JPH10111625A - Image carrier rotary driving mechanism for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image carrier rotary driving mechanism for the image forming device capable of always stably obtaining the image with an excellent quality by restraining the change of rotary driving speed of the image carrier. SOLUTION: In the image carrier rotary driving mechanism for the image forming device transmitting rotation of a driving source to the image carrier, provided with a driving source rotary driving the image carrier provided with a potoconductive layer for a latent image forming by making an engaging part formed on a driving shaft tip part of the driving source engaged with a engage hole SFa formed on a flange SF provided on an end part of the image carrier, the mechanism is composed so as to clamp engaging part formed on the driving shaft tip end of the driving source by plural screws (binding body) S1 to S3, and making the screws S1 to S3 radially screw coupled to the flange SF with the center at the engage hole SFa. In such a manner, since the engaging part on the driving shaft tip part of the driving source is clamped by the screws S1 to 53, the engagement between the engaging part of the driving shaft and the engaging hole SFa and the flange SF is prevented from the occurrence of the play, the rotary speed fluctuation is restrained, and the image with the excellent quality can be always stably obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image carrier rotating drive mechanism for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which one or more image carriers having a photoconductive layer are arranged.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 14 and 2 are cross-sectional views of an electrophotographic process section of an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus in which image carriers having a photoconductive layer are arranged in a tandem manner.
It is shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 14 is a main cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic processing unit of a conventional color image forming apparatus, FIG. 15 is a plan cross-sectional view of the main part of the color image forming apparatus, FIG. 16 is a rear view of the main part of the color image forming apparatus, 17 is a sectional view of a side entrance of a main part of the color image forming apparatus, FIG. 18 is a side view of the rotary drive motor, FIG. 19 is a front view of the rotary drive motor, and FIG. FIG. 21 is a front view of the same image carrier.

First, the configuration of an electrophotographic process section of a color image forming apparatus will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 14, 101a is an image carrier having a photoconductive layer, 101b is a charger, 101c is a transfer unit,
101d is a developing device, 101e is an exposing device, 101f is a cleaner, and these constitute an image carrier unit I.

Similarly, in the figure, 102a is an image carrier having a photoconductive layer, 102b is a charger, 102c is a transfer device,
02d is a developing device, 102e is an exposing device, 102f is a cleaner, and these constitute an image carrier unit II.

Similarly, in the figure, 103a is an image carrier having a photoconductive layer, 103b is a charger, 103c is a transfer device,
03d is a developing device, 103e is an exposing device, 103f is a cleaner, and these constitute an image carrier unit III.

Similarly, in the figure, 104a is an image carrier having a photoconductive layer, 104b is a charger, 104c is a transfer device,
04d is a developing device, 104e is an exposing device, and 104f is a cleaner, which constitute the image carrier unit IV.

When multicolor toner transfer is required as in a color copying machine, a plurality of image carriers 101a to 104a are arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. I for Y (yellow), image carrier unit II
M (magenta), C (cyan) to the image carrier unit III, and Bk (black) to the image carrier unit IV, so that a color image can be formed on the image carriers 101a to 104a. Can be constituted.

In forming a color image, first, in the image carrier unit I, a charge is applied to a rotating image carrier 101a by a charger 101b, and the image carrier 101a is exposed to an exposure device 101e indicated by an arrow. Exposure is performed to form a latent image on the photoconductive layer on the image carrier 101a. This latent image is developed by the developing device 101d and visualized as a toner image. The toner image is transferred by a transfer device 101c onto a transfer material (not shown) conveyed by a transfer belt 3 driven by a transfer belt driving pulley 5 and a transfer belt driven pulley 4, and the transfer of the toner image is performed. The received transfer material is transported to the next image carrier unit II. The image carrier 101
The toner remaining on the photoconductive layer on a is a cleaner 101f.
And the image carrier 101a is ready for forming a new latent image.

In the next image carrier unit II, the same process as described above is performed, and a toner image of another color is transferred to the transfer material. Thereafter, such a process is continuously performed on the image carrier units III and IV, so that a multicolor toner image is transferred onto the transfer material, and a desired color image is formed. You.

