TWI662384B - Cassette, member constituting the cassette, and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

It is highly accurate to push or move the developer carrier.

The cassette includes: a developing roller; a frame supporting the developing roller; a movable portion which is movably supported by the frame and moves to the first position and the second position of the frame; And the elastic portion, which is disposed between the frame and the movable portion, and urges the movable portion. The movable portion includes a first force receiving portion which is received from the device body from the first position to the first position. A force in a direction of moving at the second position; and a second force receiving portion that receives a force in a direction of moving from the second position to the first position from the device body, and when the movable portion receives the force at the first force When the part receives the force from the device body and is in the second position, the movable part receives an elastic pressure from the elastic part in a direction that moves the movable part from the second position to the first position.

Description

Cassette, member constituting the cassette, and image forming device

The present invention relates to a cassette or a member constituting the cassette which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus.

Here, the image forming apparatus is a person who forms an image on a recording medium. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electronic photocopying machine, an electronic photoprinting machine (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile device, and a word processor.

The cartridge is an electrophotographic photoreceptor drum (hereinafter referred to as a photoreceptor drum) of an image bearing member or a process means (for example, a developer bearing member (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller) acting on the photosensitive drum). )). The cassette is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus. The cartridge is a cartridge that integrally forms the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, or a cartridge that individually forms the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. In particular, the former has a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as a process cartridge. The latter who has a photosensitive drum is referred to as a drum cartridge, and the latter who has a developing roller is referred to as a developing cartridge.

The main body of the image forming apparatus is the remainder of the image forming apparatus from which the cassette is removed.

Conventionally, in the image forming apparatus, a cassette method in which a process cartridge, a drum cartridge, and a developing cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is adopted. According to such a cassette method, the user can perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus without relying on a service person, so that the operability can be greatly improved.

Therefore, the cassette method is widely used in an image forming apparatus.

In addition, there is a contact development method in which a photosensitive drum is brought into contact with a development roller to develop an image during image formation. In addition, in order to bring the photosensitive drum into contact with the developing roller, it is proposed to provide a developing cartridge having a pressing means on the developing cartridge (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Here, from the viewpoint of stabilization of the image quality or long life of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, in the contact developing method, when the non-image is formed, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are preferably separated.

[Advanced technical literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-39564

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-26541

In Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, the pressing means is a structure in which the device body acts only in a direction in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller approach. When the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are separated, a separating means for moving the developing unit needs to be provided at a position different from the pressing method, so that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be separated. Enough. At this time, the developing unit is moved by resisting the pressing force of the developing roller to the pressing force of the photosensitive drum.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the pressing means is a mechanism provided integrally in the axial direction of the developing roller. At this time, in order to make the pressing state of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller uniform in the axial direction of the developing roller, it is necessary to increase the precision and rigidity of the pressing means. That is, in order to move the developing roller to the photoconductor drum with high accuracy, the pressing means is complicated.

An object of the present invention is to take into consideration the problems of the conventional configuration and to move the developer carrier with high accuracy.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a representative structure of the present application is a cassette that can be mounted on an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus, and is characterized by having a developing roller, a frame supporting the developing roller, and a movable portion. , Which is supported movably for the frame, and moves to the first position and the second position for the frame; and an elastic portion, which is provided between the frame and the movable portion, and presses the movable portion The movable portion includes: a first force receiving portion that receives a force from the device body in a direction from the first position to the second position; and a second force receiving portion that is from the device body Receiving a force in a direction from the second position to the first position, When the movable portion is in the second position when the first force receiving portion receives a force from the device body, the movable portion receives a movement from the elastic portion to move the movable portion from the second position to the first position. Spring pressure in the direction.

According to the present invention, the developer carrier can be pushed or moved with high accuracy.

13‧‧‧Development roller

16‧‧‧Development container

34‧‧‧Development side cover

36‧‧‧Drive side development bearing

46‧‧‧ Non-drive side development bearing

70‧‧‧ Drive side abuts the spacer

71‧‧‧Drive side development pressure spring

72‧‧‧ Non-drive side abuts the spacer

73‧‧‧ Non-drive side development pressure spring

A1‧‧‧device body

B1‧‧‧Development cassette

FIG. 1 is a side view of a developing cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of an image forming apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge.

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

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a non-driving side of the developing cartridge.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a driving side of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a non-driving side of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a drive input section of the development cassette.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the periphery of the drive side cover.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the periphery of the drive side cover.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a posture of the coupling member.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a posture of a coupling member.

13 is an exploded perspective view of a bearing member and a coupling member.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a drive input section of the development cassette.

15 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a periphery of a coupling member.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a drum cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a non-driving side perspective view of the apparatus body and each cassette.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the device body and the drive side of each cassette.

FIG. 19 is a drive side view of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drive-side rocking guide.

FIG. 21 is a drive side view of a process of attaching a developing cartridge to the apparatus body. FIG.

Fig. 22 is a drive side view of the developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a drive input section of the developing cartridge.

Fig. 24 is a front view of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a driving side plate.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a non-driving side plate.

FIG. 27 is a driving side view of the developing cartridge and the driving side rocking guide.

FIG. 28 is a driving side view of the developing cartridge and the driving side rocking guide.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the developing cartridge and the non-driving side of the non-driving side rocking guide.

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a periphery of a coupling member.

FIG. 31 is a driving side view of the developing cartridge and the driving side rocking guide.

Fig. 32 is a side view of the developing cartridge and the driving side of the driving side rocking guide Illustration.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a non-driving side bearing.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the coupling member.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a non-driving side of the apparatus body.

FIG. 36 is a side view of a non-driving side of the apparatus body and each cassette.

Fig. 37 is a schematic sectional view of a developing cartridge.

FIG. 38 is a side view showing the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever and the memory substrate.

FIG. 39 is a side view showing a memory substrate.

FIG. 40 is a side view showing the non-drive side abutting the spacer lever and the memory substrate.

Fig. 41 is a side view showing the driving side abutting the spacer lever.

Fig. 42 is a drive side view of the developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

Fig. 43 is a side view of the drive side of the developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram showing a position where the abutment lever and the developing pressure spring are brought into contact.

Fig. 45 is a front view and a rear view showing a developing side cover.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a developing side cover.

Fig. 47 is a front view and a rear view showing a driving-side development bearing.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing a driving-side development bearing.

Fig. 49 is a drive side view of the developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

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

Fig. 51 is a driving side view and a non-driving side view of a developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

Fig. 52 is a driving side view and a non-driving side view of a developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

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

Fig. 54 is a drive side view of the developing cartridge.

Fig. 55 is a perspective view of the driving side of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 56 is a side view and a cross-sectional view of the driving side of the developing cartridge.

57 is a driving side view and a non-driving side view of a developing cartridge mounted on the apparatus body.

A cassette and an electronic photo image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, an example of a laser printer printer body, a drum cartridge and a development cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the laser printer printer are described as examples of an electronic photo image forming device. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller (the photosensitive drum 10 or the developing roller). Direction of rotation axis). The rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller are directions that intersect the transport direction of the recording medium. The short-side directions of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are directions substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to and detached from the laser printer body. The direction is the short-side direction of each cassette. It should be noted that the symbols used in the description are for reference and are not intended to limit the constituents. In the description of the present embodiment, the side view is a view showing a state viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller.

<< Example 1 >>

(1) General description of the image forming apparatus

First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an explanatory side sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 forms an image generated by the developer t on a recording medium (sheet) 2 by an electronic photo image forming process based on image information communicated from an external device such as a personal computer. In addition, the image forming apparatus is a developing cartridge B1 and a drum cartridge C, and is provided on the apparatus main body A1 so as to be attachable and detachable by a user. Examples of the recording medium 2 include recording paper, label paper, OHP sheet, and cloth. The developing cartridge B1 is a developing roller 13 and the like as a developer carrier, and the drum cartridge C is a photosensitive drum 10 and a charging roller 11 as the image carrying body.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 11 by applying a voltage from the device body A1 with the photosensitive drum 10. Then, the laser light L corresponding to the image information is irradiated to the charged photosensitive drum 10 from the optical means 1, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 10. This electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer t by a developing means described later, A developer image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

On the other hand, the recording medium 2 housed in the paper feed tray 4 is synchronized with the formation of the developer image described above, and is regulated by the paper feed roller 3a and the separation pad 3b crimped thereto, and is separated and fed one by one. . Then, the recording medium 2 is conveyed to a transfer roller 6 as a transfer means by a conveyance guide 3d. The transfer roller 6 is elastically pressed to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

Next, the recording medium 2 is a transfer nip 6 a formed by the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 6. At this time, by applying a voltage of the opposite polarity to the developer image to the transfer roller 6, the developer image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the recording medium 2.

The recording medium 2 to which the developer image is transferred is regulated by the conveyance guide 3f, and is conveyed to the fixing means 5. The fixing means 5 is a fixing roller 5c including a driving roller 5a and a built-in heater 5b. Then, when the recording medium 2 passes through the nip portion 5d formed by the driving roller 5a and the fixing roller 5c, heat and pressure are applied, and the developer image transferred to the recording medium 2 is fixed to the recording medium 2. Thereby, an image is formed on the recording medium 2.

Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 3g, and is discharged to the discharge section 3h.

(2) Explanation of the process of forming an electronic photo portrait

Next, FIG. 3 is used to explain an electronic photo portrait forming process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge B1 is provided in the developing container 16. A developing roller 13 and a developing blade 15 as a developing means. The development cassette B1 is a cassette-developed development apparatus, and is attached to and detached from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus.

The drum cartridge C includes a photosensitive drum 10, a charging roller 11, and the like in a cleaning frame (photoreceptor support frame) 21. The drum cartridge C is also attached to and detached from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus.

The developer t stored in the developer accommodating portion 16 a of the developing container 16 is rotated by the developer conveying member 17 rotatably supported by the developing container 16 in the direction of the arrow X17 to develop the The opening 16b of the container 16 is sent out into the development room 16c. The developing container 16 is provided with a developing roller 13 including a magnet roller 12. Specifically, the developing roller 13 includes a shaft portion 13e and a rubber portion 13d. The shaft portion 13e is a conductive, elongated cylindrical shape such as aluminum, and the center portion is covered with a rubber portion 13d in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6). Here, the rubber portion 13d is covered on the shaft portion 13e so as to form a coaxial line with the shaft portion 13e. The developing roller 13 attracts the developer t of the developing chamber 16 c to the surface of the developing roller 13 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 12. In addition, the developing blade 15 is composed of a supporting member 15 a (made of sheet metal) and an elastic member 15 b (made of urethane rubber or SUS plate, etc.). Contact pressure to elastically contact. Then, by rotating the developing roller 13 in the rotation direction X5, the amount of the developer t adhered to the surface of the developing roller 13 is prescribed, and a triboelectric charge is applied to the developer t. Thereby, a developer layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 13. Then, in a state where the developing roller 13 to which a voltage is applied from the apparatus body A1 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10, By rotating in the rotation direction X5, the developer t is supplied to the development area of the photosensitive drum 10.

Here, in the case of the contact developing method like this embodiment, if the developing roller 13 is kept in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in FIG. 3, the rubber portion 13b of the developing roller 13 may be deformed. Yu. Therefore, it is desirable to leave the developing roller 13 away from the photosensitive drum 10 during non-development.

A charging roller 11 is rotatably supported on the outer surface of the photoconductor drum 10 and is rotatably supported by the frame 21 and urged to the direction of the photoconductor drum 10. The detailed structure will be described later. The charging roller 11 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 uniformly by applying a voltage from the device body A1. The voltage applied to the charging roller 11 is set to a value such that the potential difference between the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11 becomes equal to or higher than the discharge start voltage. Specifically, a DC voltage of -1300V was applied as a charging bias. At this time, the surface of the photoconductor drum 10 is uniformly brought into contact with the charged potential (dark portion potential) -700V. In this example, the charging roller 11 is driven to rotate in response to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10 (to be described in detail later). Then, the laser light L of the optical means 1 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. Thereafter, the developer t is transferred according to the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum 10 to visualize the electrostatic latent image, and a developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10.

(3) Explanation of the structure of the cleanerless system

Next, the cleanerless system of this example will be described below.

In this embodiment, it is shown that the removal of the transfer residual developer t2 remaining on the photosensitive drum 10 without being transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is not provided. Example of removing components, so-called cleanerless systems.

As shown in FIG. 3, the photoreceptor drum 10 is rotationally driven in an arrow C5 direction. When viewed from the rotation direction C5 of the photoreceptor drum 10, a gap portion (upstream gap portion 11b) is provided on the upstream side of the charged clamp portion 11a of the contact portion of the charging roller 11 and the photoreceptor drum 10. The transfer residual developer t2 remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after the transfer process is charged to a negative polarity similarly to the photosensitive drum by the discharge of the upstream gap portion 11b. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is charged to -700V. The transfer residual developer t2 charged to a negative polarity is caused by the potential difference in the charged clamp portion 11a (the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 10 = -700V, the potential of the charged roller 11 = -1300V) and does not adhere to the charged roller 11.

The transfer residual developer t2 that has passed through the charged clip portion 11a reaches the laser irradiation position d. The transfer residual developer t2 does not so much shield the laser light L of the optical means. Therefore, the process of making an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 is not affected. The transfer residual developer t2 that has passed through the laser irradiation position d and is in the non-exposed portion (the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 that has not been subjected to laser irradiation) is a developing clip at the abutting portion of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 The portion 13k is recovered to the developing roller 13 by an electrostatic force. On the other hand, the transfer residual developer t2 in the exposure section (the surface of the photoconductor drum 10 which is irradiated with laser light) is not recovered by the electrostatic force, and remains on the photoconductor drum 10 intact. However, a part of the transfer residual developer t2 may be recovered due to a physical force due to a difference in peripheral speed between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10.

In this way, the transfer residual developer t2 remaining on the photoreceptor drum 10 without being transferred to the paper is probably recovered in the developing container 16. Recycled in development The transfer residual developer t2 in the container 16 is mixed with the developer t remaining in the development container 16 and used again for development.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order not to cause the transfer residual developer t2 to adhere to the charging roller 11, the following two configurations are adopted to pass through the charging nip 11 a.

The first is to provide a light static elimination member 8 between the transfer roller 6 and the charging roller 11. The light static elimination member 8 is located on the upstream side of the rotation direction (arrow C5) of the photosensitive drum 10 of the charged clamp portion 11a. Then, this photostatic member 8 is used to perform static discharge in the upstream gap portion 11b, and photostatically removes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 10 after passing through the transfer nip 6a. By this photo-discharge member 8, the potential of the photosensitive drum 10 before being charged is formed to approximately -150V over the entire long side, so that uniform discharge can be performed during charging, and the transfer residual developer t2 can be uniformly formed. Negative polarity.

The second is to set a predetermined peripheral speed difference to drive the charging roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 to rotate. By the above-mentioned discharge, most of the toner will form a negative polarity, but some transfer residual developer t2 that does not form a negative polarity will remain, and this transfer residual developer t2 will be in the charged nip. 11a is attached to the charging roller 11. By setting a predetermined peripheral speed difference to drive the charged roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 10 to rotate, the transfer residual developer t2 can be made negative by using friction between the photosensitive drum 10 and the charged roller 11. This has the effect of suppressing the adhesion of the transfer residual developer t2 to the charging roller 13. In this embodiment, a charging roller gear 69 (FIG. 16, described later in detail) is provided on one end of the long side of the charging roller 11. The charging roller gear 69 is a drive-side flange 24 (FIG. 16. Details will be described later). because Accordingly, as the photosensitive drum 10 is rotationally driven, the charging roller 11 is also rotationally driven. The peripheral speed of the surface of the charged roller 11 is set to approximately 105 to 120% with respect to the peripheral speed of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

(4) Explanation of the structure of the development cassette B1

<Overall Configuration of Development Cassette B1>

Next, the configuration of a developing cartridge B1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the side that transmits the rotational force from the device main body A1 to the development cassette B1 in the long-side direction is referred to as the "driving side" as the one end side of the development cassette B1. The opposite side is referred to as the "non-driving side" as the other end side of the developing cartridge B1. FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of the developing cartridge B1 viewed from the driving side. FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view of the developing cartridge B1 viewed from the non-driving side. FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view (a) of the development cartridge B1, which is disassembled from the driving side, and a perspective explanatory view (b) of the development cartridge B1 when viewed from the non-driving side. FIG. 7 is an oblique view (a) and an oblique view (b) when the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1 is disassembled and viewed from the non-driving side.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the development cassette B1 includes a development roller 13, a development blade 15, and the like. The developing blade 15 is the driving-side end portion 15a1 of the support member 15a in the longitudinal direction, and the non-driving-side end portion 15a2 is fixed to the developing container 16 with screws 51 and 52. A driving-side developing bearing 36 and a non-driving-side developing bearing 46 are arranged at both ends of the long side of the developing container 16, respectively. The developing roller 13 is such that the driving-side end portion 13 a is fitted into the hole 36 a of the driving-side developing bearing 36. The non-driving side end portion 13c is The support portion 46f of the drive-side bearing 46 is fitted. In this way, the developing roller 13 is rotatably supported by the developing container 16. In addition, at the driving-side end portion 13 a of the developing roller 13, the developing roller gear 29 is arranged coaxially with the developing roller 13 on the outer side in the longer direction than the driving-side developing bearing 36, and the developing roller 13 and the developing roller The gear 29 is engaged and can rotate integrally (see FIG. 4). The developing roller gear 29 is a helical gear.

The drive-side development bearing 36 is rotatably supported by the drive input gear 27 on the outer side in the longitudinal direction. The drive input gear 27 meshes with the developing roller gear 29. The drive input gear 27 is also a helical gear. The number of teeth of the drive input gear 27 is greater than the number of teeth of the development roller gear 29.

A coupling member 180 is provided coaxially with the drive input gear 27.

