RU2691266C2 - Cartridge, cartridge making element and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: image forming devices.SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, to a cartridge, with possibility of disconnection of image forming device installed on main body, and to elements making cartridge. Disclosed cartridge, which can be mounted in an image forming device into a main unit of a device, comprises: a developing roller, a supporting developer roll support frame, first movable part and second movable part supported by the frame with the possibility of independent movement to the first position and to the second position relative to the frame, and a first spring provided between the frame and the first movable portion to compress the first movable portion, and a second spring provided between the frame and the second movable portion to compress the second movable portion, drive input member for receiving input of rotating force for rotation of developing roller, wherein the first and second movable parts each include a force-receiving portion in the direction of movement from the first position to the second position, and when the first and second movable parts receive force in the force receiving part are in the second position, the first and second movable parts receive a pressing force from the first and second springs in the movement direction of the first and second moving parts from the second position to the first position, wherein first movable part is supported on frame side, on which drive input element is located, and the second movable part is supported on the frame side, on which the driving input element is not located, relative to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller, and the clamping force of the first spring is less than the clamping force of the second spring.EFFECT: technical result is to ensure an accurate movement of the developer bearing member.12 cl, 57 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention relates.

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, to a cartridge, with the possibility of detaching the device installed on the main body of the device for an imaging device, and to the elements constituting the cartridge.

[0002] An image forming apparatus forms images on a recording medium. Examples of imaging devices include electronic photocopiers, electrophotographic printers (for example, laser printers, LED printers, etc.), facsimile devices, word processors, etc.

[0003] The cartridge is at least one of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, which is an image bearing element (hereinafter referred to as a "photosensitive drum"), and a processing unit acting on the photosensitive drum (for example, a developer bearing element (hereinafter called "development roller")), which is formed in the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably installed in an imaging device. The cartridges include cartridges in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are integrally formed in the cartridge, and cartridges in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are formed in separate cartridges. In particular, the first of these cartridges, having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, is called a “process cartridge”. Additionally, in the second arrangement, a cartridge having a photosensitive drum is called a “drum cartridge”, and a cartridge having a developing roller is called a “developing cartridge”.

[0004] The main body of the image forming apparatus is part of the image forming apparatus that remains after removing the cartridge (s).

The level of technology

[0005] Traditionally, a cartridge system is used in imaging devices in which process cartridges, drum cartridges and developing cartridges are detachably installed in the main body of the device for the imaging device. The system of these cartridges provides the user with the ability to independently perform maintenance on the imaging devices independently of the maintenance technician, which significantly improves usability.

[0006] Accordingly, the cartridge system is widely used in imaging devices.

[0007] Additionally, a contact developing system is provided in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are brought into contact with the developing performed during image formation. A developing cartridge having a pressing assembly in a developing cartridge is proposed to bring the photosensitive drum and developing roller into contact (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-39564 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Number 2010-26541).

[0008] Now, the photosensitive drum and development roller in the contact development system are preferably spaced when images are not formed, in terms of image quality stability and durability of the photosensitive drum and development roller.

List of cited documents

Patent documents

[0009] PTL 1. Japanese Laid Patent Application Number 2011-39564

PTL 2. Japanese Patent Application Laid-On Number 2010-26541

[0010] In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2011-39564 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Number 2010-26541, the pressure assembly is a configuration that is controlled from the main body of the device only in the direction of approach of the photosensitive drum and development roller. In the case of separating the photosensitive drum and development roller from each other, there is a need to provide a separation unit to move the development roller in such a way that the photosensitive drum and development module are spaced apart from each other in a different position relative to the pressing unit. The developing unit moves at this time against the pressing pressure which presses the developing roller to the photosensitive drum.

[0011] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-26541 provides a configuration in which the pressure assembly is integrated in the axial direction of the development roller. At the same time, the clamping unit must be highly accurate and very rigid to ensure uniformity of the state of pressing between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller in the axial direction of the developing roller. In other words, the pressure assembly becomes more difficult to move the development roller with respect to the photosensitive drum and press against the photosensitive drum with high accuracy.

Summary of Invention

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide accurate movement of the element carrying the developer.

The solution of the problem

[0013] To achieve this goal, the present invention provides a cartridge that can be installed in a device main assembly for an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising a developing roller; the frame supporting the developing roller; a movable part supported movably by means of a frame and moved to the first position and to the second position relative to the frame; and an elastic part provided between the frame and the movable part with the possibility of pressing the movable part, wherein the movable part includes a first receiving force part that receives force from the main assembly of the device, in the direction of movement from the first position to the second position, and the second receiving force the part that receives power from the main node of the device, in the direction of movement from the second position to the first position, and when the moving part receives the force from the main node of the device in the first position part and is in the second position, the movable part receives biasing force from the elastic part in the direction of movement of the moving part from the second position to the first position.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide accurate movement of the element carrying the developer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 includes side views of the developing cartridge.

Figure 2 is a side view in cross section of an imaging device.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the driving side of the developing cartridge.

5 is a perspective view of a non-driven side of a developing cartridge.

6 includes a disassembled views in perspective of the driving side of the developing cartridge.

Fig.7 includes a disassembled views in perspective of the non-driven side of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 8 includes views in perspective of a drive input of a developing cartridge.

Fig.9 includes explanatory diagrams of the periphery of the side cover on the drive side.

Figure 10 includes explanatory diagrams of the side cover periphery on the drive side.

11 includes explanatory orientation patterns in the space of the connecting element.

12 includes explanatory orientation patterns in space of the connecting element.

Fig includes disassembled views in perspective of the carrier and the connecting element.

14 includes views in perspective of a drive input of a developing cartridge.

Fig includes a view in cross section and views in perspective of the periphery of the connecting element.

Fig includes views in perspective of the drum cartridge.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the non-driven side of the main body of the device and the cartridges.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the driving side of the main body of the device and the cartridges.

Fig. 19 includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge.

Fig.20 includes views in perspective of a swing rail on the drive side.

Fig. 21 includes side views of the relying party, illustrating the process of installing the developing cartridge in the main body of the device.

Fig. 22 includes side views of the driving side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

FIG. 23 includes cross-sectional views of a drive input portion of a developing cartridge.

24 is a front view of a developing cartridge.

FIG. 25 includes perspective views of a side plate on the drive side. FIG.

26 includes perspective views of a side plate on a non-drive side.

Fig. 27 includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge and the oscillating guide on the drive side.

Fig.28 includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge and the swing rail on the drive side.

29 includes side views on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge and the swing rail on the non-drive side.

Fig includes views in cross section of the periphery of the connecting element.

Fig. 31 includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge and the swing rail on the drive side.

Fig includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge and the swing rail on the drive side.

Fig includes views in perspective of the holder on the non-drive side.

Fig includes schemes in cross-section of the periphery of the connecting element.

Fig includes views in perspective on the non-drive side of the main body of the device.

36 is a side view of the non-drive side of the main body of the device and the cartridges.

Fig is a schematic view in cross section of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 38 includes side views illustrating a contact / separation lever on the non-drive side and a storage board.

Fig. 39 is a side view illustrating a memory board.

Fig. 40 is a side view illustrating a contact / separation lever on the non-drive side and a storage board.

Fig. 41 includes side views illustrating a contact / separation lever on the drive side.

Fig includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

43 includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

Fig is a schematic view illustrating the position of the contact / separation lever and the pressure spring development unit.

Fig. 45 includes a front view and a rear view illustrating the side cover of the developing unit.

Fig includes views in perspective, illustrating the side cover of the developing unit.

Fig includes a front view and a rear view illustrating the holder of the developing unit on the drive side.

48 includes perspective views illustrating a development unit holder on the drive side.

Fig.49 includes side views on the drive side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

Fig. 50 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge.

Fig includes a side view on the drive side and a side view on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

Fig includes a side view on the drive side and a side view on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

Fig. 53 is a side view on the drive side of the developing cartridge.

Fig is a side view on the drive side of the developing cartridge.

Fig. 55 includes perspective views on the drive side of the developing cartridge.

Fig includes a side view and a view in cross section on the drive side of the developing cartridge.

Fig includes a side view on the drive side and a side view on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge installed in the main body of the device.

Detailed description of embodiments

[0016] Below, by means of the drawings, a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention are described. The device for forming electrophotographic images is described by way of an example of the main body of a laser printer, as well as a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge, with the possibility of disconnecting those installed in the main body of a laser printer. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction substantially parallel to the axis L1 of rotation of the photosensitive drum and the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller (the direction of the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller). It should be noted that the axis L1 of rotation of the photosensitive drum and the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller represent a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of transport of the recording medium. The transverse direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L1 of rotation of the photosensitive drum and the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller. The direction of installation / detachment of the drum cartridge and the development cartridge in the main body / from the main body of the laser printer is the transverse direction of each cartridge. It should be noted that the symbols in the description serve to refer to the drawings and do not limit the configuration. The side view in the description of the present embodiment is a diagram illustrating a state when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller.

The first version of the implementation

(1) General Description of Imaging Device

[0017] First, a general configuration of an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied is described with reference to FIG. 2. Figure 2 is a side view in cross section of an imaging device.

[0018] The image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 forms images on a recording medium 2 (sheet) by processing electrophotographic image forming processing using a developer t according to image information transmitted from an external device, such as a personal computer, and so on. P. The image forming apparatus has a developing cartridge B1 and a drum cartridge C provided in the apparatus main body A1 so as to allow installation and detachment by the user. Examples of recording media 2 include recording paper, label printing sheets, OHP sheets, cloth, etc. The developing cartridge B1 has a developing roller 13, etc. as a developer bearing member, and the drum cartridge C has a photosensitive drum 10 and a charging roller 11, etc. as an element bearing the image.

[0019] With respect to the photosensitive drum 10, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 11 by applying voltage from the device main body A1. The charged photosensitive drum 10 is then irradiated by laser radiation L in accordance with the image information from the optical node 1, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 in accordance with the image information. This electrostatic latent image is manifested by the developer t, by means of the below-described developing module, thereby forming a developed image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

[0020] On the other hand, the recording medium 2 placed in the tray 4 for feeding sheets is separated and fed one sheet at a time, controlled by the sheet feeding roller 3a and the separating pad 3b in pressure contact with it, synchronously with the formation of the developed image . The recording medium 2 is then transported by means of the transport guide 3d to the transfer roller 6, which serves as a transfer. The transfer roller 6 is displaced in such a way that it comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

[0021] Then, the recording medium 2 passes through the transfer nip portion 6a formed by the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 6. Voltage with polarity, reverse polarity of the developer, is applied to the transfer roller 6 at this time, whereby the developed image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the recording medium 2.

[0022] The recording medium 2, onto which the developed image has been transferred, is transported to the fixing unit 5, limited by the transport guide 3f. The fixing unit 5 includes a drive roller 5a and a fixing roller 5c in which the heater 5b is embedded. Thermal-power fixing is applied to the recording medium 2 as it passes through the gripping portion 5d formed by the drive roller 5a and the fixing roller 5c, thereby fixing the developed image transferred to the recording medium 2 on the recording medium 2. Thus, the image is formed on the carrier 2 record.

[0023] Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is transported by a pair of 3g rollers for dispensing and issued to part 3h for dispensing.

(2) Description of the process of forming electrophotographic images

[0024] The following describes the process of forming electrophotographic images, to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied, with reference to FIG. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram in cross section of the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C.

[0025] The developing cartridge B1 has a developing roller 13 serving as a developing module, a developing blade 15, etc., in the developing container 16, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The developing cartridge B1 is a developing device that is formed in the cartridge and is detachably installed in the main body of the device for the image forming device.

[0026] The drum cartridge C also has a photosensitive drum 10, a charging roller 11, etc. in the cleaning frame 21 (supporting frame of the photosensitive element). The drum cartridge C is also detachably mounted in the main body of the device for the image forming device.

[0027] The developer t stored in the part 16a for accommodating the developer of the developing container 16 is supplied from the opening 16b of the developing container 16 to the developing chamber 16c by means of the developer transporting member 17 rotatably supported by the developing container 16 rotating in the direction of arrow X17. A developing roller 13 having an integrated magnetic roller 12 is provided in the developing container 16. In particular, the developing roller 13 is configured from a shaft portion 13e and a rubber portion 13d. The shaft portion 13e is a thin electrically conductive cylindrical object of aluminum, etc., and the middle portion is closed in the longitudinal direction by the rubber portion 13d (see FIG. 6 (a) and 6 (b)). Now, the rubber portion 13d closes the shaft portion 13e, so that its outer shape is concentric with the shaft portion 13e. The developing roller 13 attracts the developer t in the developing chamber 16c to the surface of the developing roller 13 by magnetism of the magnetic roller 12. The developing blade 15 is configured of a supporting element 15a consisting of a metal plate and an elastic element 15b made of urethane rubber, a SUS plate and t ., and the elastic element 15b is located in such a way that it has an elastic contact with the developing roller 13 at a certain contact pressure. The developing roller 13 rotates in the direction X5 of rotation, which controls the amount of developer t adhering to the surface of the developing roller 13, and the frictional charge is applied to the developer t. This forms a developer layer on the surface of the developing roller 13. Thus, the developing roller 13, which receives voltage from the device main body A1, then rotates in the direction of rotation X5 in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, whereby the developer t can be supplied to the region development on the photosensitive drum 10.

[0028] In the case of a contact developing system, similarly to the present embodiment, such a problem arises that deformation of the rubber part 13b of the developing roller 13 can occur if the condition in which the developing roller 13, for example, illustrated in FIG. 3, is maintained, is maintained in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. Accordingly, the developing roller 13 is preferably spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 when the development is not performed.

[0029] The charging roller 11 rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 21 and displaced in the direction of the photosensitive drum 10 is provided in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10. The detailed configuration is described below. The charging roller 11 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by applying voltage from the device main body A1. The voltage applied to the charging roller 11 is set to a value at which the potential difference between the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11 is equal to or higher than the charging voltage for the discharge, and in particular, a constant voltage of -1300 V is applied as a charging bias. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged through contact with a charging potential (dark potential) of -700 V. The charging roller 11 is driven and rotates in accordance with the rotations of the photosensitive drum 10 in this example (described in detail below). The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is formed by laser radiation L from the optical node 1. Thereafter, the developer t is transferred in accordance with the electrostatic latent image to the photosensitive drum 10, visualizing the electrostatic latent image, thereby forming a developed image on the photosensitive drum 10 .

(3) Description of the system configuration without cleaning

[0030] The following describes a system without purification according to the present example.

[0031] A so-called non-cleaning system in which a cleaning element is not provided in order to recover the residual toner t2 during transfer remaining on the photosensitive drum 10 without transfer is approximately illustrated in the present embodiment.

[0032] The photosensitive drum 10 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C5, as illustrated in FIG. 3. There is a gap section on the upstream side of the charging gripper section 11a, in which the charging roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact (the upstream section 11b of the gap) when viewed from the C5 direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 10. Remaining toner t2 during transfer that remains on the photosensitive surface the drum 10 after the transfer process is charged to a negative polarity, identical to the negative polarity of the photosensitive drum, by discharging in this upstream nnom clearance portion 11b. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is charged up to -700 V. The negatively charged residual toner t2 passes through the charging gripper section 11a without sticking to the charging roller 11 due to the relationship of the potential difference (surface potential of the photosensitive drum 10 = -700 V, the potential of the charging drum roller 11 = -1300 V).

[0033] The residual toner t2, when transferred, which passes through the charging nip portion 11a, reaches position d of the laser irradiation. Residual toner t2 during transfer is not provided in a quantity sufficient to shield the laser radiation L from the optical assembly, and, accordingly, does not affect the process of creating an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10. Residual toner t2 during transfer that passes through position d laser irradiation and is also in inaccessible areas (on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, on which laser irradiation is not performed), is utilized by means of electrostatic forces in the developing roller 13, in the gripping portion 13k of the development unit, which is in the place where the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact. On the other hand, the residual toner t2 when transferred in accessible areas (on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 on which laser irradiation is performed) is not utilized by electrostatic force, but continues to exist on the photosensitive drum 10. However, part of the residual toner t2 during transfer can disposed of due to physical force due to the difference in velocity along the circumference between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10.

[0034] The residual toner t2 in the transfer, which is not transferred to the paper, but remains on the photosensitive drum 10, is generally utilized in the development container 16. The residual toner t2 in the transfer, utilized in the development container 16, is mixed with the developer t, which remains in development container 16, and used.

[0035] The following two configurations are used in the present embodiment in order to allow the remaining toner t2 to pass through the transfer grip portion 11a without sticking to the charging roller 11. First of all, the optical static removing element 8 is provided between the transfer roller 6 and charging roller 11. The optical static-deadening element 8 is located on the upstream side of the charging gripping section 11a in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum and 10 (arrow C5). The optical removal of static charges from the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, which passes through the transfer gripping portion 6a, is performed in order to perform a stable discharge in the upstream portion 11b of the gap. By setting the potential of the photosensitive drum 10 to a charge of approximately -150 V in the entire longitudinal region by means of this optical static defusing element 8, a uniform discharge can be performed, and the residual toner t2 during transfer can be evenly negatively charged when charged.

[0036] The second is that the charging roller 11 is rotatably driven so as to have a predetermined difference along the circumference with respect to the photosensitive drum 10. Although almost all of the toner is negatively charged due to the discharge, as described above, residual toner t2 remains a transfer that is not fully negatively charged, and this residual toner t2 during transfer may adhere to the charging roller 11 in the charging pickup portion 11a. The rotational actuation of the charging roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 constitutes a predetermined velocity difference along the circumference between them, which makes it possible to negatively change such residual toner t2 when transferred by friction between the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11. This is effective in suppressing the sticking of residual toner t2 when transferred to the charging roller 11. The charging roller gear 69 (FIG. 16 (b), details are explained below) provides At one end of the charging roller 11 in the longitudinal direction, the charging roller gear 69 hooks the flange 24 on the drive side (FIG. 16 (b), details are explained below) provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 10 in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the charging roller 11 is also rotationally driven in combination with the rotational driving of the photosensitive drum 10. The speed along the circumference of the surface of the charging roller 11 is set to approximately 105-120% with respect to the speed along the circumference of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

(4) Description of the configuration of the developing cartridge B1

The overall configuration of the developing cartridge B1

[0037] Next, the configuration of the developing cartridge B1 to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied is described. It should be noted that in the following description, one end side of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction in which the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body A1 to the developing cartridge B1 is called a "driving side". Its other side is the other end of the developing cartridge B1, which is called the “non-driven side”. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed from the driving side. Figure 5 is a perspective explanatory view of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed from the non-drive side. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are explanatory diagrams in perspective from the driving side (FIG. 6 (a)) and an explanatory diagram in perspective from the non-driving side (FIG. 6 (b)), while the driving side of the developing cartridge B1 disassembled. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are explanatory diagrams in perspective from the non-driving side (FIG. 7 (a)) and an explanatory diagram in perspective from the driving side (FIG. 7 (b)), while the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1 disassembled.

[0038] The developing cartridge B1 has a developing roller 13, a developing blade 15, etc., as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The developing blade 15 has an end portion 15a1 on the drive side and an end portion 15a2 on the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction supporting an element 15a attached to the developing container 16 by means of a screw 51 and a screw 52. A holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side and a holder 46 of the developing node on the non-driving side are arranged at the respective ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing container pa 16. The developing roller 13 has an end portion 13a on the driven side, belongs to the opening 36a of the developing unit holder 36 on the driven side. The end portion 13c on the non-drive side is included in the supporting portion 46f of the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-drive side. Thus, the developing roller 13 is supported rotatably by the developing container 16. The developing roller gear 29 is concentrically located with the developing roller 13 on the end portion 13a on the driving side of the developing roller 13, further on the outer side in the longitudinal direction from the holder 36 of the developing unit to the driving side, so that the developing roller 13 and the gear 29 of the developing roller are rotating as a whole (see figure 4). The development roller gear 29 is a helical gear.

[0039] The development unit holder 36 on the drive side supports rotatably the driving input gear 27 on the outside in the longitudinal direction. Leading input gear 27 and the gear 29 of the developing roller are introduced into engagement. Leading input gear 27 is also a helical gear. Leading input gear 27 has more teeth than gear teeth 29 of the developing roller.

[0040] The coupling element 180 is also provided concentrically with leading input gear 27.

[0041] The side cover 34 of the developing unit is provided at the farthest end of the developing cartridge B1 on the drive side, closing the drive input gear 27, etc. from the external environment in the longitudinal direction. A developing cartridge frame consisting of a developing container 16, a developing unit holder 46 on the non-driven side, a developing unit holder 36 on the drive side, and a developing unit side cover 34 is called a “developing unit frame”. Additionally, the connecting member 180 protrudes outwardly in the longitudinal direction through the opening 34a in the side cover 34 of the developing unit. The connecting member 180 serving as the driving input member is configured to engage the driving member 100 on the main body side provided in the device main body A1 when transmitting a rotational force (input), which is described in detail below. A configuration is provided in which the rotational force is transmitted to the rotational force receiving part 27d1 (see FIG. 8 (b)) and the rotating force reception part 27d2 (omitted from the illustration) of the driving input gear 27, through the connecting force rotational force transmission parts 180c1 and 180c2. element 180. Therefore, a configuration is provided in which the rotational force introduced into the coupling element 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 13, serving as a rotating element through the driving input gear 27 and the developing roller gear 29.

[0042] The first movable member 120 is provided in a development unit holder 36 on the drive side. The first movable element 120 is configured to include a contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side serving as the first main part, and a pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side serving as the first elastic part (part or element that is elastically deformed) . The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is an element that receives the elastic force of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side.