Next, the rotation driving mechanism of the image carriers 101a to 104a will be described with reference to FIGS.

To independently rotate the image carriers 101a to 104a, a drive unit 1 'detachable from the apparatus is provided as shown in FIGS. Rotary drive motors MS1 to MS4, which are drive sources, are attached to the image carriers 101a to 104a, respectively, on a motor attachment member 2 'provided in the drive unit 1'. The motor shafts are elongated, and an engagement portion is formed at the tip of each motor shaft. An encoder E (see FIG. 18) is provided at the rear end of the motor shaft facing the drive body casing of each of the rotary drive motors MS1 to MS4. Is detected, and the rotation speed of each of the image carriers 101a to 104a is controlled based on the detection result. still,
Usually, in a state where the encoder E is installed, the encoder E portion is covered by the driving body casing, so that the presence of the encoder E cannot be visually confirmed.

The drive unit 1 'is a member BP
As shown in FIG. 6, the members FP are provided with members T1 to T4 having image carrier support shafts A1 to A4, respectively.
Is extended.

Each of the image carriers 101a to 104a has a fitting hole at one end on the side of the rotation drive motors MS1 to MS4 for receiving the transmission of a rotational force, and has a flange SF at the end surface on the same side.
1 to SF4 are attached. Also, each image carrier 10
Flanges FF1 to FF4 each having a fitting hole are attached to an end surface of 1a to 104a opposite to the side to which the flanges SF1 to SF4 are attached.

The members T1 to T1 provided on the member FP
The image carrier support shafts A1 to A4 extending from T4 and the fitting holes formed in the flanges FF1 to FF4 attached to the member FP side of the image carriers 101a to 104a are fitted to each other, and the drive unit 1 'is fitted. Provided rotary drive motor MS
Each of the image carriers 101a to 101a to 1
Each of the image carriers 101a to 104a is rotatably supported by being spline-fitted into a fitting hole formed in 4a.

Since the structure of each of the rotary drive motors MS1 to MS4 is the same, FIGS.
The configuration of S1 is shown. A spline-shaped engagement portion BC1 is formed at the tip of the long shaft portion BS1 of the rotary drive motor MS1, and a rotational speed detecting encoder is provided at the rear end of the long shaft portion BS1. E is provided. In FIG. 19, S
R1 to SR4 are screw fastening holes for fixing the motor, IT1
Is a fitting part for motor positioning.

The end structure of the image carrier 101a is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 21, a spline-shaped fitting portion BC1 (see FIG. 18) fitted to the end portion of the long shaft portion BS1 of the rotary drive motor MS1 is provided on the flange SF1 attached to one end of the image carrier 101a. Is formed.

With the above configuration, the rotary drive motor MS1
MS4 allows each of the image carriers 101a to 104a in the tandem color electrophotographic process to be independently driven to rotate.

[0019]

However, in the rotation drive mechanism of the image carriers 101a to 104a, for example, an engagement portion BC1 formed on the long shaft portion BS1 of the rotation drive motor MS1 and the end of the image carrier 101a. Flange SF1
In the fitting with the fitting hole SF1a formed in the above, since minute play is inevitable, the driving force transmission accuracy is reduced, and the rotation speed fluctuates.

For this reason, the rotational driving speed of the image carrier fluctuates, the image expands and contracts in the image forming direction in the image formation by a single image carrier, and the image carrier in the image formation by a plurality of image carriers. There is a problem that image displacement occurs between the bodies and image quality deteriorates.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image carrier rotating drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus capable of constantly and stably obtaining a high-quality image by suppressing fluctuations in the rotational drive speed of the image carrier. To provide.

In addition, the influence of the position error of the slit interval of the encoder for controlling the rotation speed fluctuation and the rotation radius position error of the slit appears in the rotation speed control amount, and it is not possible to detect the rotation speed fluctuation amount of the encoder itself by the encoder signal. However, there is a problem that the image carrier cannot be rotationally driven with high accuracy because the rotational speed fluctuation amount of the rotary drive motor shaft itself cannot be detected with high accuracy.