A developing side cover 34 is provided at the extreme end of the driving side of the developing cartridge B1, so that the driving input gear 27 and the like can be covered by the outside of the long side. Here, the frame of the developing cartridge constituted by the developing container 16, the non-driving-side developing bearing 46, the driving-side developing bearing 36, and the driving-side side cover 34 is referred to as a developing frame. In addition, the coupling member 180 protrudes to the outside of the long side through the hole 34 a of the development side cover 34. As described later in detail, the coupling member 180 serving as a drive input member is configured to engage with the drive member 100 provided on the body side of the apparatus body A1 to transmit (input) a rotational force. The rotational force is transmitted to the rotational force transmitting portion 27d1 (refer to FIG. 8) and the rotational transmitting portion 27d2 (not shown) transmitted to the drive input gear 27 via the rotational force transmitting portions 180c1 and 180C2 of the coupling member 180. Composition. As a result, the rotational force input to the coupling member 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 as a rotating member via the drive input gear 27 and the developing roller gear 29. to make.

The driving-side development bearing 36 is provided with a first movable member 120. The first movable member 120 is constituted by a drive side abutting the spacer lever 70 as a first main body portion and a drive side developing pressure spring 71 as a first elastic portion (elastically deformed portion, member). The driving-side abutment spacer 70 is a member that receives the elastic force of the driving-side development pressure spring 71.

Here, in this embodiment, the first body portion and the first elastic portion are formed as separate bodies. However, the first movable member 120 may be formed integrally with the first body portion and the first elastic portion, and the configuration is not limited. The non-driving side developing bearing 46 is provided with a second movable member 121. The second movable member 121 is a non-driving side abutment spacer 72 as a second body portion, and a non-driving side developing pressure spring 73 as a second elastic portion (elastically deformed portion, member). Make up. The non-driving-side abutment spacer lever 72 is a member that receives the elastic force from the non-driving-side development pressure spring 73.

Here, in this embodiment, the second body portion and the second elastic portion are configured as separate bodies. However, the second movable member 121 may be formed integrally with the second body portion and the second elastic portion, and the configuration is not limited.

The details will be described later.

<Coupling member 180 and surrounding structure>

Hereinafter, the coupling member 180 and the surrounding structure will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, a coupling is provided on the driving side of the developing cartridge B1. The member 180, the drive input gear 27, and the coupling spring 185. The coupling member 180 is engaged with the drive member 100 provided on the body side of the apparatus body A1 and transmits a rotational force. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the coupling member 180 is mainly composed of a rotational force receiving portion 180 a 1, 180 a 2, a supported portion 180 b, a rotational force transmitting portion 180 c 1, 180 c 2, and a guide portion 18 cd. The rotational force receiving portions 180a1 and 180a2 of the coupling member 180 are disposed on the outer side in the longitudinal direction than the drive-side end portion 27a of the drive input gear 27 (see FIGS. 8 (a) and (b)). Then, when the main body-side driving member 100 is rotated in the arrow X6 direction (hereinafter referred to as the forward X direction) about the rotation axis L4, the rotational force imparting portion 100a1 of the main body-side driving member 100 abuts on the rotational force receiving portion 180a1. In addition, the rotational force imparting portion 100a2 of the body-side driving member 100 comes into contact with the rotational force receiving portion 180a2. Thereby, the rotational force is transmitted from the body-side driving member 100 to the coupling member 180. As shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (e), the supported portion 180 b of the coupling member 180 has a roughly spherical shape, and the supported portion 180 b is supported by the support portion 27 b on the inner peripheral surface of the drive input gear 27. In addition, the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180 is provided with rotational force transmitting portions 180c1 and 180c2. The rotational force transmission portion 180c1 is in contact with the rotational force transmission portion 27d1 of the drive input gear 27. Similarly, the rotational force transmission unit 180c2 is in contact with the rotational force transmission unit 27d2 of the drive input gear 27. Thereby, the drive input gear 27 is driven by the coupling member 180 that receives the drive from the body-side drive member 100, and the drive input gear 27 is rotated in the forward rotation direction X6 about the rotation axis L3.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the rotation axis L4 of the body-side drive member 100 and the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 are coaxially provided. However, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), the rotation axis L4 of the main body-side drive member 100 and the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 may be slightly deviated coaxially and parallelly due to variations in component sizes and the like. In this case, when the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is rotated with respect to the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27, the rotational force is transmitted from the body-side driving member 100 to the coupling member 180. In addition, the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 may be slightly deviated from the coaxial holding angle with respect to the rotation axis L4 of the body-side drive member 100. In this case, in the state where the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis L4 of the body-side driving member 100, the rotational force is transmitted from the body-side driving member 100 to the coupling member 180.

As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the gear input portion 27c of the helical gear or the flat gear is formed integrally with the drive input gear 27 coaxially with the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 (in this embodiment) (Example is using helical gear). Then, the gear portion 27 c is meshed with the gear portion 29 a of the developing roller gear 29. Since the developing roller gear 29 rotates integrally with the developing roller 13, the rotational force of the drive input gear 27 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 via the developing roller gear 29. Then, the developing roller 13 rotates in the rotation direction X5 about the rotation axis L9.

<Configuration of Non-Drive Side Electrode Unit of Development Cartridge>

Next, the memory substrate 47 as a contact portion and the electrode portion as an exposed surface provided at the non-driving side end portion of the developing cartridge B1 will be described with reference to FIG. 33. 47a. The memory substrate 47 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the non-driving-side developing bearing 46 and supports the developing roller 13 rotatably from the non-driving-side developing pressurizing rod 72 as viewed from the non-driving side. The memory substrate 47 stores the manufacturing lot or characteristic information of the development cassette 13 and is used when the image formation is performed by the device body A1. The memory substrate 47 is provided with a metal electrode portion 47 a made of iron, copper, or the like, and is electrically connected to the device body A1 through the contact portion 47 during image formation for communication.

The memory substrate 47 is the first substrate supporting portion 46m and the second substrate supporting portion 46n provided at the both ends of the non-driving side developing bearing 46, and the memory substrate 47 and the first substrate supporting portion 46m and the second substrate The support portion 46n is fixed by means such as pressing or bonding.

A plurality of electrode portions 47 a of the memory substrate 47 are provided. The directions in which the plurality of electrode portions 47a are arranged and the direction in which the memory substrate 47 is inserted toward the substrate first support portion 46m and the substrate second support portion 46n are arranged in the same direction.

<Mounting the drive side cover and peripheral parts>

Next, the configuration of the developing-side cover 34 and the coupling lever 55 provided at the driving-side end of the developing cassette B1 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a perspective explanatory view and a side view showing a state where the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 are attached to the developing side cover 34.

A coupling lever 55 and a coupling lever spring 56 are incorporated inside the development-side cover 34 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the cylindrical lever positioning boss 34m of the developing side cover 34 and the hole portion 55c of the coupling lever 55 are fitted to rotate. The axis L11 is the center, and the coupling lever 55 is rotatably supported by the developing side cover 34. Further, the coupling lever spring 56 is a torsion coil spring, and one end is engaged with the coupling lever 55 and the other end is engaged with the developing side cover 34. Specifically, the active arm 56 a of the coupling lever spring 56 is engaged with the spring bolt portion 55 b of the coupling lever 55, and the fixed arm 56 c of the coupling lever spring 56 is engaged with the spring bolt portion 34 s of the imaging side cover 34. (Refer to FIG. 9 (c)).

A coupling spring 185 is attached to the outer side of the developing side cover 34 in the longitudinal direction, and will be described later in detail.

A method for attaching the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 to the development side cover 34 will be described in order. First, the cylindrical portion 56d of the coupling lever spring 56 is attached to the cylindrical boss 55a of the coupling lever 55 (FIG. 9 (a)). At this time, the action arm 56 a of the coupling lever spring 56 is engaged with the spring bolt portion 55 b of the coupling lever 55. Then, the fixed arm 56c of the coupling lever spring 56 is first deformed in the direction of the arrow X11 around the rotation axis L11. Next, the hole portion 55c of the coupling lever 55 is inserted into the lever positioning boss 34m of the developing side cover 34 (FIGS. 9 (a) to (b)). At the time of insertion, the stopper portion 55d of the coupling lever 55 and the stopper portion 34n of the development side cover 34 are arranged so as not to interfere. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when viewed from the longitudinal direction, the stopper portion 55 d of the coupling lever 55 and the stopper portion 34 n of the development side cover 34 are arranged so as not to overlap.

In the state shown in FIG. 9 (b), as described above, the fixing arm 56c of the coupling lever spring 56 is deformed in the direction of the arrow X11. Once the deformation of the fixed arm 56c of the coupling lever spring 56 is released from the state shown in FIG. 9 (b), as shown in FIG. 9 (c), the fixed arm 56c is a spring that is engaged with the developing side cover 34. Bolt 34s. Then, the spring bolt portion 34s that becomes the developing side cover 34 receives the coupling. The elastic force of the fixed arm 56c of the rod spring 56 is deformed. As a result, the fixed arm 56c of the coupling lever spring 56 receives a reaction force from the spring bolt portion 34s of the developing side cover 34 in the direction of arrow X11. Further, the coupling lever 55 receives a spring force from the coupling lever spring 56 at the spring bolt portion 55 b thereof. As a result, the coupling lever 55 is rotated to the arrow X11 direction with the rotation axis L11 as the center, and the rotation regulation portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 is regulated to rotate at a position abutting the regulation surface 34y of the developing side cover 34 (see FIG. 9 ( a) ~ (c)). The coupling rod 55 and the coupling rod spring 56 are mounted on the developing side cover 34 as described above.

In addition, at this time, the stopper portion 55d of the coupling lever 55 is formed so as to overlap with the stopper portion 34n of the development side cover 34 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. That is, the movement of the coupling lever 55 in the longitudinal direction is regulated, and it is a structure which can rotate only about the rotation axis X11. FIG. 9 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the stopper portion 55 d of the coupling lever 55.

<Assembly of Development Side Cover 34>

As shown in FIG. 10, the development side cover 34 in which the coupling lever 55 and the coupling lever spring 56 are integrated is fixed to the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the driving side development bearing 36. Specifically, the positioning portion 34r1 of the developing-side cover 34 is engaged with the positioned portion 36e1 of the driving-side bearing 36. Then, the positioning portion 34r2 is engaged with the portion to be positioned 36e2, so that the developing-side cover 34 is positioned with respect to the driving-side developing bearing 36.

The method of fixing the development-side cover 34 to the driving-side development bearing 36 may be a screw or an adhesive, and the configuration is not limited.

Once the development side cover 34 is installed, the rotational force bearing of the coupling member 180 The receiving portions 180a1, 180a2, the guided portion 180d, and the like pass through the holes 34a of the development side cover 34. Then, a configuration in which the coupling member 180 is exposed to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the development cassette B1 is formed (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The guided portion 180 d (see FIG. 8) of the coupling member 180 is configured to be in contact with the guide portion 55 e of the coupling lever 55.

As described above, the coupling lever 55 is configured with the rotation axis L11 as the center, and the elastic force acts in the direction of the arrow X11. Thereby, the coupling member 180 receives the spring force F2 from the coupling lever 55 (refer FIG. 10 (b)).

A coupling spring 185 is provided on the development side cover 34. The coupling spring 185 is a torsion coil spring, and abuts one end against the developing side cover 36 and abuts the other end against the coupling member 180.

Specifically, the positioning portion 185 a of the coupling spring 185 is supported by the spring support portion 34 h of the developing side cover 34. The fixing arm 185 b of the coupling spring 185 is fixed to the spring engaging portion 34 j of the developing side cover 34. The active arm 185c serving as the coupling spring 185 is configured to abut the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. The action arm 185c of the coupling spring 185 constitutes a spring force acting in the direction of the arrow L12 centered on the rotation axis X12, and the rotation axis X12 is centered on the positioning portion 185a. As a result, the coupling member 180 receives the spring force F1b from the coupling spring 185 (see FIG. 10).

The coupling member 180 receiving the spring force F2 from the coupling lever 55 and the spring force F1b from the coupling spring 185 is held in a posture inclined to the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 (rotation axis L2) (FIG. 10 (b)) ). The detailed structure will be described later. In addition, about maintaining the coupling at this time The configuration of the tilting posture of the coupling member 180 or the effect of the force will be described later in the <force relationship of the coupling member 180 when acting on the second tilting posture D2>.

<Basic Operation of Coupling Member 180>

Next, the basic operation of the coupling member 180 in the state of the developing cartridge B1 will be described using FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 (a) is an enlarged view of the relationship between the coupling member 180, the drive input gear 27, and the drive-side development bearing 36 as viewed in a longitudinal section. FIG. 15 (b) is a perspective view of the driving-side development bearing 36. FIG. 15 (c) is a perspective view of the drive input gear 27.

The supported portion 180 b of the coupling member 180 is provided inside 27 t of the drive input gear 27, and is sandwiched between the regulation portion 27 s of the drive input gear 27 and the coupling regulation portion 36 s of the drive-side development bearing 36. In addition, the diameter r180 of the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180 corresponds to the width r27 in the X180 direction of the regulation portion 27s of the drive input gear 27 and the width r36 in the X180 direction of the coupling regulation portion 36s of the drive-side development bearing 36. Is to form the following relationship.

． The diameter r180 of the supported portion 180b> the width r27 in the X180 direction of the regulation portion 27s of the drive input gear 27

． Diameter r180 of supported portion 180b> width X36 in X180 direction of coupling regulation portion 36s of driving-side developing bearing 36

With this configuration, the long-side arrow Y180 of the coupling member 180 is the regulation portion 27s of the driving input gear 27 abutted by the supported portion 180b. Alternatively, it is regulated by the coupling regulation portion 36s of the drive-side development bearing 36. Further, an arrow X180 in the cross-sectional direction of the coupling member 180 is a range in which the supported portion 180 b is regulated to the inside 27 t of the drive input gear 27. Therefore, the coupling member 180 is regulated in movement in the longitudinal direction Y180 and the cross-sectional direction X180. However, the coupling member 180 may be configured to be inclined in the R180 direction with the center 180s of the supported portion 180 as the center.

<About the tilting posture of the coupling member 180>

Next, the tilting operation of the coupling member 180 will be described.

As described above, the coupling member 180 is configured to receive a driving force from the body-side driving member 100 of the device body A1 and is rotatable about the rotation axis L2. The rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 during drive transmission is basically set to be coaxial with the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. In addition, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 may not be coaxial with each other due to variations in component sizes and the like, and may slightly deviate.

In this configuration, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is configured to be tiltable in a direction described below. These are three postures that can be roughly followed.

． Reference posture D0: a posture in which the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 and the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 are coaxial or parallel

． First tilting posture D1: The developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the device body A1, and the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the spaced state between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 to the abutted state. Coupling member 180 Posture of the rotating force receiving portion 180a1 180a2 (hereinafter referred to as the rotating force receiving portion 180a) and the supported portion 180b toward the direction of the body-side driving member 100 of the device body A1. The details of the alienation state and the contact state will be described later.

． Second tilt posture D2: a posture in which the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180 face the direction of the main body side driving member 100 of the apparatus body A1 when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1. Details of the posture and the like during mounting will be described later.

Here, the engagement relationship between the coupling member 180 and the drive-side development bearing 36 will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the driving-side development bearing 36 and the coupling member 180.

FIG. 13 (a) is a perspective view showing the positions of the driving-side development bearing 36 and the coupling member 180. FIG. FIG. 13 (b) is a view of the driving-side development bearing 36 as viewed from the front side of the driving side. FIG. 13 (c) is a view of FIG. 13 (b), in which the coupling member 180 is added to the view viewed from the KA cross section, and FIG. 13 (d) is the view viewed from the KB cross section in FIG. 13 (b). The figure of the coupling member 180 is added in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the coupling member 180 is coaxial with the rotation axis L2, and a phase regulation boss 180e is provided on the inner side in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the driving-side development bearing 36 is provided with a concave phase regulation portion 36 kb. In particular, the phase regulation section 36kb is provided with a first tilt regulation section 36kb1 recessed from the center of the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 to the arrow K1a direction, and a second tilt regulation section 36kb2 recessed to the arrow K2a direction. The phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is disposed to be driven. The configuration of the phase regulation section 36 kb of the side development bearing 36. That is, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is regulated at the phase regulation portion 36kb of the driving-side development bearing 36. In other words, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is movable within the phase regulation portion 36kb of the driving-side development bearing 36, and is particularly configured to be movable to the first tilt regulation portion 36kb1 and the second tilt regulation portion 36kb2. When the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 moves to the first tilt regulation portion 36kb1, the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are tilted to the direction of the arrow K1b opposite to the direction of the arrow K1a. This is a state where the coupling member 180 is in the first inclined posture D1. In addition, when the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 moves to the second tilt regulation portion 36kb2, the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are arrows K2b inclined to the opposite direction from the arrow K2a direction. This is a state where the coupling member 180 is in the second inclined posture D2.

<Force Relationship of Coupling Member 180 in Reference Position D0>

Hereinafter, the reference posture D0 of the coupling member 180 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the positions of the coupling lever 55 and the coupling member 180 when the development cassette B1 is completely attached to the apparatus body A. FIG. 22 (a) is a side view seen from the driving side, FIG. 22 (b) is a side view seen from the arrow X20 direction of FIG. 22 (a), and FIG. 22 (c) is a view from FIG. 22 (b) It is a side view seen from the direction of the non-driving side, which is cut by the cutting line X30.

Once the installation of the imaging cassette B1 to the device body A1 is completed, the coupling The engaging member 180 is engaged with the body-side driving member 100. Then, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180, the rotation axis L4 of the body-side drive member 100, and the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 are arranged coaxially. In other words, the rotational force receiving portion 180 a of the coupling member 180 and the rotational force imparting portion 100 a (the rotational force imparting portion 100 a 1 and the rotational force imparting portion 100 a 2) of the body-side drive member 100 become engageable positions (see also FIG. 8).

Hereinafter, an operation of forming the coupling member 180 coaxial with the main body-side driving member 100 to the coupling member 180 will be described using FIG. 34. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing a posture where the coupling member 180 forms a coupling member coaxial with the body driving member 100. FIG. 34 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a state where the coupling member 180 is not in contact with the body driving member 100, and FIG. 34 (b) is a cross-sectional view of a state when the coupling member 180 is in contact with the body driving member 100. 34 (c) is a cross-sectional view of a state where the coupling member 180 is coaxial with the body-side driving member 100.

