to avoid interference between the coupling and the drive pin on the main body side during installation. It is. From a different perspective, the depression from the reference plane can be called the entered portion. This is because the inclined coupling member enters into this recessed portion. Further, a coupling guide on the main body side, which will be described later, can also enter into this recess. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the coupling member or the coupling guide enters into the above-mentioned recess, and it is not necessary that all of them enter into the recess. Therefore, depending on how you look at it, the recess provided in the frame of the cartridge frame is a retraction space for the coupling, and can be called an entry portion into which the coupling member and the like enter.

Specifically, it is sufficient that the coupling member is configured so that the inclination angle of the coupling member that is inclined downward in the cartridge mounting direction can be tilted (retracted) to a greater extent than that of the coupling member that is tilted in other directions, and the width is expanded radially. It may be a shape. The shape of this retracted portion (entered portion) is not limited to a groove, and may be any recessed portion facing downstream in the cartridge mounting direction from the rotation axis of the flange, and is not limited to the groove shape. The first protrusion 76j has a cavity 76i on the inside in the radial direction that accommodates the coupling member 86, and the cavity 76i is connected to a notch via a notch 76j1 provided in a part of the first protrusion 76j. It is spatially connected to the section 76k. Further, the notch 76k serving as the retracting portion is provided on the mounting direction (X2) side of the process cartridge B when viewed from the cavity 76i. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is configured to be able to tilt (tilt) in the mounting direction (X2) side (see FIG. 13). As a result, the coupling member 86 can be retracted (largely tilted) into the cuttable portion 76k serving as a retraction portion when the cartridge is installed in the main body of the apparatus.

In addition, in the bearing member 76, the cylindrical support portion 76a enters the annular groove portion 87p of the drive side flange 87, and rotatably supports the supported portion 87d.

Furthermore, the first protruding portion 76j has a cylindrical portion 76d that functions as a guided portion and a first positioned portion when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A, and a spring receiving portion 76e. Furthermore, a mounting tip portion 76f that functions as a second positioning portion is provided on the tip side of the notch portion 76k in the mounting direction (X2). Here, the cylindrical portion 76d and the mounting tip portion 76f are provided at different positions in the direction of the axis L1 with the plate-like portion 76h and the notch portion 76k interposed therebetween, and have arcuate shapes that are concentric with each other and have different diameters.

In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 87j, the annular groove portion 87p, the second cylindrical portion 87h, and the groove portion 87e overlap in the direction of the axis L1. Therefore, the support portion 76a of the bearing member 76 that enters the annular groove portion 87p, the pin 88, the spherical shape 86c1 of the coupling member 86, and the gear portion 87c are arranged at overlapping positions in the direction of the axis L1. Further, as described above, the bearing member 76 is provided with a notch 76k that is recessed toward the non-drive side than the plate-like portion 76h, so that when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted), the notch 76k is A portion is accommodated in the notch 76k. By configuring the parts around the coupling member 86 in this way, the amount by which the bearing member 76 and the coupling member 86 protrude toward the drive side with respect to the position of the gear portion 87c can be reduced, and the inclination of the coupling member 86 can be reduced. A large amount of tilting movement can be secured. Note that when each part on a cross-sectional view of a predetermined solid is orthogonally projected onto a virtual straight line, it is considered that the parts overlap when at least a portion thereof overlaps with each other. In other words, if an overlap occurs when a reference virtual plane is determined and each member is projected onto the same plane, it is treated as an overlap on that virtual plane.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13(e), when the coupling member 86 is tilted toward the notch 76k, the outermost shape of the first protrusion 76j in the axis L1 direction is the same as that of the coupling member 86. The claw portions 86d1, 86d2) are located on the outside. This reduces the risk that the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the coupling member 86 will unexpectedly collide with an obstacle during transportation or the like.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the developing roller 32 pushes the drum 62 in the direction of the arrow X7. That is, the drum unit U1 is pressed toward the notch portion 76k. Among the support portions 76a that support (the driving side flange 87 of) the drum unit U1, a notch portion side support portion 76aR has a notch portion 76k. Therefore, the opposite side support part 76aL without the notch part 76k has a relatively high rigidity compared to the notch part side support part 76aR. Therefore, in this embodiment, the supported portion 87d is provided on the thick back side of the gear portion 87c to receive the drive side flange 87 on the inner periphery. As a result, it is the opposite support portion 76aL that substantially supports the drum unit U1. As a result, a load is less likely to be applied to the notch-side support portion 76aR, which is less rigid, and the support portion 76a is less likely to deform.

As shown in FIG. 13, the torsion spring 91 as a biasing means (biasing member) is located on the detachment side in the attachment/detachment direction of the coupling member 86 with respect to the axis L1 of the drive side flange 87, and on the lower side in the direction of gravity (vertical direction). It is set in. The torsion spring 91 includes a cylindrical coil portion 91c, a first arm 91a, and a second arm 91b (first end, second end) extending from the coil portion 91c. The coil portion 91c is attached to the bearing member 76 by being pivotally supported (locked) by the spring hook portion 76g. The height (length) of the cylindrical portion of the spring hook portion 76g is made higher than that of the coil portion 91c, and the torsion spring 91 is prevented from falling off from the spring hook portion 76g. The spring hook portion 76g has a substantially D-shaped cross section with a straight portion formed on a portion of a circle, and the torsion spring 91 is attached to the cartridge by this protrusion passing through the coil portion 91c. Note that when the torsion spring 91 is attached, the diameter of the coil portion 91 is larger than the diameter of the spring hook portion 76g. The spring hooks 76g and 76B protrude from the same longitudinal end surface of the cartridge frame in a direction toward the outside of the cartridge along the rotational axis direction of the drive side flange.

The first arm 91a of the torsion spring 91 is in contact with the spring receiver 76n of the bearing member 76, and the second arm 91b is in contact with the link 86g or the spring receiver 86h of the coupling member 86. As a result, the torsion spring 91 urges the coupling member 86 by the urging force F1 so that the free end portion 86a faces toward the notch portion 76k. Furthermore, since the width Z11 of the notch 76k is wider than the diameter φZ1 of the tip 86a of the coupling member 86, the tip 86a has a degree of freedom to move up and down with respect to the mounting direction X2. . Since the coil portion 91c of the torsion spring 91 is provided below the axis L1, the coupling member 86 is urged by the urging force F1 and gravity so that the distal end portion 86a moves downward. As a result, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 is inclined toward the notch 76k with respect to the axis L1, and is also inclined so that the tip 86a comes into contact with the lower surface 76k1. In this embodiment, the free end portion 86a is positioned below the axis L1 due to the urging force F1 of the torsion spring 91. However, this is because the coupling member 86 is inclined so that the free end 86a is located below the axis L1, as will be described later in FIG.

As described above, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 is configured to face in a direction approaching the drive head 14 by the torsion spring 91. However, depending on conditions such as the mounting direction X2, the direction of gravity, and the weight of the coupling member 86, the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 faces in the X2 direction due to the weight of the coupling member. In this case, the coupling member 86 may be directed in a desired direction using gravity without providing the torsion spring 91 as a biasing means (biasing member). The coupling member 86 of this embodiment is biased by a torsion spring 91 and comes into contact with the lower side surface of the groove-shaped notch 76k in the direction of gravity. As a result, the coupling member is sandwiched between the torsion spring and the lower side surface of the groove, and the posture of the coupling member is stabilized. Naturally, by devising the arrangement of the torsion spring 91, etc., the coupling member can be brought into contact with the upper side surface in the direction of gravity of the groove-shaped notch 76k. However, stabilizing the coupling attitude without going against gravity is more stable than stabilizing the attitude of the coupling using the biasing force of a spring against gravity.