Further, since there is no means for detecting the rotation speed fluctuation amount with higher accuracy than the encoder signal accuracy, the rotation speed fluctuation amount of the image carrier cannot be evaluated with high precision, and the influence on the image cannot be obtained. In some cases, the cause may not be clarified even when there is a certain rotational speed fluctuation.

In addition, when there is a variation in the mounting eccentricity of the encoder itself, even in a normal rotation state, an erroneous determination that there is a problem may be made.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can detect the rotational speed fluctuation of the image carrier with high accuracy and can rotate the image carrier with high accuracy. It is to provide a drive mechanism.

[0026]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving source for rotating an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image. Image formation for transmitting the rotation of the drive source to the image carrier by fitting an engagement portion formed at the tip of the drive shaft of the source into a fitting hole formed in a flange provided at one end of the image carrier. In the image carrier rotating drive mechanism of the apparatus, a plurality of fasteners are radially screwed around the fitting hole to the flange, and an engagement portion formed at the tip end of the drive shaft of the drive source by the fastener is provided. It is characterized by being tightened.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an engaging portion formed at a tip end of the drive shaft of the drive source and a fitting hole of the flange are spline-fitted. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the material of the fastening body is resin.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a buffer is provided between the fastening member and the engaging portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the number of the fastening members is two or more.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving source for rotationally driving an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image, and an engaging portion formed at a tip end of a driving shaft of the driving source. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus that transmits rotation of a drive source to the image carrier by fitting the rotation of the driving source to the image carrier by fitting the fitting into a fitting groove formed in a flange provided at one end of the image carrier.
A part of the flange is formed in a plurality of split molds, a screw portion is formed on the outer periphery of the split mold portion, and a ring-shaped fastening body is screwed to the screw portion.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the number of the split molds of the flange is an odd number.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the outer diameter D ₁ of the flange, the outer diameter D ₂ of the threaded portion of the flange, the outer diameter D ₃ of the end of the flange, and the image bearing member between the inner diameter D ₅ of the outer diameter D ₄ and the ring-shaped fastener body, characterized in that allowed establishing the _{D 5 <D 4 D 1 <} D 2 <D 3 become magnitude relation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the threading direction of the threaded portion provided on the flange is set to the fastening force of the ring-shaped fastening body with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier. Is set to increase.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving source for rotatingly driving an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image, and an engaging portion formed at a tip end of a driving shaft of the driving source. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus that transmits rotation of a drive source to the image carrier by fitting the rotation of the driving source to the image carrier by fitting the fitting into a fitting groove formed in a flange provided at one end of the image carrier.
A tapered portion is provided in at least one of an engagement portion formed at a tip end of a drive shaft of the drive source and a fitting hole of the flange.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, a portion having a taper is provided in an engagement portion formed at a tip end portion of the drive shaft of the drive source.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, a portion having a taper is provided in the fitting hole of the flange portion.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, a portion having a taper at both an engagement portion formed at a tip end of the drive shaft of the drive source and a fitting hole of the flange portion is provided. It is characterized by having been provided.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving source for rotationally driving an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image, and a driving shaft end of the driving source facing a driving body casing. In the image carrier rotating drive mechanism of the image forming apparatus for providing rotation detection means and detecting rotation of the drive shaft by the rotation detection means and transmitting the rotation of the drive shaft to the image carrier,
The drive shaft of the drive source is extended outside the drive body casing, and a plate-like member is attached to the extension.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect, a step is formed in a drive shaft extending portion of the drive source.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect, the extension length of the drive shaft of the drive source is different for each drive source.

The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 14, the extension length of the drive shaft of the drive source is set to be the same for drive sources that are not adjacent to each other.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect, a difference between an encoder signal corresponding to the rotation speed of the drive source and a rotation speed signal obtained by an external measurement system is defined as a rotation control amount. It is characterized by using.

[0044]

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

<Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a front view of an image carrier flange employed in an image carrier rotary drive mechanism according to the present invention.

The image carrier flange SF shown in FIG. 1 is attached to one end of the image carrier, and has a spline-shaped fitting hole SFa formed at the center thereof. In the image carrier flange SF, a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of fastening grooves D1 to D3 to which screws S1 to S3 as fastening bodies are to be screwed are formed radially around the fitting hole SFa. Have been.