[0043] It should be noted that the first main part and the first elastic part are configured as separate elements in the present embodiment. However, the first main part and the first elastic part can be formed as a unit in the first movable element 120, and their configuration is not limited. Additionally, the second movable element 121 is provided in the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-driving side. The second movable element 121 is configured to include a contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side serving as the second main part and a pressure spring 73 of the development unit on the non-drive side serving as the second elastic part (the part or element that is elastically deformed) . The contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side is an element that receives the elastic force of the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side.

[0044] It should be noted that the second main part and the second elastic part are configured as separate elements in the present embodiment. However, the second main part and the second elastic part can be formed as a whole in the second movable element 121, and their configuration is not limited.

[0045] Details are described below.

Connecting element 180 and peripheral configurations

[0046] The connecting member 180 and the peripheral configurations are described in detail below.

[0047] The coupling member 180, the driving input gear 27 and the coupling spring 185 are provided on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in FIG. 6 (a) and 6 (b). The connecting member 180 engages the drive member 100 on the side of the main body provided in the device main body A1, and the rotational force is transmitted. In particular, the connecting member 180 is configured mainly to include the rotational force receiving portions 180a1 and 180a2, the supported rotational force transmitting parts 180c1, and 180c2 and the guiding portion 180d, as illustrated in FIG. 8 (b). The rotational force receiving portions 180a1 and 180a2 of the coupling member 180 are located further outside in the longitudinal direction from the end portion 27a on the drive side of the driving input gear 27 (see FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b)). When the drive member 100 on the side of the main body rotates in the direction of the arrow X6 (hereinafter, in the forward direction of rotation along the X axis) around the axis of rotation L4, the rotational force application portion 100a1 of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body comes into contact with the part 180a1 receiving rotational force. In addition, the rotational force application portion 100a2 of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body comes into contact with the rotational force receiving portion 180a2. Thus, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive member 100 on the side of the main body to the connecting member 180. The supported portion 180b of the connecting member 180 is generally spherical in shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (e), while being supported the part 180b is supported by the supporting part 27b on the inner peripheral surface of the driving input gear 27. The rotational force transmission parts 180c1 and 180c2 are provided on the supporting part 180b of the coupling member 180. The rotational force transmission part 180c1 comes into contact with the rotational force receiving part 27d1 of the driving input gear 27. Similarly, the rotational force transmitting part 180c2 comes into contact with the rotating force receiving part 27d2 of the driving input gear 27. Accordingly, the leading input gear 27 is driven by the coupling member 180, which is driven by the driving member 100 on the side of the main body, so that the driving input gear 27 rotates in the forward direction of rotation X6 about the axis of rotation L3.

[0048] Now, the rotation axis L4 of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body and the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 are set so that they are concentric, as illustrated in FIG. 8 (c). However, there are cases where the rotation axis L4 of the drive member 100 on the main body side and the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 are slightly shifted in parallel from concentricity due to variation in the sizes of the parts, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 8 (d ). In such a case, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 rotates in a tilted state relative to the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27, and the rotational force is transmitted from the drive member 100 on the main body side to the coupling 180. Additionally, there are also cases in which the axis L3 rotation of the leading input gear 27 is shifted from concentricity about the axis of rotation L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body with the angle between them. In this case, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive member 100 on the side of the main body to the connecting member 180 in a state in which the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L4 of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body.

[0049] As illustrated in Fig. 8 (a), a gear portion 27c, which is a helical gear or spur gear, is formed integrally with the drive input gear 27, concentric with the axis of rotation L3 of the drive input gear 27 (helical gear used in the present embodiment). The portion 27c of the gear is engaged with the portion 29a of the gear for the gear 29 of the developing roller. The developing roller gear 29 rotates as a unit with the developing roller 13, and, accordingly, the rotational force of the driving input gear 27 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 through the developing roller gear 29. The developing roller 13 rotates in the direction of rotation X5 around the axis of rotation L9.

The configuration of the electrode area on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge

[0050] The following describes a memory board 47 serving as a contact portion and an electrode portion 47a serving as an accessible surface, which are provided in an end portion on the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1, with reference to FIG. 33 (a) and 33 (b) A memory card 47 is provided on the outer circumference side of the developing unit holder 46 on the non-drive side and on the side of the supporting portion 46f that supports the developing roller 13 rotatably when viewed from the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side. The memory board 47 stores the information of the production batch and properties of the developing cartridge B1, which is used to form images through the device main body A1. The electrode portion 47a made of metal, such as iron, copper, etc., is provided in the memory board 47 and, when performing imaging, is electrically connected to the device main body A1 via the memory board 47 to communicate.

[0051] Both ends of the memory storage card 47 are inserted into the first supporting portion 46m of the substrate and the second supporting portion 46n of the substrate provided on the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-driven side. The memory board 47 and the first supporting portion 46m of the substrate and the second supporting portion 46n of the substrate are fixed by pressing in, gluing, etc.

[0052] The memory card 47 comprises several electrode portions 47a. The direction in which these several electrode portions 47a line up and the insertion direction of the memory card 47 into the first supporting portion 46m of the substrate and the second supporting portion 46n of the substrate are the same direction.

Assembling the side cover on the drive side and peripheral parts

[0053] Next, the configuration of the side cover 34 of the developing unit provided in the end portion on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 and the link arm 55 is described in detail. FIG. 9 (a) -9 (d) is an explanatory diagram in perspective and side views illustrating the method , which the connecting lever 55 and the spring 56 of the connecting lever are assembled in the side cover 34 of the developing unit.

[0054] The connecting lever 55 and the connecting lever spring 56 are assembled on the inside of the side cover 34 of the developing unit in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the cylindrical lever positioning sleeve 34m of the side cover 34 of the development unit and the opening 55c of the link arm 55 are aligned, and the connection lever 55 is supported rotatably by the side cover 34 of the development unit centered on the rotation axis L11. The spring 56 of the connecting lever is a torsion spring with one end engaging the connecting lever 55 and the other end engaging the side cover 34 of the development unit. In particular, the operating arm 56a of the connecting lever spring 56 engages the spring hook part 55b of the connecting lever 55, and the attached lever arm 56c of the connecting lever spring 56 engages the spring hook part 34s of the development unit side cover 34 (see FIG. 9 (c)).

[0055] The coupling spring 185 is assembled on the outside of the side cover 34 of the developing unit in the longitudinal direction, which is described in detail below.

[0056] The method for assembling the connecting lever 55 and the connecting lever spring 56 in the side cover 34 of the developing unit is described below in order. First, the cylindrical portion 56d of the spring 56 of the link arm is attached to the cylindrical sleeve 55a of the link arm 55 (FIG. 9 (a)). The operating arm 56a of the connecting lever spring 56 engages the spring hook portion 55b of the connecting lever 55 at this time. The fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the connecting lever is deformed in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11. Then, the hole 55c of the connecting lever 55 is inserted into the positioning sleeve 34m of the lever of the side cover 34 of the developing unit (FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b)). The locking part 55d of the connecting lever 55 is positioned so as not to interfere with the locking part 34n of the side cover 34 of the developing unit. In particular, the locking part 55d of the connecting lever 55 and the locked part 34n of the side cover 34 of the developing unit are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. 9 (b).

[0057] In the state illustrated in FIG. 9 (b), the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the link arm is deformed in the direction of the arrow X11, as described above. When the deformation of the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the connecting lever ceases from the state illustrated in FIG. 9 (b), the fixed arm 56c engages the portion 34s of the spring hook of the side cover 34 of the developing unit. A configuration is provided in which part 34s of the spring hook of the side cover 34 of the developing unit receives a force of displacement of the deformed fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the connecting arm. Consequently, the fixed arm 56c of the spring 56 of the connecting arm receives the reaction force from the spring hook portion 34s of the side cover 34 of the developing unit in the direction of the arrow X11. Additionally, the link arm 55 receives an offset force from the link arm spring 56 in the spring hook portion 55b. As a result, the connecting lever 55 rotates with the centering on the axis L11 of rotation in the direction of the arrow X11, and the rotation is limited to the position in which the limiting part 55y rotates adjacent to the limiting surface 34y of the side cover 34 of the developing unit (see Fig.9 (a) -9 (c)). Thus, the assembly of the connecting lever 55 and the spring 56 of the connecting lever in the side cover 34 of the developing unit is completed.

[0058] It should be noted that at this time, the locking part 55d of the link arm 55 is in a state of overlapping of the locking part 34n of the side cover 34 of the developing unit when viewed in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the link arm 55 is configured in such a way that movement in the longitudinal direction is limited, and only rotation is provided with centering on the axis of rotation X11. Fig.9 (d) is a view in cross section of the locking part 55d of the connecting lever 55.

Assembling the side cover 34 of the developing unit

[0059] The side cover 34 of the developing unit, in which the connecting lever 55 and the spring 56 of the connecting lever are integrally formed, is fixed on the outside of the holder 36 of the developing node on the driving side in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. In particular, the positioning part 34r1 of the side cover 34 of the developing unit and the positioned part 36e1 of the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side engage. A configuration is provided in which the side cover 34 of the developing unit is positioned relative to the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side by engaging the positioning portion 34r2 and the positioned portion 36e2.

[0060] It should be noted that the method of attaching to the holder of the developing unit on the drive side 36 of the side cover 34 of the developing unit may consist of screwing, adhesive agent, etc., and the above configuration is not limited.

[0061] When the side cover 34 of the developing unit is assembled, the rotational force receiving portions 180a1 and 180a2 of the coupling member 180, the guiding portion 180d, etc. pass through the opening 34a of the side cover 34 of the developing unit. The connecting member 180 has a configuration that is available on the other side of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 4, 6 (a) and 6 (b)). Further, the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 (see FIGS. 8 (a) -8 (e)) has a configuration that is adjacent to the guiding portion 55e of the coupling arm 55.

[0062] As described above, the coupling arm 55 has a configuration in which the biasing force acts in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11. Accordingly, the coupling 180 receives the bias force F2 from the coupling lever 55 (see FIG. 10 (b)).

[0063] Additionally, the coupling spring 185 is located in the side cover 34 of the developing unit. The connecting spring 185 is a torsion coil spring with one end adjacent to the side cover 34 of the developing unit and the other end adjacent to the connecting element 180. In particular, the positioning part 185a of the connecting spring 185 is supported by the supporting part 34h of the side cover 34 of the developing unit . The fixed shoulder 185b of the connecting spring 185 is attached to the engaging part 34j of the spring of the side cover 34 of the developing unit. In addition, a configuration is provided in which the operating arm 185c of the connecting spring 185 is adjacent to the directional member 180d of the connecting element 180. The operating arm 185c of the connecting spring 185 is configured in such a way that the bias force acts in the direction of the arrow L12 centered on the rotation axis X12, which is centered on the positioning portion 185a. Accordingly, the coupling 180 receives the bias force F1b from the coupling spring 185 (see FIG. 10 (c)).

[0064] A coupling member 180, which receives the bias force F2 from the link arm 55 and the bias force F1b from the coupling spring 185, is held with an orientation in space (rotation axis L2) connected with respect to the rotation axis L3 of the input driving gear 27 (FIG. 10 (b)). The detailed configuration is described below. The configuration of retaining the oblique orientation in the space of the connecting element 180 at this time and the work of the forces is described below in the section "Relationship of forces acting on the connecting element 180 of the second oblique orientation D2 in space" described later.

The basic operation of the connecting element 180

[0065] The following describes the basic operations of the coupling member 180 in the state of the developing cartridge B1 with reference to FIGS. 15 (a) -15 (c).

[0066] Fig. 15 (a) is an enlarged diagram illustrating the relationship between the connecting member 180, the leading input gear 27 and the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side, in longitudinal section. 15 (b) is a perspective view of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side. 15 (c) is a perspective view of the driving input gear 27.

[0067] The supporting portion 180b of the coupling member 180 is located on the inner portion 27t of the driving input gear 27 and is further wedged between the restricting portion 27s of the leading input gear 27 and the restricting portion 36s of the connection of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side. The diameter r180 of the supported part 180b of the coupling element 180 is in such a relationship that it is equal to or less than the width r27 of the limiting part 27s of the driving input gear 27 in the direction X180 and the width r36 of the limiting part 36s of the connection of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side in the direction X180:

diameter r180 of the supported part 180b> width r27 of the limiting part 27s of the leading input gear 27 in the direction X180

diameter r180 of the supported part 180b> width r36 of the limiting part 36s of the connection of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side in the direction X180

[0068] According to this configuration, the movement of the connecting member 180 in the direction of the arrow Y180 in the longitudinal direction is limited by limiting the supported part 180b by the limiting part 27s of the leading input gear 27 of the limiting part 36s of the connection of the developer unit 36 on the drive side. Additionally, the supported part 180b is limited in the range of the inner part 27t of the driving input gear 27 relative to the direction X180 of the cross section of the connecting element 180. Accordingly, the connecting element 180 is adapted to allow inclination in the direction R180 centered on the center 180s of the supported part 180b, even if moving in the longitudinal direction Y180 and the direction X180 of the cross section is limited.

Regarding the oblique orientation in space of the connecting element 180

[0069] The following describes the operation of the inclination of the connecting element 180.

[0070] The coupling member 180 has a configuration that receives driving force from the driving member 100 on the main body side for the device main body A1 and allows rotation on the rotation axis L2, as described above. Essentially, the axis L2 of rotation of the connecting element 180 is set in such a way that it is concentric with the axis of rotation L3 of the leading input gear 27 during the transmission of the driving force. An additional description is given that cases arise in which the axis L2 of rotation of the coupling element 180 and the axis L3 of rotation of the driving input gear 27 are not concentric, but slightly shifted due to variation in the sizes of the parts, etc.

[0071] This configuration allows the L2 axis of rotation of the coupling element 180 to be tilted in the following directions. They can generally be classified into the following three orientations in space.

The reference orientation D0 in space: the axis L2 of rotation of the connecting element 180 is concentric or parallel in orientation in space relative to the axis L3 of rotation of the leading input gear 27

The first inclined orientation D1 in space: orientation in space in which the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the device main body A1 and the developing cartridge B1 moves from a state in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart to the contact state in which they are located in contact with. The rotational force receiving portions 180a1, 180a2 (hereinafter referred to as the “rotational force receiving portion 180a”) of the coupling member 180 and the supported portion 180b face the drive member 100 on the main body side for the device main body A1. The following describes the details of the separated state, the state of the contact, etc.

Second oblique orientation D2 in space: orientation in space in which the rotational force receiving part 180a and the supporting part 180b of the coupling element 180 are opposed in the direction of the drive element 100 on the main body side for the device main body A1 when installing the developing cartridge B1 in the main body A1 devices. The following describes the details of orientation in space during installation, etc.

[0072] Now describes the relationship of engagement between the connecting element 180 and the holder 36 of the development node on the drive side.

[0073] FIG. 13 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side and the connecting member 180.

[0074] FIG. 13 (a) is a perspective view illustrating the positions of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side and the connecting member 180. FIG. 13 (b) is a diagram of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side when viewed from the front on the drive side. FIG. 13 (c) is a diagram in which the connecting member 180 is added to the view along cross section XIIIC in FIG. 13 (b), and FIG. 13 (d) is a diagram in which the connecting element 180 is added to the view along the cross section XIIID of FIG. 13 (b).

[0075] The phase limiting sleeve 180e is provided on the connecting member 180, concentrically with the axis of rotation L2 and on the inside in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. 13 (a). On the other hand, the recessed phase-limiting portion 36kb is provided in the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side. The phase limiting part 36kb, in particular, contains the first limiting inclination part 36kb1, which is recessed in the direction of the arrow K1a, and the second inclining part 36kb2, which is recessed in the direction of the arrow K2a from the center of the L3 axis of rotation of the leading input gear 27. The phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting element 180 is located in the phase-limiting part 36kb of the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side. In other words, the phase-limiting sleeve 180e of the coupling element 180 is positionally limited by the phase-limiting portion 36kb of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side. In other words, the phase-limiting sleeve 180e of the coupling member 180 allows movement in the phase-limiting part 36kb of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side and, in particular, can move into the first incline-limiting part 36kb1 and the second incline-limiting part 36kb2. When the phase-limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 moves to the first inclining-limiting part 36kb1, the rotational force receiving part 180a and the guiding part 180d of the connecting element 180 incline in the direction of arrow K1b, which is the opposite direction to arrow K1a. It is a state in which the connecting member 180 allows the first oblique orientation of D1 in space. When the phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 moves to the second inclining limiting part 36kb2, the rotational force receiving part 180a and the guiding part 180d of the connecting element 180 incline in the direction of arrow K2b, which is opposite to the direction of arrow K2a. It is a state in which the connecting element 180 allows a second oblique orientation D2 in the space of the connecting element 180.

The relationship of the forces acting on the connecting element 180 in the reference orientation D0 in space

[0076] The spatial orientation of the coupling member 180 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 21 (a) -22 (d), with respect to the reference orientation D0 in the space of the coupling member 180.

[0077] FIG. 22 are diagrams illustrating the position of the connecting lever 55 and the connecting element 180 at the point at which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is completed. Fig. 22 (a) is a side view when viewed from the driving side, Fig. 22 (b) is a side view when viewed from the direction of the arrow XXIIB in Fig. 22 (a), Fig. 22 (c) is a side view when viewed from a non-driving side with a cut along the secant line XXIIC in FIG. 22 (b).

[0078] When the installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is completed, the connecting member 180 engages the drive element 100 on the side of the main body. The rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180, the rotation axis L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body, and the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 are arranged concentrically. In other words, the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 and the application of the rotational force part 100a (the part of the rotational force application 100a1 and the part of the rotational force application 100a2) of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body are in positions that allow each other to engage. .8 (b)).

[0079] The movement of the coupling member 180 will be described below until the coupling member 180 becomes concentric with the drive member 100 on the main body side, with reference to FIGS. 34 (a) -34 (c). 34 (a) -34 (c) are cross-sectional views illustrating the orientation in space of the connecting element until the connecting element 180 becomes concentric with the driving element 100 on the side of the main body. FIG. 34 (a) is a cross section diagram illustrating a state in which the connecting member 180 is not in contact with the drive member 100 on the side of the main body, and FIG. 34 (b) is a cross section view illustrating the state of the moment of contact the connecting member 180 with the drive member 100 on the side of the main body. Additionally, FIG. 34 (c) is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the connecting member 180 is concentric with the driving member 100 on the side of the main body.

[0080] In the state in which the connecting member 180 is not in contact with the driving member 100 on the side of the main body, the connecting member 180 is inclined towards the driving member 100 on the side of the main housing, while the inclination is centered on the center 180s of the supporting portion 180b of the connecting element 180, as illustrated in FIG. 34 (a). The connecting member 180 advances in the direction of the arrow X60, which is the direction in which the drive member 100 exists on the side of the main body, while maintaining this orientation in space. The recessed conical portion 180g, located on the inside of the circular portion 180f of the coupling member 180, and the protrusion 100g, located on the axial top of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body, come into contact. As the connecting element 180 additionally moves in the direction of the arrow X60, the connecting element 180 moves in the direction in which the inclination of the connecting element 180 decreases, and the inclination is centered on the center 180s of the supported part 180b of the connecting element 180. As a result, the rotation axis L2 of the connecting element 180, the axis of rotation L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body and the axis of rotation L3 of the driving input gear 27 are arranged concentrically. In the following, the forces that the coupling member 180 undergoes in this sequence of operations are described in detail, so the description is omitted here.

[0081] The state in which the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 and the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 are concentrically arranged is the reference orientation D0 in space for orientation in space of the coupling element 180 (the angle of the coupling element 180 θ2 = 0 °). The phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 is disconnected from the second incline limiting portion 36kb2 of the developer unit 36 on the drive side and is not in contact with any part of the phase limiting part 36b of the developer unit 36 on the drive side (see Fig. 22 (c) ). The guide portion 55e of the coupling arm 55 is held in a state of full retraction from the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 (FIG. 22 (a)). In other words, the connecting member 180 comes into contact with two parts, which are the connecting spring 185 and the driving member 100 on the side of the main body, which define its angle of inclination (θ2). In such a case, the inclination angle (θ2) of the coupling member 180 cannot be θ2 = 0 ° even in a state in which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is completed.

[0082] The tilt-orientation (reference orientation D0 in space) of the coupling member 180 is described in detail below, in case installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is completed, with reference to FIG. 14.

[0083] FIG. 14 are diagrams illustrating the manner in which the connecting member 180 and the driving member 100 on the main body side engage. The states illustrated in Fig. 14 (a) and Fig. 14 (b) are a side view and a cross-sectional view of the case in which the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 and the rotation axis L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body concentric, and in addition, the axis L2 of rotation of the connecting element 180 is also concentric.

[0084] The guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives an offset force from the coupling spring 185 in the direction of the arrow F1 (see FIG. 22 (d)), while the conical portion 180g adjoins the protrusion 100g at points 180g1 and 180g2 (FIG. 8 ( e)). Therefore, the spatial orientation of the coupling member 180 relative to the drive member 100 on the side of the main body is limited by two points 180g1 and 180g2 of the conical part 180g. In other words, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is concentric with the rotation axis L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body.

[0085] When the drive member 100 on the side of the main body for the device main body A1 performs rotational driving from this state, a rotational force application portion 100a of the device main body A1 and a rotational force reception portion of the coupling member 180 engage. A configuration is provided in which actuation is transmitted from the device main body A1 to the connecting member 180 (see FIG. 8 (a) -8 (e)).