A method of supporting and connecting each component will be explained using FIG. 11.

The position of the pin 88 in the longitudinal direction (axis L1) of the drum 62 is restricted by the retaining portion 87f and the longitudinal restriction portion 89b1, and the position of the pin 88 in the rotation direction (R direction) of the drum 62 is restricted by the transmitted portion 87g. The pin 88 passes through a hole 86b serving as a through hole of the coupling member 86. The play between the hole 86b and the pin 88 is set to an extent that allows the coupling member 86 to tilt. With this configuration, the coupling member 86 can tilt (tilt, swing, turn) in any direction with respect to the drive side flange 87.

In the coupling member 86, movement of the driving side flange 87 in the radial direction is restricted by the coupling portion 86c coming into contact with the storage portion 87i. Further, the coupling portion 86c comes into contact with the base portion 89a of the lid member 89, thereby restricting movement from the driving side to the non-driving side. Further, the contact between the spherical shape 86c1 and the conical portion 87k of the drive side flange 87 restricts the movement of the coupling member 86 from the non-drive side to the drive side. When the transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 come into contact with the pin 88, movement of the coupling member 86 in the rotational direction (R direction) is restricted. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is connected to the drive side flange 87 and the pin 88.

At this time, the width Z12 of the hole 86b is set larger than the diameter φZ13 of the pin 88, as shown in FIG. 11(d). As a result, the coupling member 86 and the pin 88 are connected with play in the rotational direction (R direction) of the drum 62, so that the coupling member 86 can also rotate a certain amount around the axis L2. .

Further, as described above, the coupling member 86 comes into contact with the base 89a or the conical portion 87k and its position in the axis L1 direction is restricted, but due to component tolerances, the coupling member 86 can move a small amount in the axis L1 direction. It is configured to be.

A method of assembling the drive side flange unit U2 will be explained using FIG. 12.

First, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the pin 88 is inserted into the hole 86b, which is a through hole of the coupling member 86.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the pin 88 and the drive side flange 87 are inserted into the housing portion 87i (along the axis L1) together with the coupling member 86 so that the pair of grooves 87e of the drive side flange 87 are in phase with each other. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the pair of protrusions 89b of the lid member 89 as a regulating member are inserted into the pair of grooves 87e, and in this state, the lid member 89 is welded to the drive side flange 87. Fix by gluing.

In this embodiment, the diameter φZ1 of the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is smaller than the diameter φZ10 of the opening 87m. Thereby, the coupling member 86, the pin 88, and the cover member 89 can all be assembled from the housing portion 87i side of the drive side flange 87, making the assembly easy. Further, since the diameter φZ3 of the coupling portion 86c is smaller than the diameter of the opening 87m, the spherical portion 86c1 and the conical portion 87k can be brought into contact with each other. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the coupling member 86 from falling off to the drive side and to hold the coupling member 86 with high precision. Therefore, by setting the diameter φZ1 (<diameter φZ10)<diameter φZ3, it is possible to easily assemble the drive side flange unit U2 and maintain the position of the coupling member 86 with high precision.

§7 (Explanation of tilting (tilting) operation of coupling member)
The tilting (tilting) operation of the coupling member 86 will be described using FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of how the coupling member 86 (including the axis L2) is tilted (tilted) with respect to the axis L1. FIGS. 15A1 and 15A2 are perspective views of the process cartridge B in a state where the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted). Further, FIG. 15(b1) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S7-S7 in FIG. 15(a1). Further, FIG. 15(b2) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S8-S8 in FIG. 15(a2).

The manner in which the coupling member 86 tilts (tilts) around the spherical center of the coupling portion 86c will be described using FIG. 15.

As shown in FIGS. 15(a1) and 15(b1), the coupling member 86 is tiltable around the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1 centered on the spherical center of the coupling portion 86c. Specifically, the coupling member 86 is tiltable (tiltable) until the second tilt regulating portion 87n of the drive side flange 87 and the second tilt restricted portion (part of the connecting portion 86g) come into contact with each other. Here, the inclination (tilting) angle with respect to the axis L1 at this time is defined as a second inclination angle θ2 (second inclination amount, second angle). When the coupling member 86 is tilted around the axis of the pin 88, the hole portion 86b is aligned so that either the claw portion 86d1 or the claw portion 86d2 is located forward in the direction in which the coupling member 86 is tilted (arrow X7 direction). The phase relationship between the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 was set. Specifically, the hole portion is formed such that the tip end 86d11 of the claw portion 86d1 satisfies the condition of 59° or more and 77° or less (θ6 and θ7 in FIG. 11(e)) with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center of the hole portion 86b. 86b and claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are arranged. Note that θ6 and θ7 are not limited to the above-mentioned ranges, but are preferably within a range of approximately 55° or more and approximately 125° or less. With this configuration, when either of the claw portions 86d1, 86d2 is located in front of the direction in which the coupling member 86 is inclined, the pin 88 is tilted at a large angle ( (approximately 55° or more and approximately 125° or less). Then, the coupling member 86 at this time can be tilted by a second tilt amount or an amount close to this, and can be tilted more greatly than a first tilt amount (described later). This allows the tip 86d11 to be largely retracted in the direction of the axis L1.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15(a2) and 15(b2), the coupling member 86 rotates around the axis L1, which is perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88, around the spherical center of the coupling portion 86c. It is possible to tilt (tilt) until the regulating portions 86p1, 86p2 and the pin 88 come into contact with each other. According to the above-described phase relationship between the hole 86b (pin 88) and the claws 86d1 and 86d2, the coupling member 86 tilts (tilts) around the axis perpendicular to the pin 88. At this time, the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are located at positions facing each other across the direction in which the coupling member 86 is inclined (arrow X8 direction). Here, the inclination (tilting) angle with respect to the axis L1 at this time is defined as a first inclination angle θ1 (first inclination amount, first angle). In this embodiment, the coupling member 86, drive side flange 87, and pin 88 are configured so that the first inclination angle θ1<the second inclination angle θ2 (the reason will be described later using FIG. 25). .

Furthermore, by combining the inclination (tilting) around the axis of the pin 88 and the inclination (tilting) around the axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88, the coupling member can also be used in a direction different from the inclination (tilting) direction described above. 86 is tiltable. Here, since the inclination (tilting) in all directions is expressed as a combination of the above-mentioned inclinations (tilting), the inclination (tilting) angle in any direction is equal to or greater than the first inclination angle θ1 and the second inclination angle θ2 The following is true. In other words, it can be said that it is possible to tilt the first tilt angle θ1 (first tilt angle) and the second tilt angle (second tilt angle).

In this way, the coupling member 86 can be tilted (tilted) in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. That is, the coupling member 86 can be tilted (tilted) in any direction with respect to the axis L1. Furthermore, the coupling member 86 can swing in any direction with respect to the axis L1. Furthermore, the coupling member 86 is pivotable in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. Here, the turning of the coupling member 86 means that the tilted (tilting) axis L2 rotates around the axis L1.