After the engaging portion formed on the long axis portion of the rotary drive motor is spline-fitted into the fitting hole SFa formed on the image carrier flange SF, the fitting hole SFa is formed on the image carrier flange SF. Screws S1 to S3 are inserted into the fastening grooves D1 to D3.
3 and tightening the long shaft portion on the rotary drive motor side with these screws S1 to S3, there is no play in the engagement between the engaging portion formed on the long shaft portion and the fitting hole SFa of the flange SF. Does not occur, the accuracy of transmitting the driving force to the image carrier is increased, the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier is suppressed, and the image carrier is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed with high accuracy.

As described above, the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier is suppressed. As a result, when an image is formed by a single image carrier, the image does not expand or contract in the image forming direction. In image formation using an image carrier, high-quality images can be obtained by preventing image displacement between image carriers.

The screws S1 to S3 are entirely made of resin.
Or by making only the tip part made of resin or rubber,
Damage to the engaging portion at the tip of the long shaft portion of the rotary drive motor can be prevented.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a half sectional view of an edge portion of the image carrier, and FIG. 3 is a front view of an image carrier flange.

The flange SF attached to one end of the image carrier 101 has a splined fitting hole SFa at the center.
Are provided in the axial direction, and a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of slits SL1 to SL are provided at a predetermined distance from the end face.
Numeral 3 is formed radially around the fitting hole SFa, and one end side of the flange SF is divided into a plurality of pieces on the circumference by these slits SL1 to SL3.

A thread portion SFb is formed on the circumference of the plurality of divided portions of the flange SF, and a ring-shaped screw RS is screwed into the thread portion SFb.

After the engaging portion formed on the long axis portion of the rotary drive motor is spline-fitted into the fitting hole SFa formed on the flange SF, the screw portion formed on the outer periphery of the flange SF is fitted. By tightening the screw RS screwed to the SFb, no looseness occurs in the fitting between the engaging portion formed on the long axis portion of the rotary drive motor and the fitting hole SFa of the flange SF, and the image carrier 101 is fixed. The driving force transmission accuracy of the image carrier 101 is increased, the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier 101 is suppressed, and the image carrier 101 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed with high accuracy.

As described above, the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier 101 is suppressed, so that the image formation by the single image carrier 101 does not cause expansion and contraction of the image in the image forming direction, and In image formation by the plurality of image carriers 101, high-quality images can be obtained by preventing image displacement between the image carriers 101.

Incidentally, the inner diameter D _{5 of the} screw RS is set to the image carrier 101.
Smaller than the outer diameter D _{4 of} the flange SF (D ₅ <D ₄ ), and the diameter D ₂ of the thread portion SFb of the flange SF is changed to the diameter D of the other flat portion.
_By setting (D ₂ > D ₁ ) larger than _{1 and} setting the diameter D ₃ of the end of the flange SF to be larger than the diameter D ₂ of the screw portion SFb (D ₃ > D ₂ ), the screw RS falls off. Can be prevented. Further, if the screw cutting direction of the screw portion SFb and the screw RS is set to a direction in which the fastening force of the screw RS increases when the image carrier 101 is rotated, the engagement portion of the rotary drive motor and the flange SF on the image carrier 101 side are formed. A good fitting state without play with the fitting hole SFa is maintained.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the rotary drive motor.

In this embodiment, a taper θ is provided at the tip of the long axis portion BS of the rotary drive motor MS which is the drive source of the image carrier.
Was formed. By giving the taper θ to the outer diameter portion of the spline shaft portion TC in this manner, the spline shaft portion TC and the spline-shaped fitting hole provided on the image carrier flange (not shown) can be fitted without play. Therefore, the accuracy of transmitting the driving force to the image carrier is increased, and the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier is suppressed, and the image carrier is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed with high accuracy.

As described above, the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier is suppressed. As a result, when an image is formed by a single image carrier, the image does not expand or contract in the image forming direction. In image formation using an image carrier, high-quality images can be obtained by preventing image displacement between image carriers.