[0086] The state illustrated in FIG. 14 (c) is a state in which the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 and the rotation axis L4 of the driving member 100 on the main body side are concentric, but the rotation axis L2 of the connecting member 180 is inclined . Due to the variation in the dimensions of the parts, the conical part 180g of the connecting member 180 adjoins the protrusion 100g of the driving member 100 on the side of the main body and to the point 180g1 of the conical part 180g, but not the point 180g2 of the conical part 180g. The axis of rotation L2 of the connecting member 180 is inclined at this time, by means of the guided part 180d receiving the biasing force of the connecting element 180 from the connecting spring 185 in the direction of arrow F1. Accordingly, the spatial orientation of the coupling member 180 is limited in FIG. 14 (c) by the point 180g1 of the conical portion 180g of the coupling member 180 coming into contact with the protrusion 100g of the driving member 100 on the main body side. In other words, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined relative to the rotation axis L4 of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body. In other words, the angle (θ2) of inclination of the connecting element 180 is not θ2 = 0 °.

[0087] Additionally, FIG. 14 (d) illustrates a state in which the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is turned on if the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27 and the rotation axis L4 of the drive element 100 on the main body side are not concentric due to the variation in the sizes of the parts (see Fig. 8 (d)). Also in this case, the axis L2 of rotation of the connecting element 180 includes by means of a guided part 180d receiving a biasing force of the connecting element 180 from the connecting spring 185, similar to the condition illustrated in FIG. 14 (c). In other words, the angle (θ2) of inclination of the connecting element 180 is not θ2 = 0 °. However, the spatial orientation of the coupling member 180 is limited by the point 180g1 of the conical portion 180g of the coupling member 180 coming into contact with the protrusion 100g of the driving member 100 on the main body side, identical to FIG. 14 (c).

[0088] However, in any state of FIG. 14 (c) and FIG. 14 (d), when the driving member 100 on the main body side for the device main body A1 performs rotational actuation, the rotational force application portion 100a of the main the device bodies A1 and the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 engage. A configuration is provided in which actuation is transmitted from the device main body A1 to the connecting member 180.

[0089] As described above, in a state in which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is completed, there are cases where the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is concentric with the rotation axis L3 of the driving input gear 27, and in which not concentric. However, in any case, when the drive member 100 on the side of the main body for the device main body A1 performs rotational driving, the rotational force application portion of the device main body A1 and the rotational force reception portion of the coupling member 180 engage. A configuration is provided in which actuation is transmitted from the device main body A1 to the coupling 180. The orientation in space of the coupling 180 is in a state in which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is completed and the coupling 180 can receive the driving force of the application of the rotational force of the device main body A1, part 100a, is called the “reference orientation D0” in the space of the coupling element 180. It should be noted that such a configuration in which the angle of inclination is within the range in which the rotational force application portion 100a of the drive member 100 on the main body side and the rotational force reception portion of the coupling member 180 are not released from each other.

[0090] Below are described in detail in order the first inclined orientation D1 in space and the second inclined orientation D2 in space of the connecting element 180.

The relationship of the forces acting on the connecting element 180 in the first inclined orientation D1 in space

[0091] First describes the relationship of the forces acting on the connecting element 180 in the first inclined orientation D1 in space, with reference to Fig.11 (a) -11 (c).

[0092] FIG. 11 (a) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 in a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the apparatus main body A1, and in an exploded state in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart. 11 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 in the phase-limiting part 36kb of the developer unit 36 on the drive side, when viewed from the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1. Further, FIG. 11 (c) is a cross-sectional view of the guided portion 180d of the connecting member 180, with a slit in the position of the guided portion 180d of the connecting member 180 and when viewed from the driving side in the longitudinal direction.

[0093] The connecting lever 55 receives an offset force from the connecting lever spring 56 (see FIG. 9 (a)) so that it rotates in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the rotation axis L11. On the other hand, in the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the device main body A1, movement in the direction of the arrow X11 is limited by the adjacent portion 80y provided in the device main body A1. In particular, the position of the connecting lever 55 is limited against the biasing force of the spring 56 of the connecting lever by contacting the adjoining part 80y and the limiting part 55y when the connecting lever 55 rotates. (see FIG. 20 (b)). The guide portion 55e of the coupling arm 55 is in a retracted state from the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. The contact between the coupling arm 55 and the adjacent portion 80y is described in detail below during the process of detaching the developing cartridge B1, described later.

[0094] On the other hand, the force F1a acts on the guided part 180d of the connecting element 180 due to the contact part 185d of the connecting spring 185 in contact with it. In other words, the guided part 180d of the connecting element 180 receives force with a tilt in the direction of the arrow F1a (see 11 (c)). The phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 is configured to be limited by the guide part 36kb1a, the guide part 36kb1b and the guide part 36kb1c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side at this time and is configured to finally move to the first inclining part 36kb1. In other words, a configuration is provided in which the phase limiting sleeve 180e of the coupling member 180 is inclined in the direction of the arrow K1a (FIG. 11 (b)), while on the other side, the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the guiding portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are inclined the direction of the arrow K1b (FIG. 11 (a)). The above orientation in space of the connecting element 180 is called the "first inclined orientation of D1 in space" of the connecting element 180.

[0095] The orientation of the guide part 185d of the connecting spring 185 (the direction of the arrow F1a) may be orthogonal in the direction relative to the direction of the arrow K1b (see Fig. 11 (a)) relative to the guided part 180d of the connecting element 180. This direction represents the direction of the phase limiting the sleeve 180e of the connecting element 180 adjacent to the first inclining limiting portion 36kb1, thereby reducing the biasing force of the connecting spring 185 so as to maintain the first inclined orientation D1 in simple connection element 180. However, this is not limiting provided that the connecting element 180 can be supported in the first inclined orientation D1 in space by adjusting the biasing force of the connecting spring 185 and the like.

The relationship of the forces acting on the connecting element 180 in the second inclined orientation D2 in space

[0096] The following describes the relationship of the forces acting on the coupling 180 in the second inclined orientation D2 in space, with reference to FIG. 12.

[0097] FIG. 12 (a) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 illustrating the state of the developing cartridge B1 before being installed in the apparatus main body A1, i.e. in a separate state (natural state) of the developing cartridge B1. FIG. 12 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 in the phase limiting part 36kb of the developer unit 36 on the drive side, when viewed from the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1. Additionally, Fig. 12 (c) is a cross-sectional view in which the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is set in section and when viewed from the driving side in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 12 (a) illustrates a state in which the adjacent portion 80y is not provided in the device main body A1 of FIG. 11 (a). At this time, the connecting lever 55 receives an offset force from the connecting lever spring 56 in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the rotation axis L11 and rotates to a position in which its guide part 55e comes into contact with the guided part 180d of the connecting element 180. In other words, the guide part 55e of the connecting lever 55 and the guide part 185d of the connecting spring 185 come into contact with the guided part 180d of the connecting element 180.

[0098] Now, the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives the force with a slope in the direction of the arrow F3, as described above. At this time, the phase-limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 is configured to be limited by the guide part 36kb2a, the guide part 36kb2b and the guide part 36kb2c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side and is configured to finally move to the second bounding slope part 36kb2. In other words, a configuration is provided in which the phase limiting sleeve 180e of the coupling member 180 is inclined in the direction of the arrow K2a (FIG. 12 (b)), while on the other side, the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the guiding portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are inclined the direction of the arrow K2b (FIG. 12 (a)). The above orientation in space of the connecting element 180 is called the “second oblique orientation of D2 in space” of the connecting element.

(5) General Description of Drum Cartridge C

[0099] The following describes the configuration of the drum cartridge C with reference to Fig. 16 (a) and 16 (b). 16 (a) is an explanatory diagram in perspective of the drum cartridge C when viewed from the non-driving side. 16 (b) is an explanatory diagram in perspective in which the cleaning frame 21, the drum holder 30, the drum shaft 54, etc. are omitted from the illustration in order to describe the periphery of the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11.

[00100] The drum cartridge C has a photosensitive drum 10, a charging roller 11, etc., as illustrated in FIG. The charging roller 11 is rotatably supported by the charging roller holder 67a and the charging roller holder 67b and shifted with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 by the charging roller biasing element 68a and the charging roller biasing element 68b.

[00101] The flange 24 on the drive side is attached integrally to the end portion 10a on the drive side of the photosensitive drum 10, and the flange 28 on the non-drive side is attached integrally to the end portion 10b on the non-drive side of the photosensitive drum 10. The flange 24 on the drive side and the non-drive end flange 28 is concentrically attached to the photosensitive drum 10 by stamping, gluing, and the like. Tools such as screwing, sticking, pressing, etc., are used to attach the drum holder 30 to the end section on the drive side, and the drum shaft 54 to the end section on the non-drive side, at both ends of the cleaning frame 21 longitudinal direction. A flange 24 on the drive side attached integrally to the photosensitive drum 10 is rotatably supported by the drum holder 30, and the flange 28 on the non-drive side is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 54.

[00102] The charging roller gear 69 is provided at one end of the charging roller 11 in the longitudinal direction, and the charging roller gear 69 is engaged with a portion 24g of the flange gear 24 on the drive side. A configuration is provided in which the rotational force from the side of the device main body A1 is transmitted to the end portion 24a on the drive side of the flange 24 on the drive side (omitted from the illustration). As a result, as the photosensitive drum 10 is rotationally driven, the charging roller 11 is also rotationally driven. The velocity along the circumference of the surface of the charging roller 11 is set to approximately 105-120% with respect to the velocity along the circumference of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, as described above.

(6) Description of the installation / detachment configuration of the developing cartridge B1 relative to the device main body A1

[00103] The following describes a method for mounting / detaching the developing cartridge B1 to / from the device main body A1 with reference to the drawings.

[00104] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram in perspective when viewing the device main body A1 from the non-driving side, and FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram in perspective when viewing the device main body A1 from the driving side. 19 (a) -19 (d) are explanatory diagrams of the process of installing the developing cartridge B1 into the device main body A1, when viewed from the driving side.

[00105] The guided portion 46d, having the positioning portion 46b and the rotation stopper 46c, is provided in the developer unit holder 46 on the non-driving side in the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in FIG. A guided portion 34d having a positioning portion 34b and a rotation stopper 34c is provided in the side cover 34 of the developing unit, as illustrated in FIG. 18.

[00106] On the other hand, the guide element 92 on the drive side and the additionally swinging guide 80 on the drive side, which moves integrally with the developing cartridge B1 in the apparatus main body A1, are provided in the side plate 90 on the drive side configuring the main body casing A1 devices on the drive side in the device main body A1, as illustrated in FIG. The following describes the details of the swing rail 80 on the drive side. The guide element 92 on the drive side comprises a first guide part 92a, a second guide part 92b and a third guide part 92c. The installation / detachment path X1a with the installation / detachment path of the developing cartridge B1 is provided in the first guide part 92a of the guide element 92 on the drive side, and the installation / detachment path X1b with the installation / detachment path of the development cartridge B1 is provided in the second guide parts 92b. A groove for the insertion / detachment path X3 is followed by the insertion / detachment path of the cartridge drum C provided in the third guide part 92c of the guide element 92 on the drive side. The first guide portion 80a and the second guide portion 80b are provided in the swing rail 80 on the drive side. The first guide part 80a of the swing guide 80 on the drive side forms the shape of a groove with the installation / detachment path X2a of the developing cartridge B1 attached, as an extension of the first guide part 92a of the guide element 92 on the drive side. The second guide part 80b of the swing guide 80 on the drive side forms the shape of a groove, holding the mounting / disconnecting path X2b of the developing cartridge B1 as an extension of the second guide part 92b of the guide element 92 on the drive side.

[00107] Similarly, the guide member 93 on the non-drive side and the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side, which moves similarly to the swing guide 80 on the drive side, are provided in the side plate 91 on the non-drive side, which configures the main body casing A1 on the non-drive side mainly the device case A1, as illustrated in FIG. The first guide portion 93a and the second guide portion 93b are provided in the guide member 93 on the non-driving side.

[00108] The groove shape of the installation / detachment path XH1a with the installation / detachment path of the developing cartridge B1 is formed in the first guide part 93a of the guide element 93 on the non-driving side. The groove shape of the installation / detachment path XH3 with the installation / detachment path of the drum cartridge C is formed in the second guide part 93b of the guide element 93 on the non-driving side. The guide part 81a is provided in the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side. The shape of the installation / detachment path XH2a with the installation / detachment path of the developing cartridge B1 is provided in the guide part of the guide part 81a of the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side as an extension of the first guide part 93a of the guide member 93 on the non-drive side.

[00109] Detailed configurations of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side are described below.

Description of electrical contacts on the non-drive side

[00110] Next, an electrical contact portion of the device main body A1 is described with reference to FIG.

[00111] The side plate 91 on the non-drive side includes a power supply section 120 in a position that faces the electrode sections 47a of the memory storage card 47 of the developing cartridge B1 when imaging. The power supply assembly 120 has a power supply contact 120A formed from a wire spring or a leaf spring, or the like. and having spring properties, protruding from the power supply unit 120, wherein the power supply contact 120A is connected to an electrical board, which is omitted from the illustration.

Installing the developing cartridge B1 into the device main body A1

[00112] The following describes a method for installing the developing cartridge B1 into the apparatus main body A1. The rotation of the main body cover 94, which is located in the upper part of the device main body A1 and can be opened and closed in the opening direction D1, ensures accessibility to the inside of the device main body A1, as illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18.

[00113] Thereafter, the guided portion 46d of the developing unit holder 46 on the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1 (FIG. 17) and the first guiding part 93a of the guide member 93 on the non-driving side of the apparatus main body A1 (FIG. 18) engage. Additionally, the guided portion 34d of the side cover 34 of the developing unit of the developing cartridge B1 (FIG. 18) and the first guiding portion 92a of the guiding element 92 on the drive side of the device main body A1 (FIG. 17) engage. Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the apparatus main body A1 by following the installation / detaching path X1a and the installation / detaching path XH1a formed by the first guide part 92a of the guide member 92 on the drive side and the first guide part 93a of the guide member 93 on the non-drive side.

[00114] When installing the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1, the connecting member 180 is in the state of the second oblique orientation D2 described above in space, as described above. The connecting element 180 is inserted into the second guide part 92b of the guide element 92 on the drive side while maintaining the second inclined orientation D2 in space. If more, there is a gap between the connecting element 180 and the second guide part 92b of the guide element 92 on the drive side. Accordingly, while the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the device main body A1 with the installation / detachment paths X1b and XH1a, the coupling member 180 maintains the state of the second inclined orientation D2 in space.

[00115] The developing cartridge B1, which is inserted into the device main body A1 with the installation / detachment paths X1a and XH1a, is further inserted into the device main body A1 with the installation / detachment paths X2a and XH2a. The installation / detachment paths X2a and XH2a are formed by the first guide part 80a of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the guide portion 81a of the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side. If in more detail, first, the guided portion 34d provided in the side cover 34 of the developing unit is guided by the first guide part 92a of the guide member 92 on the drive side of the device main body A1. A configuration is provided in which thereafter, as the installation process proceeds, the guided part 34d is transmitted to the first guide part 80a of the rocking guide 80 on the drive side of the device main body A1. Similarly, on the non-drive side, the guided portion 46d provided in the developer unit holder 46 on the non-drive side is guided by the first guide portion 93a of the guide member 93 on the non-drive side of the apparatus main body A1. A configuration is provided in which thereafter, as the installation process proceeds, the guided part 46d is transmitted to the guide part 81a of the rocking guide 81 on the non-driven side of the apparatus main body A1.

[00116] The connecting member 180 provided at the end on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is transmitted from the second guide part 92b of the guide member 92 on the drive side of the device main body A1 to the second guide part 80b of the swing guide 80 on the drive side while maintaining the second inclined orientation D2 in space. It should be noted that there is a gap between the connecting member 180 and the second guide part 80b of the swing guide 80 on the drive side, in the same way as described above.

Positioning the developing cartridge B1

[00117] The following describes the configuration by which the developing cartridge B1 is positioned by the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side of the apparatus main body A1. It should be noted that the basic structure is identical for the retaining side and the non-driving side, so that later on in this document, the description is given as an example of the retaining side of the developing cartridge B1. FIGS. 19 (a) -19 (d) illustrate the state of the developing cartridge B1 and the rocking guide 80 on the drive side during the installation process of the developing cartridge B1 into the device main body A1.

[00118] FIG. 19 (a) illustrates a state in which the guided portion 34d provided in the side cover 34 of the developing unit of the developing cartridge B1 is guided by the first guide part 80a of the swinging guide 80 on the drive side, and the developing cartridge B1 is in the path X2a install / detach.

[00119] FIG. 19 (b) illustrates a state in which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 is made more relative to the state in FIG. 19 (a). The positioning portion 34b of the guiding portion 34d of the side cover 34 of the developing unit is adjacent to the positioning portion 82a of the pressure member 82 on the drive side provided on the swing rail 80 on the drive side at point P1.

[00120] Additionally, FIG. 20 is explanatory diagrams in perspective, illustrating the peripheral shapes of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the clamping member 82 on the drive side. Fig. 20 (a) is a perspective view when viewed from the driving side in the longitudinal direction, and Fig. 20 (b) is a perspective view when viewed from the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 20 (c) is a disassembled perspective view of the swing rail 80 on the drive side, the pressing member 82 on the drive side and the pressure spring 83 on the drive side. FIG. 20 (d) and FIG. 20 (e) are enlarged detailed diagrams around the clamping element 82 on the drive side.

[00121] Now, the presser element 82 on the drive side has, in addition to the positioning portion 82a, an opening 82b, a seating surface 82c and a restricting portion 82d, as illustrated in FIG. 20 (a) and FIG. 20 (b). The hole 82b engages with the sleeve 80c of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and is supported rotatably centering on the sleeve 80c, as illustrated in FIG. 20 (c). Additionally, one end portion 83c of the pressure spring 83 on the drive side is in contact with the seating surface 82c. In addition, the other end portion 83d of the pressure spring 83 on the drive side is in contact with the seating surface 80d of the swing rail 80 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. 20 (d). Accordingly, the presser element 82 on the drive side is configured to receive a bias force F82 in the direction of rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra1 with the centering on the sleeve 80c of the swing rail 80 on the drive side. It should be noted that the rotation of the clamping element 82 on the drive side in the direction of the arrow Ra1 is limited by its limiting portion 82d adjacent to the limiting portion 80e during rotation provided in the swing rail 80 on the drive side, thereby positioning the clamping member 82 on the drive side. It should be noted that the clamping element 82 on the drive side supported rotatably by the swing guide 80 on the drive side allows rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra2 against the bias force F82 of the pressure spring 83 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. 20 (e). Additionally, the upper end 82e of the pressing member 82 on the drive side allows rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra2 to a position in which it does not protrude from the guide surface 80w of the swing rail 80 on the drive side.

[00122] FIG. 19 (c) is a state in which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 is made more relative to the state in FIG. 19 (b). The state in which the guided portion 34d, in which the positioning portion 34b and the rotational stopper 34c of the side cover 34 of the developing unit are formed as one unit, is illustrated, is adjacent to the inclined surface 82w on the proximal side of the pressing member 82 on the drive side, thereby pressing the pressing member 82 on the drive side down in the direction of the arrow Ra2. If detailed, the guided portion 34d of the side cover 34 of the developing unit is adjacent to the inclined surface 82w on the proximal side of the pressing member 82 on the driving side and pressing the pressing member 82 on the driving side. This causes the presser element 82 on the drive side to rotate counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow Ra2) with the centering on the sleeve 80c of the swing guide 80 on the drive side against the bias force F82 of the pressure spring 83 on the drive side. 19 (c) is a state in which the positioning portion 34b of the side cover 34 of the developing unit and the upper end 82e of the pressing member 82 on the drive side are in contact. At this time, the limiting portion 82d of the pressing member 82 on the drive side is separated from the limiting portion 80e when the swing rail 80 rotates on the drive side.

[00123] FIG. 19 (d) is a state in which the installation of the developing cartridge B1 is more relative to the state in FIG. 19 (c), illustrating the state in which the positioning portion 34d of the side cover 34 of the development unit and the positioning portion 80f of the oscillating the guide 80 on the drive side is in contact. The pressing element 82 on the drive side has a configuration that receives a bias force F82 in the direction of rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra1, centered on the sleeve 80c of the swing rail 80 on the drive side, as described above. Accordingly, the inclined surface 82s on the far side of the pressing member 82 on the drive side displaces the positioning portion 34b of the side cover 34 of the development unit by means of the bias force F4. Therefore, the positioning portion 34b comes into contact with the positioning portion 80f of the swing rail 80 on the drive side at point P3 without a gap between them. Thus, the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 is positioned and fixed in the swing rail 80 on the drive side.

[00124] The non-drive end configuration is identical to the drive side, while the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side, the pressure member on the non-drive side 84 and the pressure spring 85 on the non-drive side are provided according to the swing rail 80 on the drive side, the pressure member 82 on the drive side and the pressure spring 83 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. Accordingly, the positioning of the positioning portion 46b of the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side is also identical on the drive side (description will be omitted). According to the above, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned and secured in the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side.

The operation of the connecting element 180 during the installation process of the developing cartridge B1

[00125] The following describes operations of the coupling member 180 during installation of the developing cartridge B1 with reference to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23.

[00126] In the state before installing the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1, the connecting member 180 allows the second inclined orientation D2 in space, as described above. The connecting element 180 is inserted into the main body A1 of the device while maintaining the second inclined orientation D2 in space. Fig. 21 (a) illustrates the installation state of the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 and being in the installation / detachment path X2a formed in the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side. FIG. 21 (e) is a state diagram of FIG. 21 (a) when viewed from the direction of the arrow XXIE in FIG. 21 (a). A configuration is provided in which relative to the second oblique orientation D2 in the space of the coupling member 180, the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 faces in the direction of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body for the device main body A1, while the developing cartridge B1 is in path X2a install / detach. More specifically, the coupling 180 tilts in the direction of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body, centered on the center 180s of the supported part 180b, near the place where the coupling 180 and the drive element 100 on the side of the main body come into contact, as described below. The second inclination limiting portion 36kb2 of the development unit holder 36 on the drive side is formed so as to incline the coupling member 180 in this manner (see Fig. 12 (b), 13 (a) -13 (d) and Fig. 15 (a)) .