Further, as described above, the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 are surfaces that define the first inclination angle θ1, and the connecting portion 86g is one of the dimensions that determines the second inclination angle θ2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 86g and the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 are arcuate with the same diameter, but may be changed as necessary.

§8 (Description of the drive part of the device body)
The configuration of the cartridge drive section of the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the drive section of the apparatus main body A (near the drive head 14 in FIG. 4(a)), and is a view of the apparatus main body A viewed from inside and upstream in the mounting direction of the process cartridge B (X2 direction). be. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the drive section, FIG. 18(a) is a partially enlarged view of the drive section, and FIG. 18(b) is a sectional view taken along the line S9-S9 shown in FIG. 18(a).

The cartridge drive section includes a drive head 14 as a main body side engaging section, a first side plate 350, a holder 300, a drive gear 355, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 18(b), the drive shaft 14a of the drive head 14, which serves as the main body side engaging portion, is fixed non-rotatably to the drive gear 355 by means not shown. Therefore, when the drive gear 355 rotates, the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging portion also rotates. Further, the drive shaft 14a is rotatably supported at both ends thereof by a support portion 300a of the holder 300 and a bearing 354.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18(b), a motor 352 as a drive source is attached to the second side plate 351, and a pinion gear 353 is provided on its rotation shaft. Pinion gear 353 meshes with drive gear 355. Therefore, when the motor 352 rotates, the drive gear 355 rotates, and the drive head 14 as the main body side engagement part also rotates. The second side plate 351 and the holder 300 are each fixed to the first side plate 350.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the guide member 12 serving as a guide mechanism includes a first guide member 12a and a second guide member 12b that guide mounting of the process cartridge B. Further, at the end of the first guide member 12a in the cartridge mounting direction (X2 direction), a mounting end portion 12c that is perpendicular to the X2 direction is provided. This guide member 12 is also fixed to the first side plate 350.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the holder 300 includes a support portion 300a that rotatably supports the drive shaft 14a of the drive head 14 as a main body side engagement portion, and a coupling guide 300b. The coupling guide 300b is located on the downstream side (inner side of the apparatus body) of the support part 300a in the mounting direction (X2 direction) of the process cartridge B, and is composed of a connecting part 300b1 and a guide part 300b2. Here, the connecting portion 300b1 has an arc shape with a diameter φZ5 centered on the axis L3, and the diameter φZ5 is set larger than the maximum rotational diameter φZ2 of the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86. Further, the tip of the guide portion 300b2 has an arc shape with a diameter φZ6 centered on the axis L3. This diameter φZ6 is provided so as to have a predetermined gap S with respect to the connecting portion 86g of the coupling member 86. Here, the predetermined gap S is a gap to prevent interference between the connecting portion 86g and the guide portion 300b2 due to component tolerances when rotating the process cartridge B (details will be described later, see FIG. 22).

§9 (Explanation of installing the process cartridge into the device body)
Mounting of the process cartridge B into the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. Note that in FIGS. 19 and 20, parts other than those for explaining the mounting operation are omitted from illustration.

19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21(a) are views of the apparatus main body A viewed from the outside on the drive side, and show how the process cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main body A in order. FIG. 21(b) is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 21(a). FIG. 22 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the vicinity of the coupling member 86 when the process cartridge B is completely installed in the apparatus main body A. In FIG. 22, for the apparatus main body A, the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging part, the coupling guide 300b of the holder 300, and the guide member 12 are shown, and the other parts are parts of the process cartridge B.

FIG. 22(a1) shows a state in which the process cartridge B is at the complete mounting position and the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted). FIG. 22(a2) shows that the process cartridge B is in the complete mounting position, and the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 substantially coincides with the axis L3 of the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging part. . FIG. 22(a3) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship with the coupling guide 300b when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted). 22(b1) to (b3) are cross-sectional views taken along the S10-S10 cutting line in FIGS. 22(a1) to (a3), respectively.

As shown in FIG. 19, the guide member 12 as a guide mechanism of the apparatus main body A is provided with a retraction spring 356 as a biasing member (elastic member). The retraction spring 356 is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 320c of the guide member 12, and its position is regulated by stoppers 12d and 12e. At this time, the acting portion 356a of the retraction spring 356 is biased in the direction of arrow J in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, when installing the process cartridge B into the apparatus main body A, the first circular arc portion 76d of the process cartridge B is attached to the first guide member 12a, and the rotation stop boss of the process cartridge B is attached to the second guide member 12b. 71c and insert it. That is, the process cartridge first circular arc portion 76d contacts the guide groove on the main body side, and at this time, the coupling member 86 is tilted in the mounting direction (X2 direction) by the torsion spring 91 as a biasing member (elastic member). are doing. Here, the coupling member 86 is covered by the first arc portion 76d of the bearing member 76. Thereby, the coupling member 86 does not interfere with any part of the apparatus main body A in the insertion path of the process cartridge B, and the process cartridge B can be continued to be inserted in this state until close to the installation completion position.

When the process cartridge B is further inserted in the direction of arrow X2 in the figure, the spring receiving part 76e of the process cartridge B and the acting part 356a of the retraction spring 356 come into contact with each other, as shown in FIG. As a result, the acting portion 356a is elastically deformed in the direction of arrow H in the figure.

Thereafter, the process cartridge B is installed at a predetermined position (installation completion position) (see FIG. 21). At this time, the first arc portion 76d of the process cartridge B abuts the first guide member 12a of the guide member 12, and the mounting tip portion 76f contacts the mounting end portion 12c. Similarly, the rotation stop boss 71c of the process cartridge B comes into contact with the positioning surface 12h of the guide member 12 as a guide mechanism. In this way, the position of the process cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A is determined.

At this time, the acting portion 356a of the retraction spring 356 presses the spring receiving portion 76e of the process cartridge B in the direction of arrow J in the figure, and the first circular arc portion 76d and the first guide member 12a come into contact with each other, and the mounting tip The contact between the portion 76f and the mounting end portion 12c is ensured. As a result, the process cartridge B can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body A.

Further, when the process cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main body A, as described above, the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engaging portion engage with each other (see FIG. 5), and the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body A. The installation of the cartridge B into the installation main body A is completed.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 22(a1) and 22(b1), even if the process cartridge B is completely installed, the coupling member 86 continues to be tilted (tilted) in the installation direction (X2 direction) by the torsion spring 91. try In other words, even when the mounting is completed, the torsion spring 91 continues to apply biasing force to the coupling member 86 (in a direction that substantially coincides with the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction). At this time, the connecting portion 86g comes into contact with the guide portion 300b2 of the coupling guide 300b, and the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 is restricted. By regulating the amount of inclination of the coupling member 86 in this manner, the pair of claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 and the drive pin 14b of the drive head 14 are brought into contact at the same time. To explain in more detail, the pair of claws are arranged substantially symmetrically about the rotation center of the coupling member. When the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling member 86 in this state, as shown in FIGS. 22(a2) and 22(b2), the driving head 14 is The axis L3 and the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 substantially coincide with each other. Then, the above-mentioned gap S is generated between the connecting portion 86g and the guide portion 300b2, and the coupling member 86 can rotate stably.