In this embodiment, the spline shaft TC
The same effect can be expected by giving a taper to the fitting hole formed in the image carrier flange, or giving a taper to both the spline shaft portion and the fitting hole. it can.

<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 is a plan cross-sectional view of a main part of the color image forming apparatus, FIG. 6 is a rear view of the color image forming apparatus, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a side entrance of the main part of the color image forming apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view of the drive motor, FIG. 9 is a front view of the rotary drive motor, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a measurement system of the color image forming apparatus.

The image carrier 101 is tandemly operated in the same manner as in the prior art.
a to 104a, in a color image forming apparatus,
In order to independently rotate the image carriers 101a to 104a, a drive unit 1 that is detachable from the apparatus is provided. The motor mounting member 2 provided in the drive unit 1
The rotation drive motors M1 to M4, which are drive sources, are
01a to 104a, respectively.
Each of the drive motors M1 to M4 has a long motor shaft portion, and an engagement portion is formed at a distal end portion of each motor shaft portion. An encoder (not shown) is provided at the rear end of the motor shaft facing the drive casing of each of the rotary drive motors M1 to M4, and the other end of the motor shaft extending outside the drive casing has a disk. DP1 to DP4 are attached.

The drive unit 1 is mounted on the member BP. As shown in FIG. 5, the members FP are provided with members T1 to T4 having image carrier support shafts A1 to A4, respectively. From this member FP portion, each image carrier support shaft A1
A4 is extended.

Each of the image carriers 101a to 104a has a flange SF1 to which a fitting hole is formed in the center at one end on the side of the rotation drive motors M1 to M4 for receiving the transmission of rotational force.
SF4 is attached. Also, each image carrier 101a
A flange FF having a fitting hole at the center is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the flanges SF1 to SF4 are mounted.
1 to FF4 are attached.

The members T1 to T1 provided on the member FP
The image carrier support shafts A1 to A4 extending from T4 are fitted to fitting holes formed in flanges FF1 to FF4 attached to the member FP side of the image carriers 101a to 104a, and provided in the drive unit 1. Rotation drive motor M1
Each of the image carriers 101a to 104a is spline-fitted to a fitting end formed in the flange SF1 to SF4 attached to the member BP side of each of the image carriers 101a to 104a. It is rotatably supported. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 3 denotes a transfer belt, 4 denotes a transfer belt driven pulley, and 5 denotes a transfer belt driving pulley.

Since the configurations of the rotary drive motors M1 to M4 are the same, FIGS. 8 and 9 show the configuration of the rotary drive motor M1 as a representative example. Is formed with a spline-shaped engaging portion BC1. And the long axis portion BS of the rotary drive motor M1
An encoder (not shown) is attached to one end facing the inside of the driving body casing 1, and a disk DP1 is attached to the other end of the same long shaft portion BS1 extending outside the driving body casing. In FIG. 9, SR1 to SR4 are screw fastening holes for fixing the motor, and IT1 is a fitting portion for positioning the motor.

With the above configuration, the rotational drive motors M1 to M1
With M4, each of the image carriers 101a to 104a in the tandem color electrophotographic process can be independently driven to rotate.

The encoders control the rotational speeds of the rotary drive motors M1 to M4 and the image carriers 101a to 104a.
At the rear end of the shaft of each of the rotary drive motors M1 to M4, a disk DP1 is provided.
By attaching DP4, the laser irradiation light of the laser Doppler (LDV) velocimeter shown in FIG.
Each of the rotary drive motors M1 to M4
The rotation speed fluctuation of the shaft part is measured. Thus, the rotation speed fluctuation can be measured more precisely than the rotation speed fluctuation due to the encoder signal including the position error of the encoder slit or the like.

Incidentally, the measuring disks DP1 to DP4 do not need to be always installed, but may be installed only when measurement is necessary. Also, since the eccentricity characteristics and the like of the currently installed encoder can be clarified using the speed fluctuation information obtained by these measurements, the speed fluctuation information is stored in a memory or the like, and the encoder signal and By controlling the rotation speed using the difference amount of the control value as a control amount, it is possible to exhibit control characteristics higher than those of the installed encoder.