[00127] FIG. 21 (b) illustrates the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted further into the install / detach path X2a from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (a). FIG. 21 (f) is a diagram when viewed from the direction of the arrow XXIF in FIG. 21 (b). A state is provided in which the circular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 and the driving member 100 on the side of the main body are in contact. The connecting member 180 is inclined in the direction of the driving member 100 on the side of the main body from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (a) to the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (b), so that the connecting member 180 and the driving member 100 are on the main side shells can easily catch on. It should be noted that the connecting member 180 supports the second oblique orientation D2 in space by means of its guided part 180d receiving the full force F3 from the spring 56 of the link arm and the connecting spring 185, as described above (see FIG. 12 (a) -12 (c )). In the following description, the angle formed between the axis of rotation L3 of the driving input gear 27 and the axis of rotation L2 of the connecting element 180 (inclination angle) when the connecting element 180 in the second inclined orientation D2 in space is θ2a (see FIG. 21 (b) ).

[00128] FIG. 21 (c) illustrates the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted further into the install / detach path X2a from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (b). Fig. 21 (g) is a diagram when viewed from the direction of the arrow XXIG in Fig. 21 (c). 23 (a) and 23 (b) are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating the interconnection of the force at the periphery of the connecting element 180 when the circular part 180f of the connecting element 180 comes into contact with the drive element 100 on the main body side.

[00129] The limiting part 55y, when rotating the coupling lever 55 and the adjacent part 80y located on the swing rail 80 on the drive side, are in a contact state. The inclination angle of the coupling member 180 becomes θ2b (≤ θ2a) from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (b) to the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (c) by means of a circular portion 180f coming into contact with the drive member 100 on the main side enclosures. In detail, the coupling 180 receives the force F100 in the contact portion of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body. If the force F100 is applied in the direction opposite to the force F3, which the connecting element 180 initially receives and also exceeds F3, the angle of inclination of the connecting element 180 becomes smaller and approaches the direction of relative parallelism of the axis of rotation L3 of the leading input gear 27. In other words, the angle the slope changes with centering on the center 180s of the supported part 180b and becomes θ2b <θ2a (see Fig. 15 (a), 21 (b), 21 (c) and 23 (a)). The connecting element 180 comes into contact with four parts, which are the connecting lever 55, the connecting spring 185, the drive element 100 on the side of the main body and the phase-limiting part 36kb of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side, which determine its angle of inclination (θ2b).

[00130] FIG. 21 (d) illustrates the state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted further into the install / detach path X2a from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (c). FIG. 21 (h) is a diagram when viewed from the direction of the arrow XXIH in FIG. 21 (d). The limiting part 55y rotates the connecting lever 55 in contact with the adjacent part 80y of the swing rail 80 on the drive side. Accordingly, the connecting lever 55 rotates in the direction of the arrow X11b, centered on the axis L11 of rotation relative to the developing cartridge B1, in combination with the insertion of the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the install / detach path X2a. At this time, the guide portion 55e of the link arm 55 also rotates in the direction of the arrow X11b, centered on the rotation axis L11. As a result, for the coupling member 180, the inclination angle θ2c of the coupling member 180 decreases (θ2c <θ2b) along the guide portion 55e of the coupling arm 55 as the biasing force is received from the coupling spring 185. The coupling member 180 comes into contact with three parts, which are the connecting spring 185, the drive member 100 on the side of the main body, and the phase-limiting portion 36kb of the developing unit holder 36 on the drive side, which determine its angle of inclination (θ2c).

[00131] FIGS. 22 (a) -22 (d) illustrate a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted further in the direction of the install / detachment path X2a from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (d), and also illustrates the state in which The installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the main body A1 of the device has been completed.

[00132] The coupling member 180 engages the drive member 100 on the side of the main body and allows the reference orientation D0 in space (the angle of the coupling member 180 θ2 = 0 °).

[00133] The phase limiting sleeve 180e of the coupling member 180 is separated from the second inclining portion 36kb2 of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side at this time and is not in contact with any part of the phase bounding part 36b of the developer unit 36 on the drive side (see Fig. 22 (c)). The guide portion 55e of the coupling arm 55 is held in a full retraction state from the guided portion 180d of the coupling 180. In other words, the coupling 180 is in contact with two parts, which are the coupling spring 185 and the drive element 100 on the main body side, which define it the angle (θ2) of inclination (see the above described reference orientation D0 in the space of the connecting element 180 for details).

The operation of the connecting element 180 during the process of extracting the developing cartridge B1

[00134] Next, operations of the coupling member 180 are described in the process of extracting the developing cartridge B1 from the apparatus main body A1.

[00135] The operations of extracting the developing cartridge B1 from the device main body A1 are inverse operations with respect to the above-described installation.

[00136] First, the user rotates the main body cover 94 for the device main body A1 in the opening direction D1 (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18), identical to the installation, and ensures the accessibility of the inside of the device main body A1. The developing cartridge B1 is held in contact orientation in space, in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in contact, by means of a swinging guide 80 on the drive side, a swinging guide 81 on the non-drive side, as well as a configuration omitted from the illustration.

[00137] The developing cartridge B1 is then moved in the extraction direction while keeping the installation / detachment path XH2 provided in the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side.

[00138] As the developing cartridge B1 moves, the adjacent portion 80y of the swing rail 80 on the drive side, which is in contact with the limiting portion 55y, rotates the link arm 55 (from the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (d) , in the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (c)). In this regard, the connecting lever 55 rotates in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11. Additionally, the movement of the developing cartridge B1 causes the coupling arm 55 to rotate in the direction of the arrow X11, and the guide portion 55e of the coupling arm 55 contacts the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 (the state illustrated in FIG. 21 (c)). The connecting element 180, which receives the bias force from both the connecting lever 55 and the connecting spring 185, begins to move in the direction of the second inclined orientation D2 in space, as described above. Finally, the phase limiting sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 is limited by the guide part 36kb2a, the guide part 36kb2b and the guide part 36kb2c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side and engages the second limiting inclination part 36kb2. The connecting element 180 supports the state of the second inclined orientation D2 in space.

[00139] Thereafter, the developing cartridge B1 is removed outside the device main body A1 by moving in the extraction direction while keeping the installation / detaching path XH1 provided in the guide element 92 on the drive side and the guide element 93 on the non-drive side.

[00140] As described above, the developing cartridge B1, which exerts a biasing force on the connecting member 180, includes a connecting lever 55 and a connecting lever spring 56, which allow the connecting element 180 to tilt into a second inclined orientation D2 in space. The inclination direction, in which the connecting member 180 is inclined by the connecting lever 55, is the direction of the install / detachment path X2a of the developing cartridge B1, and further, a configuration is provided in which the rotation operation of the connecting arm 55 occurs in conjunction with cartridge B1 by user.

(7) Regarding the contact / separation lever as a movable element

[00141] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, serving as a movable member on the drive side, is described below with reference to FIG. Figure 1 (a) is an explanatory diagram of a contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the peripheral form and is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed from the driving side.

[00142] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side includes a first contact surface 70a, a second contact surface 70b, a third contact surface 70c, a supported portion 70d, a limiting contact portion 70e on the drive side, and a first protrusion 70f (protrusion on one end side ). The supporting portion 70d of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is supported rotatably by the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side by means of the supporting part 36c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side. In particular, the hub of the supporting part 36c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side enters the hole in the supported part 70d of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, whereby the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is supported to allow rotation (in the directions of arrows N9 and N10) centered on the bushing of the supporting part 36c. In other words, the supporting portion 36c serves as the center of rotation of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side. The supporting part 36c of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side is parallel to the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller 13. In other words, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side can rotate on a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis L0 of the development roller 13.

[00143] Additionally, in the third contact surface 70c, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is in contact with one end 71d of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side, which is a compression spring that serves as the first elastic part. The other end 71e of the pressure spring 71 of the developing unit on the drive side is in contact with the contact surface 36d of the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side. Therefore, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side receives a force in the direction of the arrow N16 in the third contact surface 70c from the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side. The development device pressure spring 71 on the drive side biases (presses) the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in the direction of moving away from the development roller 13 (N16). In the isolated state of the developing cartridge B1, i.e. in a state before the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the device main body A1, the restricting contact portion 70e on the drive side is in contact with the restriction portion 36b provided in the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side.

[00144] Now, FIG. 37 is a diagram in which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is projected into a cross sectional view of the developing cartridge B1. The supported portion 70d (the center of rotation of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side) is in a position overlapping the portion 16a to accommodate the developer (i.e., in the portion 16a to accommodate the developer) in FIG. In other words, when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed according to the direction of the arrow N11 (see FIG. 4), which is a direction parallel to the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13, the supported part 70d of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is in the position overlapping part 16a for accommodating the developer of the developing container 16. The contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side has an identical configuration, although it is omitted from the illustration.

[00145] Accordingly, the protrusion of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side of the developer accommodating portion 16a can be reduced, and the size of the developing cartridge B1 can be specified compactly when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13 .

[00146] The contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side, serving as a movable member on the non-drive side, is described below with reference to FIG. 1 (b). It should be noted that the non-drive side has a similar configuration with the driver.

[00147] FIG. 1 (b) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 from the non-driving side. However, it should be noted that some parts are omitted from the illustration to describe the configuration of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side.

[00148] As illustrated in FIG. 1 (b), the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side has a first contact surface 72a on the non-drive side, a second contact surface 72b on the non-drive side, a third contact surface 72c on the non-drive side, the supported part 72d, the limiting contact portion 72e on the non-drive side and the first protrusion 72f on the non-drive side (the tab on the other end side). The supported part 72d of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side is supported by the supporting portion 46f of the holder 46 of the development unit on the non-drive side. In particular, the sleeve of the supporting part 46f of the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-driving side enters the hole of the supported part 72d of the contact / separating lever 72 on the non-driving side, whereby the contact / separating lever 72 on the non-driving side can rotate (directions of arrows NH9 and NH10) centering on support sleeve 46f. In other words, the supporting part 46f is the center of rotation of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side. The supporting part 46f of the developing unit holder 46 on the non-driving side is also parallel to the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13 in the present embodiment. In other words, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side allows rotation on a plane orthogonal to the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13.

[00149] Additionally, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side comes into contact with one end 73e of the pressure spring 73 of the development unit on the non-drive side, which is a compression spring serving as the second elastic part, on the third contact surface 72c on the non-drive side . The other end 73d of the compression spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-driving side is in contact with the contact surface 46g of the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-driving side. Therefore, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side receives the force FH10 in the direction of the arrow NH16 from the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side, in the third contact surface 72c on the non-drive side. The developing device pressure spring 73 on the non-driving side biases (presses) the first contact surface 72a on the non-driving side of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side in the direction of moving away from the development roller 13 (arrow NH16). In the isolated state of the developing cartridge B1, i.e. in a state before the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the device main body A1, the restricting contact portion 72e on the non-driving side is in contact with the restricting portion 46e provided in the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-driving side.

[00150] The limiting portion 36b and the limiting portion 46e are configured to partially overlap the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and the pressure spring 73 of the development unit on the non-drive side in the direction of displacement of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and the pressure spring 73 of the development unit on non-driving side, as illustrated in figure 1. In other words, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side fits midway between the limiting part 36b and the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and is configured to accept a compressive force. In other words, the position of the divided part 70g after the divided part 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side comes into contact with the restricting part 36b can be accurately positioned. This is also true for the non-drive side. As a result, the separation force through the separation mechanism of the main body of the device, which is described below, can be received with a high-precision temporal distribution.

[00151] The limiting part 36b and the limiting part 46e restrict the movement of the respective contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side away from the development roller 13. In other words, the limiting part 36b and the limiting part 46e are provided in positions in which they can limit the movement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side in the direction away from 13. When separating the development roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side are adjusted in the N10 and NH10 directions of rotation, respectively, so that they come into contact with the limiting part 36b and limiting portion 46e. Accordingly, a condition is provided in which the separation force is transmitted by the separation mechanism of the main body of the device from the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side to the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side and the holder 46 of the development unit to non-drive the side of the frame of the developing unit through the limiting portion 36b and the limiting portion 46e.

[00152] FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the limiting part 36b, the limiting part 46e, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side, the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-driving side, in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. FIG. 44 is a diagram when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (direction eniyu rotation axis L0). The restriction portion 36b is configured to overlap at least partially the pressure spring 71 of the developing unit on the drive side and the third contact surface 70c on the drive side with respect to the direction N11, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (direction of the axis of rotation L0). Similarly, the limiting part 46e is configured to overlap, at least partially, the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-driving side and the third contact surface 72c on the non-driving side relative to the direction N11. Accordingly, the separation force by means of the separation mechanism of the device’s main body described below can be received with a high-precision temporal distribution.

[00153] In addition, the restricting portion 36b is also configured to at least partially overlap the pressure spring 71 of the developing unit on the drive side and the third contact surface 70c on the drive side relative to the direction of the arrow M2, as illustrated in FIG. Similarly, the limiting portion 46e is also configured to at least partially overlap the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-driving side and the third contact surface 72c on the non-driving side relative to the direction of the arrow M2. However, it should be noted that it is sufficient that the above-described relationship of the containment of the limiting part 36b and the limiting part 46e is realized with respect to one or the other direction from the direction N11 and the direction of the arrow M2.

[00154] Now, the force F10 displacement of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and the force FH10 displacement of the pressure spring 73 of the development unit on the non-drive side are set differently. In addition, the third contact surface 70c on the drive side and the third contact surface 72c on the non-drive side are located at different angles. They can be selected appropriately, taking into account the properties of the peripheral configuration, so that the following pressing force of the developing roller 13 with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 is appropriate. The relationship in which:

F10 <FH10,

specified in the present embodiment, taking into account the time M6 (see FIG. 27 (a)), which occurs in the developing cartridge B1 when receiving a drive transmission from the device main body A1, to rotate the developing roller 13.

[00155] In other words, on the drive side, the connecting member 180 rotates in the direction of the arrow X6, as illustrated in FIG. 8 (b). The developing cartridge B1, which receives this rotational force, oscillates in the direction of the arrow N6, illustrated in FIG. ). In the event that the rotational force (torque) that the coupling member 180 receives from the drive member 100 on the main body side is sufficient, the torque in the direction of the arrow N6 is generated by the torque only of the coupling member 180, forming a force pressing under pressure 13 to the photosensitive drum 10. Accordingly, the bias force F10 of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side can be set less than the force FH10 bias of the pressure spring 73 of the development unit n and non-drive side.

[00156] Now, a straight line Z30 is set which passes through the center 13z of the developing roller 13 and is parallel to the insertion / detachment direction X2 (FIG. 17) of the developing cartridge B1 to / from the device main body A1, as illustrated in FIG. ). The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is located on the opposite side of the straight line Z30 relative to the photosensitive drum 10 (the lower side in the direction of gravity in the present embodiment). The degree of freedom relative to the drum cartridge C is increased due to this configuration for mounting / detaching the developing cartridge. In particular, a configuration in which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side does not protrude in the direction of the drum cartridge C increases the degree of freedom of accommodating the drum cartridge C. There is no need for placement eliminating interference with the projecting contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side etc.

[00157] The first protrusion 70f of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side protrudes beyond the development container 16, the developer assembly holder 36 on the drive side, and the development node side cover 34 (see FIG. 10 (a)) when viewed from the driving side of the developer cartridge in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the axis of rotation).

[00158] In other words, the first protrusion 70f (protrusion on one end side) of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is accessible from the frame of the development unit (16, 46, 36, 34) when viewing the developing cartridge from the driving side (one end side ) in the longitudinal direction (direction of the axis of rotation L0), as illustrated in Fig. 11 (a).

[00159] However, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side does not have to be accessible from the frame of the developing unit (16, 46, 36, 34) when viewing the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction (direction of the L0 axis of rotation). A configuration is possible in which the first protrusion 70f is inaccessible (it cannot be seen), with the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side hidden behind the frame of the development unit when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the driving side or the non-driving side.

[00160] In other words, it is sufficient if the first protrusion 70f protrudes from the frame of the development unit (16, 46, 36, 34) in cross section (see FIG. 1 (a)) of the developing cartridge that passes through the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side (in particular, the first protrusion 70f) and is orthogonal to the direction of development (axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13). According to this configuration, the following clamping element 150 of the device on the drive side (see FIG. 27 (a) -27 (c)) can engage the first protrusion 70f.

[00161] In other words, it is sufficient to set the external shape of the developing cartridge such that the first protrusion 70f protrudes from the frame of the developing unit in a position in which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is located in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 70f protrudes relative to the developer unit 36 on the drive side at the position in which the contact / separation lever 70 is located on the drive side. A configuration can also be set in which the first protrusion 70f is closed by the side cover 34 of the developing unit located further outside in the longitudinal direction than the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, or closed by means of the developing container 16 located further inside in the longitudinal direction than contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side.

[00162] Summarizing, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side protrudes so as to set the external shape of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed in cross section at the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in the direction of the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13.

[00163] Additionally, the protrusion direction of the first protrusion 70f (the direction of the arrow M2) intersects the directions in which the contact / separation lever 70 can move on the drive side (the directions of movement: the directions of the arrows N9 and N10) and the direction in which the developing cartridge can move B1 (direction of movement: direction of arrow N6 (see Fig. 27 (a)).

[00164] The first protrusion 70f has a first contact surface 70a in the direction away from the developing roller 13 when viewed from the supported part 70d of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side. A configuration is provided in which the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side comes into contact with the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side when the developing roller 13 is pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10 (see FIG. 27 (a)), which is described in detail below. Additionally, the spaced portion 70g, which intersects the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 70f (direction of the arrow M2) and protrudes on the side toward the developing roller 13, is provided at the top of the first protrusion 70f. The spaced portion 70g has a second contact surface 70b. A configuration is provided in which the first contact surface 150a of the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side comes into contact with the second contact surface 70b of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side when the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 (see FIG. 28 a) -28 (d)), which is described in detail below.

[00165] Next, the form of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side is described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 (b). The contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side is located on the opposite side relative to the photosensitive drum 10 through a straight line Z30, which passes through the center 13z of the developing roller 13 and is parallel to the installation / disconnection direction X2 of the developing cartridge B1 to / from the device main body A1 (bottom side in the direction of gravity in the present embodiment), similarly to the leading side described above. The degree of freedom relative to the drum cartridge C is increased due to this configuration for mounting / detaching the developing cartridge. In particular, a configuration in which the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side does not protrude in the direction of the drum cartridge C increases the degree of freedom of the housing of the drum cartridge C. There is no need for placement that eliminates interference with the projecting contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side etc.

[00166] The first protrusion 72f of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side protrudes beyond the development container 16 and the holder 46 of the development unit on the non-drive side when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The first protrusion 72f (the protrusion on the other end side) of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side is accessible from the frame of the developing unit (16, 46, 36, 34) when viewing the developing cartridge in the longitudinal direction (direction of the L0 rotation axis) from the non-driving side ( the other end side) (see figure 5).

[00167] However, it should be noted that, similar to the first protrusion 70f, the first protrusion 72f should not be available when viewing the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the L0 axis of rotation).

[00168] In other words, it is sufficient if the first protrusion 72f protrudes from the frame of the development unit (16, 36, 34) in the cross section of the developing cartridge that passes through the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side (in particular, the protrusion 72f) orthogonal to the direction of development (axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13), similar to the first protrusion 70f. According to this configuration, the following clamping element 151 of the device on the non-driving side (see FIG. 29 (a)) can engage the protrusion 72f.

[00169] In other words, it is sufficient to set the external shape of the developing cartridge B1 so that the protrusion 72f protrudes from the frame of the development unit (side cover on the non-driving side 46 in the present embodiment) in a position in which the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side is in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. A configuration in which the frame of the developing unit closes the first protrusion 72f on the outer side in the longitudinal direction or the inner side in the longitudinal direction can also be set. where the contact / separation lever 72 is located on the non-drive side.

[00170] Summarizing, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side protrudes so as to define the external shape of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed in cross section at the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side in the direction of the axis L0 of rotation of the developing roller 13.

[00171] Additionally, the protrusion direction of the first protrusion 72f (the direction of the arrow MH2) intersects the directions in which the contact / separation lever 72 can move on the non-driving side (the directions of movement: the directions of the arrows NH9 and NH10) and the direction in which the development cartridge can move B1 (direction of movement: direction of arrow M1 (see Fig. 27 (a)). The first protrusion 72f has a first contact surface 72a in the direction from the developing roller 13 when viewed from the supported part 72d of the contact / separation p Lever 72 on the non-drive side: A configuration is provided in which the second contact surface 151b of the pressure element 151 of the device on the non-drive side comes into contact with the first contact surface 72a of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side when the developing roller 13 is pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10 (see FIG. 29), which is described in detail below.

[00172] Additionally, the separating portion 72g, which intersects the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 72f from the development container 16 (the direction of the arrow MH2) and protrudes on the side toward the development roller 13, is provided at the top of the first protrusion 72f. The separation part 72g has a second contact surface 72b. A configuration is provided in which the first contact surface 151a of the pressure element 151 of the device on the non-drive side comes into contact with the second contact surface 72b of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side when the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 (see Fig. 29 ( b)), as detailed below.