Here, if the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 is not regulated, either of the pair of claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 may not come into contact with the drive pin 14b. In this case, the above-described force couple does not work, making it impossible to align the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 and the axis L3 of the drive head 14.
The coupling guide 300b1 does not interfere with the coupling member 86 even when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) during the process of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B. Therefore, the coupling guide 300b is located on the non-drive side of the free end portion 86a (see FIGS. 22(a3) and 22(b3)). Furthermore, the notch 76k of the bearing member 76 is recessed further toward the non-drive side than the guide portion 300b2 so as not to interfere with the guide portion 300b2. In addition, the width Z11 of the notch 76k of the bearing member 76 in the direction perpendicular to the S10-S10 cross-sectional line is wider than the width Z14 of the coupling guide 300b. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the size of the cartridge while suppressing interference between the coupling guide and the cartridge.

Further, in this embodiment, the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 caused by the torsion spring 91 is regulated by the coupling guide 300b. However, as described above, the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 is not limited to that by the torsion spring 91. For example, if the coupling member 86 is inclined due to its own weight, the coupling guide 300b may be provided on the lower side in the direction of gravity. In this way, the coupling guide 300b may be provided at a position that limits the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 when the process cartridge B is mounted.

§10 (Explanation of coupling disengagement operation when process cartridge is removed)
Next, using FIG. 24, from the installation completion position of the process cartridge B, remove the process cartridge B from the apparatus main body A while disengaging the coupling member 86 from the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engagement part. Explain how to leave.

In this embodiment, as an example, a state will be described in which the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the coupling member 86 are located on the upstream side and the downstream side in the detachment direction (X3 direction), respectively, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, in this state, the phase relationship between the hole 86b through which the pin 88 passes and the claws 86d1 and 86d2 is determined so that the axis of the pin 88 is substantially perpendicular to the removal direction (X3 direction) as described above. It is being FIG. 24(a1) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the apparatus main body A is released when the process cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main body A. 24(a1) to (a4) are side views seen from the outside of the drive side, and FIGS. 24(b1) to (b4) are cross sections taken along the S12-S12 cutting line in FIGS. 24(a1) to (a4), respectively. It is a diagram. Further, in FIG. 24, similarly to FIG. 22, the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging portion of the apparatus main body A, the coupling guide 300b of the holder 300, and the guide member 320 are shown, and the other parts are parts of the process cartridge B. ing.

First, the process cartridge B is moved in the detachment direction (X3 direction) from the state shown in FIGS. 24(a1) and 24(b1) (the state in which the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 are engaged). Then, as shown in FIGS. 24(a2) and 24(b2), the coupling member 86 (its axis L2) is inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1 and the axis L3, and the process cartridge B is moved in the detachment direction (X3 direction). ). The amount of inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 at this time is determined by the contact of the free end 86a with each part of the drive head 14 (drive shaft 14a, drive pin 14b, spherical part 14c, tip part 14d). .

When the process cartridge B is further moved in the detachment direction (X3 direction), as shown in FIGS. It will be canceled. Then, the coupling member 86 further tilts (tilts) by being biased by the torsion spring 91 serving as a biasing means (biasing member). Here, the inclination angle of the coupling member 86 biased by the torsion spring serving as the biasing member is larger than the inclination angle when the coupling member 86 is tilted in a direction other than the biased direction.

The inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 is regulated by the contact between the second inclination regulating part 87n and the connecting part 86g. At this time, the maximum rotational diameter φZ2 of the connecting portion 86g is adjusted so that the coupling member 86 can tilt (tilt) until the claw portion 86d1 on the upstream side in the detachment direction is located on the non-driving side than the tip portion 14d of the driving head 14. and the second inclination angle θ2 are determined. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 24(a4) and 24(b4), the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engaging portion is released, and the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A. can do.

Even when the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are in a phase other than that described above, the coupling member 86 is similarly tilted (tilted), rotated as described above, or a combination thereof to cause the drive head 14 as the main body side engaging portion to move. Avoid each part. By moving aside in this manner, the engagement between the coupling member 86 and the drive head 14 serving as the main body side engagement portion can be released. As shown in FIGS. 23(a1) and (b1), when the axial direction of the drive pin 14b and the withdrawal direction (X3 direction) are substantially orthogonal, the free end portion 86b faces the opposite side (X2 direction) to the withdrawal direction. The claw portion 86d1 avoids the drive pin 14b toward the non-drive side. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 23(a2) and 23(b2), when the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are in positions facing each other across the detachment direction (X3 direction), the free end portion 86a is aligned with the axis of the drive pin 14b. tilt (tilt) so as to move along a direction parallel to the direction (X6 direction). Thereby, the claw portion 86d1 can also move the drive pin 14b in the direction of arrow X6. In such a case, the free end 86a needs to move below the axis L3 or the axis L1, so as described above, the position of the lower surface 76k1 of the bearing member 76 is set, and the position of the torsion spring 91 is adjusted. The direction of the biasing force is set so that the free end 86a tends to face downward. The lower side here is not necessarily limited to the direction of gravity. That is, the free end portion 86a only needs to be movable in the direction necessary for the claw portion 86d1 located on the downstream side in the mounting direction (upstream side in the removal direction) to move to avoid the drive pin 14b. . Therefore, when the rotational direction R of the drum 62 is opposite to that in this embodiment, the claw portion on the downstream side in the mounting direction is located on the upper side, so the direction in which the free end portion 86a should move is also on the upper side. Become. Therefore, when the claw portions 86d1 and 86d2 are located above and below with respect to the mounting direction X2 of the coupling member 86, the free end is placed on the claw portion side where the direction of the rotational force received from the drive pin 14b is the same as the mounting direction. Preferably, portion 86a is movable. In the case of the two examples shown in FIG. 23, the inclination (tilting) angle required for disengaging the coupling member 86 from the drive head 14 as the main body side engagement portion is the second one shown in FIG. It may be smaller than the inclination angle θ2. In this embodiment, the phase between the hole 86b of the coupling member 86 and the claws 86d1 and 86d2 is set such that the inclination (tilting) angle becomes the first inclination angle θ1 in the cases shown in FIGS. 23(a2) and 23(b2). determining the relationship. Note that FIG. 23(b1) is a sectional view taken along S11 in FIG. 23(a1). Moreover, FIG. 23(b2) is a sectional view of S11 in FIG. 23(a2).

Next, dimensions regarding each part of this embodiment will be illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 6, the diameter of the free end portion 86a is φZ1, the diameter of the connecting portion 86g is φZ2, the spherical diameter of the approximately spherical connecting portion 86c is φZ3, and the rotating diameter of the claw portions 86d1 and d2 is φZ4. Further, the diameter of the spherical tip of the drive head 14 serving as the engagement portion on the main body side is SφZ7, and the length of the drive pin 14b is Z5. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15(b1) and 15(b2), the amount of tilting (tilting) of the coupling member 86 around the axis of the pin 88 (second tilting angle) is set to θ2, and the axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 is set to θ2. The possible tilting (tilting) amount (first tilting angle) of the surroundings is assumed to be θ1. As shown in FIG. 22(b2), when the axis L2 and the axis L3 substantially coincide, S is the gap between the connecting portion 86g and the guide portion 300b2.