As shown in FIG. 34 (a), the coupling member 180 is in a state where it is not in contact with the main body driving member 100, and is inclined toward the main body side driving member 100 around the center 180s of the supported portion 180 b of the coupling member 180. While maintaining the state of this posture, the coupling member 180 advances to the arrow X60 in the direction of the body driving member 100. Then, the coupling member 180 is a concave-shaped conical portion 180g disposed on the inner side of the annular portion 180f and a convex portion 100g disposed on the shaft tip of the body-side drive member 100 abuts. Then, if the coupling member 180 is further advanced to the arrow X60, the coupling member 180 is centered on the center 180s of the supported portion 180b of the coupling member 180, Moving to a direction in which the inclination of the coupling member 180 decreases. As a result, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180, the rotation axis L4 of the body-side driving member 100, and the rotation axis L3 of the input gear 27 are arranged coaxially. The details of the force to be applied to the coupling member 180 in this series of operations will be described later, and therefore will be omitted here.

Then, the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 are arranged coaxially, and the posture of the coupling member 180 is a reference posture D0 (the inclination angle θ2 of the coupling member 180 is 0 °). In addition, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is separated from the second inclined regulation portion 36kb2 of the driving-side development bearing 36, and is not in contact with the phase regulation portion 36b of the driving-side development bearing 36 (see Figure 22 (c)). And the guide part 55e of the coupling lever 55 is hold | maintained in the state fully retracted from the guided part 180d of the coupling member 180 (FIG. 22 (a)). That is, the coupling member 180 is two parts that are in contact with the coupling spring 185 and the body-side driving member 100, and the inclination angle (θ2) thereof is determined. In such a case, even when the development cassette B1 is mounted on the device body A1, the inclination angle (θ2) of the coupling member 180 may not be θ2 = 0 °.

Hereinafter, the inclination posture (reference posture D0) of the imaging coupling member 180 when the imaging cartridge B1 is attached to the apparatus body A1 is completed will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a state diagram when the coupling member 180 is engaged with the body-side driving member 100. The state shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b) is the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotation axis of the body-side drive member 100. The line L4 is arranged to be coaxial, and the side view and the cross-sectional view when the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is also coaxial.

The guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives the spring force in the direction of the arrow F1 from the self-coupling spring 185 (see FIG. 22 (d)), but the conical portion 180g abuts on the convex portion 100g at the points 180g1 and 180g2 (FIG. e)). As a result, the position of the coupling member 180 with respect to the body-side drive member 100 is regulated at two points of the points 180g1 and 180g2 of the conical portion 180g. That is, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is coaxial with the rotation axis L4 of the body-side driving member 100.

When the body-side driving member 100 of the device body A1 is rotationally driven in this state, the rotation force imparting portion 100 a of the device body A1 and the rotation force receiving portion 180 a of the coupling member 180 are engaged. Then, it is a structure which transmits a drive from the apparatus main body A1 to the coupling member 180 (refer FIG. 8).

The state shown in FIG. 14 (c) is a state where the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotation axis L4 of the body-side driving member 100 are arranged coaxially, but the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined. Due to the variation in component size, although the conical portion 180g of the coupling member 180 is in contact with the point 180g1 of the convex portion 100g and the conical portion 180g of the body-side drive member 100, it does not contact the point 180g2 of the conical portion 180g. At this time, when the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives the elastic force in the direction of the arrow F1 from the coupling spring 185, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined. Therefore, in FIG. 14 (c), the position 180 g of the coupling member 180 is regulated by the point 180 g 1 of the conical portion 180 g of the coupling member 180 abutting the convex portion 100 g of the main body-side driving member 100. That is, the rotation axis of the coupling member 180 The line L2 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis L4 of the body-side driving member 100. In other words, the inclination angle (θ2) of the coupling member 180 does not become θ2 = 0 °.

14 (d) shows a state in which the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined when the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotation axis L4 of the body-side drive member 100 are non-coaxial due to variations in the size of the components (see FIG. Figure 8 (d)). In this case, as in the state shown in FIG. 14 (c), when the guide portion 180 d of the coupling member 180 receives the elastic pressure from the coupling spring 185, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined. That is, the inclination angle (θ2) of the coupling member 180 does not become θ2 = 0 °. However, similarly to FIG. 14 (c), the position 180 g of the coupling member 180 is regulated by the point 180 g 1 of the conical portion 180 g of the coupling member 180 coming into contact with the convex portion 100 g of the main body-side driving member 100.

However, in any of the states shown in FIGS. 14 (c) and 14 (d), once the main body side driving member 100 of the device body A1 is rotationally driven, the rotational force imparting portion 100a and the coupling member 180 of the device body A1 The rotating force receiving portion 180a is engaged. Then, it is a structure which transmits a drive to the coupling member 180 from the apparatus main body A1.

As described above, in a state where the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1, the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 may be formed coaxially with the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27, or may not be coaxial. Happening. However, in any of the above cases, once the body-side driving member 100 of the device body A1 is rotationally driven, the rotation force applying portion 100 a of the device body A1 and the rotation force receiving portion 180 a of the coupling member 180 are engaged. Then, the drive is transmitted from the device body A1 to the coupling member 180. Composition. After the mounting of the development cassette B1 to the device body A1, the posture of the coupling member 180 in a state where the coupling member 180 can receive the driving force from the rotational force imparting portion 100a of the device body A1 is referred to as the reference posture D0 of the coupling member 180. In addition, the inclination angle is a range in which the rotational force imparting portion 100 a and the rotational force receiving portion 180 a of the coupling member 180 constituting the main body side driving member 100 are not separated.

Hereinafter, the first inclined posture D1 and the second inclined posture D2 of the coupling member 180 will be described in detail in order.

<Force Relationship of Coupling Member 180 When Acting on First Inclined Posture D1>

First, the force relationship of the coupling member 180 when the first tilt posture D1 is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 (a) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 when the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the apparatus main body A1 and the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are separated from each other. 11 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the phase regulating boss 180e of the coupling member 180 in the phase regulating section 36kb of the driving-side developing bearing 36 when viewed from the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1. Moreover, FIG.11 (c) is sectional drawing which looked at the guided part 180d of the coupling member 180 at the position of the guided part 180d of the longitudinal direction coupling member 180, and looked at it from the longitudinal direction drive side.

The coupling lever 55 receives a spring force from the coupling lever spring 56 (see FIG. 9) to the direction of the arrow X11 around the rotation axis L11. On the other hand, when the development cassette B1 is in the state of being installed in the device body A1, the arrow X11 is regulated by the conflict portion 80y provided in the device body A1. Direction of movement. Specifically, the position of the coupling lever 55 is regulated against the elastic pressure of the coupling lever spring 56 by the collision portion 80y contacting the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55. The collision portion 80y is formed integrally with the drive-side swing guide 80 (see FIG. 20). At this time, the guide portion 55 e of the coupling lever 55 is in a state of retreating from the guided portion 180 d of the coupling member 180. The contact between the coupling lever 55 and the collision portion 80y will be described in detail during the attaching and detaching process of the developing cartridge B1 described later.

On the other hand, at the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180, the guide portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 abuts, and the force F1a acts. That is, the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives a force inclined in the direction of the arrow F1a (see FIG. 11 (c)). At this time, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is regulated by the guide portion 36kb1a, the guide portion 36kb1b, and the guide portion 36kb1c of the drive-side development bearing 36, and finally it is configured to move to the first tilt regulation portion 36kb1. That is, the phase regulating boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is inclined to the direction of the arrow K1a (FIG. 11 (b)). On the other hand, the rotation force receiving portion 180a and the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are inclined to The structure in the direction of the arrow K1b (Fig. 11 (a)). The above-mentioned posture of the coupling member 180 is referred to as a first inclined posture D1 of the coupling member 180.

Here, the direction (direction of arrow F1a) of the guide portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 may be a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow K1b (see FIG. 11 (a)) to the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. This direction collides the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 with the direction of the first tilt regulation portion 36kb1. In this way, the protection of the coupling member 180 can be reduced. The biasing force of the coupling spring 185 held in the first inclined posture D1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the coupling member 180 is maintained in the first inclined posture D1 by adjusting the biasing force of the coupling spring 185 and the like.

<Force Relationship of Coupling Member 180 When Acting on the Second Inclined Posture D2>

Next, the force relationship of the coupling member 180 when acting on the second inclined posture D2 will be described using FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 (a) is a side view of the development cassette B1 when the development cassette B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1, that is, when the development cassette B1 is in a single product state (natural state). 12 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the phase regulating boss 180e of the coupling member 180 in the phase regulating section 36kb of the driving-side developing bearing 36 when viewed from the non-driving side of the developing cartridge B1. 12 (c) is a cross-sectional view of the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180, viewed from the driving side in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 12 shows a state where there is no conflicting portion 80y provided in the apparatus body A1 compared to FIG. 11. At this time, the coupling lever 55 receives the elastic force from the coupling lever spring 56 in the direction of the arrow X11 with the rotation axis L11 as the center, and rotates to a position where the guide portion 55e abuts the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180. That is, the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 is the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 and the guide portion 185d of the coupling spring 185 abuts together.

Here, as described above, the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 receives a force inclined in the direction of the arrow F3. At this time, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is regulated by the guide portion 36kb2a, the guide portion 36kb2b, and the guide portion 36kb2c of the drive-side development bearing 36, and finally becomes In order to move to the structure of the second tilt regulation part 36kb2. That is, the phase regulating boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is inclined to the direction of the arrow K2a (FIG. 12 (b)). On the other hand, the rotational force receiving portion 180a and the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 are inclined to The structure in the direction of the arrow K2b (Fig. 12 (a)). The above-mentioned posture of the coupling member 180 is referred to as a second inclined posture D2 of the coupling member.

(5) Outline of drum cartridge C

Next, the configuration of the drum cartridge C will be described using FIG. 16. FIG. 16 (a) is a perspective explanatory view of the drum cartridge C when viewed from the non-driving side. In FIG. 16 (b), in order to explain the peripheral portions of the photoconductor drum 10 and the charging roller 11, oblique views of the cleaning frame 21, the drum bearing 30, the drum shaft 54 and the like are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 16, the drum cartridge C includes a photosensitive drum 10, a charging roller 11, and the like. The charged roller 11 is rotatably supported by the charged roller bearing 67a and the charged roller bearing 67b, and the charged roller 10 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 by the charged roller pressing member 68a and the charged roller pressing member 68b.

The driving-side flange 24 is integrally fixed to the driving-side end portion 10 a of the photosensitive drum 10, and the non-driving-side flange 28 is integrally fixed to the non-driving-side end portion 10 b of the photosensitive drum 10. The driving-side flange 24 or the non-driving-side flange 28 is fixed coaxially with the photosensitive drum 10 by means such as riveting or bonding. At both ends of the long side of the drum frame 21, the drum bearing 30 is fixed to the drive-side end by means of screws, bonding, or pressing, and the drum shaft 54 is fixed by means of screws, bonding, or pressing. On the non-driving side end. And photosensitive The driving-side flange 24 integrally fixed to the drum 10 is rotatably supported by a drum bearing 30, and the non-driving-side flange 28 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 54. A charged roller gear 69 is provided on one end of the long side of the charged roller 11, and the charged roller gear 69 meshes with the gear portion 24 g of the drive-side flange 24. The drive-side end portion 24 a of the drum flange 24 is configured to transmit a rotational force from the apparatus body A1 side (not shown). As a result, as the photoreceptor drum 10 is rotationally driven, the charging roller 11 is also rotationally driven. As described above, the peripheral speed of the surface of the charging roller 11 is set to approximately 105 to 120% relative to the peripheral speed of the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

(6) Explanation of the mounting and dismounting structure of the imaging cartridge B1 to the device body A1

Next, a method for attaching the developing cartridge B1 to the apparatus body A1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 17 is a perspective explanatory view of the device body A1 viewed from the non-drive side, and FIG. 18 is a perspective explanatory view of the device body A1 viewed from the drive side. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of a process in which the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1 when viewed from the driving side.

As shown in FIG. 17, the developing cartridge B1 is provided with a guided portion 46 d having a positioning portion 46 b and a rotation stop portion 46 c on the non-driving side developing bearing 46. As shown in FIG. 18, the driven side cover 34 is provided with a guided portion 34 d having a positioning portion 34 b and a rotation stop portion 34 c.

On the other hand, on the driving side of the device body A1, as shown in FIG. 17, a driving-side guide member 92 is provided on the driving-side side plate 90 constituting the frame of the device body A1, and a video card is provided in the device body A1. Box B1% The drive-side rocking guide 80 that moves for unity. The details of the drive-side shaking guide 80 will be described later. The drive-side guide member 92 is provided with a first guide portion 92a, a second guide portion 92b, and a third guide portion 92c. The first guide portion 92a of the drive-side guide member 92 is an attaching and detaching path X1a along the attaching and detaching path of the developing cartridge B1, and the second guide portion 92b is an attaching and detaching path along the developing cartridge B1. Groove shape of the loading and unloading path X1b. The third guide portion 92c of the drive-side guide member 92 has a groove shape formed with an attachment / detachment path X3 along the attachment / detachment path of the drum cartridge C. The drive-side rocking guide 80 is provided with a first guide portion 80a and a second guide portion 80b. The first guide portion 80a of the drive-side rocking guide 80 has a groove shape formed along the attachment / detachment path X2a of the development cassette B1 on the extension of the first guide portion 92a of the drive-side guide member 92. Further, the second guide portion 80b of the drive-side rocking guide 80 has a groove shape along the attachment and detachment path X2b of the development cassette B1 on the extension of the second guide portion 92b of the drive-side guide member 92.

Similarly, on the non-driving side of the device body A1, as shown in FIG. 18, the non-driving side plate 91 constituting the frame body of the device main body A1 is provided with the same non-driving side guide member 93 and driving side swing guide 80 as being movable. The non-drive side shake guide 81. The non-driving side guide member 93 is provided with a first guide portion 93a and a second guide portion 93b.

The first guide portion 93a of the non-drive-side guide member 93 has a groove shape in which an attaching and detaching path XH1a is formed along an attaching and detaching path of the developing cartridge B1. The second guide portion 93b of the drive-side guide member 93 has a groove shape formed with an attachment / detachment path XH3 along the attachment / detachment path of the drum cartridge C. and The non-driving side swing guide 81 is provided with a guide portion 81a. The guide portion 81 a of the non-drive side rocking guide 81 has a groove shape in which an attachment / detachment path XH2 a along the attachment / detachment path of the development cassette B1 is formed on the extension of the first guide portion 93 a of the non-drive side guide member 93.

The detailed configurations of the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81 will be described later.

<Description of the non-drive side electrical contact part>

Next, the electrical contact portion of the device body A1 will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

In the non-driving side plate 91, a power supply unit 120 is provided at a position facing the electrode portion 47a of the memory substrate 47 of the development cassette B1 at the time of image formation. In the power supply unit 120, a spring-shaped power supply contact 120A formed by a wire spring, a leaf spring, or the like is protruded from the power supply unit 120, and the power supply contact 120A is connected to an electric substrate (not shown).

<Installation of development cassette B1 to main unit A1>

The following is a description of how to mount the developing cartridge B1 to the device body A1. As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the inside of the device body A1 can be exposed by turning the body cover 94 which can be opened and closed arranged on the upper portion of the device body A1 in the opening direction D1.

Thereafter, the guided portion 46 d (FIG. 17) of the non-drive-side bearing 46 of the developing cartridge B1 is engaged with the first guide portion 93 a (FIG. 18) of the non-drive-side guide member 93 of the apparatus body A1. Then, the developing side of the developing cartridge B1 The guided portion 34d (FIG. 18) of the cover 34 is engaged with the first guide portion 92a (FIG. 17) of the drive-side guide member 92 of the apparatus body A1. Thereby, the development cassette B1 is inserted along the attaching and detaching path X1a and the attaching and detaching path XH1a formed by the first guide portion 92a of the drive-side guide member 92 and the first guide portion 93a of the non-drive-side guide member 93. Inside the device body A1.

When the development cassette B1 is attached to the apparatus body A1, the coupling member 180 is in the state of the second inclined posture D2 as described above. The coupling member 180 is inserted into the second guide portion 92 b of the drive-side guide member 92 while maintaining the second inclined posture D2. More specifically, there is a gap between the coupling member 180 and the second guide portion 92 b of the drive-side guide member 92. Therefore, when the developing cartridge B1 is inserted into the apparatus body A1 along the attaching and detaching paths X1b and XH1a, the coupling member 180 is maintained in a state of maintaining the second inclined posture D2.

The developing cartridge B1 inserted into the apparatus main body A1 along the attachment and detachment paths X1a and XH1a is inserted into the apparatus main body A1 along the attachment and detachment paths X2a and XH2a. The attachment and detachment paths X2a and XH2a are formed by the first guide portion 80a of the drive-side swing guide 80 and the guide portion 81a of the non-drive-side swing guide 81. To explain in more detail, the guided portion 34d provided in the developing-side cover 34 is first guided by the first guide portion 92a of the drive-side guide member 92 of the apparatus body A1. After that, the guided portion 34 d becomes a first guide portion 80 a that is transferred to the drive-side rocking guide 80 of the device body A1 in accordance with the installation process. Similarly, on the non-drive side, the guided portion 46d provided in the non-drive side development bearing 46 is first guided by the first guide portion 93a of the non-drive side guide member 93 of the apparatus body A1. after that, In accordance with the mounting process, the guided portion 46 d is configured as a guide portion 81 a that is transferred to the non-drive side swing guide 81 of the device body A1.

In addition, the coupling member 180 provided at the driving-side end portion of the developing cartridge B1 is maintained in the second inclined posture D2, and is transferred from the second guiding portion 92b of the driving-side guiding member 92 of the apparatus body A1 to the driving side. The second guide portion 80b of the guide 80 is shaken. In addition, as described above, a gap is formed between the coupling member 180 and the second guide portion 80 b of the drive-side swing guide 80.