[00173] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side are provided at both ends of the developing cartridge, relative to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the developing roller 13, as described above. The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side can be positioned farther outside than the width of the media used to form images, such as recording paper, label printing sheets, OHP sheets and etc. In this case, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, etc., the carrier and transport elements, etc., provided in the apparatus main body for transporting the media, can be disposed in an intersecting position when viewing the apparatus main body along the plate, the longitudinal direction of which is a normal line. As a result, the size of the main body of the device may decrease.

[00174] The following describes the placement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side with reference to FIG. 24. 24 is a front view in which the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the side of the developing roller 13. However, it should be noted that the cross-sectional view is viewed around the supporting part 36a of the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side that supports the supported part 13a on the drive side of the developing roller 13, and the supporting part 46f of the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-driving side that supports the supported part 13c on the non-driving side of the developing roller 13.

[00175] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is provided at the end on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction, as described above. In addition, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side is provided at the end on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction. The rotational operations of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in FIG. 1 (a) and directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in FIG. 1 (b)) can be carried out independently without influences on each other.

[00176] Now, the supported portion 13a on the drive side of the developing roller 13 is supported by the supporting portion 36a of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side further outside longitudinally relative to the end L13bk on the drive side of the imaging range L13b. Further, the supported part 13c on the non-driving side of the developing roller 13 is supported by the supporting part 46f of the holder 46 of the developing node on the non-driving side further outwardly relative to the end L13bh on the non-driving side of the imaging range L13b. The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side overlap at least partially with the total length range L13a of the developing roller 13. Additionally, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side are located further out of the range of the imaging roller L13b of the developing roller 13.

[00177] In other words, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the supported part 13a on the drive side of the developing roller 13 are arranged so that they at least partially overlap the region L14k located midway between the end L13bk on the drive side of the range L13b imaging and the end on the drive side L13ak total length L13a of the developing roller 13. Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the supported part 13a on the drive side of the developing roller 13 n They are located in close positions in the longitudinal direction.

[00178] In addition, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side and the supported part 13c on the non-drive side of the developing roller 13 are arranged so that they at least partially overlap the region L14h located midway between the end L13bh on the non-drive side of the range L13b imaging and the end L13ah on the non-driving side of the total length L13a of the developing roller 13. The contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side and the supported part 13c on the non-driving side of the developing roller 13 are located are designed to satisfy this relationship. Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side and the supported part on the drive side 13c of the developing roller 13 are in close positions in the longitudinal direction.

Description of the contact / separation mechanism

Pressure configurations for developing the main body of the device and exploding for developing

The following describes the configuration of pressing under pressure for developing the main body of the device and exploding for developing.

[00179] FIG. 25 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the side plate 90 on the drive side of the device main body A1 when viewed from the non-drive side, and FIG. 25 (b) is a side view when viewed from the non-drive side. FIG. 26 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the side plate 91 on the non-driven side of the device main body A1 when viewed from the driving side, and FIG. 26 (b) is a side view when viewed from the driving side.

[00180] The drive-side guide member 92 on the drive side and the swing rail 80 on the drive side to install / detach the development cartridge B1 to / from the device main body A1 are provided in the device main body A1, as illustrated in FIG. The drive element 92 on the drive side and the swing guide 80 on the drive side guide the guided portion 34d on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 during installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the apparatus main body (see FIG. 18).

[00181] The guide element 92 on the drive side has a sleeve-shaped position 92d protruding from the drive side guide element 92 and a limited part 92e during rotation supported by the hole-shaped positioning portion 90a provided in the side plate 90 on the drive side and the limiting portion 90b when rotating, as illustrated in FIG. 25 (a). The guide element 92 on the drive side is then positioned and attached to the side plate 90 on the drive side by means of fixing devices such as screws (omitted from the illustration). The swing rail 80 on the drive side is supported by a cylindrical supported protrusion 80g, which is included in the hole-shaped supporting portion 90c provided in the side plate 90 on the drive side. Accordingly, the swing rail 80 on the drive side is supported by the side plate 90 on the drive side in such a way that it allows rotation in the direction of the arrow N5 and the direction of the arrow N6.

[00182] It should be noted that although a description has been made above, in which the supporting portion 90c provided in the side plate 90 on the drive side is in the shape of a hole (groove shape), and the supported protrusion 80g provided in the swing rail 80 on the drive side has the shape of the protrusion, their recessed / protruding relationship is not limited to this, and the recessed / protruding relationship can be reversed.

[00183] Additionally, the displacement unit 76 on the drive side, which is a tension spring, is provided between the protrusion 80h of the rocking guide 80 on the drive side and the protrusion 90d of the side plate 90 on the drive side. The swinging rail 80 on the drive side is offset by the offset assembly 76 on the drive side in the direction of the arrow N6, which brings the protrusion 80h of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the protrusion 90d of the side plate 90 on the drive side to each other. The device main body A1 comprises a device pressing member 150 on the drive side, which brings the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 into contact and spreads them. The clamping element 150 of the device on the drive side is supported by the base plate (omitted from the illustration) in the state of movability in the direction of the arrow N7 and the direction of the arrow N8.

[00184] On the other hand, the guide member 93 on the non-drive side and the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side to install / detach the development cartridge B1 to / from the device main body A1 are provided in the device main body A1, as illustrated in Fig. 26 (a) and 26 (b). The guide member 93 on the non-drive side and the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side guide the guided portion 46d on the non-drive side of the developing cartridge B1 during installation of the developing cartridge B1 in the apparatus main body (see FIG. 18).

[00185] The guide member 93 on the non-drive side has a sleeve-shaped portion 93d protruding from the guide member 93 on the non-drive side, and a limited portion 93e during rotation, as illustrated in FIG. 26 (a). The positioned portion 93d and the restricted portion 93e, when rotated, are supported by the positioning portion 91a in the shape of an aperture provided in the side plate 91 on the non-driving side, and the restriction portion 91b upon rotation. The guide member 93 on the non-drive side is then positioned and attached to the side plate 91 on the non-drive side by means of fastening devices such as screws (omitted from the illustration). The swing rail 81 on the non-drive side is supported by a cylindrical support protrusion 81g, which is included in the hole-shaped support portion 91c, provided in the side plate 91 on the non-drive side. Accordingly, the swing rail 81 on the non-driving side is supported by the side plate 91 on the non-driving side in such a way that it allows rotation in the direction of the arrow N5 and the direction of the arrow N6.

[00186] It should be noted that although a description is given above, in which the supporting part 91c provided in the side plate 91 on the non-driving side is in the shape of a hole (groove form), and the supported protrusion 81g provided in the swing rail 81 on the non-driving side has the shape of the protrusion, their recessed / protruding relationship is not limited to this, and the recessed / protruding relationship can be reversed.

[00187] Additionally, the displacement unit 77 on the non-drive side, which is a tension spring, is provided between the protrusion 81h of the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side and the protrusion 91d of the side plate 91 on the non-drive side. The swinging rail 81 on the non-drive side is displaced by the displacement assembly 77 on the non-drive side in the direction of the arrow N6, which brings the protrusion 81h of the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side and the tab 91d of the plate 91 on the non-drive side to each other.

[00188] The device main body A1 comprises a device pressure member 151 on the non-driving side, which brings the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 into contact and spreads them, similarly to the driving side. The clamping element 151 of the device on the non-driven side is supported by the base plate (omitted from the illustration) in the movable state in the direction of the arrow N7 and the direction of the arrow N8.

Compression under pressure for development and diversity for development relative to the photosensitive drum

[00189] The following describes the compression under pressure and the separation of the developing roller 13 in relation to the photosensitive drum 10.

Pressure mechanism

[00190] The configuration of the developing roller 13 is described below.

[00191] FIG. 27 (a) is a side view illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13, which has a developing cartridge B1 supported by the rocking guide 80 on the drive side, in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. FIG. c) is a detailed periphery of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in FIG. 27 (a), with the swing guide 80 on the drive side and the side cover 34 of the development unit omitted from the illustration for description purposes.

[00192] A so-called contact development system in which the developing roller 13 carrying the developer t is brought into direct contact with the photosensitive drum 10 to develop an electrostatic latent image in the photosensitive drum 10 is used in the present embodiment.

[00193] The developing roller 13 is configured from a shaft part 13e and a rubber part 13d. The shaft portion 13e is a thin electrically conductive cylindrical object of aluminum, etc., and its middle portion is closed by the rubber portion 13d in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6 (a) and 6 (b)). Now, the rubber portion 13d closes the shaft portion 13e, so that its outer shape is concentric with the shaft portion 13e. The magnetic roller 12 is embedded in the cylinder of the shaft portion 13e. The rubber portion 13d transfers, under pressure, the developer t to its peripheral surface, and an offset is applied to the shaft portion 13e. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 is then manifested by bringing the rubber portion 13d in a state of transfer under pressure of the developer t into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

[00194] The following describes the configuration of bringing the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined contact pressure.

[00195] As described above, the swing rail 80 on the drive side is supported by the side plate 90 on the drive side so that it can swing in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6. In addition, the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side is supported by the side plate 91 on the non-drive side so that it allows swinging in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6. The developing cartridge B1 is positioned in the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side, as described above. Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 is in a swinging tolerance state in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 in the device main body A1 (see Fig. 29 (a) and 29 (b)).

[00196] In this state, the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side and the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side come into contact, as illustrated in Fig. 27 (a) and Fig. 27 (c ). Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is in a state of rotation in the direction of the arrow N9 in FIG. 27 (c) against the biasing force of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side. The third contact surface 70c of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side then compresses the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and receives the bias force F10a from the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side. As a result, the torque M10 in the direction of the arrow N10 acts on the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side. At this time, the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side and the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side are in contact. Accordingly, the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side receives a force F11 from the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side, so that a moment that is balanced with moment M10 acts on the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side . Thus, the external force force F11 acts on the developing cartridge B1. In addition, the displacement portion 76 on the drive side is provided between the protrusion 80h of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the protrusion 90d of the side plate 90 on the drive side, as described above, performing the offset in the direction of arrow N12. Accordingly, the external force of the force F12 in the direction of the arrow N12 acts on the developing cartridge B1 positioned by the swing rail 80 on the drive side.

[00197] In other words, the developing cartridge B1 receives a moment M6 in the direction of approaching the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 (in the direction of the arrow N6) by means of force F11 from the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and force F12 from the offset unit 76 on the drive side . The elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 can be pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure by means of this moment M6.

[00198] Next, FIG. 29 (a) is a side view illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13, which has the developing cartridge B1 supported by the swing rail 81 on the non-driving side, is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. FIG. (c) is a detailed periphery of the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side in FIG. 29 (a), the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side and the holder 46 of the development unit on the non-drive side partially omitted from the illustration for purposes described i.

[00199] The non-driving side has a configuration identical to that of the driving side, and external forces FH11 and FH12 on the drive side act on the developing cartridge B1 by means of a pressure spring 73 of the development unit on the non-drive side and bias unit 77 on the non-drive side, as illustrated in FIG. (a) and FIG. 29 (c). Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 receives a moment (M6) in the direction of approaching the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 (in the direction of the arrow N6), and the elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 can be pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure.

[00200] Now, the distance from the center of the supported portion 70d to the center of the third contact surface 70c when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13 is indicated by D10, as illustrated in FIG. 27 (b). Similarly, the distance from the center of the supported portion 70d to the portion of the first contact surface 70a, which is pressed by the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side, is D11. The relationship between the distance D10 and the distance D11 is as follows:

D10 <D11.

[00201] Accordingly, the third contact surface 70c of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side that comes in contact with one end 71d of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side is located between the supported part 70d and the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in the direction of protrusion M2. In other words, the relationship between the distance W10 from the supported part 70d to the third contact surface 70c and the distance W11 from the supported part 70d to the first contact surface 70a is as follows:

W10 <W11.

[00202] Thus, the relationship between W12, which is the displacement amount of the first contact surface 70a, and the displacement amount W13, of the third contact surface 70c is as follows:

W13 <W12,

Where:

W13 = W12 * (W10 / W11).

[00203] Accordingly, even if there is an error in the positional accuracy of the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side, the change in the amount of compression of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side is less than the position accuracy error of the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side. Therefore, the accuracy of the pressing force can be increased in order to press the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 under pressure. The non-driven side has an identical configuration and, accordingly, identical advantages can be ensured.

[00204] In addition, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side overlap at least partially with a range of total length L13a of the developing roller 13 in the longitudinal direction, as described above (see 24). Accordingly, the position difference in the longitudinal direction of the first contact surfaces 70a and 72a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side and the supported part 13a on the drive side and the supported part 13c on the non-drive side of the developing roller 13 can be reduced. The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side receives a force F11 (see FIG. 27 (a)), and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side receives an external force FH11 (see FIG. 29 (c)). By reducing the above-described positional difference, the moment acting on the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side and the holder 46 of the development unit on the non-drive side can be suppressed. Thus, the developing roller 13 can be efficiently pressed against contact with the photosensitive drum.

[00205] In addition, as described above, the operation of rotating the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in FIG. 27 (a) and directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in FIG .29 (c) and 29 (d)) can be carried out independently without affecting each other. Thus, when the developing roller 13 is in a state of being pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10, the position of the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side can be set independently in the direction of the arrows N7 and N8 (see Fig. 25 (a) and 25 (b)) and the position of the clamping element 151 of the device on the non-drive side in the direction of the arrows N7 and N8 (see Fig. 26 (b)). Additionally, there is no need to match the direction of rotation of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in FIG. 27 (a) and directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in FIG. 29 (c ) and 29 (d)). As a result, the absolute values and directions of the pressing forces F11 and FH11, in order to press the development roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side and the non-drive side, can be optimized. Further, even if there is a relative error in the positions of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side and the pressure member 151 of the device on the non-drive side, this does not affect the clamping forces F11 and FH11 relative to each other. Therefore, the contact pressure of the developing roller 13 with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 can be set to high precision.

[00206] It should be noted that the position of the developing cartridge B1, in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be contacted to develop an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10, is called a "contact position". On the other hand, the position of the developing cartridge B1, in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart, is called a “spaced apart position”. The developing cartridge B1 has a configuration whereby the developing cartridge B1 can choose between a contact position and an exploded position by means of the mechanism defined below.

The configuration of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge and the main body of the device through the pressure mechanism

[00207] Next, the configuration of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge B1 and the device main body A1 is described with reference to FIGS. 38 (a) and 38 (b). When the developing cartridge B1 is in the above-mentioned contact position, the electrode portions 47a of the memory storage board 47 of the developing cartridge B1 are in contact with the power supply contact 120A of the apparatus main body A1. The power supply contact 120A has spring properties and, accordingly, is pressed inward by means of electrode portions 47a, by a predetermined amount from form 120Aa before installing the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in FIG. 39. Accordingly, the power supply contact 120A applies to the developing cartridge B1 a contact pressure FH13 in the direction of moving the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 away from each other. On the other hand, the force FH11, which brings the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 together, acts on the developing cartridge B1, as illustrated in FIG. 38 (a). At this time, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side is pressed from the first position in contact with the contact surface 46e of the holder 46 of the development unit on the non-drive side to the second position, in which the protrusion 72f is close to the development roller 13 by means of the pressure element 151 of the device on the non-drive side as illustrated in FIG. 38 (a). The electrode portions 47a are in the downstream side of the movement direction W from the first position to the second position, with the movement direction W and the surface (accessible surface) of the electrode sections 47a intersect.

[00208] Accordingly, the force FH11, which moves the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side in the direction W, and the contact pressure FH13, have opposing force components. Now, a certain level of contact pressure FH13 or higher is needed in order to stabilize the electrical contact between the electrode portions 47a and the power supply terminal 120A. This configuration has the absolute value of the force FH11 of the pressure spring 73 of the development unit on the non-drive side, given the contact pressure F13, in addition to the stable pressure of the elastic layer of the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10. In other words, such as providing contact pressure FH13 at which the contact is stable, and pressing under the pressure of the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 can be realized by means of the force FH11. Accordingly, the electrode portions 47a and the power supply contact 120A are electrically connected, so that communication between the electrical board (omitted from the illustration) of the main body of the device and the electrode portion 47a is ensured.

[00209] Further, a case may be assumed in which the external force FH12 of the displacement unit 77 on the non-driving side increases to provide contact pressure FH13. However, in this case, there is a need to increase the bias force of the pressure spring 85 on the non-drive side such that the developing cartridge B1 is not released from the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side (see Fig. 26 (a) and 26 (b)). On the other hand, the compression spring 85 on the non-drive side is pressed down by the effective force of the user when the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the swing guide 81 on the non-drive side, as described above. Accordingly, the user must install the developing cartridge B1 using greater force. As described above, attempting to provide contact pressure FH13 by means of the FH12 force of the displacement unit 77 on the non-driven side may result in less user convenience. Accordingly, providing the contact pressure FH13 by means of the force FH11 of the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-driving side, similarly to the present embodiment, makes it possible to position the developing cartridge B1 without deteriorating the usability for the user.

[00210] Furthermore, the relationship between the electrode portion 47a and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side in the present embodiment can be rephrased as follows. For example, the distance between the electrode section 47a and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side is called “L1” in the first position and “L2” in the second position, in the Z direction of the normal line of the electrode section 47a in the contact part of the power supply contact 120A, .38 (b). The electrode section 47a at this time is located in such a way that L2 <L1 is fair. Accordingly, the force to move the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side from the first position to the second position can be used to provide contact pressure FH13.

[00211] Additionally, a contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side, a pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side and a memory board 47 are connected to the holder 46 of the development unit on the non-drive side in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 38 (a) . In other words, the positions of the electrode portion 47a, which is the functional part for the contact pressure F13, and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side, which is the functional part for the force FH11, are located on an identical plane orthogonal to the axis L0 of the developing roller 13. In other words, the electrode portion 47a and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side at least partially overlap with respect to the direction of the axis L0 of the developing roller 13. Accordingly Orientation in space of the developing cartridge B1 can be stabilized to an even greater degree, because it can decrease the time between the occurrence of contact pressure force F13 and FH11, having an axis of rotation T in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller.

[00212] In addition, the storage card 47 is not connected to the driver side, but to the holder 46 on the non-drive side. If the memory card 47 is to be provided on the drive side, the memory card 47 may be affected by the driving force acting on the connecting member 180. However, the memory card 47 is provided in the holder 46 of the developing unit on the non-drive side in the present embodiment and the force of this is not so easily affected by the driving force, thereby stabilizing the contact pressure FH13.

Separation mechanism

[00213] FIG. 28 (a) is an explanatory diagram for describing the state of the developing cartridge B1 when transitioning from the state of contact between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 to the spaced apart state. FIG. 28 (c) is a detailed diagram of the periphery of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in FIG. 28 (a), with the swing guide 80 on the drive side and the side cover 34 of the development unit omitted from the illustration for description purposes.

[00214] FIG. 28 (b) is an explanatory diagram explaining the exploded state of the developing cartridge B1, in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced apart. FIG. 28 (d) is a detailed diagram of the periphery of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in FIG. 28 (b), with the swing guide 80 on the drive side and the side cover 34 of the developing unit omitted from the illustration for description purposes.

[00215] Now, in the case of a contact developing system similar to the present embodiment, there is such a problem that the rubber portion 13b of the developing roller 13 may become deformed if the condition in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, as shown in FIG .27 (a) is constantly maintained. Accordingly, the developing roller 13 is preferably spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 when the development is not performed. In other words, a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, as illustrated in FIG. 27 (a), and a condition in which the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10, as illustrated in FIG. 28 (b ) are preferred.

[00216] The spaced portion 70g protruding in the direction of the developing roller 13 is provided in the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side. The spaced portion 70g is configured to engage the first contact surface 150a provided in the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side provided in the device main body A1. Additionally, the clamping element 150 of the device on the drive side has a configuration that can move in the directions of the arrow N7 and the arrow N8 under the action of the driving force from the electric motor omitted from the illustration.

[00217] Next, operations for transitioning to the spaced state of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are described. In the state of contact between the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 illustrated in FIG. where there is a gap δ5 between them.

[00218] On the other hand, FIG. 28 (a) illustrates a state in which the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side is moved in the direction of the arrow N8 by a distance δ6, which is a state in which the contact between the first contact surface 70a of the contact / breakout the lever 70 on the drive side and the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side is divided. At this time, the first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side rotates in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the supported part 70d under the force F10 of the bias of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side, and the limiting contact part 70e on the drive side of the contact / separating lever 70 on the drive side comes into contact with the limiting part 36b of the carrier element 36 on the drive side. Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the carrier 36 on the drive side are positioned. FIG. 28 (b) illustrates a state in which the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side is moved in the direction of the arrow N8 by a distance δ7. The device pressure member 150 on the drive side, moved in the direction of the arrow N8, brings the divided surface 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the first contact surface 150a of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side to contact. At this time, the limiting contact portion 70e on the drive side of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the limiting portion 36b of the carrier element 36 on the drive side are in contact, so that the developing cartridge B1 moves in the direction of the arrow N8. Now, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned in the swing guide 80 on the drive side, which is supported by the side plate 90 on the drive side so that it allows smooth movement in the direction of the arrow N3 and in the direction of the arrow N4 and allows swinging in the directions of the arrow N5 and arrow N6 which is described below with reference to FIG. 41 (a) -41 (d). Accordingly, the movement of the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side in the direction of the arrow N8 swings the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the arrow N5. At this time, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced apart by a gap δ8 between them.

[00219] The non-driving side also has a configuration identical to that of the driving side, moving the device clamping element 151 on the non-driving side in the direction of the arrow NH8 over the distance δh7 in the state in which the contact / separation lever 72 is on the non-driving side and are in contact, as illustrated in Fig. 29 (b) and Fig. 29 (d). Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 has a configuration in which it rotates in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 81g of the swing guide 81, while the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced from each other by a distance δ8.

[00220] Thus, the contact state and the spaced apart state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are selected as necessary by the position of the pressing member 150 of the device on the driving side and the pressing member 151 of the device on the non-driving side provided in the device main body A1.