At this time, in this example, φZ1 = 10 mm, φZ2 = 5 mm, φZ3 = 11 mm, φZ4 = 7 mm, Z5 = 8.6 mm, SφZ7 = 6 mm, θ1 = 30° θ2 = 40°, S = 0.15 mm. .

The above-mentioned dimensions are an example, and the same operation is possible with other dimensions, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned dimensions. Specifically, both θ1 and θ2 may be tiltable at about 20° or more, and may be between about 20° and about 60°. More preferably, both angles are 25° or more and 45° or less. Further, while satisfying θ1<θ2, θ1 is preferably about 20° or more and about 35° or less, and θ2 is preferably about 30° or more and about 60° or less. Further, the difference between θ1 and θ2 may be in the range of about 3° or more and about 20° or less, and preferably in the range of about 5° or more and about 15° or less. As shown in FIG. 25, when the cartridge B is installed, the mounting tip (described later) is located on the non-driving side of the tip 14d of the drive head 14 and on the driving side of the guide section 300b2. It is conceivable to design θ1 and θ2 so that. This design allows the coupling 86 to be properly engaged with the drive head 14. Here, the mounting tip portion is the tip portion 86d11 of the claw portion 86d1 when the inclination of the coupling member 86 is the second inclination angle θ2, and is the standby portion 86k1 when the inclination is the first inclination angle θ1. Since the standby portion 86k1 is located closer to the rotation center C than the tip portion 86d11, by setting the first inclination angle θ1<second inclination angle θ2, the axis of the attached tip portion when the coupling member 86 is inclined is The positions in the L1 direction can be set to similar positions. This eliminates the need to widen the gap between the drive head 14 and the guide portion 300b2 more than necessary, which contributes to miniaturization of the apparatus main body A and the cartridge B.

Further, by setting φZ1<φZ3, assembly can be easily completed as in this embodiment. Furthermore, by setting φZ1<φZ10<φZ3 including the minimum diameter φZ10 of the conical portion 87k as a drop-off prevention portion (overhang portion/drop-off regulating portion), the position of the coupling member 86 in the drive side flange unit U2 is can be determined with high precision.

According to this embodiment, it was possible to develop a conventional cartridge that can be removed outside the device main body after moving in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the main body side engaging portion.

This example will be explained below using the drawings. In this embodiment, the configurations other than the free end 286a of the coupling member 286, the drive head 214, and the coupling guide 400b are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given and the explanation will be omitted. Note that even when the same reference numerals are used, the same reference numerals may be used even if some parts have been changed in conjunction with the configuration of this embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 as the main body side engaging portion. 26(a) is a side view, FIG. 26(b) is a perspective view, and FIG. 26(c) is a sectional view taken along the line S21-S21 in FIG. 26(a). Further, FIG. 26(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the S22-S22 cutting line in FIG. 26(a), and the S22-S22 cutting line passes through the center of the drive pin 214b serving as the applying portion and is orthogonal to the receiving portion 286e1. This is the line to do.

As shown in FIG. 26, in this embodiment, the shapes of the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 of the coupling member 286 are different from those in the first embodiment. The claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 have planar inner wall surfaces 286s1 and 286s2 facing the axis L2, and the radial width Z21 of the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 is wider than that in the first embodiment. . That is, compared to the first embodiment, the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 are provided with a larger width in the radial direction. Note that if the diameter of the inscribed circle of the inner wall surfaces 286s1 and 286s2 centered on the axis L2 is φZ22, φZ22 is provided so as to be larger than the diameter φZ7 of the drive shaft 214a of the drive head 214. Here, the amount of overlap between the drive pins 214b1, 214b2 and the receiving parts 286e1, 286e2 in the axial direction of the drive pins 214b1, 214b2 (direction perpendicular to the axis L2 (L3)) in FIG. Let the amount of engagement be Z23.

One drive head 214 is provided with a concave portion 214e that is recessed from the ball receiving surface portion 214c and the drive shaft 214a at the root of the drive pin 214b and downstream of the drive pin 214b in the rotational direction (R direction).

Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the disengagement operation between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A will be described in detail. Here, a case will be described in which a characteristic operation in this embodiment is shown. A case in which a characteristic operation is exhibited is a case in which the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2 are out of phase by a predetermined amount θ4 with respect to the detachment direction (X3 direction) of the cartridge B. For example, θ4=60° I will explain about it.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the coupling member 286 when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A. FIGS. 27(a1) to (a4) are views of how the process cartridges B are sequentially removed from the apparatus main body A, as viewed from the outside of the drive side of the apparatus main body A. FIGS. 27(b1) to 27(b4) are cross-sectional views of FIGS. 27(a1) to 27(a4), respectively, viewed from the lower surface in the removal direction (cross-sectional views taken along the cutting line S23-S23). Note that, for the sake of explanation, the coupling member 286, drive head 214, and pin 88 are shown in an uncut state.

As shown in FIG. 27(a1), when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A, the cartridge B is in the installation completion position of the apparatus main body A, and the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 are engaged. There is. Further, in many cases, the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A after a series of image forming operations have been completed. At this time, the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 of the coupling member are in contact with the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2.

From here, as shown in FIGS. 27(a2) and 27(b2), cartridge B is moved in the removal direction (X3 direction). Then, the cartridge B moves in the removal direction (X3 direction) while the axis L2 of the coupling member 286 is inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1 of the drive side flange 87 and the axis L3 of the drive head 214. At this time, the claw portion 286d1 (receiving portion 286e1) located downstream of the drive pin 214b1 in the detachment direction (X3 direction) remains in contact with the drive pin 214b1.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 27(a3) and 27(b3), cartridge B is further moved in the removal direction (X3 direction). Then, the axis L2 further inclines (tilts), and as in the first embodiment, the first inclination regulated parts 286p1 and 286p2 (not shown) and the pin 88 as the first inclination regulation part, or the second inclination regulation part 87n and a connecting portion 286g serving as a second inclined regulated portion are in contact with each other. This restricts the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 286. Even in this state, the phase of the drive pin 214b and the claws 286d1 and 286d2 (θ=60°) as shown in FIG. In some cases, they may remain in contact with each other. This is because the amount of movement of the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 toward the non-drive side due to the inclination (tilting) of the axis L2 becomes smaller.

At this time, since the drive head 214 is provided with the notch 214e, the coupling member 286 is tilted ( tilt).

Then, as shown in FIGS. 27(a4) and 27(b4), the coupling member 286 further tilts (tilts) in the direction of arrow X5 so that the claw portion 286d2 enters the notch portion 214e. When the coupling member 286 inclines (tilts), the contact between the claw portion 286d1 and the drive pin 214b1 is released in the direction of arrow X5. This allows the process cartridge B to be removed from the apparatus main body A.