<Positioning of development cassette B1>

Next, a configuration in which the development cassette B1 is positioned on the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81 of the apparatus body A1 will be described. In addition, since the basic configuration is the same on the driving side and the non-driving side, the following description uses the driving side of the development cassette B1 as an example. FIG. 19 shows the state of the development cassette B1 and the drive-side rocking guide 80 showing the process in which the development cassette B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1.

FIG. 19 (a) shows that the guided portion 34d provided in the developing side cover 34 of the developing cassette B1 is guided to the first guide portion 80a of the drive-side swing guide 80, and the developing cassette B1 is in the attaching and detaching path X2a On the status.

FIG. 19 (b) shows the mounted state of the developing cartridge B1 from the state shown in FIG. 19 (a). The positioning portion 34b of the guided portion 34d of the developing side cover 34 and the positioning guide 34b provided on the driving side are shaken and guided. The positioning portion 82a of the driving-side pressing member 82 abuts on the point P1.

20 shows the drive-side rocking guide 80 and the drive-side pushing An oblique view of the peripheral shape of the member 82. FIG. 20 (a) is a perspective view seen from the driving side in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 20 (b) is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. 20 (c) is an exploded perspective view of the drive-side rocking guide 80, the drive-side pressing member 82, and the drive-side pressing spring 83. 20 (d) and 20 (e) are enlarged detailed views around the driving-side pressing member 82.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b), the driving-side pressing member 82 includes a hole portion 82b, a seat surface 82c, and a regulation portion 82d in addition to the positioning portion 82a. As shown in FIG. 20 (c), the hole portion 82b is engaged with the boss portion 80c of the drive-side swing guide 80, and is rotatably supported around the boss portion 80c. Further, one end portion 83c of the driving-side pressing spring 83 of the compression spring comes into contact with the seat surface 82c. As shown in FIG. 20 (d), the other end portion 83 d of the drive-side pressing spring 83 is in contact with the seat surface 80 d of the drive-side swing guide 80. Accordingly, the driving-side pressing member 82 is configured to receive a spring force F82 rotating in the direction of the arrow Ra1 centering on the boss portion 80c of the driving-side rocking guide 80. In addition, the driving-side pressing member 82 is such that the regulation portion 82d conflicts with the rotation regulation portion 80e provided on the drive-side rocking guide 80, whereby the rotation in the direction of the arrow Ra1 is regulated and positioned. Here, as shown in FIG. 20 (e), the driving-side pressing member 82 rotatably supported by the driving-side rocking guide 80 is rotatably supported by the arrow Ra2 against the elastic force F82 of the driving-side pressing spring 83. direction. In addition, the upper end portion 82e of the driving-side pressing member 82 swings the guide surface 80w of the guide 80 from the driving side to a position that does not protrude, and can be rotated in the direction of the arrow Ra2.

Fig. 19 (c) shows the cartridge B1 further from the state of Fig. 19 (a). Loaded status. Then, it is shown that the guided portion 34d integrated by the positioning portion 34b and the rotation stop portion 34c of the development side cover 34 abuts against the front inclined surface 82w of the driving-side pressing member 82, and pushes the driving-side pressing member 82 down to State of arrow Ra2. If described in detail, the guided portion 34d of the developing-side cover 34 will abut against the front inclined surface 82w of the driving-side pressing member 82, and the driving-side pressing member 82 will be pushed, whereby the driving-side pressing member 82 will resist driving The biasing force F82 of the side pressing spring 83 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow Ra2) around the boss portion 80c of the drive-side rocking guide 80. FIG. 19 (c) shows a state where the positioning portion 34 b of the drive-side side cover 34 is in contact with the upper end portion 82 e of the drive-side pressing member 82. At this time, the regulation portion 82 d of the drive-side pressing member 82 is separated from the rotation regulation portion 80 e of the drive-side swing guide 80.

FIG. 19 (d) shows the state where the cassette B1 is mounted from the state of FIG. 20 (c), and the positioning portion 34b of the drive-side side cover 34 and the positioning portion 80f of the drive-side swing guide 80 abut. As described above, the drive-side pressing member 82 is configured to receive a spring force F82 rotating in the direction of the arrow Ra1 centering on the boss portion 80c of the drive-side rocking guide 80. Therefore, the inner inclined surface 82s of the driving-side pressing member 82 will urge the positioning portion 34b of the driving-side side cover 34 with the urging force F4. As a result, the positioning portion 34b comes into contact with the positioning portion 80f of the drive-side swing guide 80 without a gap at the point P3. Thereby, the driving side of the developing cartridge B1 is positioned and fixed to the driving-side shaking guide 80.

The configuration of the non-driving side is the same as that of the driving side, as shown in FIG. 36, corresponding to the driving-side rocking guide 80, the driving-side pressing member 82, and the driving side. The pressing spring 83 is provided with a non-driving side swing guide 81, a non-driving side pressing member 84, and a non-driving side pressing spring 85, respectively. Therefore, the positioning of the positioning portion 46b of the non-driving-side development bearing 46 and the non-driving-side rocking guide 81 are also the same as those of the driving side (the explanation is omitted). Thereby, the development cassette B1 is positioned and fixed to the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81.

<Operation of the coupling member 180 in the mounting process of the developing cartridge B1>

Next, the operation of the coupling member 180 in the mounting process of the developing cartridge B1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23.

As described above, the coupling member 180 is in the second inclined posture D2 in a state before the development cassette B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1. The coupling member 180 is attached to the apparatus body A1 while maintaining the second inclined posture D2. FIG. 21 (a) shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the apparatus body A1 and is located on an attaching and detaching path X2 a formed in the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81. FIG. 21 (e) is a view seen from the direction of the arrow X50 in FIG. 21 (a) in the state of FIG. 21 (a). The second inclined posture D2 of the coupling member 180 is a direction in which the rotation force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 faces the main body-side driving member 100 of the apparatus main body A1 when the developing cartridge B1 is on the attachment / detachment path X2a. To be more specific, in the vicinity of the abutting coupling member 180 and the body-side driving member 100 described later, the coupling member 180 is tilted to the direction of the body-side driving member 100 with the center 180s of the supported portion 180 b as a center. As described above, the coupling member 180 is tilted to form the second tilt regulation portion 36 kb 2 of the drive-side development bearing 36 (see FIGS. 13, 15, and 12).

FIG. 21 (b) shows a state where the development cassette B1 is inserted into the loading / unloading path X2a from the state shown in FIG. 21 (a). FIG. 21 (f) is a view seen from the direction of the arrow X50 in FIG. 21 (b). The ring portion 180f of the coupling member 180 is brought into contact with the body-side drive member 100. From the state shown in FIG. 21 (a) to the state shown in FIG. 21 (b), since the coupling member 180 is inclined to the direction of the body-side driving member 100, the coupling member 180 and the body-side driving shaft 100 can be easily made. Snap. In addition, as described above, the coupling member 180 maintains the second inclined posture D2 by receiving the combined force F3 from the coupling lever 56 and the coupling spring 185 by the guided portion 180d thereof (see FIG. 12). For the following description, an angle (inclination angle) formed by the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27 and the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 when the coupling member 180 is in the second inclined posture D2 is set to θ2a (see FIG. 21). (b)).

FIG. 21 (c) shows a state where the development cassette B1 is inserted into the attachment path X2a from the state shown in FIG. 21 (b). FIG. 21 (g) is a view viewed from an arrow X50 direction of FIG. 21 (c). FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the force relationship around the coupling member 180 when the ring portion 180f of the coupling member 180 is in contact with the body-side driving member 100. FIG.

The rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 is brought into contact with the collision portion 80y provided on the drive-side swing guide 80. From the state shown in FIG. 21 (b) to the state shown in FIG. 21 (c), the coupling member 180 is in contact with the body-side driving member 100 through the ring portion 180f, and the inclination angle becomes θ2b (≦ θ2a). To explain in more detail, the coupling member 180 receives the force F100 from the body-side driving member 100 to the abutting portion. When the force F100 resists the direction of the force F3 originally received by the coupling member 180 and is greater than F3, The inclination angle of the coupling member 180 is gradually reduced and relatively approaches a direction parallel to the rotation axis L3 of the drive input gear 27. That is, the coupling member 180 is centered on the center 180s of the supported portion 180b, and the inclination angle changes to θ2b <θ2a (see FIG. 15, FIG. 21 (b), FIG. 21 (c), and FIG. 23 (a)). . In addition, at this time, the coupling member 180 determines the inclination angle (θ2b) of 4 parts which are in contact with the coupling lever 55, the coupling spring 185, the body-side drive member 100, and the phase regulation portion 36kb of the drive-side development bearing 36. .

FIG. 21 (d) shows a state where the developing cartridge B1 is inserted in the direction of the attaching / detaching path X2a from the state shown in FIG. 21 (c). FIG. 21 (h) is a view seen from the direction of the arrow X50 in FIG. 21 (d). The rotation regulating portion 55 y of the coupling lever 55 is a collision portion 80 y that abuts on the drive-side swing guide 80. Therefore, with the insertion of the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the loading and unloading path X2a, the coupling lever 55 is relatively rotated in the developing cartridge B1 in the direction of the arrow X11b with the rotation axis L11 as the center. At this time, the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is also rotated toward the arrow X11b about the rotation axis L11 as a center. As a result, the coupling member 180 is guided along the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 while receiving the biasing force of the coupling spring 185, and its inclination angle θ2c decreases (θ2c <θ2b). In addition, the coupling member 180 is a three-part component that abuts on the coupling spring 185, the body-side drive member 100, and the phase regulation portion 36kb of the drive-side development bearing 36, and determines its inclination angle (θ2c).

FIG. 22 shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is inserted in the direction of the attaching and detaching path X2a from the state shown in FIG. 21 (d), and shows a state in which the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the apparatus body A1.

The coupling member 180 is engaged with the body-side driving member 100 and becomes a base. The quasi-posture D0 (the inclination angle θ2 = 0 ° of the coupling member 180).

In addition, at this time, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is separated from the second inclined regulation portion 36kb2 of the driving-side developing bearing 36 and does not abut on any of the phase regulating portion 36b of the driving-side developing bearing 36. (See Fig. 22 (c)). The guide portion 55 e of the coupling lever 55 is held in a state of being completely retracted from the guided portion 180 d of the coupling member 180. That is, the coupling member 180 is the two parts that abut the coupling spring 185 and the body-side driving member 100, and determines the inclination angle (θ2) thereof. (For details, refer to the reference posture D0 of the aforementioned coupling member 180).

<Operation of the coupling member 180 in the process of taking out the developing cartridge B1>

Next, the operation of the coupling member 108 in the process of removing the development cassette B1 from the apparatus body A1 will be described.

When the developing cartridge B1 is taken out from the main unit A1, the operation is the reverse of the operation when the mounting is described previously.

First, the user rotates the main body cover 94 of the device body A1 in the opening direction D1 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) in the same manner as in the installation to expose the inside of the device body A1. At this time, the development cassette B1 is maintained in a contact posture where the development roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 come into contact with each other by a configuration not shown together with the drive-side rocking guide 80 and the non-drive-side rocking guide 81.

Then, the development cassette B1 is moved in the removal direction along the attachment / detachment trajectory XH2 provided on the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81.

With the movement of the developing cartridge B1, the conflicting portion 80y of the drive-side rocking guide 80 abutting on the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 moves (FIG. 21 (d) to a state shown in FIG. 21 (c)). Along with this, the coupling lever 55 is rotated around the rotation axis L11 to the arrow X11 direction. When the development cassette B1 is moved, the coupling lever 55 rotates to the direction of the arrow X11, and the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 comes into contact with the guided portion 180d of the coupling member 180 (shown in FIG. 21 (c)). status). The coupling member 180 receiving the elastic pressure from both the coupling lever 55 and the coupling spring 185 starts to move in the direction of the second inclined posture D2 as described above. Finally, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is regulated by the guide portion 36kb2a, the guide portion 36kb2b, and the guide portion 36kb2c of the drive-side development bearing 36, and is engaged with the second tilt regulation portion 36kb2. The coupling member 180 is in a state of maintaining the second inclined posture D2.

Then, the development cassette B1 is moved in the removal direction along the attachment / detachment trajectory XH1 provided on the driving-side guide member 92 and the non-driving-side guide member 93, and is taken out of the main body device A1.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the coupling lever 55 and the coupling spring 56 to the developing cartridge B1 that causes the elastic pressure to act on the coupling member 180, the coupling member 180 can be tilted into the second tilted posture D2. The inclination direction in which the coupling member 180 is inclined by the coupling lever 55 is set to the direction of the mounting and unloading path X2a of the developing cassette B1, and the turning operation of the coupling lever 55 is linked to the mounting and unmounting operation of the developing cassette B1 by the user. Composition.

(7) Abutment discontinuities as movable members

The driving-side abutment spacer 70 which is a driving-side movable member will be described using FIG. 1 (a). Fig. 1 (a) shows the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and its periphery. An explanatory view of the shape is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 as viewed from the driving side.

As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the drive-side abutment spacer 70 has a first abutment surface 70a, a second abutment surface 70b, a third abutment surface 70c, a supported portion 70d, and a drive-side regulated abutment. The part 70e and the 1st protrusion part (one end side protrusion part) 70f. In the drive-side development bearing 36, the supported portion 70 d of the drive-side abutment spacer 70 is rotatably supported by the support portion 36 c of the drive-side development bearing 36.

Specifically, the hole of the supported portion 70d of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the boss of the supporting portion 36c of the driving side developing bearing 36 are fitted, whereby the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 is the supporting portion 36c. The boss is centered and is supported rotatably (in the direction of arrows N9 and N10). That is, the support part 36c becomes the rotation center of the drive side abutting on the spacer lever 70. Further, in the present embodiment, the support portion 36 c of the driving-side developing bearing 36 is parallel to the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller 13. That is, the driving-side development abutting spacer lever 70 is rotatable on a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis L0 of the development roller 13.

The drive-side abutment spacer 70 abuts on one end 71d of the drive-side development pressure spring 71 as a first elastic portion of the compression spring in the third abutment surface 70c. The other end 71 e of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 is in contact with the abutting surface 36 d of the driving-side developing bearing 36. As a result, the drive-side abutment spacer lever 70 is urged from the drive-side development pressure spring 71 in the direction of arrow N16 on the third abutment surface 70c. Then, the driving-side development pressurizing spring 71 is urged to the direction in which the driving-side abutment surface 70a of the abutment spacer 70 is separated from the development roller 13 (N16). In the state of the developing cartridge B1 alone, that is, the developing cartridge B1 is installed before the device body A1. In this state, the drive-side regulation abutting portion 70e is in contact with the regulation portion 36b provided in the drive-side development bearing 36.

Here, FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the development cassette B1 in which the projection driving side abuts the spacer lever 70. In FIG. 37, the supported portion 70 d (the rotation center of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70) is at a position overlapping the developer accommodating portion 16 a (that is, the inside of the developer accommodating portion 16 a). That is, when the developing cartridge B1 is viewed in an arrow N11 direction (see FIG. 4) parallel to the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller 13, the supported portion 70 d of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 is It is in a position overlapping with the developer accommodating portion 16 a of the developing container 16. In addition, although not shown, the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 also has the same configuration.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving-side abutment spacer 72 from the developer accommodating portion 16a, so that the developing cartridge B1 can be viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13. Small size.

The non-driving-side abutment spacer 72 as a non-driving-side movable member will be described using FIG. 1 (b). The non-driving side has a similar configuration to the driving side.

FIG. 1 (b) is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed from the non-driving side. However, in order to explain the configuration of the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72, some parts are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the non-drive side abutment spacer 72 has a non-drive side first abutment surface 72a, a non-drive side second abutment surface 72b, and a non-drive side third abutment surface 72c, The supported portion 72d, the non-drive-side regulated abutment portion 72e, and the non-drive-side first protruding portion (the other end-side protruding portion) 72f. and The supported portion 72d of the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 is supported by the supporting portion 46f of the non-driving side developing bearing 46. Specifically, the hole on the non-drive side abutting the supported portion 72d of the spacer lever 72 is fitted with the boss of the support portion 46f of the non-drive side development bearing 46, and the non-drive side abuts the spacer lever 72 to support The boss of the portion 46f is rotatably supported in the center (directions of arrows NH9 and NH10). That is, the support portion 46f is the rotation center of the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72. Further, in the present embodiment, the support portion 46 f of the non-drive-side development bearing 46 is parallel to the rotation axis L0 of the development roller 13. That is, the non-driving-side development abutment spacer rod 72 is rotatable on a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis L0 of the development roller 13.

The non-drive-side abutment spacer 72 abuts on one end 73 e of the non-drive-side development pressure spring 73 as a second elastic portion of the compression spring in the non-drive-side third abutment surface 72 c. The other end 73 d of the non-drive-side development pressure spring 73 is in contact with the contact surface 46 g of the non-drive-side development bearing 46. As a result, the non-driving side abutment spacer lever 72 receives the force FH10 from the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73 in the direction of arrow NH16 on the non-driving side third abutting surface 72c. Then, the non-driving side development pressure spring 73 is urged to the direction in which the non-driving side abuts the first contact surface 72a of the spacer lever 72 away from the development roller 13 (arrow NH16). In a state where the developing cartridge B1 is a single body, that is, before the developing cartridge B1 is installed in the apparatus body A1, the non-driving side regulation abutting portion 72e abuts on the non-driving side developing bearing 46. Regulation 46e.

As shown in FIG. 1, the regulation section 36 b and the regulation section 46 e are configured to develop the compression spring 71 and the development pressure spring 73 on the driving side, respectively. The biasing direction partially overlaps the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 and the non-driving-side developing pressure spring 73. In other words, the drive-side abutment spacer 70 is sandwiched between the regulation portion 36b and the drive-side development pressure spring 71, and is configured to receive a compressive force. That is, it is possible to accurately position the position of the spaced portion 70g after the regulation side 36b abuts the spaced portion 70g of the driving side abutting the spaced lever 70. The same applies to the non-drive side. As a result, it is possible to receive the separation force of the separation mechanism of the apparatus body described later at a high-precision timing.