[00221] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side protrudes from the developing container 16 so as to set the external shape of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed in cross section at the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and when viewed from the L0 axis of rotation of the development roller 13, which is illustrated in FIG. 27 (a). Accordingly, the engagement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side is simplified. A configuration is also provided in which a portion of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side can be used to move the developing cartridge B1 between the contact position and the spaced position. This is also true for the non-drive side.

[00222] When transitioning from the state of contact of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 illustrated in FIG. 27 (a), to the exploded state of the developing roller 13 and photosensitive drum 10 illustrated in FIG. the side and the developing cartridge B1 rotate as a unit. Accordingly, the state of retracting the guide portion 55e of the coupling arm 55 from the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is maintained (FIG. 28 (b)).

[00223] Further, when the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in the spaced apart state illustrated in Fig. 28 (b), the guided portion 180d of the coupling element 180 and the guiding portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 come into contact. Accordingly, the connecting member 180 receives the force F1 and allows the above-described first inclined orientation D1 in space.

[00224] As described above, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side have a pressure-pressed surface (first contact surfaces 70a and 72a) and a divided surface (second contact surfaces 70g and 72g). Pressure surfaces (second contact surfaces 150b and 151b) and separation surfaces (150a and 151a) of pressure device 150 on the drive side and pressure device 151 on the non-drive side act on them, respectively. Accordingly, the contact state and the spaced apart state of the photosensitive drum 10 and development roller 13 can be selected as needed (see FIG. 27 (a), 28 (a) and 28 (b)), by means of separate parts of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side. As a result, the configuration of the developing cartridge B1 can be simplified. In addition, the contact state and the spaced state can be controlled by separate parts, so that the time distribution of the transition from the contact state to the spaced state, for example, can be set to high precision.

[00225] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side are provided independently at the ends of the developing cartridge B1 in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a contact / separation lever along the entire longitudinal direction, so that the size of the developing cartridge B1 can be reduced (area Y1 in FIG. 24). Accordingly, the area Y1 can be used for the space for the component parts of the device main body A1, so that the size of the device main body A1 can also be reduced.

Moving a connecting element in combination with an operation from a split state to a contact state

[00226] The following describes the movement of the coupling element 180 in combination with the contact operation and the operation of exploding the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

[00227] First, the operation of disengaging the coupling member 180 and the driving member 100 on the main body side is described when the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the exploded state to the contact state.

[00228] FIG. 30 is explanatory diagrams illustrating the state of engagement of the coupling member 180 and the driving member 100 on the side of the main body in a contact state during development and a spaced apart state during development.

[00229] FIG. 31 is explanatory diagrams illustrating the state of engagement of the coupling member 180 and the driving member 100 on the side of the main body in a contact state during development and a spaced apart during development, when viewed from the side on the driving side.

[00230] In imaging, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is pressed by the bias force F11 by the clamping element 150 of the device on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. 31 (a). The developing roller 13 of the developing cartridge B1 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in a contact state during the development, in contact with a predetermined pressure. The connecting element 180 is in the reference orientation D0 in space, as illustrated in FIG. 30 (a). The developing cartridge B1 at this time is located in the engaged position in which the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 and the application of the rotational force application portion 100 of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body are engaged. The developing cartridge B1 is in a state in which actuation can be transmitted from the drive member 100 on the side of the main body to the connecting member 180 by means of a force from a rotating electric motor (omitted from the illustration).

[00231] Additionally, the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is held in a state of full retraction from the guided portion 180b of the coupling member 180 (see Fig. 11 (a) -11 (c)). The reason is that the limiting part 55y rotates the connecting lever 55 adjacent to the adjacent part 80y of the swing guide 80 on the drive side, and the rotation in the direction of the arrow X11 centered on the axis of rotation L11 is limited as described above (for more on this, see 11 (a) -11 (c)).

[00232] The following describes the spatial orientation of the coupling element 180 in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state during the development to the spaced apart state during the development.

[00233] As illustrated in FIG. 31 (b), when imaging is completed, the pressing member 150 of the device on the driving side and the pressing member 151 of the device on the non-driving side (omitted from the illustration) move in the direction of the arrow N8. When the pressure device 150 on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N8, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side rotates in the direction of the arrow N10 by means of the bias force of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side (see Fig. 28 (b)). From this state, in which the limiting contact portion 70e on the drive side of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the positioning part 36b of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side are in contact, the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side is additionally moved in the direction of arrow N8. The developing cartridge B1 then, as a unit with the swinging rail 80 on the drive side, rotates in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported ledge 80g of the swing rail 80 on the drive side. This is also true for the non-drive side, while the developing cartridge B1 rotates integrally with the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 81 g of the swing rail 81 on the non-drive side (omitted from the illustration). This state is an exploded state during development, in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced apart. The developing cartridge B1 and the swing guide 80 on the drive side move as one, so that the guide portion 55e of the link arm 55 is also kept in a state of full retraction from the guide portion 180b of the coupling member 180 in the state illustrated in FIG. 31 (b). This is because the adjacent portion 80y is formed integrally with the swing rail 80 on the drive side, as described above (see FIG. 20 (b)). On the other hand, the bias force of the connecting spring 185 acts on the connecting element 180. Accordingly, in combination with the movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the spaced state, the L2 axis of the connecting element 180 gradually includes from the reference orientation state D0 in space in the direction of the first oblique orientation of D1 in space, as illustrated in FIG. 30 (b). The developing cartridge B1 is then further rotated in the direction of the arrow N5, and when the state in FIG. 31 (c) is reached, the oblique movement of the coupling member 180 ends. At this time, the phase bounding sleeve 180e of the connecting member 180 engages the first inclining bounding part 36kb1 of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side (see FIG. 11 (b)), and the axis L2 of the connecting member 180 is held in the first inclined orientation D1 in space. As described above, the first oblique orientation D1 in the space of the coupling member 180 is an orientation in space in which the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 opposes in the direction of the drive member 100 on the main body side for the device main body A1. In the state illustrated in FIG. 31 (c), the developing cartridge B1 is located in a disengaged position in which the engagement of the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 and the application of the rotational force application portion 100a of the drive element 100 on the main body side is stopped. Accordingly, a state is provided in which there is no transmission of actuation of an electric motor force (omitted from the illustration) from the drive element 100 on the side of the main body to the connecting element.

[00234] The state illustrated in FIG. 31 (a) is the orientation in space of the developing cartridge B1 when imaging in the present embodiment. The connecting member 180 and the driving member 100 on the main body side engage, and the driving force is introduced from the device main body A1. A configuration is provided in which, when the developing cartridge B1 moves from the state illustrated in FIG. 31 (a), in FIG. 31 (b) and in FIG. main body is terminated. In other words, a configuration is provided in which, in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the spaced state, the actuation introduced from the device main body A1 to the developing cartridge B1 is cut off. The drive member 100 on the side of the main body for the device main body A1 rotates, while the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced relative to the developing cartridge B1. This means that a configuration is provided in which the developing roller 13 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 10 during rotation.

Moving a connecting element in combination with an operation from a contact state to a split state

[00235] Next, the operations of engaging the coupling member 180 and the driving member 100 on the main body side during the movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the contact state to the spaced state are described.

[00236] The contact operations for the developing of the developing cartridge B1 are opposite with respect to the above described exploding diversity operations. In the state illustrated in FIG. 31 (b), the developing cartridge B1 is disengaged regardless of whether or not the engagement between the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 and the application part of the rotational force of the drive member 100 on the main body side stops. The state illustrated in FIG. 31 (b) is a state in which the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side and the pressure member 151 of the device on the non-drive side are moved in the direction of the arrow N7 from the state illustrated in FIG. 31 (c). The developing cartridge B1 and the oscillating guide 80 on the drive side rotate as a single unit in the direction of the arrow N6 by the biasing force of the above-described offset block 76 on the drive side (see Fig. 25 (a), 25 (b) 27 (a) and 27 (c )). This is also true for the non-drive side. Accordingly, the developing cartridge B1 moves from an exploded state to a contact state. Fig (b) is a partial stage of transition of the developing cartridge B1 from the exploded state to the contact state. It also represents a state in which the circular portion 180f of the coupling member 180 and the actuating member 100 on the side of the main body are in contact. In particular, the recessed conical portion 180g, located on the inner side of the circular portion 180f of the coupling member 180, and the protrusion 100g located on the axial top of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body are in contact. The axis of rotation L2 of the connecting member 180 is inclined in the direction of the driving member 100 on the side of the main body from the state illustrated in FIG. 30 (c) to the state illustrated in FIG. 30 (b), so that the connecting member 180 and the driving member 100 on the side of the main body can easily catch on.

[00237] The additional movement of the device presser element 150 on the drive side and the device presser element 151 on the non-drive side in the direction of the arrow N7 from the state illustrated in FIG. 30 (b) completes the engagement of the connecting member 180 and the drive member 100 on the main body side, as illustrated in FIG. 30 (a). At this time, the developing cartridge B1 is located in the engaged position in which the rotational force receiving part 180a of the coupling member 180 and the application of the rotational force application portion 100 of the drive member 100 on the main body side engage, and the coupling member 180 allows the reference orientation D0 in space. The process of transition of the connecting element 180 from the first inclined orientation D1 in space to the reference orientation D0 in space is identical to the process of transition of the connecting element 180 from the second inclined orientation D2 in space to the reference orientation D0 in space during installation of the developing cartridge B1 into the device main body A1 ( see Fig. 21 (a) -21 (h)).

[00238] In the present embodiment, the drive member 100 on the side of the main body is set to rotate by actuating signals from the device main body A1 before the engagement of the coupling member 180 and the drive member 100 on the side of the main body starts in the state illustrated on Fig (b). Accordingly, a configuration is provided in which the connecting member 180 and the driving member 100 on the main body side engage in part through the movement of the developing cartridge B1 from the state illustrated in FIG. 31 (c) to the state in FIG. 31 (b) and FIG. .31 (a), whereby actuation is introduced into the developing cartridge B1. In other words, a configuration is provided in which, in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from an exploded state to a contact state, actuation is introduced from the apparatus main body A1 into the developing cartridge B1. This is because a configuration is provided in which the connecting member 180 can move in the direction N9, which is the direction of movement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side (see Fig. 27 (a ) -27 (c)). The drive member 100 on the side of the main body for the device main body A1 rotates before the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact. As a result, a configuration is provided in which the developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 during rotation. Thus, the speed difference between the peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be reduced when the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact, so that the wear of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can decrease.

[00239] In case the electric motor, which has the device main body A1, is separate, the coupling mechanism is necessary in order to cut off the transmission of the rotational force to the development roller 13 when the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 10. In other words, there is a need for to provide a clutch mechanism that can selectively cut off the drive transmission in the drive gear mechanism, which transmits the rotational force from the electric motor to the development roller 13. However, this In this embodiment, the engagement and disengagement of the coupling member 180 and the driving member 100 on the side of the main body are selected in the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from a contact state to a spaced apart state or moving from a spaced state to a contact state. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a coupling mechanism in the device main body A1 or in the developing cartridge B1, so that the developing cartridge B1 and the main body A1 devices can be realized, which are less expensive and take up less space.

Contact split surface contact / separation lever on the drive side

[00240] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side has a divided surface 70g protruding toward the side of the developing roller 13 from the apex portion 70p in the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 70f, as illustrated in FIG. 41 (a). From another perspective, the tip of the first protrusion 70f has a shape curved toward the side of the developing roller 13, and a divided surface 70g is formed on this curved portion of the apex.

[00241] FIGS. 41 (a) -41 (d) are explanatory diagrams as to whether or not a protruding divided surface 70g exists. Fig. 41 (a) illustrates the present embodiment having a divided surface 70g protruding to the side of the developing roller 13 from the apex portion 70p in the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 70f. FIG. 41 (b) is an enlarged periphery of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in FIG. 41 (a). FIG. 41 (c) illustrates an example of a divided surface 470g not protruding to the side of the developing roller 13 from the apex portion 70p in the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 70f. FIG. 41 (d) is an enlarged periphery of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side in FIG. 41 (c).

[00242] The divided surface 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the first contact surface 150a of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side are in contact, and the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated by a gap δ8, as illustrated in FIG.

[00243] The point at which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side comes into contact with the first contact surface 150a of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side on the divided surface 70g is the contact point 70q, as illustrated in FIG. 41 (a) and FIG. 41 (b). The point at which the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side comes into contact with the divided surface 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in the first contact surface 150a is the contact point 150q.

[00244] The first contact surface 150a of the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side applies the separation force F17 to the divided surface 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side by means of the contact point 150q, as illustrated in FIG. 41 (b). Accordingly, the divided surface 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side receives the reaction force F18 at the contact point 70q. At this time, the reaction force F18 is divided into a force component F19, which is parallel to the first contact surface 150a, and a force component F20, which is perpendicular to the first contact surface 150a.

[00245] The direction of the force component F19 is in a direction parallel to the first contact surface 150a of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side, so that the divided surface 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side takes force in the direction of the force component F19 when in contact with the first the contact surface 150a of the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side.

[00246] As illustrated in FIG. 41 (a), the developing cartridge B1 is positioned in a swing guide 80 on the drive side, which can swing in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported protrusion 80g in the side plate on the drive side (omitted illustrations). Additionally, the swing guide 80 on the drive side is supported by the side plate on the drive side (omitted from the illustration) so that it allows smooth movement in the direction of the arrow N3 and in the direction of the arrow N4 when the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, so that the axis of the development roller 13 can be adjusted so that it is parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 10. This also applies to the non-driving side, so that the developing The B1 cartridge allows rotation in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow of N6 centered on the supported lug 80g and allows smooth movement in the direction of the arrow N3 and in the direction of the arrow N4.

[00247] Further, the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is determined by contacting the limiting contact portion 70e on the drive side of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the limiting portion 36b of the supporting member 36 on the drive side, as described above. Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side receives the force component F19, causing the developing cartridge B1 to try to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 with the centering on the supported ledge 80g and smoothly move in the direction of the arrow N11.

[00248] Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side tries to move in the direction of the force component F19. This direction of movement is the direction of movement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side to the base side of the first contact surface 150a of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side and represents the direction by which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side engages through pressure member 150 devices on the drive side.

[00249] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 41 (d), the first contact surface 450a of the pressure member 450 of the device on the drive side applies the separation force F21 to the divided surface 470g of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side by means of the contact point 450q. Accordingly, the divided surface 470g of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side receives the reaction force F22 at the contact point 470q. At this time, the reaction force F22 is divided into the force component F23, which is parallel to the divided surface 470g, and the force component F24, which is perpendicular to the divided surface 470g.

[00250] The positions of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side and the carrier element 436 on the drive side are determined by contacting the contact limiting part 470e on the drive side of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side and limiting part 436b of the carrier 436 on the drive side. Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side receives the force component F23, causing the developing cartridge B1 to try to rotate in the direction of the arrow N5 with the centering on the supported ledge 80g and smoothly move in the direction of the arrow N4.

[00251] Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side attempts to move in the direction of the force component F23. Thus, the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side comes into contact with the first contact surface 450a of the pressure member 450 of the device on the drive side on the top portion 470p in the direction of protrusion of the first protrusion 470f, and the engagement amount of the contact / split lever 470 on the drive side with respect to the clamping element 450 of the device on the drive side is reduced.

[00252] Thus, the protrusion for the first protrusion 470f of the contact / separator lever 470 on the drive side should increase by an amount equivalent to the amount of movement in the direction of the force component F23, which requires space.

[00253] From the above, the amount of engagement can be set smaller if the divided surface 70g is protruding toward the side of the developing roller 13 from the apex portion 70p in the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 70f. In other words, in this case, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side engages the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side more during separation of the development roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10, compared to the case in which the protruding divided surface 70g is not provided. As a result, the engaged state of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side to the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side can be maintained even if the engagement amount is set small. Reducing the engagement amount of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side leads to a reduction in the size of the developing cartridge B1.

Effects of accommodating the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and the limiting part 36b of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side

[00254] A configuration is provided in which the bias force F10 of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side is formed by compressing the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side between the third contact surface 70c of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact surface 36d of the holder 36 a development unit on the drive side, as described above (see FIG. 1 (a) and 1 (b)). This is also true for the non-drive side.

[00255] In particular, a compression is provided such that when performing compression under development, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact using the bias force F10a formed by the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side rotating in the direction arrows N9 centered on the supporting part 36c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side (see Fig. 27 (c)).

[00256] Additionally, when performing development diversity, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side rotates in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the hub of the supporting part 36c of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side using the bias force F10, causing the limiting contact portion 70e of the contact / separating lever 70 on the drive side in contact with the limiting part 36b of the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side. This limits the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side. Additionally, the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N8, while the second contact surface 70b of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the first contact surface 150a of the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side are in contact. A configuration is provided in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced apart from each other (see FIG. 28 (b)). In other words, when performing the diversity for development, a configuration is provided in which the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is limited using a pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side used for pressing under pressure for development.

[00257] In particular, the developing cartridge B1 has a configuration that can be detachably installed in the device main body A1, so that the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is preferably precisely positioned to accurately engage the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the clamping element 150 devices on the drive side (see Fig. 25 (b)). The reason is that if the positioning accuracy of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is bad, for example, such measures should be taken as described below to engage the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the pressure member 150 on the device drive side.

1. Providing a larger distance (gap) between the first contact surface 150a and the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side.

2. Providing a smaller distance (thickness) between the first contact surface 70a and the second contact surface 70b of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side.

[00258] However, these measures increase the amount of movement of the device pressure member 150 on the drive side of the device main body A1 in the directions N8 and N9, resulting in a larger size of the device main body A1.

[00259] According to the present configuration, a configuration is provided in which the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side when installing the developing cartridge B1 in the device main body A1 is limited using the development spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side used when performing the pressing for development. This helps to reduce the size of the main body A1 of the device, and also provides the ability to control the temporal distribution of the separation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 and the amount of separation of the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10 with good accuracy.

[00260] In addition, according to the present configuration, a configuration is provided in which the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side when performing explode for the development can also be positioned with good accuracy, using the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side used for pressing under pressure for development when installing the developing cartridge B1, when performing explode for development. In addition, the compression spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side, used to perform the pressing under pressure for the development, is used to limit the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side, so that specific new parts are not required.

[00261] As the first contact surface 70a for receiving force to bring the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and the second contact surface 70b to receive the force for separation, are provided on a separate part that represents dividing lever 70 on the drive side. Combining the functions in this way makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of the developing cartridge B1.

[00262] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side receive force from the pressure members provided in the main body of the imaging device, thereby enabling contact and separation of the development roller from / from the photosensitive drum while saving space. This reduces the size of the imaging device and the developing cartridge. In addition, an increase in pressure applied to the electrode portion of the developing cartridge, which is electrically connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus, when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, can be suppressed. Reducing the load applied to the electrode section increases the wear resistance of the electrode section. The strength of the electrode portion can be suppressed, whereby the reduced costs can be achieved for the developing cartridge having the electrode portion and the imaging device having the developing cartridge.

[00263] In the present embodiment, a description is given in which the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C are separated. In other words, a configuration is provided in which in the developing device, the photosensitive drum 10 is formed as a cartridge separate from the developing cartridge B1, and installed / disconnected in / from the main body of the device for the image forming device. However, the application of the present embodiment is not limited to such configurations.

[00264] The configuration of the present embodiment is applicable, for example, to configurations in which the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C are not separated. A configuration in which the process cartridge configured by rotatingly attaching the developing cartridge B1 (developing device) to the cartridge drum C can be set / detachable to / from the main body of the device for the imaging device. In other words, a configuration is possible in which a cartridge having a photosensitive drum 10 and a developing device (process cartridge) has a contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and a contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side, disclosed in the present embodiment.

The relationship between the connecting element 180, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side

[00265] The coupling member 180 has a configuration in which it is possible to move, at least in the direction N9 (see FIG. 27 (c)), which represents the direction of movement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side. Accordingly, when the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side move in the N9 and N10 directions, smooth operation can be realized without affecting the engagement between the connecting member 180 and the driving member 100 on the main body side.

[00266] In addition, the arrangement is performed in which the direction N6, which is the direction in which the developing roller 13 comes in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and N13, which represents the direction of rotation of the coupling element 180 (direction X6 in FIG. 8 (b)), represent an identical direction, as illustrated in FIG. 27 (a). According to this configuration, the pair of forces that the coupling member 180 receives from the drive member 100 on the side of the main body acts as a torque rotating the developing cartridge B1 in the direction N6 centered on the supported protrusion 80g. The moment in the direction of N6, which is a pressing force under pressure, pressing the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 under pressure, thereby acts on the developing roller 13.

[00267] Under the condition of the case in which the direction of rotation of the coupling member 180 is the opposite direction with respect to the direction N6, the moment must act in the direction of the developing roller 13 coming out of the photosensitive drum 10 (in the direction N5 of FIG. 27 (a)) due to the rotating the force of the connecting element 180, so that a pressure loss of pressure must occur. However, such a pressure loss under pressure does not easily occur in this configuration.

[00268] In addition, the torque in the direction N6, formed by the rotational force of the coupling member 180, is formed from the negative torque required to rotate the coupling member 180. The loading torque of the cartridge varies according to the dimensions of the parts and the wear resistance, so that the moment the direction N6, formed by the rotational force of the coupling element 180, also varies. On the other hand, the present embodiment is also a configuration in which the contact / separation arms 70 and 72 receive power from the apparatus main body A1 and bring the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. The pressing force under pressure in the direction N6 due to the contact / the dividing levers 70 and 72 are determined only by the dimensions of the parts, and there is no change in wear resistance.