In this embodiment, the radial width Z21 of the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 is wider than that in the first embodiment. Specifically, the width of the base was set to be about 1.5 mm. As a result, in the axial direction of the drive pin 214b, the engagement amount Z23 (see FIG. 26(d)) between the drive pins 214b1, 214b2 and the receiving portions 286e1, 286e2 is larger than in the first embodiment. As a result, the pair of applying portion and receiving portion can be reliably engaged and stable transmission can be performed regardless of variations in component accuracy. Here, regarding the width of the base of the receiving part, if it is wide, stable driving force can be transmitted, but if it is too wide, it will interfere with and affect the driving head. Therefore, in a virtual plane that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coupling member and includes the receiving part that receives the driving force from the engaging part, the angle formed by the two straight lines connecting both ends of the protrusion from rotation is about 10° or more and about 30°. It is preferable that it is below. Note that, since this is a part that is driven, taking into consideration rigidity, it is sufficient that the width of the base is 1.0 mm or more.

Furthermore, the notch portion 214e allows the engagement between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 to be released even when the engagement amount Z23 is larger than the gap between the inner diameter φZ24 of the claw portion and the diameter φZ27 of the body portion of the drive head 214. sea bream. Therefore, it is provided so that the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 in the direction of arrow X5 can be increased. Here, a large inclination means that the claw portions 286d1 and 286d2 can move in the direction of the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2 by an engaging amount Z23 or more.

Next, the configuration of the coupling guide 400b in this example will be explained using FIG. 28. The configuration of the coupling guide 400b is similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in the gap S2 set between the coupling member 286 and the connecting portion 286g.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling guide 400b, and FIGS. 28(a1) and 28(b1) show a state in which the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A and the axis L2 of the coupling member 286 remains tilted (tilted). represents. Furthermore, FIGS. 28(a2) and 28(b2) show a state in which the axis L2 coincides with the axis L1 and the axis L3. Note that FIG. 28(b1) is a sectional view taken along S24 in FIG. 28(a1). FIG. 28(b2) is a sectional view of S24 in FIG. 28(a2).

As shown in FIGS. 28(a1) and (b1), the coupling guide 400b prevents the drive pin 214b and the claw portion 286d1 from coming out of engagement even if the coupling member 286 is tilted (tilted). The inclination (tilting) of the ring member 286 can be restricted. As described above, in this embodiment, the engagement amount Z23 is larger than that in the first embodiment. Here, in this example, the gap S2 in FIG. 28(b2) is larger than the gap S in Example 1 (see FIG. 22(b2)). Even under such conditions, even if the amount of inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 increases, the engagement between the drive pin 214b1 and the receiving portion 286e1 does not come off, and rotation can be transmitted normally. In this way, since the gap S2 can be made larger than in Example 1, the dimensional accuracy of the connecting portion 286g and the guide portion 400b2 can be relaxed.

As described above, the engagement amount Z23 between the drive pins 214b1, 214b2 and the claws 286d1, 286d2 is increased, and the drive head 214 is provided with the notch 214e. Thereby, when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A, the engagement between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214 can be released. In addition, by employing the configuration of this embodiment, the gap S2 between the coupling guide 400b and the connecting portion 286g can be increased compared to the first embodiment, and the accuracy of parts can be reduced.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling member 386 and the drive head 314 as the main body side engaging portion. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of the R-shaped portion 386g1 and shows a state in which the cartridge B is attached to the main body A of the apparatus. FIG. 31 is an explanatory view of the bearing member 387 and the coupling member 386, showing a perspective view and a sectional view.

In comparison with the first and second embodiments, the coupling member 386 has lightening holes 386c2 to 386c9 in the coupling portion 386c. Further, the diameter of the connecting portion 386g is made thinner, and the wall thickness formed by the spring receiving portion 386h and the receiving surface 386f is made thinner. As a result of these, materials can be saved.

When providing the cutouts 386c2 to 386c9, it is preferable to provide them so that the spherical shape 386c1 remains evenly in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIG. 29(d). In this embodiment, the joint portion 386c is configured such that the portion where the spherical shape 386c1 is interrupted by the cutouts 386c2 to 386c9 and the hole portion 386b does not extend continuously by more than 90°. Note that although the shape is described as a spherical shape, it may be expressed as a substantially spherical shape, taking into account thinning, manufacturing variations, and the like. By configuring the coupling portion 386c as described above, the position of the coupling member 86 within the drive side flange unit U32 can be stabilized. In particular, it is possible to stabilize the position of the coupling member at the position of the S14-S14 cutting line supported by the storage portion 87i and at the position facing the conical portion 87k and the base portion 89a, as shown in FIG. 29(c). can.

Moreover, the circular arc surface portion 386q1 and the circular arc surface portion 386q2 have different diameters.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 30, an R shape 386g1 is provided between the connecting portion 386g and the spring receiving portion 386h. As described above, a play is provided in the drive-side flange unit U32 so that the coupling member 386 moves a small amount in the direction of the axis L1. When the coupling member 386a moves toward the non-drive side within this play, the engagement amount Z38 between the drive pin 314b and the claw portions 386d1 and 386d2 in the direction of the axis L1 decreases. Here, the engagement amount Z38 is the distance in the direction of the axis L3 between the center point of the arc shape of the drive pin 314b and the tip of the claw portion 386d1. In addition, when the coupling member 386 is tilted until the connecting portion 386g and the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b come into contact, the engagement amount Z38 between the drive pin 314b and the claw portions 386d1 and 386d2 decreases, which improves the transmission of driving force. may have an impact. On the other hand, by providing the R-shaped portion 386g1, when the coupling member 386 moves toward the non-drive side, the tip of the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b and the R-shaped portion 386g1 come close to each other. Thereby, the inclination of the coupling member 386 can be made smaller than when the guide portion 300b2 and the connecting portion 86g are in contact with each other as in the first embodiment. Therefore, by providing the R-shaped portion 386g1, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the engagement amount Z38 due to the coupling member 386 moving toward the non-drive side and a decrease in the engagement amount Z38 due to the inclination of the coupling member 386 from occurring at the same time. be able to. Note that the R-shaped portion 386g1 is not limited to an arc shape, and the same effect can be obtained even if it is, for example, a conical shape.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment, the claws 386d1 and 386d2 have flat tips and are thickened in the circumferential direction to reduce deformation of the claws 386d1 and 386d2 during drive transmission. are doing. In addition, a spring receiving groove 386h1 is provided in the spring receiving portion 386h in order to define a portion pressed by the torsion spring 91 (see also FIG. 30(d)). By defining the part of the spring 91 that comes into contact with the second arm 91b and applying lubricant there, the grease is always present in the sliding between the second arm 91b and the coupling member 386, and the scraping and sliding of both Generated sounds and the like can be reduced. Note that the coupling member 386 is made of metal, and the torsion spring 91 is also made of metal. Even when the coupling member 386 is rotated by receiving the driving force from the main body side engaging portion 314, the torsion spring 91 continues to apply biasing force to the coupling member. Therefore, the metals continue to rub against each other during image formation, and in order to reduce the effect of this, it is desirable to interpose a lubricant at least between the coupling member 386 and the torsion spring 91.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29(b), the drive pin 314b of the main body side engaging portion 314 does not have to have a cylindrical shape. In addition, the diameter sφZ36 of the spherical portion 314c is a spherical surface that comes into contact with the receiving surface 386f, which is thinner than that in the first embodiment, so that it is larger than the diameter sφZ6 of the spherical portion 14c in the first embodiment and the diameter φZ37 of the drive shaft 314a. is also getting bigger. Furthermore, in order to smoothly engage (and disengage) with the coupling member 386, a taper 314e1 is provided at the step between the notch 314e and the drive shaft 314a.