The regulation unit 36 b and the regulation unit 46 e regulate the movement of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 in a direction away from the developing roller 13, respectively. In other words, the regulation portion 36b and the regulation portion 46e are respectively provided at positions where the driving-side abutting spacer lever 70 and the non-driving side abutting spacer lever 72 are moved in a direction away from the developing roller 13. When the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10, the driving side abutting the separation lever 70 and the non-driving side abutting the separation lever 72 are rotated to the rotation directions N10 and NH10, respectively, and are brought into contact with the regulation portion 36b and regulation. Section 46e. As a result, the separation force that becomes the separation mechanism of the device body will contact the separation lever 70 from the driving side and the separation lever 72 from the non-drive side to the driving-side developing bearing 36 of the developing frame via the regulating portion 36b and the regulating portion 46e. And the state conveyed by the non-driving side developing bearing 46.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the regulation portion 36b, the regulation portion 46e, the driving-side abutment spacer 70, the non-driving side abutting spacer 72, the driving-side developing pressure spring 71, and the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73. A schematic diagram of the positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the image roller 13. FIG. 44 is a diagram viewed from a direction orthogonal to the long-side direction (direction of the rotation axis L0) of the developing roller 13. Regulation 36b The N11 direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis L0) of the developing roller 13, and at least a portion thereof overlaps the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 and the driving-side third abutting surface 70c. Similarly, the regulation portion 46e is configured so that at least a part of the N11 direction overlaps with the non-driving-side development pressure spring 73 and the non-driving-side third contact surface 72c. Thereby, it is possible to receive the separation force of the separation mechanism of the apparatus body described later at a high-precision timing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the direction of the arrow M2 is also such that at least a part of the regulation portion 36 b overlaps the driving-side development pressure spring 71 and the driving-side third contact surface 70 c. Similarly, regarding the direction of the arrow M2, the regulation portion 46e is configured to at least partially overlap the non-drive-side development pressure spring 73 and the non-drive-side third contact surface 72c. However, any of the directions of the N11 direction or the arrow M2 direction may be the arrangement relationship between the regulatory portion 36b and the regulatory portion 46e described above.

Here, the spring pressure F10 of the driving-side development pressure spring 71 and the spring pressure FH10 of the non-drive-side development pressure spring 73 are set differently. The driving third contact surface 70c and the non-driving third contact surface 72c are arranged at different angles. This can be appropriately selected in consideration of the characteristics of the peripheral structure in such a manner that the pressing force of the developing roller 13 to the photoreceptor drum 10 described later can be appropriately formed. In this embodiment, in order to rotate and drive the developing roller 13, the influence of the moment M6 (see FIG. 27 (a)) generated in the developing cassette 13 when receiving the driving transmission from the device body A1 is considered. Relationship to set.

That is, on the driving side, as shown in FIG. 8, the coupling member 180 is rotated in the direction of arrow X6. The imaging cartridge B1 that receives its rotational force is The moving-side rocking guide 80 integrally swings around the support portion 80g (see FIG. 27) in the direction of the arrow N6 shown in FIG. 27. When the rotational force (torque) received by the coupling member 180 from the body-side driving member 100 is sufficient, only the torque of the coupling member 180 generates a moment in the direction of the arrow N6, and generates a force for pressing the development roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10. Therefore, compared with the elastic pressure FH10 of the non-drive-side development pressure spring 73, the elastic pressure F10 of the drive-side development pressure spring 71 can also be reduced.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), a line Z30 parallel to the mounting direction X2 (FIG. 17) of the developing cartridge B1 to the apparatus body A1 is passed through the center 13z of the developing roller 13. The driving-side abutment spacer 70 is disposed on the side opposite to the photosensitive drum 10 with respect to the straight line Z30 (the lower side in the direction of gravity in this embodiment). When a development cassette is attached or detached by this structure, the arrangement freedom with respect to the drum cassette C increases. Specifically, the configuration in which the drive side abuts the spacer lever 70 does not protrude in the direction of the drum cartridge C increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the drum cartridge C. It is not necessary to form an arrangement that avoids interference with the protruding drive side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the like.

In addition, the first protruding portion 70f of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 is more developed than the developing container 16 and the driving side when viewed from the driving side of the developing cartridge along the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction). The bearing 36 and the developing side cover 34 (see FIG. 10) also protrude.

That is, when the developing cartridge is viewed from the driving side (one end side) along the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis L0), as shown in FIG. 11, the driving side abuts against the first protruding portion (one end) of the spacer 70. The side protrusions 70f are exposed from the development frames (16, 46, 36, 34).

However, when the development cassette B1 is viewed along the long side direction (direction of the rotation axis L0), the drive-side spacer 70 does not have to be exposed from the development housing (16, 46, 36, 34). When the developing cartridge B1 is viewed from the driving side or the driven side, a configuration in which the first protruding portion 70f is not exposed (invisible) after the driving side spacer 70 is hidden in the developing frame can also be imagined.

That is, the projection 70f is a cross section of the development cassette (see FIG. 1) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (the rotation axis L0 of the development roller 13) as long as it passes the drive-side spacer 70 (especially the projection 70f). In (a)), it is sufficient to protrude from the development frame (16, 46, 36, 34). With such a configuration, the driving-side device pressing member 150 (see FIG. 27) described later can be engaged with the protruding portion 70 f.

In other words, as long as the position of the driving-side spacer 70 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13, the protruding portion 70f may protrude from the developing housing to form the outer shape of the developing cassette. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 70f protrudes from the driving-side development bearing 36 at a position where the driving-side spacer 70 is disposed. The protruding portion 70f may be covered by a development side cover 34 located on the outer side in the longer side direction than the drive side spacer lever 70, or it may be a development container 16 located on the inner side in the longer side direction than the drive side spacer lever 70. Covered composition like concealment.

In conclusion, when viewed from the cross section of the position where the drive side abuts the spacer lever 70 in the direction of the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller 13, the drive side abutment spacer 70 protrudes into the outer shape of the development cassette B1.

The protruding direction (direction of arrow M2) of the first protruding portion 70f is a movable direction (moving direction: directions of arrows N9 and N10) of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and a movable direction of the developing cartridge B1 ( Moving direction: The arrow N6 direction (see FIG. 27 (a)) crosses.

In addition, the first protruding portion 70f is a supported portion 70d that abuts the spacer lever 70 on the driving side, and has a first abutting surface 70a on the side opposite to the developing roller 13. As described later in detail, when the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10, the second contact surface 150b of the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the first contact surface 70a of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 abut against each other. (Refer to Fig. 27 (a)). In addition, a tip end of the first protruding portion 70f is provided with a spaced-apart portion 70g that intersects with the protruding direction (arrow M2 direction) of the first protruding portion 70f and protrudes to the development roller 13 side. The intervened portion 70g has a second contact surface 70b. As described later in detail, when the developing roller 13 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 10 (see FIG. 28), it becomes the first abutment surface 150 a of the drive-side device pressing member 150 and the second abutment surface 70 b of the drive-side abutment spacer 70. Abutting composition.

Next, the shape of the non-driving side abutting spacer lever 72 will be described in detail using FIG. 1 (b). As with the driving side, the non-driving side abutment spacer 72 passes through the center 13z of the developing roller 13 and is arranged on the line Z30 parallel to the mounting direction X2 of the developing cartridge B1 toward the device main body A1, and is arranged on the photosensitive side. The drum 10 is on the opposite side (the lower side in the direction of gravity in this embodiment). When a development cassette is attached or detached by this structure, the arrangement freedom between the drum cassettes C increases. Specifically, with the configuration in which the non-driving side abuts the spacer lever 72 so as not to protrude in the direction of the drum cartridge C, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the drum cartridge C increases. It is not necessary to form a configuration that avoids interference with the protruding non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 and the like.

The first protrusion 72f of the non-drive side abutting the spacer lever 72 is Viewed from the longitudinal direction, it is more prominent than the developing container 16 and the non-driving side developing bearing 46. That is, when the developing cartridge is viewed from the non-driving side (the other end side) along the longitudinal direction (the direction of the rotation axis L0), the non-driving side abuts the first protrusion (the other end side protrusion) of the spacer 72. ) 72f is exposed from the development frame (16, 46, 36, 34) (see FIG. 5).

However, similarly to the first projection 70f, the first protruding portion 72f does not need to be exposed when the development cassette B1 is viewed along the longitudinal direction (the direction of the rotation axis L0).

That is, the first protruding portion 72f is also the same, as long as it passes through the drive-side spacer 72 (especially the protruding portion 72f), the cross section of the development cassette orthogonal to the long side direction (the rotation axis L0 of the development roller 13). It is sufficient to protrude from the developing frame (16, 36, 34). With such a configuration, the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 (see FIG. 29) described later can be engaged with the protruding portion 72 f.

In other words, as long as the driving-side spacer 70 is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13, the protruding portion 70f protrudes from the developing frame (the non-driving-side side cover 46 in this embodiment) to form a developing cartridge B1. Shape. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the development frame covers the first protruding portion 72f and is hidden from the outside in the longer direction or the inside in the longer direction than the position where the drive-side spacer lever 72 is disposed.

In conclusion, when viewed from the cross section of the position where the non-driving side abuts the distance rod 72 in the direction of the rotation axis L0 of the developing roller 13, the non-driving side abuts the distance rod 72 protrudes into the outer shape of the developing cartridge B1.

The protruding direction (direction of arrow MH2) of the first protruding portion 72f is the movable direction (moving direction: directions of arrows NH9 and NH10) of the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72, and the movable direction of the developing cartridge B1 (Mobile party Direction: direction of arrow M1 (Fig. 27 (a))). The first protruding portion 72f is a supported portion 72d that abuts the spacer lever 72 on the non-driving side, and has a first contact surface 72a on the side opposite to the developing roller 13. As described in detail later, when the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10, the second abutment surface 151b serving as the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 abuts the first abutting surface 72a of the non-driving-side abutment spacer 72. Structure (Figure 29).

Further, a front end of the first protruding portion 72f is provided with a spaced-apart portion 72g that intersects with the protruding direction (arrow MH2 direction) of the first protruding portion 72f from the developing container 16 and protrudes to the developing roller 13 side. The intervened portion 72g has a second contact surface 72b. As will be described in detail later, when the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10 (see FIG. 29), it becomes the first abutment surface 151 a of the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 and the second abutting of the non-driving side abutting the separation lever 72 The structure in which the surface 72b abuts.

The drive-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-drive-side abutment spacer 72 are provided at both ends of the developing cassette with respect to the axial direction (long side direction) of the developing roller 13 as described above. Further, the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving side abutment spacer 72 may be disposed outside the media width such as recording paper, label paper, OHP sheet and the like used for image formation. In this case, when the device main body is viewed in a plane with the longitudinal direction as a normal line, the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the like and the medium, and the conveying member of the device body provided with the medium may be disposed at the intersection position. As a result, miniaturization of the device body can also be achieved.

Next, the arrangement of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving-side abutment spacer 72 will be described in detail using FIG. 24. Figure 24 The front view of the development cassette B1 when looking at the wheel 13 side. However, the supporting portion 36 a of the driving-side developing bearing 36 that supports the driving-side supported portion 13 a of the developing roller 13 and the non-driving-side developing bearing 46 that supports the non-driven-side supported portion 13 c of the developing roller 13 are supported. The vicinity of the portion 46f is a cross-sectional view.

As described above, the driving-side abutment spacer 70 is provided at the driving-side end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. The non-driving side abutment spacer 72 is provided at the non-driving side end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. Furthermore, the rotational movements of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-drive-side abutment spacer 72 (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in FIG. 1 (a), and directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in FIG. 1 (b)) are different from each other. Influence, can be turned independently.

Here, the driving-side supported portion 13a of the developing roller 13 is longer than the driving-side end portion L13bk of the image formation range L13b in the longitudinal direction, and is supported by the supporting portion 36a of the driving-side developing bearing 36. . The non-drive-side supported portion 13 c of the developing roller 13 is longer on the outside than the non-drive-side end portion L 13 bh of the image formation range L 13 b and is supported by the support portion 46 f of the non-drive-side development bearing 46. Then, at least a part of the range of the entire length L13a of the developing roller 13 is arranged so that the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving-side abutment spacer 72 overlap. Moreover, it is arrange | positioned outside the image formation range L13b of the developing roller 13.

That is, the driving-side supported portion 13 a of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the developing roller 13 is the driving-side end of the driving-side end portion L13 bk of the image forming area L13 b and the entire length L13 a of the developing roller 13. At least a part of the area L14k sandwiched by the part L13ak overlaps. Therefore, the driving-side supported portion 13 a of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the developing roller 13 is It is arranged in a position close to the longitudinal direction.

The non-driving side supported portion 13c of the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 and the developing roller 13 is a non-driving side end portion L13bh of the image forming area L13b and the non-driving side end portion L13a of the developing roller 13 is a non-driving side. The area L14h sandwiched by the driving side end portion L13ah overlaps at least partly so that the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 and the non-driving side supported portion 13c of the developing roller 13 are arranged so as to conform to this relationship. Therefore, the non-driving side abuts the spacer lever 72 and the driving-side supported portion 13 c of the developing roller 13 is positioned close to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. (Explanation of the composition of abutment)

(Development pressure of the device body and imaging separation structure)

Next, a description will be given of the pressurization and development separation of the device body.

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

As shown in FIG. 25, the apparatus main body A1 is provided with a drive-side guide member 92 and a drive-side swing guide 80 for attaching and detaching the development cassette B1 to and from the apparatus main body A1. The drive-side guide member 92 and the drive-side rocking guide 80 guide the drive-side guided portion 34d of the development cassette B1 when the development cassette B1 is mounted in the apparatus body (see FIG. 18).

As shown in FIG. 25 (a), the driving-side guide member 92 is guided from the driving side. The boss-shaped positioned portion 92d and the rotation-regulated portion 92e protruding from the guide member 92 are supported by the hole-shaped positioning portion 90a and the rotation-regulated portion 90b provided in the drive-side side plate 90, respectively. Then, the driving-side guide member 92 is positioned and fixed to the driving-side side plate 90 by a fixing means such as a screw (not shown). In addition, the supported convex portion 80 g of the drive-side swing guide 80 having a cylindrical shape is supported by being fitted into a hole-shaped support portion 90 c provided in the drive-side side plate 90. Therefore, the drive-side rocking guide 80 is rotatably supported by the drive-side side plate 90 in the arrow N5 direction and the arrow N6 direction.

In the above description, the support portion 90c provided on the drive-side side plate 90 has a hole shape (concave shape). On the other hand, the supported convex portion 80g provided on the drive-side swing guide 80 has a convex shape, but The uneven relationship is not limited to this, and the uneven relationship may be reversed.

Further, between the protruding portion 80h of the driving-side rocking guide 80 and the protruding portion 90d of the driving-side side plate 90, there is a driving-side spring pressing means 76 provided with a tension spring. The driving side rocking guide 80 is urged by the driving side springing means 76 to the direction of the arrow N6 that brings the protruding portion 80h of the driving side rocking guide 80 and the protruding portion 90d of the driving side plate 90 closer. Further, a drive-side device pressing member 150 is provided in the device body A1 to bring the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 into contact with the developing roller 13 and to separate the two from each other. The driving-side device pressing member 150 is supported by a bottom plate (not shown) in a state movable in the arrow N7 direction and the arrow N8 direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, the apparatus main body A1 is provided with a non-drive-side guide mechanism for attaching and detaching the developing cartridge B1 to the apparatus main body A1. Piece 93, non-drive side shaking guide 81. The non-driving-side guide member 93 and the non-driving-side rocking guide 81 guide the non-driving-side guided portion 46d of the developing cassette B1 when the developing cassette B1 is mounted in the apparatus body (see FIG. 18).

As shown in FIG. 26 (a), the non-driving side guide member 93 is a positioned portion 93d having a boss shape protruding from the non-driving side guide member 93, and a regulated portion 93e is rotated. The positioned portion 93d and the rotation regulation portion 93e are supported by the positioning portion 91a and the rotation regulation portion 91b provided in the hole shape of the non-driving side plate 91, respectively. Then, the non-driving side guide member 93 is positioned and fixed to the non-driving side plate 91 by a fixing means such as a screw (not shown). In addition, the supported convex portion 81 g of the non-drive side swing guide 81 having a cylindrical shape is fitted and supported by a hole-shaped support portion 91 c provided in the non-drive side side plate 91. Therefore, the non-drive side swing guide 81 is rotatably supported to the non-drive side plate 91 in the direction of arrow N5 and the direction of arrow N6.

In the above description, the support portion 91c provided on the non-drive-side side plate 91 has a hole shape (concave shape), and the supported convex portion 81g provided on the non-drive side swing guide 81 has a convex shape. However, the unevenness relationship is not limited to this, and the unevenness relationship may be reversed.

Further, a non-drive-side spring pressing means 77 is provided between the protrusion 81 h of the non-drive side swing guide 81 and the protrusion 91 d of the non-drive side plate 91. The non-driving side rocking guide 81 is urged by the non-driving side springing means 77 to an arrow N6 to bring the protrusion 81h of the non-driving side shaking guide 81 and the protrusion 91d of the non-driving side guide member 91 closer. to.

Further, similar to the driving side, a non-driving-side device pressing member 151 is provided on the device body A1 to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 with the developing roller 13 and to separate the two from each other. The non-driving-side device pressing member 151 is supported by a bottom plate (not shown) of the device body A in a state where it can be moved to the arrow N7 direction and the arrow N8 direction.

(Pressurizing and developing the imaging drum)

Next, the pressurization and separation between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 will be described.

<Pressure mechanism>

The configuration of the developing roller 13 will be described below.

FIG. 27 (a) is a side view showing a state in which the developing roller 13 provided in the developing cartridge B1 supported by the drive-side rocking guide 80 abuts against the photosensitive drum 10. 27 (c) is a detailed view of the driving side abutting on the periphery of the spacer lever 70 in FIG. 27 (a), and the driving side swing guide 80 and the developing side cover 34 are not shown for illustration.

In this embodiment, a so-called contact development method is used, so that the developing roller 13 carrying the developer t on the surface directly contacts the photosensitive drum 10, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10.