[00269] Accordingly, the following arrangement is preferable to bring the developing roller 13 into more stable contact with the photosensitive drum 10. In other words, the moment in the direction N6, which occurs due to the rotational force of the connecting element 180, is preferably less than the moment in the direction N6, formed due to the contact / separation arms 70 and 72, receiving power from the device main body A1. For this purpose, the distance connecting the supported protrusion 80g and the coupling 180 is smaller than the distance between the supported protrusion 80g of the swing rail 80 on the drive side and the contact / separator lever 70 on the drive side in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 27 (a) . According to this configuration, the torque in the direction N6 arising due to the rotational force of the coupling member 180 can be effectively used as a pressing force under the pressure of the developing roller 13. Additionally, this configuration suppresses the effects of torque in the direction N6 arising from the rotational force of the coupling 180, so that the developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 in a more stable manner.

[00270] Additionally, a direction parallel to a straight line Z31 connecting the center of rotation 13Z of the developing roller 13 and the center of rotation of the coupling 180 when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13 is the direction N14 (first direction), as illustrated in FIG. (a) and 1 (b). When viewing the frame of the developing unit from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13, the developing roller 13 is located on one end side of the frame of the developing unit with respect to the direction N14, and the first protrusion 70f of the contact / separation lever 70 is on the drive side (first contact surface 70a and second contact surface 70b in particular) is located on the other end side of the frame of the development unit. In other words, the first protrusion 70f (the first contact surface 70a and the second contact surface 70b, in particular) is located at a position at a certain distance from the developing roller 13.

[00271] Thus, a space for arranging elements, such as a connecting element 180, etc., which should be properly located near the developing roller 13, can be provided on one end side of the frame of the developing unit. This increases the degree of freedom of the pattern of accommodating the elements, which should be properly positioned near the developing roller 13 in the developing cartridge B1. Accordingly, the coupling member 180 is positioned closer to the development roller 13 compared with the first protrusion 70f (first contact surface 70a and second contact surface 70b) relative to the direction N14 in the present embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13.

[00272] The developing unit holder 36 on the drive side also has a contact portion 36m of the recording medium, which allows contact with the recording medium 2 transported to the transfer gripping portion 6a in the transport guide 3d in the apparatus main body A1, in a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the main body A1 of the device.

[00273] This is described below. As described above, the position of the first protrusion 70f (the first contact surface 70a and the second contact surface 70b, in particular) is located at a position at a great distance from the developing roller 13 relative to the direction N14. Accordingly, the presser element 150 of the device on the drive side can be positioned in a position in the device main body A1 at a great distance from the developing roller 13, so that a part on the side of the developing roller of the developing cartridge B1 that comes in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 can be located near guide 3d. This makes it possible to reduce the dead space between the developing cartridge B1 and the transport guide 3d in the device main body A1.

[00274] Thus, the developing cartridge B1 is located near the transport guide 3d in the present embodiment. Accordingly, the contact portion 36m of the recording medium is positioned on the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side closer to the development roller 13 than the first protrusion 70f (first contact surface 70a and second contact surface 70b) relative to the direction N14, when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation roller 13.

Details of the side cover 34 of the development unit

[00275] Fig. 45 (a) -46 (b) are diagrams illustrating the side cover 34 of the developing unit in detail. Fig. 45 (a) is the front view of the side cover 34 of the developing unit from the outside, Fig. 45 (b) is the rear view of the side cover 34 of the developing unit from the inside, and Fig. 46 (a) and 46 (b) are views in perspective when viewed from the front and rear, respectively.

[00276] The side cover 34 of the developing unit is one frame member constituting the frame of the developing unit of the developing cartridge B1. The side cover 34 of the development unit consists of a plate-shaped front part 34e and a rear part 34f, which is the back side thereof. The edge of the front portion 34e has an end portion 34g surrounding the rear portion 34f provided with a protrusion from the front portion 34e.

[00277] The opening 34a, in which the connecting member 180 is located on the inside, is provided with passing through the front portion 34e and the rear portion 34f.

[00278] The first protrusion 34b (the positioning portion) is provided on the side of the opening 34a protruding beyond the front portion 34e. The second protrusion 34c (rotation stopper), which is larger in the radial direction compared to the first protrusion 34b (the positioning part) and also protrudes beyond the front portion 34e, is similarly provided on the side of the first protrusion 34b (the positioning part). The second protrusion 34c (rotation stopper) is located at a position further from the opening 34a compared with the first protrusion 34b (positioning part).

[00279] Between the first protrusion 34b (the positioning portion) and the second protrusion 34c (the rotation stopper), a connecting portion 34k is provided connecting them, with the first groove 34l being provided between the connecting portion 34k and the front portion 34e.

[00280] A third protrusion 34h (supporting part of the spring) is provided between the hole 34a and the first protrusion 34b (positioning part). The height of the third protrusion 34h (supporting part of the spring) is lower than the first protrusion 34b (positioning part) and the second protrusion 34c (rotation stop).

[00281] The opposite side of the third protrusion 34h (supporting part of the spring) through the hole 34a is the second groove (34o), with the groove being pulled in the circumferential direction. The second groove (34o) guides the connecting spring 185.

[00282] The fourth protrusion (34p), consisting of ridges 34p1 and 34p2, is provided below the first protrusion 34b (positioning part). The ridges 34p1 and 34p2 intersect each other, with the intersection angle forming an obtuse angle. The height of the fourth protrusion (34p) is lower than the first protrusion 34b (the positioning part) and the second protrusion 34c (rotation stopper).

[00283] The arcuate groove 34q, which passes through the front portion 34e and the rear portion 34f, is provided above the first protrusion 34b (positioning portion) and the second protrusion 34c (rotation stopper). The arcuate groove 34q is provided in order to provide external accessibility to the restriction portion 55y while rotating the link arm 55 (see FIG. 12 (a)).

[00284] The side cover 34 of the developing unit also has a cover portion 34t. The lid portion 34t closes at least one of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and at least part of the spring 71, so that it is not externally accessible in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (in the direction of the axis of rotation of the contact roller (dividing lever 70 on the drive side). Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the spring 71 can be protected from external impact, and it is also possible to prevent the release of the contact / split lever 70 on the drive side and the spring 71 from the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side. It should be noted that it is sufficient if the lid portion 34t closes at least part of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side or at least part of the spring 71 in such a way that it is not externally accessible in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 ( in the direction of the axis of rotation of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side).

[00285] Thus, combining the various functional parts in the side cover 34 of the developing unit provides the possibility of reducing the size. The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side can also be protected from external impact.

Details of the developer unit holder 36 on the drive side

[00286] FIGS. 47 and 48 are diagrams illustrating in detail the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side. Fig (a) is a front view of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side from the outside, Fig. 47 (b) is the rear view of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side from the inner side, and Fig (a) and 48 ( b) are perspective views when viewed from the front and rear, respectively.

[00287] The development unit holder 36 on the drive side is a single frame member that is separate from the side cover 34 of the development unit that constitutes the frame of the development unit of the developing cartridge B1. The drive unit holder holder 36 on the drive side consists of a plate-shaped front part 36f and a rear part 36g. The edge of the front portion 36f has an extreme rear portion 36h surrounding the rear portion 36g provided with a protrusion from the front portion 36f.

[00288] Hole 36a is provided with passage through the front portion 36f and the rear portion 36g. The developing roller 13 is located on the inner side of the opening 36a supporting the developing roller 13. Support can be performed directly through the opening 36a, or support can be performed through the element.

[00289] The protrusion 36i is provided on the side of the hole 36a. The protrusion 36i has a cylindrical shape. The phase-limiting portion 36kb, which limits the position of the phase-limiting sleeve 180e of the coupling member 180, is provided on the inside of the protrusion 36i. The phase-limiting portion 36kb has an opening-shaped part, which generally has a triangular shape in which the connecting member 180 is located. The phase-restricting part 36kb consists of the first incline-limiting part 36kb1 and the second incline-limiting part 36kb2, each of which forms part grooves.

[00290] The supporting portion 36c for supporting the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is provided in a position facing the opening 36a through the protrusion 36i. The supporting portion 36c has a protruding cylindrical shape.

[00291] The limiting part 36b of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is provided below the supporting part 36c. The limiting portion 36b has the shape of a wall protruding from the front portion 36f, and is located on the edge of the holder 36 of the developing unit on the drive side.

[00292] The contact surface 36d for coming into contact with the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side is provided below the protrusion 36i through the restriction portion 36b. The contact surface 36d also has the form of a wall protruding from the front portion 36f, similarly to the limiting portion 36b.

[00293] Hole 36j is provided with a center position between the restriction portion 36b and the contact surface 36d when viewed from the front direction in FIG. 47 (a), with respect to the direction in which the restriction portion 36b and the contact surface 36d align. Hole 36j is provided to ensure the availability of pinion gear, etc.

[00294] Thus, the position of the coupling element 180 and the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side can be maintained with high precision by means of the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side. The position of the developing roller 13 and the position of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side can also be maintained with high accuracy.

Second Embodiment

[00295] The following describes a second embodiment with reference to FIG. 32. Fig. 32 are side views when viewing the developing cartridge B1 from the driving side.

[00296] In the first embodiment, a description is given regarding the configuration in which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is rotatably provided with respect to the holder 36 of the development unit on the drive side. However, a configuration may be set in which the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side is provided with the possibility of smooth movement with respect to the holder 36 of the development unit 2 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00297] FIG. 32 (a) is a side view when viewing a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 from the driving side, and a cross-sectional view around the contact / separation lever 702 on the driving side. The protrusion 702b of the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side additionally engages the groove 362c of the holder 36 of the development unit 2 on the drive side. The protrusion 702j of the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side engages the groove 342y of the side cover 34 of the developing unit 2. Accordingly, the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side allows smooth movement (rectilinear motion) in the directions of the arrows N72 and N82 relative to the holder 36 of the development unit 2 on the drive side and the side cover 34 of the development unit 2. The development spring 71 on the drive side contains one end 712d in contact with the third contact surface 702c of the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side and the other end 712e in contact with the contact surface 362d of the holder 36 of the development unit 2 on the drive side. In this configuration, the developing cartridge B1 receives an external force F11 by contacting the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side and the first contact surface 702a of the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side, identical to the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 32 (b). As a result, the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 at a predetermined pressure.

[00298] Next, operations for transitioning to a state in which the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are spaced apart are described. 32 (c) illustrates a state in which the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side is moved in the direction of the arrow N82 a distance δ6, and the first contact surface 702a of the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side and the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device drive side separated. At this time, the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side receives the bias force F10 of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side, moves smoothly in the direction of the arrow N82, and the limiting contact portion 702e of the contact / separator lever 702 on the drive side comes into contact with the limiting part 362b of the holder 36 of the development unit 2 on the drive side. Thus, the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side is positioned.

[00299] FIG. 32 (d) illustrates a state in which the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side is moved in the direction of the arrow N82 by a distance δ7. Due to the additional movement of the presser element 150 of the device on the drive side in the direction of the arrow N82, the divided surface 702g of the contact / separation lever 702 on the drive side comes into contact with the first contact surface 150a of the presser element 150 of the device on the drive side, additionally moving the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the arrow N82. As a result, the developing cartridge B1 swings in the direction of the arrow N5 centered on the supported protrusion 80g of the swing rail 80 (omitted from the illustration). At this time, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in an exploded state with a gap of δ8 between them.

[00300] The non-driving side has a configuration identical to that of the driving side. Other configurations are identical to those of the first embodiment, and as a result, advantages identical to those of the first embodiment may be provided (however, except for the relationship between the positional error of the pressure element 150 of the device on the drive side and the compression value of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side described in the first embodiment).

Third Embodiment

[00301] Next, a third embodiment is described to which the present invention is applied, with reference to FIG. 42 (a) -42 (d). The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00302] FIG. 42 are circuit diagrams in which the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side is a leaf spring.

[00303] The contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side, illustrated in Fig. 42 (a) -42 (d), is an elastic part formed from a material such as stainless steel, etc. The contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side has a first contact surface 201a, a second contact surface 201b, a supporting portion 201d and an elastically deformed portion 201h, wherein the supporting portion 201d is supported by the supported portion 202b of the holder 202.

[00304] The pressing member 203 of the device on the drive side comprises a first contact surface 203a and a second contact surface 203b and allows smooth movement in the direction of the arrow N7 and in the direction of the arrow N8.

[00305] The developing cartridge B1 is positioned by the swing guide 210 on the drive side supported in the side plate on the drive side (omitted from the illustration) so that it can swing in the directions of the arrow N5 and arrow N6 centered on the supported part 210b. The non-driven side is identical, so that the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 210b.

[00306] When the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are pressed to each other under pressure, the pressure element 203 of the device on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N7, as illustrated in FIG. 42 (a). The second contact surface 203b of the pressure member 203 of the device on the drive side comes into contact with the first contact surface 201a of the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side.

[00307] Additionally, when the device presser element 203 on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the second contact surface 203b of the device presser member 203 on the drive side deforms the elastic-deformed portion 201h of the contact / separator lever 201 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. b). In this state, the second contact surface 203b of the pressure member 203 of the device on the drive side applies a force F41 to the first contact surface 201a of the contact / separator lever 201 on the drive side. At this time, the second contact surface 203b of the pressure member 203 of the device on the drive side receives the reaction force F42. Now, the developing cartridge B1 allows rotation in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 201b, so that the developing cartridge B1 moves by an external force for the force F41 in the direction of the arrow N5. Accordingly, the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

[00308] Additionally, when the device presser element 203 on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the second contact surface 203b of the device presser member 203 on the drive side deforms the elastic-deformed portion 201h of the contact / separator lever 201 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. c). In this state, the second contact surface 203b of the pressure member 203 of the device on the drive side applies a force F45 to the first contact surface 201a of the contact / separator lever 201 on the drive side. At this time, the second contact surface 203b of the pressure member 203 of the device on the drive side receives the reaction force F46 from the first contact surface 201a of the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side. Since the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and the orientation in space of the developing cartridge B1 is set,

F45> F41

is fair, and the developing roller 13 is pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10, as illustrated in FIG. 42 (c).

[00309] In the case of separating the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, the pressing member 203 of the device on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N8, as illustrated in FIG. 42 (d). The first contact surface 203a of the pressure member 203 of the device on the drive side comes into contact with the second contact surface 201b of the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side.

[00310] Additionally, when the presser element 203 of the device on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N8, the first contact surface 203a of the presser element 203 of the device on the drive side applies force F44 to the second contact surface 201b of the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side when the elastic-deformed part 201h contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side.

[00311] At this time, the first contact surface 203a of the pressure device element 203 on the drive side receives the reaction force F43 from the second contact surface 201b of the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side.

[00312] Now, the developing cartridge B1 allows rotation in the directions of the arrow N5 and arrows N6 centered on the supported part 210b, so that the developing cartridge B1 moves in the direction of the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 210b and the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 .

[00313] Thus, the elastic-deformed part 201h (the elastic part) and the part (the movable part) having the first contact surface 201a and the second contact surface 201b are formed as a unit as part of one element in the present embodiment. In particular, the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side is formed from a leaf spring. Accordingly, there is no need for a pressure spring 71 of the developing unit on the drive side (see FIG. 41 (a)), serving as a bias element, which is a compression spring, illustrated in the first embodiment. Thus, the space can be provided, so that the degree of freedom of the structural accommodation of the developing cartridge B1 increases, or this leads to a decrease in size.

[00314] Additionally, the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side has a pressurized surface (first contact surface 201a) and a divided surface (second contact surface 201b), as indicated in the first embodiment. The pressing surface (second contact surface 203b) and the separating surface (first contact surface 203a) of the pressure element 203 of the device on the drive side act on them, respectively. Accordingly, the contact state and the spaced apart state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be selected as needed by one part, which is the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side. As a result, the configuration of the developing cartridge B1 can be simplified.

[00315] Although the drive side is typically described in the above description, the non-drive side may also have an identical configuration. In addition, the contact / separation lever 201 on the drive side may be an element formed from an elastically deformed polymeric material, or the like.

[00316] In any of the above-described embodiments, a configuration may be applied in which the movable part and the elastic part of the present embodiment are formed as a whole as one part of one element.

Fourth embodiment

[00317] Next, a fourth embodiment is described to which the present invention is applied, with reference to FIGS. 43 (a) and 43 (b). The placement of the part of the contact / separation lever that receives the force of displacement from the spring according to the present embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00318] FIG. 43 are schematic diagrams in which the development spring of the development unit 302 on the drive side is located on the opposite side of a line that passes through the center of the supported part 301d of the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side and is perpendicular to the direction of arrow M1, which the direction of the protrusion of the first protrusion 301f, in the direction of the arrow M1.

[00319] As illustrated in FIG. 43 (a), the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side has a first contact surface 301a, a second contact surface 301b, a third contact surface 301c, a supported part 301d, a limiting contact part 301e, and another end portion 301m . The contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side is rotatably supported by the supporting portion 306b relative to the developer unit 306 on the drive side by the supported portion 301d.

[00320] The development spring of the development unit 302 on the drive side is a compression spring in which one end portion 302d is in contact with the third contact surface 301c, while the other end portion 302e is in contact with the contact surface 306d provided in the holder 306 development unit on the drive side.

[00321] Now, in the detached state of the developing cartridge B1, the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side takes effect in the third contact surface 301c, in the direction of the arrow F30, from the pressure spring 302 of the development unit on the drive side. At this time, rotation occurs in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the supporting portion 306b, and the limiting contact portion 301e comes into contact with the limiting portion 306e of the development unit holder 306 on the drive side.

[00322] In addition, the developing cartridge B1 is positioned by the swing guide 310 on the drive side, which is supported so that it can swing in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported side plate part 310b on the drive side (omitted from the illustration) . The non-driven side is also identical, so that the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 310b.

[00323] The first contact surface 303a and the second contact surface 303b are provided in the pressing member 303 of the device on the drive side allowing smooth movement in the directions of the arrow N7 and the arrow N8.

[00324] In the event that the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are pressed under pressure, the pressure element 303 of the device on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N7. The second contact surface 303b of the pressure element 303 of the device on the drive side then contacts the first contact surface 301a of the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side. The contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side can be rotated centered on the supporting part 306b, so that the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side rotates in the direction of N20, and the limiting contact part 301e is separated from the limiting part 306e.

[00325] At this time, the third contact surface 301c of the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side receives the bias force F30 of the pressure spring 302 of the development unit on the drive side, and the torque M10 in the direction of the arrow N10 acts on the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side. At this time, the second contact surface 303b of the pressing member 303 of the device on the drive side and the first contact surface 301a of the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side are in contact. Accordingly, the first contact surface 301a of the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side receives a force F32 from the second contact surface 303b of the pressure member 303 of the device on the drive side, so that the moment balanced with the moment M10 should act on the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side . Accordingly, this means that the external force force F32 acts on the developing cartridge B1.

[00326] Additionally, the developing cartridge B1 allows rotation in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrows N6 centered on the supported part 310b, so that the developing cartridge B1 moves in the direction of the arrow N5 due to the external force for the force F32. At this time, the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10. The rotational orientation in space in the direction of the arrow N5 of the developing cartridge B1 is determined by the developing roller 13, which comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

[00327] Further, when the device presser element 303 on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side rotates in the direction N20 centered on the supporting part 306b, because the developing cartridge B1 cannot rotate in the direction of the arrow N5. The third contact surface 301c of the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side then receives the force F31 of the displacement of the pressure spring 302 of the development unit on the drive side (see FIG. 43 (b)).

[00328] Now, the development spring 302 of the development unit on the drive side is further compressed, so that:

F31> F30

is fair. The developing cartridge B1 no longer permits rotation in the direction of the arrow N5, so that the developing roller 13 is pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10.

[00329] In the case of separating the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13, the pressing member 303 of the device on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N8, and the first contact surface 303a comes into contact with the second contact surface 301b. The contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side allows rotation in the direction of the arrow N10 centered on the supporting part 306b, so that the limiting contact part 301e contacts the limiting part 306e of the holder 306, and the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side is positioned.

[00330] When the device presser element 303 on the drive side further moves in the direction of the arrow N8, the developing cartridge B1 can rotate in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 centered on the supported part 310b so that the developing cartridge B1 moves in the direction of the arrow N6 centered on supported part 310b. The developing roller 13 is then spaced from the photosensitive drum 10.

[00331] In the present embodiment, the distance between the first contact surface 301a (receiving force part) and the third contact surface 301c (receiving force offset part) exceeds the distance between the first contact surface 301a and the supported part 301d when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13, as illustrated in FIGS. 43 (a) and 43 (b). Accordingly, the degree of freedom is increased to accommodate the positioning element equivalent to the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side, serving as a bias element, which is the compression spring described in the first embodiment, so that the freedom of structural accommodation also increases.

[00332] Additionally, the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side has a pressurized surface (first contact surface 301a) and a divided surface (second contact surface 301g), as described in the first embodiment. The pressing surface (the second contact surface 303b) and the separation surface (the first contact surface 303a) of the pressure device element 303 on the drive side act on them, respectively. Accordingly, the contact state and the spaced apart state of the photosensitive drum 10 and development roller 13 can be selected as needed by one part, which is the contact / separation lever 301 on the drive side. As a result, the configuration of the developing cartridge B1 can be simplified.

[00333] The following configuration may be set as a modification of the fourth embodiment. In the present modification, the limiting portion 336b is provided in the developer unit holder 336 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. 54. The position of the pressure spring 71 is identical to the first embodiment in the present embodiment, with a configuration in which a protrusion 360b (limited part) is provided opposite to the supporting part 36c so that the protrusion 360b comes into contact with the restricting part 336b. The configuration in which the bias force from the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side is received in the bias force receiving part 370c is identical to the configuration in the first embodiment.