In the coupling guide 330b shown in FIG. 30, the diameter of the tip of the guide portion 330b2 is smaller than that of the first embodiment, in accordance with the connecting portion 386g whose diameter is smaller than that of the first embodiment.

Next, the bearing member 376 will be explained in detail using FIG. 31. As shown in FIG. 31, the width Z32 of the notch 376k of the bearing member 376 is wider than the diameter φZ31 of the tip 386a, as in the first embodiment, so that the tip 386a is aligned in the mounting direction X2 and the axis L1. It is facing downwards. On the other hand, the plate-shaped portion 376h is configured to be located closer to the drive side than in the first embodiment. Therefore, when the coupling member 386 is tilted, the outermost diameter portion (φZ31 portion) of the tip portion 386a comes into contact with the lower surface 376k1 of the notch portion 376k. As a result, the downward inclination of the coupling member 386 is defined regardless of the inclination angle of the coupling member 386, and the coupling member 386 can be more stably engaged with the main body side engaging portion 314b. (In Example 1, the conical spring receiving portion 87h was in contact with the lower surface 76k1, so the amount by which the coupling member 86 hangs downward varies depending on the inclination angle of the coupling member 86.)

Further, the spring hanging portion 376g is composed of a retaining portion 376g1, an insertion opening portion 376g2, and a support portion 376g3. Here, the insertion opening portion 376g2 and the support portion 376g3 are smoothly connected by a tapered portion 376g4 so that the spring 91 can be inserted smoothly in the direction of the arrow X10. The outermost diameter Z33 of the retaining portion 376g1 and the insertion opening portion 376g2 and the outermost diameter Z34 of the support portion 376g3 are smaller than the inner diameter φZ35 of the coil portion 91c of the spring 91. By configuring the spring hook part 376g as described above, it is easy to insert the coil part 91c into the spring hook part 376g, and the support part 376g3 suppresses the coil part 91c from moving in the direction of coming off from the retaining part 376g1. can do. This can reduce the possibility that the spring 91 will slip out of the spring hanging portion 376g. Furthermore, by configuring the spring hook portion 376g not to protrude further to the outside (drive side) than the first protrusion portion 376j, the possibility of the spring hook portion 376g being damaged during distribution is reduced.

In this embodiment, the retaining portion 376g1 is preferably provided on the side opposite to the coupling member 386 when viewed from the spring hook portion 376g (lower left side in FIG. 31(a)).

Briefly, the reaction force F91 received by the torsion spring 91 (the resultant force of the force F91a received by the first arm 91a and the force F91b received by the second arm 91b) is applied to the coupling member 386 side (the upper right side in FIG. 31(a)). ). As a result, the coil portion 91c approaches the coupling member 386 side. Therefore, by setting the position of the retaining portion 376g as disclosed in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure the attachability of the torsion spring 91 while making it difficult for the torsion spring 91 to come off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the coupling member 386 is inclined until it approaches the coil portion 91c side as shown in FIG. 31(c), the first arm 91a and the second arm 91b become substantially parallel. As a result, the force F91a and the force F91b cancel each other out, so that the reaction force F91 that the torsion spring 91 receives becomes smaller. In this way, by preventing the force F91 from being directed toward the retaining portion 376g1, the possibility that the torsion spring 91 will fall off from the spring hanging portion 376g is reduced.

In addition, the bearing member 376 is provided with a contact prevention rib 376j5 and a contact prevention surface 376j2 to prevent the coupling member 386 from contacting the coil portion 91c. As a result, even if the coupling member 386 is inclined in a direction approaching the coil portion 91c, the coupling member 386 contacts the contact prevention rib 376j5 and the contact prevention surface 376j2, so that the tip portion 386a is tilted toward the coil portion 91c. This prevents contact with the Thereby, the possibility that the coil portion 91c comes off from the retaining portion 376g1 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, a space 376j4 for movement of the second arm 91b of the spring 91 is provided inside the first protrusion 376j in the radial direction. Here, it is preferable that the second arm 91b has a length that allows the arm portion 91b1 of the second arm 91b to always come into contact with the spring receiving portion 386h of the coupling member 386 (see FIG. 29). This can prevent the tip 91b2 of the second arm 91b from coming into contact with the spring receiving portion 386h.

In this embodiment, the torsion spring 91 is prevented from coming off by the shape of the spring hook 376g, but it may be prevented from coming off by applying silicone bond or hot melt. Further, it may be prevented from coming off with another resin member.

In this embodiment, another configuration of the drive side flange unit and the bearing member that pivotally supports it will be explained using FIG. 32. In this embodiment, components other than the drive-side flange unit and the bearing member are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used to omit the explanation. Note that even when the same reference numerals are used, the same reference numerals may be used even if some parts have been changed in conjunction with the configuration of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 32, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 476j of the bearing member 476 is divided into upper and lower parts. This reduces the number of surrounding structures when inserting the torsion spring 91 into the spring hook 476g, thereby improving assembly efficiency when inserting the torsion spring 91 into the spring hook 476g using a tool or an assembly device. Further, in the first embodiment, the support portion 76a is configured as a second protrusion and is configured to protrude from the plate-like portion 76h toward the non-drive side, but as shown in FIGS. may be provided inside the cavity 476i. In this case, the supported portion 487d provided on the drive side flange 487 is preferably provided on the second cylindrical portion 487h within a range that does not inhibit the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86. In this case, since there is no second protrusion (or supporting portion 76a) that has entered the annular groove 87p, the drive side flange 487 does not need to be provided with the annular groove 487p. Alternatively, even if the annular groove portion 487p is provided for convenience of resin molding, when the first cylindrical portion 487j and the second cylindrical portion 487h are connected by the rib shapes 487p1 to 487p4 and the drive is transmitted to the drive side flange 487. It is also possible to suppress the deformation of.

In this embodiment, still another configuration of the drive-side flange unit and the bearing member that pivotally supports it will be described using FIG. 33. In this embodiment, components other than the drive-side flange unit and the bearing member are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used to omit the explanation. Note that even when the same reference numerals are used, the same reference numerals may be used even if some parts have been changed in conjunction with the configuration of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 33, in this embodiment, a notch 576k of the bearing member 576 is different from that in the first embodiment. In Example 1, the notch portion 76k had a groove-like shape parallel to the mounting direction X2, recessed toward the non-drive side from the plate-like portion 76h. The notch 576k of the bearing member 576 is similar to the first embodiment in that it is recessed toward the non-drive side from the plate-like portion 576h, but it does not need to have a groove-like shape. It is sufficient that the coupling member 86 is recessed from the plate-like portion 576h to provide a space for the coupling member 86 to incline, and that the vertical position of the coupling member 86 (free end portion 86a) can be defined by the lower surface 576k1.

Further, in the first embodiment, the supported portion 87d was provided on the inner periphery of the first cylindrical portion 87j of the drive side flange 87, but in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 587h is the supported portion 587d. In one bearing member 576, a support portion 576a serving as a second protrusion enters a groove portion 587p and pivotally supports a supported portion 587d. Since the second cylindrical part 587h can be made to protrude more toward the drive side than the first cylindrical part 587j, by providing the supported part 587d in the second cylindrical part 587, the supported part The length of the shaft support in the direction of the axis L1 can be made longer than when the shaft is provided.