<Fifth Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a side view of the rotation drive motor of the image carrier rotation drive mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In this figure, the same elements as those shown in FIG. .

In this embodiment, the step ST1 is provided at the disk mounting portion of the long shaft portion BS1 of the rotary drive motor M1. By providing the step ST1, the mounting position of the disk is unique. Therefore, there is no need to perform complicated positioning for setting the optical path length from the LDV head section to the measured section when measuring the rotational speed fluctuation using a laser Doppler (LDV). Although FIG. 11 shows only the rotary drive motor M1 as a representative example, the other rotary drive motors M2 to M4 have the same configuration.

<Sixth Preferred Embodiment> Next, a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a side view of the rotation drive motor of the image carrier rotation drive mechanism according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In this figure, the same elements as those shown in FIG. .

In this embodiment, the mounting position of the disk is uniquely determined by changing the diameter of a part of the disk mounting portion of the long shaft portion BS1 of the rotary drive motor M1 to form a step ST1. Above, the step ST2 is provided by further changing the diameter of a part of the shaft portion.

By utilizing the space obtained by providing the step ST2, the disk fastener is called into the step ST2, and the disk can be removed due to shaft damage caused by the fastener when the disk is mounted. It is possible to prevent the difficulty, and to improve the operability when attaching and detaching the disk.

FIG. 12 shows only the rotary drive motor M1 as a representative example, but other rotary drive motors M2 to M4
Is similarly configured.

<Seventh Embodiment> Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan sectional view of a main part of a color image forming apparatus provided with an image carrier rotating drive mechanism according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the same elements as those shown in FIG. Is attached.

In the present embodiment, the extension lengths of the shaft portions of the respective rotary drive motors M1 to M4 outside the driving body casing are made different from each other, and the position at which the shaft diameter provided on each shaft changes is determined. By making each axis different, the disk DP
The mounting positions of 1 to DP4 are different on the shaft.

As a result, the disks DP1 to DP1
Since the diameters of the DP4 can be overlapped with each other, the diameters of the disks DP1 to DP4 can be made relatively large, and the measurement accuracy at the time of measurement with a laser Doppler (LDV) can be increased. However, when the diameter of the measurement object becomes smaller and the laser irradiation radius position becomes smaller, the measurement accuracy is affected by the laser irradiation spot diameter and the speed difference between the inner and outer circumferences within the irradiation spot during measurement by the laser Doppler (LDV). descend.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, non-adjacent rotary drive motors (that is, rotary drive motors M1 and M1) are used.
3, M2 and M4) are economical because the same rear end shaft length is set, so that there is no need to prepare a rotary drive motor having many types of extension shafts at the same time.

[0079]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a high-quality image can always be stably obtained by suppressing the fluctuation of the rotational driving speed of the image carrier.

Further, according to the present invention, an effect is obtained that the amount of rotation speed fluctuation of the image carrier can be detected with high accuracy and the image carrier can be driven to rotate with high accuracy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an image carrier flange employed in an image carrier driving mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a half sectional view of an edge portion of an image carrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an image carrier flange used in an image carrier driving mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a rotary drive motor of an image carrier driving mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a main part of a color image forming apparatus including an image carrier rotating drive mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a main part of a color image forming apparatus including an image carrier rotation driving mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a side entrance of a main part of a color image forming apparatus provided with an image carrier rotating drive mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a rotation drive motor of an image carrier rotation drive mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a rotation drive motor of an image carrier rotation drive mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a measurement system of an image carrier rotation driving mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a rotation drive motor of an image carrier rotation drive mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a rotation drive motor of an image carrier rotation drive mechanism according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan sectional view of a main part of a color image forming apparatus provided with an image carrier rotating drive mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a main cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic process section of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a plan sectional view of a main part of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a main part of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a side entrance of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a cutaway side view of a rotary drive motor of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a rotary drive motor of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of an end portion of an image carrier of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 21 is a front view of an image carrier of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101a to 104a Image carrier SB (BS1) Long axis (drive shaft) BC (BC1) Engagement part DP1 to DP4 Disk (plate-like member) E Encoder (rotation detecting means) M1 to M4 Rotary drive motor (drive source) ) RS screw (ring-shaped fastener) S1 to S3 Screw (fastener) SF1 to SF4 Flange SFa Fitting hole SFb Thread ST1, ST2 Step θ Taper