[00334] According to the present embodiment, the freedom to accommodate the limiting portion 336b in the developer unit holder 336 on the drive side increases. Increasing the distance from the supporting portion 36c makes it possible to reduce the force applied to the restricting portion 336b, while suppressing container deformation. In other words, the relationship between the first contact surface 370a, pressed under pressure from the second contact surface 150b of the pressure member 150 of the device on the drive side, the supporting part 36c and the protrusion 360b is as follows. The distance between the first contact surface 370a and the protrusion 360b exceeds the distance between the first contact surface 370a and the supporting part 36c when viewed from the axial direction of the developing roller 13. Although the driving side is typically described in the above description, the non-driving side can also have an identical configuration.

[00335] In addition, the placement of the third contact surface 301c (force-receiving part) according to the present embodiment and / or the restricting part 336b according to the present modification can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments.

Fifth embodiment

[00336] The following describes the fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, with reference to FIG. 50. The aspect of the present embodiment that the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side is located on the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1 only differs from the above-described embodiments. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00337] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the pressure spring 71 of the developing unit on the drive side are not provided on the drive side of the developing cartridge B1 according to the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 50 (part with dotted line). On the other hand, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side and the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side (omitted from the illustration) are provided only on the non-drive side. In other words, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side and the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-driving side are located only on the side on which the connecting member 180 of the frame of the developing unit is not located, relative to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13. It should be noted that on which the connecting member 180 of the frame of the developing unit is not located relative to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13, means a side from the middle of the cartridge B1, on which the connecting element 180 is not located relative to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13.

[00338] The connecting member 180 rotates in the direction of the arrow X6 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The developing cartridge B1, which receives its rotational force, swings with the centering on the supporting part 90c (see Fig. 27 (a)) in the direction of the arrow N6, illustrated in Fig. 27 (a), as a single whole with the swinging rail 80 on the drive to the side. When there is a sufficient moment in the direction N6 formed by the driving force that the coupling 180 receives, only this is enough to press the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side under pressure.

[00339] On the other hand, the moment in the N6 direction, generated by the driving force that the coupling 180 receives, obtained on the non-drive side is not as large as the torque on the drive side, so the configuration uses the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side identical to the first embodiment.

[00340] The configuration according to the present embodiment, in which the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side is provided only on the non-drive side, can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments. The application of this embodiment allows the reduction of costs due to the reduction in the number of parts due to the lowering of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side.

Sixth embodiment

[00341] A sixth embodiment is described below, to which the present invention is applied, with reference to FIG. 51 (a) -52 (b). Such an aspect of the present embodiment that the first force-receiving part, which takes effect when the developing roller 13 is brought into contact, is provided only at one end of the cartridge B1, and the second force-receiving part, which takes effect during exploding the development roller 13, is provided only at the other end, different from the above embodiments. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00342] FIG. 51 is diagrams illustrating a developing roller 13 in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. FIG. 51 (a) is a diagram illustrating contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side and holder 236 on the drive side that supports it , and Fig (b) is a diagram illustrating the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side and the holder 246 of the development unit on the non-drive side that supports it.

[00343] The contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side is rotatably supported by a holder 236 on the drive side on the drive side, which is the other end with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13, as illustrated in FIG. However, the development spring 71 of the developing unit on the drive side, for example, illustrated in the first embodiment, is not provided. Accordingly, when the device presser element 150 on the drive side moves in the direction of the arrow N7, the contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side rotates in a counterclockwise direction with centering on the supporting part 236c. However, the force pressing the development roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10 cannot be applied to the developer unit holder 236 on the drive side to operate the contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side. However, the driving side receives a moment in the direction that brings the developing roller 13 into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 due to the reception of the driving force by the coupling member 180, similarly to the fifth embodiment. Accordingly, the developing roller 13 can be pressed under pressure to the photosensitive drum 10 by this moment.

[00344] On the other hand, the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-driving side, identical to the first embodiment, is provided on the non-driving side, which is the other end relative to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13. The first contact surface 72a of the contact / separating lever 72 on the non-driving presses the pressure spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side by pressing the device 151 on the non-drive side by means of the clamping element 151; Xia towards N7, and rotation, due to this pressing pressure of the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10.

[00345] FIG. 52 is diagrams illustrating a developing roller 13 spaced from the photosensitive drum 10.

[00346] The device presser element 150 on the drive side, moving in the direction of the arrow N8, brings the contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side into contact with the limiting part 236b of the development unit holder 236 on the drive side. The device pressing member 150 on the drive side, additionally moving in the direction of the arrow N8, presses the divided portion 170g of the contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side, which moves the developing cartridge B1 and spreads the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10.

[00347] It should be noted that a configuration can be set in which the contact / separation lever 170 on the drive side is attached to the holder 236 on the drive side, or a part equivalent to the divided part 170g can be formed integrally with the holder 236 of the development unit on the drive side .

[00348] On the other hand, the non-drive side does not have a limiting portion 46e for the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side illustrated in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the movement of the device pressure member 151 on the non-drive side in the direction of the arrow N8 rotates only the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side, in a clockwise direction, centered on the supporting portion 246f, and does not act to separate the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10 The development spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side has a natural length at this time. The development spring 73 of the developing unit on the non-drive side can be separated from the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side at this time.

[00349] However, the separation force is received on the drive side, so that the separation can also be performed on the non-drive side, by setting the stiffness of the holder 236 on the drive side to a certain level or higher. During this spacing, the developing roller 13 may be spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 10 in an oblique manner. In other words, the developing roller 13 is significantly spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side, but the separation amount on the non-drive side is smaller than on the drive side. Accordingly, the rigidity of the holder 236 on the drive side is increased so that the amount of separation is equal to or higher than the minimum value for the amount of separation required between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10. Thus, the first force-receiving part (first contact surface 72a), which receives the force during the contacting of the developing roller 13 is provided only at one end of the cartridge B1 in the present embodiment. Additionally, the receiving power of the second force receiving portion (divided portion 170g) when the development roller 13 is separated is provided only at the other end of the cartridge B1. In other words, two parts (the first receiving part and the second receiving part), which receive power from different directions (opposite directions) from the main body of the device, which represent the force during contacting the developing roller 13 and the force during separation of the developing roller 13, provided in developing cartridge B1. Additionally, these two parts (the first force receiving part and the second force receiving part) are provided at one end and the other end of the developing cartridge B1, with respect to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13.

[00350] The configuration of the first power receiving part and the second power receiving part according to the present embodiment can also be applied to any of the above embodiments, except for the fifth embodiment.

[00351] According to the present embodiment, the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side becomes optional, so that reduced costs can be realized compared with the first embodiment. In addition, the amount of movement of the developing cartridge B1 during separation can be smaller on the non-driving side, so that wear on the swing rail 81 on the non-driving side supporting the movable development of the developing cartridge B1 can be suppressed.

Seventh embodiment

[00352] The following describes the seventh embodiment to which the present invention is applied, with reference to FIG. 53. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00353] In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side are positioned in the retaining state between the limiting parts 36b and 46e and the pressure springs 71 and 73. However A configuration may be defined in which the contact / separation lever 270 on the drive side is not positioned between the pressure spring 171 of the development unit on the drive side and the limiting part 36b (also identical non-power side configuration), as illustrated in FIG. According to this configuration, the application can be specified for the case in which the free path of the pressure spring 171 of the development unit on the drive side is small.

[00354] The separation lever 270 comes into contact with the restriction portion 36b due to the action of moving the device pressure member 150 on the drive side in the direction N7 (see FIG. 28). The release lever 270 also compresses the pressure spring 171 due to the action of displacement in the direction of the N8. Now, the restriction portion 36b is provided in a position in which it can limit the movement of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side in the direction away from the development roller 13.

[00355] The configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments.

Eighth embodiment

[00356] Next, an eighth embodiment is described to which the present invention is applied, with reference to FIGS. 55 (a) to 56 (b). The configuration of the connecting member according to the present embodiment is different from the configuration in the above embodiments. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00357] In the first embodiment, the coupling member 180 can engage with the drive body 100 of the main body, which rotates, and the coupling member 180 can be released from the drive member 100 of the main body, which rotates, without providing a clutch mechanism on the device main body side A1. As for the specific configuration for this purpose, it is achieved by a configuration in which the connecting element 180 can be inclined.

[00358] In the present embodiment, a connection configuration is described that can engage and disengage the drive member 100 of the main body, which rotates without providing a clutch mechanism on the device main body side A1, similarly to the first embodiment.

[00359] FIG. 55 (a) is a perspective view illustrating the coupling member 280 provided in the developing cartridge B2 according to the present embodiment. The side cover 34 of the development unit is omitted from the illustration. FIG. 55 (b) is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the connecting member 280 is assembled.

[00360] The connecting member 280 is configured to allow the sliding and retracting in the direction of the L2 axis of rotation of the connecting element 280 in the leading input gear 127. The biasing element 130 is located between the connecting element 280 and the leading input gear 127, and the connecting element 280 is constantly shifted to the outside in the direction of the axis L2. The rotational force receiving portions 280a1 and 280a2 provided in the coupling member 280 receive driving force from the drive member 100 on the side of the main body (see FIGS. 8 (a) -8 (e)). Further, the rotational force transmission portions 280c1 and 280c2 transmit actuation to the developing roller 13 by transmitting the driving force to the rotational force of the driving input gear 127 to the transmission portions 127d1 and 127d2.

[00361] The outer conical surface 280e is provided on the apex side of the coupling element 280. This part, which is in contact with the end surface of the apex of the drive element 100 on the side of the main body (see FIG. 8 (a) -8 (e)), results pulling into the inner side in the direction of the axis L2 and engaging with the drive member 100 on the side of the main body. The conical portion 280g is provided on the inner side of the outer conical surface 280e, identical to the first embodiment, so that contact with the end surface of the top of the drive member 100 on the side of the main body leads to the inner side being pulled in the direction of the axis L2 and disengaged from the drive member 100 on side of the main body in a similar way.

[00362] According to the above configuration, the engagement and disengagement from / to the drive member 100 of the main body, which rotates, is provided without providing a clutch mechanism to the side of the main body A1 of the device.

[00363] The contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side and the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side are also provided identical to the first embodiment.

[00364] FIG. 56 (a) is a front view of the present embodiment, and FIG. 56 (b) is a cross sectional view along A-A in FIG. 56 (a).

[00365] The coupling element 280 is supported by the biasing element 130 so that it can move in the direction of the axis L2. The cylindrical part 280h of the outer diameter (smoothly moving part) provided in the connecting element 280 is supported with the possibility of smooth movement in the cylindrical part 136h of the inner diameter (smoothly moving part) in the holder 136 of the development unit on the drive side.

[00366] As illustrated in FIG. 56 (b), the cylindrical portion 280h in the outer diameter (smoothly moving part) and the cylindrical part 136h in inner diameter (smoothly moving part) are arranged with at least partially overlapping with the pressure spring 71 of the developing node on the drive side in the direction of the axis L2. Accordingly, the torque that the developer node 136 of the development unit on the drive side can be suppressed is generated by the force that the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side forms, and which affects the deformation of the relatively smooth moving parts 280h and 136h. In this way, it is possible to prevent obstacles from extending and retracting connecting element 280 in the direction of the axis L2.

[00367] In addition, an L2X plane orthogonal to the bias direction L2 of the bias element 130 must be specified. Thus, the angle θ formed by the bias direction L4 of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side and the plane L2X is preferably in the -45 ° range ≤θ≤ + 45 ° (-45 ° or more, but + 45 ° or less). Additionally, preferably is -10 ° ≤θ≤ + 10 ° (-10 ° or more, but + 10 ° or less). Most preferably, it is θ≈0 ° (0 ° or substantially 0 °). Thus, the influence that the displacing element 130 has on the displacement force of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side can be suppressed. In other words, while the coupling member 280 receives the drive transmission from the drive member 100 on the side of the main body, the biasing member 130 is constantly in an offset state. At this time, the effect on the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side is reduced if the force component formed by the biasing element 130 does not act very strongly in the direction of the pressure spring 71 of the development unit on the drive side, and the accuracy of the pressing force under pressure increases.

[00368] The configuration of the coupling member 280 according to the present embodiment can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments, and the relationship between the offset directions L4 and L2 can be implemented similarly to the present embodiment.

Ninth embodiment

[00369] The ninth embodiment to which the present invention is applied is described below with reference to FIGS. 57 (a) and 57 (b). The present embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments with respect to such an aspect that it does not have a limiting part. The descriptions which are not explained have a configuration identical to that of the first embodiment.

[00370] The cartridge B1 according to the present embodiment does not have an equivalent member with the restriction portion 36b in the first embodiment provided in the developing unit holder 436 on the drive side. Accordingly, the elastic force of the spring 471 is used in the case of separation of the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10.

[00371] One end of the spring 471, which is a torsion coil spring, engages the developer unit holder 436 on the drive side by holding between the engaging portions 436d1 and 436d2 of the developer unit holder 436 on the drive side, as illustrated in FIG. 57 (a) and 57 (b) On the other hand, the other end of the spring 471 engages the contact / split lever 470 on the drive side by holding between the engaging portions 470c1 and 470c2 of the contact / split lever 470 on the drive side.

[00372] FIG. 57 (a) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum omitted from the illustration. The first contact surface 470a of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side is pressed in the direction N7 by means of the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side, so that the developing roller 13 is in a state of contact with the photosensitive drum in which the spring 471 is compressed. At this time, one end of the spring 471 is adjacent to the engaging part 436d1, and the other end of the spring 471 is adjacent to the engaging part 470c1, so that the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side receives the bias force from the spring 471 through the engaging part 470c1. Accordingly, proper contact pressure can be maintained between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum.

[00373] FIG. 57 (b) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing roller 13 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum. Pressing the divided portion 470g of the contact / separation lever 470 on the drive side by means of the clamping element 150 of the device on the drive side in the direction of N8 causes one end of the spring 471 to abut the engaging part 436d2 and the other end of the spring 471 to abut the engaging part 470c2. Accordingly, the spring 471 is in a state of stretching beyond the natural length.

[00374] Thus, the elasticity of the spring 471 can be used to move the holder 436 of the development unit on the drive side, which moves in the direction of separation of the development roller 13 from the photosensitive drum. Thus, the developing roller can be separated from the photosensitive drum by using the elastic force of the spring by stretching the spring beyond the natural length.

[00375] The configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments.

Other issues

[00376] It should be noted that in the above-described embodiments, a configuration is provided in which the developing cartridge B1 or B2 and the drum cartridge C are separated. In other words, a configuration is provided in which a developing device is formed as a cartridge, as a developing cartridge B1 or B2, spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 and installed / disconnected in / from the main body of the device for an imaging device. However, the above embodiments are applicable to configurations other than those described.

[00377] For example, each configuration of the above-described embodiments is applicable to a configuration in which the developing cartridge B1 or B2 and the drum cartridge C are not separated. In other words, it may be a configuration in which the process cartridge configured by rotating the attachment of the developing cartridge B1 or B2 (developing device) to the drum cartridge C is mounted / detached to / from the main body of the device for the imaging device. In other words, the process cartridge has a photosensitive drum 10 and a developing device. This process cartridge has a first movable member 120 and a second movable member 121, identical to each of the embodiments.

[00378] An example of the process cartridge is described below. FIGS. 49 (a) and 49 (b) are diagrams of a process cartridge BC installed in the apparatus main body A2 when viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 13. FIG. 49 (a) illustrates the state in which the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and FIG. 49 (b) illustrates the state in which the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10.

[00379] FIG. 49 illustrates the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side as part of the device main body A2. The main body A2 of the device has a configuration identical to the configuration of the main body A1 of the device described in the above-described embodiments, except for the aspect of having a guide member (omitted from the illustration) to guide the installation / detachment of the process cartridge BC, and such an aspect that there is no swing guide 80 on the drive side or swing rail 81 on the non-drive side. A clamping element 151 of the device on the non-drive side, identical to the clamping element 151 of the device on the non-drive side in the device main body A1 is provided on the non-drive side of the device main body A2, as would be expected.

[00380] The process cartridge BC mainly has a drive unit holder 536 on the drive side serving as a frame of the development unit, a supporting frame of the photosensitive element 521, and a connecting member 180. The processor unit holder 536 on the drive side supports the developing roller 13 70 on the drive side and the contact / separation lever 72 on the non-drive side (omitted from the illustration). The configuration of the drive side holder 536 on the drive side is identical to the developer node holder 36 on the drive side in the embodiments described above, except for the aspect that it has a sleeve 536a supported rotatably through the photosensitive member slot 521a, so that details of identical parts should be omitted. The supporting frame 521 of the photosensitive member supports the photosensitive drum 10.

[00381] The development unit holder 536 on the drive side may rotate relative to the supporting frame 521 of the photosensitive member, with the sleeve 536a as the center of rotation, due to the support of the sleeve 536a through the slit 521a. The developing unit holder 536 on the drive side is displaced in a direction in which the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 through a spring not shown connected to the supporting frame 521 of the photosensitive element. It should be noted that the slit 521a may be a round hole.

[00382] In the state in which the process cartridge BC is installed in the device main body A2, the supporting photosensitive member frame 521 is positioned through the positioning part of the device main body A2 not shown and is fixed so that it does not move. The first contact surface 70a of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is pressed by the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side on the drive side, whereby the holder 536 of the development unit on the drive side rotates counterclockwise, with sleeve 536a as the center of rotation, as illustrated in Fig.49 (a). Accordingly, the developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

[00383] In addition, the split part 70g of the contact / separation lever 70 on the drive side is pressed by the pressing member 150 of the device on the drive side on the drive side, whereby the holder 536 of the development unit on the drive side rotates clockwise, with sleeve 536a as the center of rotation, as illustrated in FIG. 49 (b). Accordingly, the developing roller 13 can be spaced from the photosensitive drum 10.

[00384] Thus, in any of the above-described embodiments, a configuration may be defined in which the developing cartridge B1 or B2 is replaced with the process cartridge BC.

[00385] The invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made thereto. Therefore, for the publication of the scope of the invention, the following claims are attached.

[00386] This application claims the priority of patent applications of Japan No. 2014-242577, filed November 28, 2014, 2014-242602, filed November 28, 2014, 2014-242578, filed November 28, 2014, 2014-242601, filed November 28, 2014 year, and 2015-231356, filed on November 27, 2015, which are hereby fully contained in this document by reference.

Reference Items

[00387] 13 - developing roller

16 - developing container

34 - side cover of the developing unit

36 - holder development unit on the drive side

46 - holder development unit on the non-drive side

70 - pin / separation lever on the drive side

71 - pressure spring development unit on the drive side

72 - pin / separation lever on non-drive side

73 — development spring on the non-drive side

A1 - the main node of the device

B1 - developing cartridge

Claims (22)

1. A cartridge that can be installed in an image forming device at the main assembly of the device, the cartridge including: developing roller; the frame supporting the developing roller; the first movable part and the second movable part supported by the frame with the possibility of independent movement to the first position and to the second position relative to the frame; and the first spring provided between the frame and the first movable part with the possibility of pressing the first movable part, and the second spring provided between the frame and the second movable part with the possibility of pressing the second movable part, a drive input for receiving a rotational force input for rotating the developing roller, wherein the first and second movable parts each include a force-receiving part, which receives a force in the direction of movement from the first position to the second position, and, when the first and second movable parts take force in the force receiving part in the second position, the first and second movable parts receive biasing force from the first and second springs in the direction of movement of the first and second movable parts from the second position to the first position, moreover, the first movable part is supported on the side of the frame on which the drive input element is located, and the second movable part is supported on the side of the frame on which the drive input element is not located, relative to the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller, and however, the clamping force of the first spring is less than the clamping force of the second spring. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which the frame has first and second limiting parts, which is in contact with the first and second movable parts in the first position. 3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, when the movable parts are in the first position, the first and second movable parts respectively receive a biasing force from the first and second springs and are adjacent to the first and second limiting parts. 4. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which the developing roller is located on one end side of the frame, and the receiving parts of the first and second movable parts are located on the other end side of the frame, relative to the first direction parallel to the straight line connecting the center of rotation of the developing roller and the center rotation of the drive input element, when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller. 5. The cartridge according to claim 4, in which the frame has a contact portion of the recording medium, allowing contact with it by means of the recording medium transported through the inside of the main assembly of the device, the contact portion of the recording medium being located closer to the development roller than the force-receiving part of the first and the second movable parts, relative to the first direction, when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller. 6. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which the first and second movable parts each include a supported part supported rotatably by means of a frame. 7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the supported portions of the first and second movable portions and the parts receiving the biasing force from the first and second springs of the first and second movable portions is smaller than the distance between the supported portions of the first and second movable portions and the receiving portions of the first and the second movable parts, when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller. 8. The cartridge according to claim 6, in which the frame has a part to accommodate the developer, which accommodates the developer, and while the centers of rotation of the first and second movable parts are located in positions that overlap the part to accommodate the developer, when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller. 9. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which the first movable part moves in a plane orthogonal to the direction of the axis of rotation, and the second movable part moves in another plane orthogonal to the direction of the axis of rotation. 10. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first movable part has a first protrusion protruding beyond the frame, and the second movable part has a second protrusion protruding beyond the frame, the first and second protrusions having a portion curved toward the side of the developing roller. 11. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which the first and second movable parts include another receiving force part that receives force in the direction of movement from the second position to the first position, and in the state in which the cartridge is installed in the main assembly of the device, the developing roller is in the contact position in contact with the photosensitive element when the first and second movable parts receive force from the main assembly of the device in the force receiving parts and are in the second position, and the development roller is in a spaced position, spaced from the photosensitive element, when the first and second moving parts are in the first position and receive power from the main unit of the device in the said other parts accepting force.

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