(Other examples)
In the above embodiments, the coupling member is housed in the flange unit of the photosensitive drum. However, any structure may be used as long as the cartridge is driven via the coupling member. Specifically, the developing roller may be rotationally driven via a coupling member. Naturally, a developing cartridge that does not include a photosensitive drum and that transmits rotational force from an engaging portion on the main body side to the developing roller can also be suitably applied. In this case, the coupling member 86 transmits rotational force to the developing roller 32 as a rotating body instead of the photosensitive drum.

Naturally, even a configuration in which the driving force is transmitted only to the photosensitive drum can be suitably applied. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the driving side flange 87 as a transmitted member was fixed to the longitudinal end of the drum 62 which is a rotating body, but it may be an independent member without being fixed. For example, it may be a gear member that transmits rotational force to the drum 62 or the developing roller 32 through a gear connection.

Further, the cartridge B in the above embodiment was for forming a monochrome image. However, this is not the case. The configurations and ideas disclosed in the above embodiments can also be suitably applied to a cartridge that is provided with a plurality of developing means and forms a multicolor image (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image, or a full-color image). .

Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments are applicable regardless of whether the attachment/detachment path of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A is a straight line, a combination of straight lines, or a curved path. be able to.

Each structure disclosed in the above embodiments can be applied to a cartridge used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a drive transmission device used therein.

3 Laser scanner unit (exposure means, exposure device)
7 Transfer roller 9 Fixing device (fixing means)
12 Guide member (guidance mechanism)
12a First guide member 12b Second guide member 13 Opening/closing door 14 Drive head (engaging part: main body side)
14a Drive shaft (shaft)
14b Drive pin (applying part)
20 Developing unit 21 Toner storage container 22 Lid 23 Developing container 32 Developing roller (developing means, process means, rotating body)
60 Cleaning unit 62 Photosensitive drum (photosensitive body, rotating body)
64 Non-drive side flange 66 Charging roller (charging means, process means)
71 Cleaning frame 74 Exposure window 75 Coupling member 76 Bearing member (supporting member)
76b Guide portion 76d First circular arc portion 76f Second circular arc portion 77 Cleaning blade (removal means, process means)
78 Drum shaft 86 Coupling member 86a Free end (engaging part: cartridge side)
86b1 Transmission portions 86p1, 86p2 First inclination (tilting) regulated portion 86c Connection portion (accommodated portion)
86d1, 86d2 Protrusions 86e1, 86e2 Receiving part 86f Receiving surface 86g Connecting part 86h Spring receiving part 86k1, 86k2 Standby part 86m Opening part 86z Recessed part 87 Drive side flange (transmitted member)
87b Fixed part 87d Supported part 87e Hole part 87f Retaining part 87g Transmitted part 87k Conical part 87m Opening part 87n Second inclination regulating part 87i Storage part 88 Pin (axis part/shaft)
89 Lid member (regulating member)
90 Screws (fastening means, fixing means)
A Electrophotographic image forming device main body (device main body)
B Process cartridge (cartridge)
T Toner (developer)
P sheet (sheet material/recording medium)
R Rotation direction S Gap U1 Photosensitive drum unit (drum unit)
U2 Drive side flange unit (flange unit)
L1 Rotation axis L2 of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum Rotation axis L3 of the coupling member Rotation axis θ1 of the main body side engaging portion Inclination angle (first angle)
θ2 Inclination angle (second angle)

Claims (21)

A cartridge that can be attached to an apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the apparatus main body includes a holding member, a drive head rotatably supported with respect to the holding member, and a drive head that is rotatably supported relative to the rotation axis of the drive head. a main body side protrusion fixed to the holding member at a position on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge and protruding toward the photoreceptor included in the cartridge in the direction of the rotational axis, the cartridge It can be mounted on the device main body by moving in a mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis,
The cartridge is
A frame and
The photoreceptor is rotatable while supporting a developer;
a transmitted member attached to an end of the photoreceptor to which rotational force is transmitted to the photoreceptor;
The frame body is
(i) a reference plane provided at the first end of the frame with respect to the direction of the rotational axis of the photoreceptor;
(ii) provided on the downstream side of the rotational axis of the photoconductor in the mounting direction, and toward a second end of the frame body opposite to the first end with respect to the direction of the rotational axis of the photoconductor; a groove-shaped groove recessed from a reference surface and extending parallel to the mounting direction toward the rotation axis of the photoreceptor;
have,
A first groove end on the upstream side and a second groove end on the downstream side of the groove portion are open in the mounting direction, and when the cartridge is mounted on the device main body, the main body side protrusion portion opens the second end portion. The cartridge passes through the groove, enters the groove, and reaches the first groove end. 2. The frame has a protrusion that protrudes beyond the reference plane in a direction from the second end toward the first end with respect to the rotational axis of the photoreceptor. cartridge. When viewed along the direction of the rotation axis of the photoreceptor, when the area is divided into two by a straight line parallel to the mounting direction and passing through the rotation axis of the photoreceptor, the protrusion portion is formed in at least one area. 3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the cartridge is located in one of the regions and in one of the other regions. When viewed along the direction of the rotational axis of the photoreceptor, the protrusions are arranged at least at two locations sandwiching the rotational axis of the photoreceptor on a straight line that is perpendicular to the mounting direction and passes through the rotational axis of the photoreceptor. The cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: 5. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is provided at a plurality of locations as a plurality of divided protrusions . 6. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion receives a biasing force from the apparatus main body when the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. 7. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion includes an arcuate portion. 7. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes another arcuate portion downstream of the groove in the mounting direction. The frame body includes an arcuate portion downstream of the groove portion with respect to the mounting direction ,
8. The cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the circular arc portion and the other circular arc portion of the protruding portion are circular arc shapes that are concentric with each other and have different diameters. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes a bearing member having a support portion that rotatably supports the transmitted member, and the groove portion is provided in the bearing member. Claims 2 to 9, wherein the frame body includes a bearing member having a support portion that rotatably supports the transmitted member, and the groove portion and the protrusion portion are provided on the bearing member. The cartridge according to any one of the above. 12. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes an opening located upstream of the groove in the mounting direction. a coupling member capable of being engaged with the drive head to transmit rotational force and transmitting the rotational force to the transmitted member;
13. The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the coupling member is disposed to extend through the opening. The cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein the coupling member contacts the main body side protrusion. 14. The cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein the coupling member can enter the groove by tilting the coupling member. 16. The cartridge according to claim 15 , wherein the coupling member is tiltable by about 20 degrees or more downstream in the mounting direction. 17. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the main body side protrusion protrudes further toward the photoreceptor in the direction of the rotational axis than the drive head. The main body side protrusion includes a first portion extending toward the photoreceptor in the direction of the rotation axis, and a second portion protruding from the tip of the first portion toward the upstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , comprising: and. 19. The cartridge according to claim 18 , wherein the second portion has an arcuate tip. 2. The frame body includes a contact portion downstream of the groove portion in the mounting direction, the contact portion being capable of contacting the apparatus main body in a state in which the cartridge has been completely mounted on the apparatus main body. 20. The cartridge according to any one of 19. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the protruding portion includes a contact portion that can come into contact with the device main body when the cartridge is completely attached to the device main body.

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