Claims (18)

[Claims] An image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image is rotatably driven. An engagement portion formed at a tip end of a drive shaft of the drive source is connected to one end of the image carrier. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus for transmitting rotation of a drive source to an image carrier by being fitted into a fitting hole formed in a flange provided on a flange. An image carrier rotating drive mechanism for an image forming apparatus, wherein the engagement body formed at the tip of the drive shaft of the drive source is tightened by the fastening body by radially screwing around the hole. . 2. The image of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an engagement portion formed at a tip end of a drive shaft of the drive source and a fitting hole of the flange are spline-fitted. Carrier rotation drive mechanism. 3. The image carrier rotation driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said fastening member is made of resin. 4. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a buffer is provided between said fastening body and said engagement portion. 5. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the number of the fastening members is two or more. 6. An image carrier having a drive source for rotating and driving an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image, and an engagement portion formed at a tip end of a drive shaft of the drive source is connected to one end of the image carrier. An image carrier rotating drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus for transmitting rotation of a drive source to an image carrier by being fitted into a fitting groove formed in a flange provided on a flange. An image carrier rotating drive mechanism for an image forming apparatus, comprising a mold, a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery of the split mold portion, and a ring-shaped fastening member screwed onto the threaded portion. 7. The image carrier rotating drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of split molds of said flange is an odd number. 8. The outer diameter D ₁ of the flange, the outer diameter D ₂ of the threaded portion of the flange, the outer diameter D ₃ of the end of the flange, the outer diameter D ₄ of the image carrier, and the inner diameter D of the ring-shaped fastener. between the _{5, D 5 <D 4 D} 1 <D 2 < claim 2, characterized in that allowed establishing the D ₃ consisting magnitude relation
An image carrier rotation drive mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 9. A thread cutting direction of the threaded portion provided on the flange is set to a direction in which a fastening force by the ring-shaped fastening body increases with respect to a rotation direction of the image carrier. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 10. A drive source for rotating and driving an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image, and an engaging portion formed at a tip of a drive shaft of the drive source is connected to one end of the image carrier. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus that transmits rotation of a drive source to an image carrier by being fitted into a fitting groove formed in a flange provided at a front end of a drive shaft of the drive source. An image carrier rotation driving mechanism for an image forming apparatus, wherein a portion having a taper is provided in at least one of a formed engaging portion and a fitting hole of the flange. 11. An image carrier rotation drive mechanism for an image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a portion having a taper is provided in an engagement portion formed at a tip of a drive shaft of said drive source. 12. The image carrier rotating drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a tapered portion is provided in a fitting hole of said flange portion. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a tapered portion is provided in each of an engagement portion formed at a distal end portion of the drive shaft of the drive source and a fitting hole of the flange portion. Image carrier rotation drive mechanism of the device. 14. A drive source for rotationally driving an image carrier having a photoconductive layer for forming a latent image, wherein a rotation detection means is provided at a drive shaft end of the drive source facing a drive casing.
In the image carrier rotation drive mechanism of the image forming apparatus for detecting rotation of the drive shaft by the rotation detection means and transmitting the rotation of the drive shaft to the image carrier, the drive shaft of the drive source extends outside the drive body casing. An image carrier rotation driving mechanism for an image forming apparatus, wherein a plate-shaped member is attached to an extended portion of the image carrier. 15. An image carrier rotating drive mechanism for an image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a step is formed in a drive shaft extension of said drive source. 16. An image carrier rotating drive mechanism for an image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the extension length of the drive shaft of said drive source is varied for each drive source. 17. The image carrier rotating drive mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the extension length of the drive shaft of the drive source is set to be the same for drive sources that are not adjacent to each other. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a difference between an encoder signal corresponding to a rotation speed of the driving source and a rotation speed signal obtained by an external measurement system is used as a rotation control amount. Image carrier rotation drive mechanism of the device.