The developing roller 13 is composed of a shaft portion 13e and a rubber portion 13d. The shaft portion 13e is a conductive, elongated cylindrical shape such as aluminum, and the center portion is covered with a rubber portion 13d in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6). Here, the rubber section 13d covers the shaft portion 13e so that the outer shape is coaxial with the shaft portion 13e. Then, a magnet roller 12 is built in the cylinder of the shaft portion 13e. The rubber portion 13d carries the developer t on the peripheral surface, and biases the shaft portion 13e. Then, the rubber portion 13d in a state where the developer t is supported is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, thereby developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10.

Next, a mechanism for pressing the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 under a predetermined contact pressure will be described.

As described above, the drive-side rocking guide 80 is swingably supported by the drive-side side plate 90 in the directions of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6. In addition, the non-drive side swing guide 81 is supported on the non-drive side side plate 91 in the direction of arrows N5 and N6 so as to be swingable. Then, as described above, the development cassette B1 is positioned with respect to the drive-side swing guide 80 and the non-drive-side swing guide 81. Therefore, the development cassette B1 is in a state capable of swinging in the direction of the arrow N5 and the arrow N6 in the apparatus body A1 (see FIG. 29).

In this state, as shown in FIGS. 27 (a) and 27 (c), the second contact surface 150 b of the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the first contact surface 70 a of the driving side abutting the spacer 70. Will abut. Thereby, the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 is in a state of rotating in the direction of the arrow N9 of FIG. 27 (c) against the elastic pressure of the driving side development pressure spring 71. Then, the third abutment surface 70c of the driving-side abutting spacer lever 70 compresses the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 and receives a spring force F10a from the driving-side developing pressure spring 71. As a result, the moment M10 in the direction of the arrow N10 acts on the driving side to abut the spacer lever 70. At this time, the second contact surface 150b of the drive-side device pressing member 150 is in contact with the first contact surface 70a of the drive-side contact spacer 70. So drive The first abutment surface 70a of the side abutting spacer lever 70 receives a force F11 from the second abutment surface 150b of the driving-side device pressing member 150, so that a moment balanced with the moment M10 will act on the drive-side abutment spacer 70 . Therefore, the external force of the force F11 acts on the developing cartridge B1. In addition, as described above, the driving-side spring means 76 is provided between the protruding portion 80 h of the driving-side rocking guide 80 and the protruding portion 90 d of the driving-side side plate 90, and is pushed in the direction of the arrow N12. Therefore, in the development cassette B1 positioned on the drive-side rocking guide 80, the external force of the force F12 acts in the direction of the arrow N12.

That is, the developing cartridge B1 receives the direction in which the developing roller 13 approaches the photosensitive drum 10 by the force F11 of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 and the force F12 of the driving-side elastic means 76 (direction of arrow N6). Moment M6. By this moment M6, the elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 can be pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 with a predetermined pressure.

Next, FIG. 29 (a) is a side view showing a state where the developing roller 13 provided in the developing cartridge B1 supported by the non-drive-side rocking guide 81 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. 29 (c) is a detailed view of the driving side abutting the periphery of the spacer lever 72 in FIG. 29 (a). For the sake of explanation, the non-drive side swing guide 81 and a part of the non-drive side development bearing 46 are not shown. display.

The non-driving side also has the same structure as the driving side. As shown in FIGS. 29 (a) and 29 (c), the developing card is subjected to the non-driving side development pressure spring 73 and the non-driving side springing means 77 to align the developing card Box B1 acts on external forces FH11 and FH12. With this, the developing cartridge B1 receives the moment (M6) in the direction in which the developing roller 13 approaches the photosensitive drum 10 (arrow N6 direction), and the elastic layer 13d of the developing roller 13 can be crimped with a predetermined pressure.于 Photosensitive drum 10.

Here, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the distance from the center of the supported portion 70 d to the center of the third contact surface 70 c is D10 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13. Similarly, the distance from the center of the supported portion 70d to the portion of the first contact surface 70a that is pressed by the drive-side device pressing member 150 is D11. Then, the relationship between the distance D10 and the distance D11 is: D10 <D11

Therefore, the third abutment surface 70c of the driving-side abutting distance lever 70 that abuts on one end 71d of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 is in the direction of the protruding direction M2, and is arranged on the driving-side abutting distance lever 70. Between the support portion 70d and the first contact surface 70a. That is, the relationship between the distance W10 from the supported portion 70d to the third contact surface 70c and the distance W11 from the supported portion 70d to the first contact surface 70a becomes: W10 <W11

Therefore, the relationship between the moving amount W13 of the third contact surface 70c when the moving amount of the first contact surface 70a is W12 is: W13 <W12

Here, W13 = W12 × (W10 / W11).

Therefore, even when there is an error in the positional accuracy of the driving-side device pressing member 150, the variation in the compression amount of the driving-side development pressure spring 71 is smaller than the error in the positional accuracy of the driving-side device pressing member 150. As a result, the accuracy of the pressing force with which the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 can be improved. Since the non-driving side has the same structure, the same effect can be obtained.

As described above, in the longitudinal direction, the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving-side abutment lever 72 are arranged to overlap at least the entire length L13a of the developing roller 13 (see FIG. 24). Therefore, the first abutment surfaces 70 a and 72 a of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving-side spacer lever 72 and the long sides of the driven-side supported portion 13 a and the non-driven-side supported portion 13 c of the developing roller 13 can be reduced. Position difference in direction. The driving-side abutment spacer lever 70 is a person receiving external force F11 (see FIG. 27 (a)), and the non-drive-side spacer lever 72 is a person receiving external force FH11 (see FIG. 29). Then, as a result of reducing the position difference, moments acting on the driving-side development bearing 36 and the non-driving-side development bearing 46 can be suppressed. Therefore, the developing roller 13 can be crimped to the photosensitive drum efficiently.

In addition, as described above, the rotational movements of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 (directions of arrows N9 and N10 in FIG. 27 (a), and directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in FIG. 29) They can rotate independently of each other. Therefore, for the photosensitive drum 10, when the developing roller 13 is in a crimped state, the positions of the arrow N7 and N8 directions of the driving-side device pressing member 150 (see FIG. 25) and the pressing of the non-driving device can be set independently. The positions in the directions of arrows NH7 and NH8 of the member 151 (see FIG. 26). Furthermore, it is not necessary to make the directions of rotation of the driving side abutting the spacer 70 and the non-driving side abutting the spacer 72 (the directions of arrows N9 and N10 in FIG. 27 (a) and the directions of arrows NH9 and NH10 in FIG. 29). . As a result, the magnitudes and directions of the pressing forces F11 and FH11 for press-contacting the development roller 13 on the driving side and the non-driving side on the photosensitive drum 10 can be made appropriate. Moreover, even if there is a relative error in the positions of the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the non-driving-side device pressing member 151, Do not affect each other's pushing force F11, FH11. As a result, the contact pressure of the developing roller 13 with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 can be increased with high accuracy.

The position of the developing cartridge B1 in a state where the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 can be developed by contacting the photosensitive drum 10 with the developing roller 13 is referred to as an abutment position. On the other hand, the position of the developing cartridge B1 in a state where the photoreceptor drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are spaced apart is referred to as a spaced position. The development cassette B1 has a configuration in which the development cassette B1 can select an abutment position and a gap position by a mechanism described later.

<Electrical connection between the imaging cartridge and the device body using a pressurization mechanism>

Next, the configuration of the electrical connection between the developing cartridge B1 and the apparatus body A1 will be described with reference to FIG. 38. When the developing cartridge B1 is in the aforementioned abutting position, the electrode portion 47a of the memory substrate 47 of the developing cartridge B1 and the power supply contact 120A of the device body A1 are in contact with each other. Here, since the power supply contact 120A is spring-loaded, as shown in FIG. 39, a predetermined amount is advanced from the shape 120Aa before the development of the developing cartridge B1 by the electrode portion 47a. As a result, the electrical contact 120A causes the contact pressure FH13 of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 to leave the direction to reach the developing cartridge B1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 38, a force FH11 in a direction that brings the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 closer to each other acts on the developing cartridge B1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 38 (a), the non-driving-side abutment spacer 72 is a first position from the abutting surface 46e of the non-driving-side developing bearing 46, and the non-driving-side device member At 151, the protruding portion 72f is advanced toward the second position close to the developing roller 13. The electrode portion 47a is in a position from the first position to the second position. On the downstream side of the moving direction W, the moving direction W intersects the surface (exposed surface) of the electrode portion 47a.

Therefore, the force FH11 and the contact pressure FH13 that move the non-drive side abutting the spacer lever 72 in the direction W are opposing force components. Here, in order to stabilize the electrical connection between the electrode portion 47a and the power feeding contact 120A, a contact pressure FH13 or more is required. In this configuration, in addition to the force for stably crimping the elastic layer of the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10, a force FH11 for setting the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73 is added in consideration of the contact pressure F13 described above. the size of. That is, by the force FH11, it is possible to achieve both the secure contact pressure FH13 of the electrical connection and the pressure contact of the developing roller 13 to the photosensitive drum 10. In this way, the electrode portion 47a and the power supply contact 120A can be electrically connected to perform communication between the electrical substrate (not shown) of the device body and the electrode portion 47a.

Here, the case of increasing the external force FH12 of the non-drive-side spring pressing means 77 and ensuring the contact pressure FH13 can also be considered. However, in this case, it is necessary to increase the spring force of the non-drive side pressing spring 85 so that the development cassette B1 does not come out of the non-drive side rocking guide 81 (see FIG. 26). On the other hand, the non-driving side pressing spring 85 is pushed down by the user's operating force when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the non-driving side swing guide 81 as described above. Therefore, the user is required to install the developing cartridge B1 with greater force. As described above, if the contact pressure FH13 is to be ensured by the force FH12 of the non-drive side spring pressing means 77, the user's operability may be deteriorated. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the contact pressure FH13 is ensured by developing the force FH11 of the pressure spring 73 with the non-driving side, so that the operability of the user is not deteriorated. Shape to position the development cassette B1.

In addition, in this embodiment, the relationship between the electrode portion 47 a and the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 may be changed to the relationship described below. For example, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), in the normal direction Z of the electrode portion 47a of the contact portion of the power supply contact 120A, the distance between the electrode portion 47a and the non-driving side abutting the distance rod 72 is set at the first position L1 is set to L2 in the second position. At this time, the electrode portion 47a is arranged so that L2 <L1. Thereby, the force for moving the non-driving side abutting spacer lever 72 from the first position to the second position can be utilized for securing the contact pressure FH13.

Further, as shown in FIG. 38, in this embodiment, the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72, the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73, and the memory substrate 47 are all mounted on the non-driving side developing bearing. 46. That is, the position where the electrode portion 47a of the acting portion of the contact pressure F13 and the non-driving side of the acting portion of the force FH11 abut the spacer lever 72 will be arranged on the same plane orthogonal to the axis L0 of the developing roller 13 . In other words, regarding the direction of the axis line L0 of the developing roller 13, the electrode portion 47 a and the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 at least partially overlap. Therefore, between the contact pressure F13 and the force FH11, the occurrence of the moment of the rotation axis T having a direction orthogonal to the axis of the developing roller can be reduced, and the posture of the developing cartridge B1 can be made more stable.

In addition, the memory substrate 47 is not a driving side but a bearing 46 mounted on a non-driving side. If the memory substrate 47 is provided on the driving side, there is a possibility that the memory substrate 47 may be affected by the driving force acting on the coupling member 180. However, since the memory substrate 47 is provided in the non-driving side developing bearing 46 in this embodiment, it is not easily affected by the driving force, and the contact pressure FH13 is stable.

<Separation agency>

FIG. 28 (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the developing cartridge B1 when the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are shifted from the abutting state to the spaced state. 28 (c) is a detailed view of the driving side abutting on the periphery of the distance lever 70 in FIG. 28 (a), and the driving side swing guide 80 and the developing side cover 34 are not shown for illustration.

FIG. 28 (b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the developing roller B and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated from each other by the developing cartridge B1. 28 (d) is a detailed view of the driving side abutting on the periphery of the spacer lever 70 in FIG. 28 (b), and the driving side swing guide 80 and the developing side cover 34 are not shown for illustration.

Here, in the case of the contact developing method like this embodiment, if the developing roller 13 is constantly maintained in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in FIG. 27 (a), there is a fear that the rubber portion of the developing roller 13 may be present. 13b fear of deformation. Therefore, it is desirable to leave the developing roller 13 away from the photosensitive drum 10 during non-development. That is, as shown in FIG. 27 (a), the state where the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 and the state where the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in FIG. 28 (b) are ideal. . On the drive side, the intervening lever 70 is provided with an intervened portion 70g protruding in the direction of the developing roller 13. The intervening portion 70g is configured to be engageable with the first abutment surface 150a provided on the driving-side device pressing member 150, which is provided on the device body A1. The drive-side device pressing member 150 receives a driving force from a motor (not shown) and is configured to be movable in the directions of arrows N7 and N8.

Next, the operation of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 in a spaced state will be described. In the abutting state of the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 shown in FIG. 27 (a), the first abutting surface 150 a and the spaced-apart portion 70 g are spaced apart with a gap of a distance δ 5.

On the other hand, FIG. 28 (a) shows a state where the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves only a distance δ6 in the direction of the arrow N8, and the first abutting surface 70 a of the driving-side abutting spacer 70 is pressed with the driving-side device The second abutting surface 150b of the member 150 is in a separated state. At this time, the first abutment surface 70a of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 receives the elastic pressure F10 of the driving side developing pressure spring 71, and rotates in the direction of the arrow N10 around the supported portion 70d. The regulation abutment portion 70 e that abuts the spacer lever 70 abuts the regulation portion 36 b of the drive-side bearing member 36. Thereby, a position where the driving side abuts the spacer lever 70 and the driving side bearing member 36 is determined.

FIG. 28 (b) shows a state in which the drive-side device pressing member 150 has moved only a distance δ7 in the direction of the arrow N8. When the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves in the direction of arrow N8, the spaced-apart surface 70g of the driving-side abutting spacer lever 70 and the first contact surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150 abut. At this time, since the regulation abutment portion 70e of the drive-side abutment spacer 70 is in contact with the regulation portion 36b of the drive-side bearing member 36, the development cartridge B1 moves in the direction of arrow N8. Here, the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 41. The developing cassette B1 is positioned to be slidable in the direction of arrow N3 and arrow N4 with respect to the driving side plate 90, and is supported by the arrow N5 and arrow. Drive side rocking guide 80 in the direction of No. N6. Therefore, the driving member-side pressing member 150 moves in the direction of arrow N8, and the developing cartridge B1 is developed. Will move in the direction of arrow N5. At this time, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in a state of being separated by a distance of δ8 from each other.

The non-driving side has the same configuration as the driving side, as shown in FIGS. 29 (b) and 29 (d), in a state where the non-driving side abuts the spacer lever 72 and the non-driving side device pressing member 151. The non-drive-side device pressing member 151 moves only in the direction of the arrow NH8 by a distance of δh7. Thereby, the developing cartridge B1 is rotated to the arrow N5 direction with the supported convex portion 81g of the rocking guide 81 as a center, and the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated from each other by a distance of δ8.

In this way, according to the positions of the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 provided in the device body A1, the contact state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 or the gap state is selected as required.

Further, as shown in FIG. 27 (a) and the like, the driving side abutting distance lever 70 is viewed from the rotation axis direction L0 of the developing roller 13, and the cross section where the driving side abuts the distance lever 70 is A method capable of forming the outer shape of the developing cartridge B1 protrudes from the developing container 16. Therefore, it is possible to easily engage the drive-side abutment spacer 70 with the drive-side device pressing member 150. Furthermore, it is a structure which can use the one part of the drive side abutment spacer 70 to move the developing cartridge B1 to a contact position and a spacer position. The same applies to the non-drive side.

Then, when the state of contact between the developing roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 13 shown in FIG. 27 (a) is shifted to the distance between the developing roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 13 shown in FIG. 28 (b), the driving side is shaken and guided. The 80 rotates integrally with the development cassette B1. Therefore, the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is maintained from the coupling structure. A state where the guided portion 180d of the piece 180 is retracted (see FIG. 28 (b)).

Further, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), when the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated from each other, the guided portion 180 d of the coupling member 180 is in contact with the guide portion 185 d of the coupling spring 185. Thereby, the coupling member 180 receives the force F1 and assumes the aforementioned first inclined posture D1.

As described above, the driving side abutting the spacer lever 70 and the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 respectively have a pressurized surface (first abutment surfaces 70a, 72a) and a separated surface (second abutment surface 70g, 72g). The pressing surface (second abutment surfaces 150b, 151b) and the separating surface (150a, 151a) will act on the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the non-driving-side device pressing member 151, respectively. With this, each of the single parts abutting the spacer lever 70 on the driving side and the spacer lever 72 on the non-driving side can select the contact state or the gap state between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 as needed (see FIG. 27 ( a) and Figure 28). As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the development cassette B1. In addition, since the contact state or the gap state can be controlled by a single part, for example, the timing when transitioning from the contact state to the gap state can be increased with high accuracy.

As shown in FIG. 24, the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving side abutment spacer 72 are independently provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a contact spacer in the longitudinal direction, so that the development cassette B1 can be miniaturized (area Y1 in FIG. 24). Accordingly, the space in the area Y1 can be used as a component of the device body A1, and therefore, the size of the device body A1 can be reduced.

<Operation of the coupling member interlocking with the operation from the abutment state to the alienation state>

Next, the operation of the coupling member 180 in conjunction with the abutment operation and the gap operation of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

First, a description will be given of the engagement release operation of the coupling member 180 and the main body side driving member 100 when the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the spaced state to the abutment state.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the engagement state of the coupling member 180 and the main body driving member 100 in the development abutment state and the development gap state.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing the engagement state of the coupling member 180 and the main body driving member 100 of the developing abutting state and the developing gap state, as viewed from the driving side.

In the image formation, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), the driving-side abutting spacer lever 70 is pushed by the driving-side device pressing member 150 with the elastic force F11. In addition, the developing roller 13 of the developing cartridge B1 and the photosensitive drum 10 are brought into a developing contact state with a predetermined pressure. Further, as shown in FIG. 30 (a), the coupling member 180 is in the posture of the reference posture D0. At this time, the development cassette B1 is located at an engagement position where the rotational force receiving portion 180 a of the coupling member 180 and the rotational force imparting portion 100 a of the main body side driving member 100 are engaged. The development cassette B1 is in a state capable of being driven and transmitted from the body-side driving member 100 to the coupling member 180 by the force of a rotating motor (not shown).

The guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is held in a state of being completely retracted from the guided portion 180b of the coupling member 180 (see FIG. 11). This is because, as described above, the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 abuts the collision portion 80y of the drive-side swing guide 80, and the rotation axis L11 thereof is The rotation in the direction of the arrow X11 in the center is regulated (see also Figure 11).

Next, the posture of the coupling member 180 regarding the process of moving the development cassette B1 from the development contact state to the development gap state will be described.

Once the image formation is completed, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 (not shown) move in the direction of arrow N8. Once the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves in the direction of arrow N8, the driving-side abutment distance lever 70 will rotate in the direction of arrow N10 by the elastic force of the driving-side development pressure spring 71 (see FIG. 28 (b)). ). The driving-side device pressing member 150 moves in a state of an arrow N8 from a state in which the abutment regulation portion 70e of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 abuts on the positioning portion 36b of the driving-side development bearing 36. Then, the developing cartridge B1 and the driving-side rocking guide 80 are integrated, and the supported projection 80g of the driving-side rocking guide 80 is rotated to the arrow N5 direction. The non-driving side is also the same, and the developing cartridge B1 and the non-driving side swing guide 81 are integrated, and are rotated to the arrow N5 direction (not shown) around the supported convex portion 81 g of the drive-side swing guide 81. As a result, the development roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10 in a development-developed state. Since the developing cartridge B1 and the drive-side rocking guide 80 are moved integrally, even in the state shown in FIG. 31 (b), the guide portion 55e of the coupling lever 55 is maintained completely from the coupling member 180. A state where the guided portion 180b is retracted. This is because, as described above, the collision portion 80y is formed integrally with the drive-side swing guide 80 (see FIG. 20). On the other hand, in the coupling member 180, a spring force is applied by a coupling spring 185. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), as the developing cartridge B1 moves from the abutting state to the spaced state, the coupling member 180 The axis L2 is gradually inclined from the state of the reference posture D0 to the direction of the first inclined posture D1. Then, when the developing cartridge B1 is further rotated to the direction of arrow N5 to form the state of FIG. 31 (c), the tilting movement of the coupling member 180 is ended. At this time, as described above, the phase regulation boss 180e of the coupling member 180 is the first tilt regulation portion 36kb1 (see FIG. 11) engaged with the driving-side development bearing 36, and the axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is held at the first A tilted posture D1. As described above, the first inclined posture D1 of the coupling member 180 is a posture in which the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 faces the main body-side driving member 100 of the device body A1. In the state shown in FIG. 31 (c), the development cassette B1 is located at a release position where the rotational force receiving portion 180 a of the decoupling member 180 and the rotational force applying portion 100 a of the main body driving member 100 are released. Therefore, the force of the motor (not shown) is in a state where the force is not transmitted from the body driving member 100 to the coupling member.

In this embodiment, the development cassette B1 is in the posture shown in FIG. 31 (a) when the image is formed. The coupling member 180 is engaged with the body driving member 100, and a driving force is input from the device body A1. Then, as described above, when the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the state shown in FIG. 31 (a) to the state shown in FIGS. 31 (b) and 31 (e), it becomes the coupling member 180 and the body driving member 100. The constitution that the engagement will be released. In other words, during the process of moving the development cassette B1 from the abutting state to the spaced state, the driving input from the device body A1 to the development cassette B1 is cut off. Then, while the developing cartridge B1 is in the interval between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10, the main body driving member 100 of the apparatus main body A1 is rotating. Therefore, it is a structure which can separate the developing roller 13 with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 while rotating.

<Operation of the coupling member interlocking with the operation from the abutment state to the alienation state>

Next, the engaging operation of the coupling member 180 and the main body side driving member 100 when the developing cartridge B1 is moved from the abutting state to the spaced state will be described.

The development abutment operation of the development cassette B1 is an operation opposite to the aforementioned development separation operation. In the state shown in FIG. 31 (b), the development cassette B1 is located at the unlocked position where the rotational force receiving portion 180 a of the decoupling member 180 and the rotational force applying portion 100 a of the main body driving member 100 are released. The state shown in FIG. 33 (b) is a state where the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 are moved from the state shown in FIG. 31 (c) to the arrow N7 direction. By the spring force of the drive-side spring pressing means 76 (see FIGS. 25 and 27), the developing cartridge B1 and the drive-side rocking guide 80 are integrated and turned to the direction of arrow N6. The same applies to the non-drive side. Thereby, the developing cartridge B1 moves from the spaced state to the abutment state. FIG. 30 (b) is a stage in the process of moving the development cassette B1 from the spaced state to the abutment state. In addition, the ring portion 180f of the coupling member 180 is in contact with the body-side drive member 100. Specifically, a conical portion 180 g that is a concave portion disposed inside the annular portion 180 f of the coupling member 180 and a convex portion 100 g that is disposed at a shaft tip of the main body-side drive member 100 abut. From the state shown in FIG. 30 (c) to the state shown in FIG. 30 (b), the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 180 is inclined to the direction of the body-side drive member 100, so the coupling member 180 and the body-side drive shaft 100 can be Easy to snap.

If the driving-side device pressing member 150 and the non-driving-side device are pressed further, When the member 151 moves from the state shown in FIG. 30 (b) to the arrow N7 direction, as shown in FIG. 30 (a), the coupling of the coupling member 180 and the body driving member 100 is completed.

At this time, the development cassette B1 is at an engagement position where the rotational force receiving portion 180a of the coupling member 180 and the rotational force imparting portion 100a of the main body driving member 100 are engaged, and the coupling member 180 is a posture that becomes the reference posture D0. The changing process of the coupling member 180 from the first inclined posture D1 to the reference posture D0 is the same as described above. When the imaging cassette B1 is mounted on the device body A1, the coupling member 180 changes from the second inclined posture D2 to the reference posture D0. The process is the same (see Figure 21).

Further, in this embodiment, before the state shown in FIG. 31 (b) where the coupling member 180 and the main body driving member 100 start to engage, the main body driving member 100 is rotated by the driving signal of the apparatus main body A1. Thereby, the coupling member 180 and the main body driving member 100 are engaged while the developing cartridge B1 is moving from the state shown in FIG. 31 (c) to the state shown in FIGS. 31 (b) and 31 (a). , A configuration in which a drive is input to the developing cartridge B1. In other words, the process of moving the development cassette B1 from the discontinued state to the abutment state is a configuration in which the input from the device body A1 to the development cassette B1 is driven. This is because the coupling member 150 has a movable configuration in the N9 direction (see FIG. 27) of the moving direction of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving side abutting spacer 72. Before the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10, the body driving member 100 of the apparatus body A1 is rotated. As a result, the development roller 13 is configured to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 while being rotated. Therefore, when the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, Since the speed difference between the peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 is reduced, the consumption of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 can be reduced.

Here, when the motor provided in the apparatus body A1 is single, a clutch mechanism is required in order to block the transmission of the rotational force to the developing roller 13 while transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum 10. That is, the drive transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force from the motor to the developing roller 13 needs to be provided with a clutch mechanism that can selectively block the drive transmission. However, in the present embodiment, the process of moving the developing cartridge B1 from the abutting state to the spaced state, or the process of moving from the spaced state to the spaced state, the engagement and engagement of the coupling member 180 and the main body side driving member 100 are selected.合 Lifting. Therefore, there is no need to provide a clutch mechanism in the device body A1 or the development cassette B1, and a development cassette B1 and the device body A1 that are cheaper and space-saving can be formed.

(The drive side abuts the spacer rod and is abutted by the spacer surface)

As shown in FIG. 41 (a), the driving-side abutment spacer 70 has a spaced surface 70g protruding from the front end portion 70p in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 70f to the development roller 13 side. In another view, the first protruding portion 70f has a shape in which the front end is curved to the side of the developing roller 13, and a curved front portion is provided with an intervening surface 70g.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of the presence or absence of protrusion of the to-be-divided surface 70g. FIG. 41 (a) shows this embodiment having a spaced-apart surface 70g protruding from the front end portion 70p of the protruding side of the first protruding portion 70f to the side of the developing roller 13. FIG. 41 (b) is an enlarged view of the periphery of the driving lever abutting the spacer lever 70 in FIG. 41 (a). FIG. 41 (c) is a projection having a front end portion 70p which is not projected from the projecting direction of the first projecting portion 70f. An example of a 470 g spaced surface on the roller 13 side. FIG. 41 (d) is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the driving-side abutment spacer 470 in FIG. 41 (c).

As shown in FIG. 41, the driving-side device pressing member 150, the driven surface 70g abutted by the separation lever 70, and the first abutting surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150 abut, and the developing roller 13 It is separated from the photosensitive drum 10 by a gap of δ8.

Here, as shown in FIG. 41 (a) and FIG. 41 (b), the driving side abuts the separation lever 70 at a point where the separation surface 70g is in contact with the first contact surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150. Set the contact point to 70q. A point at which the driving-side device pressing member 150 contacts the spaced-apart surface 70g of the drive-side abutment spacer 70 on the first abutment surface 150a is referred to as a contact point 150q.

As shown in FIG. 41 (b), the first abutment surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150 applies a separation force F17 to the spaced-apart surface 70g of the drive-side abutment of the spaced lever 70 from the contact point 150q. Therefore, the spaced-apart surface 70g of the driving side abutting the spaced-apart lever 70 receives the reaction force F18 at the contact point 70q. At this time, the reaction force F18 is divided into a component force F19 parallel to the first contact surface 150a and a component force F20 perpendicular to the first contact surface 150a.

The direction of the component force F19 is parallel to the first abutment surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150. Therefore, the driving-side abutting spacer 70 is pushed by the aggregating surface 70g while abutting against the driving-side device. The first contact surface 150 a of the member 150 receives a force in the direction of the component 19.

Here, as shown in FIG. 41 (a), the developing cartridge B1 is positioned on the driving side plate (not shown) so that it can be swung in the directions of arrows N5 and N6 about the supported convex portion 80g. Drive side shake guide 80. And while When the developing roller 13 abuts on the photosensitive drum 10, the driving-side rocking guide 80 is slidably supported by the driving-side side plate (not shown) in the direction of arrow N3 and the direction of arrow N4 to develop the image. The axis of the roller 13 can be corrected in parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 10. Since the non-driving side is also the same, the developing cartridge B1 is centered on the supported convex portion 80g, and can be rotated in the arrow N6 direction, and can be slid in the arrow N3 direction and the arrow N4 direction.

Further, as described above, the drive-side abutment spacer 70 is a regulated abutment portion 70e of the drive-side abutment spacer 70 and the regulation portion 36b of the drive-side bearing member 36 abuts to determine the drive-side abutment of the spacer 70 position. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 receives the component force F19 by contacting the disengaging lever 70 on the driving side, and rotates in the direction of arrow N5 and slides in the direction of arrow 11 with the supported convex portion 80g as the center.

Therefore, the driving side abuts against the spacer lever 70 is intended to move to the direction of the component force F19. This moving direction is a direction in which the driving-side abutment spacer 70 moves the driving-side device pressing member 150 to the bottom side of the first abutment surface 150a, and becomes the driving-side abutment spacer 70 by the driving-side device pressing member 150. Come to snap the direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 41 (d), the first abutment surface 450a of the drive-side device pressing member 450 is a contact point 450q that imparts a separation force F21 to the spaced-apart surface 470g of the drive-side abutment lever 470. Therefore, the contact point 470q of the spaced surface 470g that abuts the spaced bar 470 on the drive side receives the reaction force F22. At this time, the reaction force F22 is divided into a component force F23 parallel to the 470g to be separated and a component force F24 perpendicular to the 470g to be separated.

The drive-side abutment spacer 470 is a rule for the drive-side abutment spacer 470 The abutting portion 470e is in contact with the regulating portion 436b of the driving-side bearing member 436, and the position where the driving-side abutting spacer 470 and the driving-side bearing member 436 are determined. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 receives the component force F23 by abutting the spacer lever 470 on the driving side, and rotates in the direction of arrow N5 and slides in the direction of arrow N4 with the supported convex portion 80g as the center.

Therefore, the driving side abuts against the spacer lever 470 is intended to move to the direction of the component force F23. For this reason, the drive-side abutment spacer 470 is on the front end portion 470p side in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 470f, and abuts against the first abutment surface 450a of the drive-side device pressing member 450, and the drive side abuts the spacer The amount of engagement of 470 with the drive-side device pressing member 450 decreases.

Therefore, the driving side abutting the spacer lever 470 is only the amount of movement in the direction of the component force F23, and the amount of protrusion of the first protruding portion 470f needs to be enlarged, and space becomes necessary.

As a result, when the front end portion 70p protruding in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 70f further protrudes to the spaced surface 70g on the developing roller 13 side, the reduction engagement amount can be set. That is, in this case, when the developing roller 13 is separated from the photoconductor drum 10 compared with the case where there is no protruding spaced surface 70g, the driving side abuts the separating lever 70 and the driving side device pushes the member 150 card. Together. As a result, even if the engagement amount is set to be smaller, the driving-side abutment distance lever 70 is still engaged with the driving-side device body member 150. If the amount of engagement between the drive-side abutment spacer 70 and the drive-side device pressing member 150 is small, the size of the development cassette B1 will be reduced.

<Drive side abutment spacer 70 and drive side development pressure spring 71, and drive Effect of arrangement of the regulating portion 36b of the moving-side developing bearing 36>

As described so far, the elastic pressure F10 of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 becomes the third abutment surface 70c of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 abutting the spacer lever 70 on the driving side and the driving-side developing bearing. A structure in which the contact surfaces 36d of 36 are compressed and compressed (see FIG. 1). The same applies to the non-drive side.

In particular, during the development pressure, the development roller 13 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 by a spring pressure F10a (refer to FIG. 27), and the spring pressure F10a abuts the spacer lever 70 on the driving side to The support portion 36c of the drive-side development bearing 36 is generated by rotating the support portion 36c in the direction of the arrow N9.

In the case of developing gap, the driving side abuts the gap lever 70 with the elastic force F10, and the protrusion of the supporting portion 36c of the driving side developing bearing 36 is rotated in the direction of the arrow N10 with the driving side abutting the gap. The regulation abutment portion 70 e of the lever 70 abuts the regulation portion 36 b of the drive-side development bearing 36. Thereby, the position where the driving side abuts the spacer lever 70 is regulated. Further, while the second abutting surface 70b of the driving-side abutting spacer lever 70 abuts the first abutting surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150, the driving-side device pressing member 150 faces in the direction of arrow N8. mobile. Thereby, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated from each other (see FIG. 28 (b)). That is, it is a structure which regulates the position where the driving side abuts the gap lever 70 at the time of development gap by using the driving side development pressure spring 71 used at the time of development pressure.

In particular, the developing cartridge B1 is detachable from the device body A1. In order for the driving side to abut against the spacer 70 and the driving-side device pressing member 150 (see FIG. 25) to be reliably engaged, it is best to position the drive with high accuracy. Sideways Take off the position of the intermediate lever 70. This is because when the positional accuracy of the driving-side abutting distance lever 70 is poor, for example, it is necessary to perform the following correspondence to engage the driving-side abutting distance lever 70 with the driving-side device pressing member 150.

1. The distance (gap) between the first abutment surface 150 a and the second abutment surface 150 b of the driving-side device pressing member 150 is set to be larger.

2. The distance (thickness) between the first abutment surface 70a and the second abutment surface 70b of the driving-side abutment from the intermediate lever 70 is made smaller.

However, such correspondence is that the amount of movement of the drive-side device pressing member 150 in the directions N8 and N9 of the device body A1 increases, resulting in an increase in the size of the device body A1.

According to this configuration, the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 used when developing pressure is used to regulate the position where the driving side abuts the spacer lever 70 when the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the device body A1. . It is possible to contribute to the miniaturization of the apparatus body A1, and it is also possible to accurately control the timing of separating the photosensitive drum 10 from the developing roller 13 or the amount of the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 10.

According to this configuration, it becomes possible to locate the development gap with high accuracy by using the driving-side development pressurizing spring 71 used during the development pressure even when the development gap and the mounting of the development cassette B1 are performed. A configuration in which the driving side abuts the position of the distance lever 70. In addition, in order to regulate the position where the drive side abuts the spacer lever 70, the drive-side development pressure spring 71 used when the development pressure is used is used, and therefore no special new parts are required.

In addition, a first abutment surface 70 a for receiving a force for abutting the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 and a second abutment surface for a force for disengaging will be received. Both sides of 70b are set as a part where the drive side abuts the spacer lever 70. With this centralized function, the number of parts of the development cassette B1 can also be reduced.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the driving-side abutment distance lever 70 and the non-driving side abutment distance lever 72 receive force from a pressing member provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, so that the development roller can be space-saving. To the abutment of the photosensitive drum. Thereby, the image forming apparatus or the developing cassette can be miniaturized. In addition, when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, it is possible to suppress an increase in the force applied to the electrode portion of the developing cartridge electrically connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Since the load applied to the electrode portion is reduced, the durability of the electrode portion is improved. Since the strength of the electrode portion is suppressed, it is possible to reduce the cost of a developing cartridge having an electrode portion or an image forming apparatus having a developing cartridge.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C are separated is described. That is, the developing device has a configuration in which the developing cartridge B1 and the photoreceptor drum 10 are respectively cassetted, and the device body of the image forming apparatus is detached. However, those to whom this embodiment is applied are not limited to such a configuration.

For example, even if the development cassette B1 and the drum cassette C are not separated from each other, the configuration of this embodiment is applicable. It is also possible to have a configuration in which a process cartridge configured by rotationally coupling the development cartridge B1 (development device) to the drum cartridge C is attached to the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus. That is, a configuration in which a driving-side abutment spacer 70 and a non-driving side abutting spacer 72 disclosed in this embodiment may be provided in a cassette (process cassette) provided with a photoreceptor drum 10 and a developing device. .

<Coupling member 180 is in contact with the driving side and the distance lever 70, and is in contact with the non-driving side. Relationship between 72

The coupling member 180 is formed in a direction N9 (see FIG. 27) that can be moved at least in the moving direction of the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-drive-side abutment spacer 72. Therefore, when the drive-side abutment lever 70 and the non-drive-side abutment lever 72 are moved in the directions of N9 and N10, the engagement between the coupling member 150 and the body-side drive member 100 is not affected, and smooth operation can be achieved. .

As shown in FIG. 27 (a), the N6 direction of the direction in which the developing roller 13 abuts the photosensitive drum 10 and the N13 direction of the rotation direction (X6 direction in FIG. 8) of the coupling member 180 are formed in the same direction. According to this configuration, the coupling force received by the coupling member 180 from the body-side driving member 100 is centered on the supported convex portion 80 g as a moment that rotates the developing cartridge B1 in the N6 direction. Then, the developing roller 13 acts as a moment in the N6 direction that pressurizes the developing roller 13 to the pressing force of the photoreceptor drum 10.

If the rotation direction of the coupling member 180 is opposite to the direction of N6, the torque of the developing roller 13 (direction N5 in FIG. 27) acting in the direction in which the developing roller 13 escapes from the photoreceptor drum 10 by the rotation force of the coupling member 180 will be applied. Pressure loss. However, this structure is not prone to such a loss of pressure.

In addition, the moment in the N6 direction generated by the rotational force of the coupling member 180 is a torque generator that generates a necessary load from the load in order to rotate the coupling member 180. Since the load torque of the cassette varies depending on the size and durability of the part, the torque in the N6 direction generated by the rotational force of the coupling member 180 also changes. On the other hand, this embodiment is also for abutting the distance rod 70, 72 is a structure in which a force is applied from the device body A1 and the developing roller 13 is brought into contact with the photoreceptor drum 10. The pressing force in the N6 direction that abuts the spacer levers 70 and 72 is determined only by the size of the parts, and does not cause durable changes.

Therefore, in order to make the developing roller 13 abut on the photoreceptor drum 10 in a more stable manner, it is preferable to be as follows. That is, it is better to reduce the moment in the N6 direction generated by the rotational force of the coupling member 180 than the moment in the N6 direction caused by the abutment of the spacers 70 and 72 from the device body A1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, the distance between the supported convex portion 80 g and the coupling member 180 in this embodiment is shorter than the distance between the supported convex portion 80 g of the drive-side rocking guide 80 and the drive side abutting the distance lever 70. . With this configuration, the torque in the N6 direction generated by the rotational force of the coupling member 180 can be effectively used as the pressing force of the developing roller 13. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the influence of the variation of the moment in the N6 direction due to the rotational force of the coupling member 180, and thereby more stably bring the developing roller 13 into contact with the photoreceptor drum 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13, a direction parallel to a straight line Z31 connecting the rotation center 13Z of the developing roller 13 and the rotation center of the coupling member 180 is taken as N14 (the first Direction) direction. When the developing frame is viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the developing roller 13 is arranged on one end side of the developing frame in the direction of N14, and the driving side abuts the first protrusion 70f of the spacer 70. (In particular, the first abutment surface 70a and the second abutment surface 70b) are arranged on the other end side of the developing frame. That is, the first protruding portion 70f (especially the first abutment surface 70a and the second abutment surface 70b) is arranged at a position away from the developing roller 13 to some extent. Home.

Thereby, a space for arranging a member such as a coupling member 180 can be secured in the vicinity of the developing roller 13. It is appropriate that the member such as the coupling member 180 is arranged near the developing roller 13 on one end side of the developing frame. By. In the case where it is arranged near the developing roller 13 in the developing cassette B1, the degree of freedom in the layout of the appropriate member is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the coupling member 180 is disposed in the direction of the N14 than the first protruding portion 70 f (the first abutting surface 70 a, the second abutting surface). The surface 70b) is closer to the position of the developing roller 13.

Further, the driving-side developing bearing 36 is provided with a recording medium abutting portion 36m capable of abutting against the recording medium 2 in a state where the developing cartridge B1 is mounted on the apparatus main body A1 and the apparatus main body A1. The conveyance guide 3d inside A1 is conveyed toward the transfer nip 6a.

Explain this situation. As described above, regarding the N14 direction, the position of the first protruding portion 70f (particularly, the first abutment surface 70a and the second abutment surface 70b) is set to a position away from the developing roller 13. Thereby, the driving-side device pressing member 150 can be disposed at a position away from the developing roller 13 of the device body A1, and therefore, the portion of the developing cartridge B1 that abuts on the developing roller side of the photosensitive drum 10 can be disposed in the convey Guide nearby 3d. Thereby, a dead space can be reduced between the development cassette B1 and the conveyance guide 3d in the apparatus body A1.

In this way, in this embodiment, the development cassette B1 is arranged near the conveyance guide 3d. Therefore, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the N14 direction of the driving-side developing bearing 36 is larger than the first protruding portion. 70f (the first abutment surface 70a, the aforementioned second abutment surface 70b) is further provided with a recording medium abutment portion 36m at a position closer to the developing roller 13.

<Details of the development side cover 34>

45 and 46 are detailed views showing the development side cover 34. 45 (a) is a front view of the developing side cover 34 when viewed from the outside, FIG. 45 (b) is a rear view of the developing side cover 34 when viewed from the inside, and FIG. 46 is a perspective view when viewed from the front and the back, respectively. .

The development side cover 34 is a frame member constituting one of the development frames of the cassette B1. The development-side cover 34 is composed of a plate-shaped front portion 34e and a back portion 34f forming a back side thereof. At the edge of the front portion 34e, the edge portion 34g is provided so as to protrude from the front portion 34e so as to surround the back portion 34f.

The hole 34a in which the coupling member 180 is arranged on the inside is provided so as to penetrate the front portion 34e and the rear portion 34f.

A side of the hole 34a is provided with a first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b that protrudes more than the front portion 34e. On the side of the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b, there is provided a second protrusion (rotation stop portion) 34c that is larger than the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b in the radial direction and also protrudes more than the front portion 34e. The second protrusion (rotation stopping portion) 34c is located farther from the hole 34a than the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b.

A connection portion 34k is provided between the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stop portion) 34c, and a first groove portion 341 is provided between the connection portion 34k and the front portion 34e.

A third protrusion is provided between the hole 34a and the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b. From (spring support) 34h. The height of the third protrusion (spring support portion) 34h is lower than that of the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stop portion) 34c.

With the hole 34a of the third protrusion (spring support portion) 34h as the center, a second groove portion (34o) having a groove extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the opposite side. The second groove portion (34o) is a guide coupling spring 185.

Below the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b is a fourth protrusion (34p) having ridge lines 34p1, 34p2. The ridgelines 34p1 and 34p2 cross each other, and the crossing angles form an obtuse angle. The height of the fourth protrusion (34p) is lower than the height of the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stop portion) 34c.

Above the first protrusion (positioning portion) 34b and the second protrusion (rotation stop portion) 34c, there is provided an arc-shaped groove portion 34q penetrating the front portion 34e and the rear portion 34f. The arc-shaped groove portion 34q is provided so that the rotation regulating portion 55y of the coupling lever 55 is exposed to the outside (see FIG. 12).

The development-side cover 34 includes a cover portion 34t. The cover portion 34t covers at least a part of the drive-side abutment spacer 70 and the spring 71 in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (direction in which the drive-side abuts the rotation axis of the spacer 70) so as not to be exposed from the outside. At least a part. Thereby, the driving-side abutment of the spacer lever 70 or the spring 71 can be protected from the external impact, and the driving-side abutment of the spacer lever 70 or the spring 71 can be prevented from falling off from the driving-side development bearing 36. In addition, the cover portion 34t is only required to cover at least a part of the drive-side abutment spacer 70 or the spring in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13 (direction in which the drive-side abuts the rotation axis of the spacer 70) so as not to be exposed from the outside. At least a part of 71 is sufficient.

As described above, miniaturization can be achieved by integrating various functional portions on the developing side cover 34. In addition, it is possible to abut the spacer lever 70 from the external impact protection drive side.

<Details of the drive-side development bearing 36>

47 and 48 are detailed views showing the driving-side developing bearing 36. 47 (a) is a front view of the driving-side developing bearing 36 as viewed from the outside, FIG. 47 (b) is a rear view of the driving-side developing bearing 36 as viewed from the inside, and FIG. 48 is viewed from the front and the back, respectively. Perspective view.

The drive-side development bearing 36 is a separate frame member from the development-side cover 34 constituting the development frame of the cassette B1. The drive-side development bearing 36 is formed of a plate-shaped front surface portion 36f and a rear surface portion 36g forming a back side thereof. At the edge of the front portion 36f, the edge portion back portion 36h is provided so as to protrude from the front portion 36f so as to surround the back portion 36g.

A hole 36a is provided so as to penetrate the front portion 36f and the back portion 36g. A developing roller 13 is disposed inside the hole 36 a and supports the developing roller 13. It may be directly supported by the hole 36a or may be supported by a member.

A protrusion 36i is provided on the side of the hole 36a. The protruding portion 36i has a cylindrical shape. On the inner side of the protruding portion 36i is a phase regulation portion 36kb at a position where the phase regulation boss 180e of the regulation coupling member 180 is provided. The phase regulation portion 36 kb has a substantially triangular hole shape in which the coupling member 180 is arranged on the inside. The phase regulation section 36 kb is formed by the first tilt regulation section 36 kb1 and the second tilt regulation section 36 kb 2 and forms a part of each groove.

A support portion 36c for supporting the driving side to abut the spacer lever 70 is provided at a position facing the hole 36a across the protruding portion 36i. The support portion 36c has a protruding cylindrical shape.

Below the support portion 36c is a regulation portion 36b provided with a driving side abutting the spacer lever 70. The regulation portion 36 b has a wall shape protruding from the front portion 36 f and is located at the edge of the drive-side development bearing 36.

On the opposite side of the regulation portion 36b, a contact surface 36d for contacting the driving-side development pressure spring 71 is provided below the protruding portion 36i. The abutting surface 36d also has a wall shape protruding from the front surface portion 36f similarly to the regulating portion 36b.

As viewed from the front direction in FIG. 47, the arrangement direction of the regulation portion 36 b and the contact surface 36 d is provided with a hole 36 j so as to be sandwiched between the regulation portion 36 b and the contact surface 36 d. The hole 36j is provided to expose a driving gear or the like.

As described above, the driving-side development bearing 36 can maintain the position of the coupling member 180 and the driving-side abutment with the spacer 70 with high accuracy. In addition, the position of the developing roller 13 and the position where the driving side abuts the spacer lever 70 can be maintained with high accuracy.

<< Example 2 >>

Next, the second embodiment will be described using FIG. 32. FIG. 32 is a side view of the developing cartridge B1 when viewed from the driving side.

In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the driving-side abutment spacer 70 is provided to be rotatable with respect to the driving-side development bearing 36 is described. However, as shown in Figure 32 As shown, the driving-side abutment spacer 702 may be configured to be slidable with respect to the driving-side development bearing 362. The unexplained description has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

32 (a) is a side view of a state where the developing roller 13 abuts against the photosensitive drum 10 when viewed from the driving side, and a cross-sectional view around the driving side abutting the spacer lever 702. The convex portion 702b of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 702 is a groove portion 362c engaged with the driving-side development bearing 362. The convex portion 702j of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 702 is a groove portion 342y engaged with the developing side cover 342. Thereby, the driving-side abutment spacer 702 can slide (linearly move) the driving-side development bearing 362 and the development-side cover 342 in the directions of arrows N72 and N82. The driving-side developing pressure spring 712 is provided so that one end 712d is in contact with the third abutting surface 702c of the driving-side abutment spacer 702, and the other end 712e is in contact with the abutting surface 362d of the driving-side developing bearing 362 Abut. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), as in the first embodiment, the developing cartridge B1 is in contact with the driving side by the second contact surface 150b of the member 150 and the driving side against the spacer. The first abutting surface 702a of 702 abuts to receive the external force F11. As a result, the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 with a predetermined pressure.

Next, an operation related to a state where the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are separated from each other will be described. FIG. 32 (c) shows a state where the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves only a distance δ6 in the direction of arrow N82. The first abutting surface 702a of the driving-side abutting spacer 702 and the first contact surface 702a of the driving-side device pressing member 150 The two abutment surfaces 150b are in a separated state. At this time, the driving side abutting the spacer lever 702 receives the elastic force F10 of the driving side developing pressure spring 71 and slides on In the direction of arrow N82, the regulation abutment portion 702e of the drive side abutting the spacer lever 702 and the regulation portion 362b of the drive side bearing member 362 abut. Thereby, the driving side abuts on the spacer lever 702 to determine the position.

FIG. 32 (b) shows a state where the drive-side device pressing member 150 has moved only a distance δ7 in the direction of arrow N82. When the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves more in the direction of arrow N82, the separated surface 702g of the driving-side device abutting the separation lever 702 and the first abutting surface 150a of the driving-side device pressing member 150 will abut. The development cassette B1 moves in the direction of arrow N82. As a result, the development cassette B1 is swung in the direction of the arrow N5 around the supported protrusion 80g of the swing guide 80 as a center (not shown). At this time, the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are in a state of being separated by a distance of δ8 from each other.

The non-driving side has the same configuration as the driving side. In addition, the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained (except for the positional error of the drive-side device pressing member 150 and the drive-side development pressure spring 71 described in the first embodiment). The relationship between the amount of compression).

"Example 3"

Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 42. The unexplained description has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of the drive side abutting the spacer 201 as a leaf spring.

As shown in FIG. 42, the driving-side abutment spacer 201 is an elastic body made of a material such as SUS. The driving-side abutment spacer 201 has a first abutment surface 201a, a second abutment surface 201b, a support portion 201d, and elasticity. The deformed portion 201h and the support portion 201d are supported by the supported portion 202b of the bearing 202.

Here, the driving-side device pressing member 203 is provided with a first abutting surface 203a and a second abutting surface 203b, and is slidable in the arrow N7 direction and the arrow N8 direction.

The development cassette B1 is a drive-side swing guide 210 that is positioned on a drive-side side plate (not shown) around the supported portion 210b and can swing in the directions of arrows N5 and N6. The non-driving side is also the same. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is rotatable in the directions of arrows N5 and N6 with the supported portion 210b as the center.

When the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are pressurized, as shown in FIG. 42 (a), the driving-side device pressing member 203 moves in the direction of arrow N7. Then, the second abutting surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 is a first abutting surface 201a that abuts the driving-side abutting spacer 201.

Further, once the driving-side device pressing member 203 moves in the direction of arrow N7, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), the second abutting surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 is to cause the driving side to abut the spacer. The elastic deformation portion 201h of 201 is deformed. In this state, the second abutting surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 is a force F41 applied to the first abutting surface 201a of the driving-side abutting spacer 201. At this time, the second contact surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 receives the reaction force F42. Here, the development cassette B1 is rotatable in the directions of arrows N5 and N6 with the supported portion 201b as the center. Therefore, the development cassette B1 is moved in the direction of arrows N5 by the external force of the force F41. Therefore, the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

Furthermore, once the driving-side device pressing member 203 moves in the direction of arrow N7, as shown in FIG. 42 (c), the second abutting surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 makes the driving side abut the spacer lever The elastic deformation portion 201h of 201 is deformed. In this state, the second abutting surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 is a force F45 applied to the first abutting surface 201a of the driving-side abutting spacer 201. At this time, the second contact surface 203b of the driving-side device pressing member 203 receives the reaction force F46 by the driving side contacting the first contact surface 201a of the spacer 201. The developing roller 13 abuts on the photosensitive drum 10 and determines the posture of the developing cartridge B1. Therefore, it becomes: F45> F41

As shown in FIG. 42 (c), the developing roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10.

As shown in FIG. 42 (d), when the photosensitive drum 10 is separated from the developing roller 13, the driving-side device pressing member 203 moves in the direction of arrow N8. The first contact surface 203a of the drive-side device pressing member 203 is in contact with the second contact surface 201b of the drive-side contact spacer 201.

Furthermore, once the driving-side device pressing member 203 moves in the direction of arrow N8, the first contact surface 203a of the driving-side device pressing member 203 deforms the elastic deformation portion 201h of the driving-side abutting spacer 201 while deforming the driving side. A force F44 is applied to the second abutting surface 201b of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 201.

At this time, the first contact surface 203a of the driving-side device pressing member 203 receives the reaction force F43 by the driving side contacting the second contact surface 201b of the spacer 201.

Here, the developing cartridge B1 is rotatable in the directions of arrows N5 and N6 with the supported portion 210b as the center. Therefore, the developing cartridge B1 is moved in the direction of arrows N6 with the supported portion 210b as the center. The image roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10.

As described above, in this embodiment, the elastic deformation portion (elastic portion) 201h and the portion (movable portion) including the first contact surface 201a and the second contact surface 201b are integrally formed as a part of one member. Specifically, the driving-side abutment spacer 201 is configured by a leaf spring. This eliminates the need for the drive-side development pressure spring 71 (refer to FIG. 41 (a)) as the compression member of the compression spring shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, space can be secured, so that the degree of freedom in designing the development cassette B1 can be increased or reduced.

and. As shown in Example 1, the abutment spacer 201 on the driving side has a pressurized surface (a first abutment surface 201a) and a separated surface (a second abutment surface 201b). Among these, the pressing surface (second contact surface 203b) and the separation surface (first contact surface 203a) of the driving-side device pressing member 203 act separately. Thereby, a single part of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 201 can be used to select the abutment state or the spaced state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 as needed. As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the development cassette B1.

In addition, although the above description has been described taking the driving side as a representative, the same configuration can be applied to the non-driving side. In addition, the driving-side abutment spacer 201 may be a member formed by using an elastically deformable resin member or the like.

In addition, in any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the structure of the movable portion and the elastic portion of the integrally formed embodiment can be applied as a part of one member.

"Example 4"

Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 43. This embodiment is different from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the arrangement of the portion that receives the spring pressure by the spring that abuts the spacer lever. The unexplained description has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 43 shows that the driving-side development pressurizing spring 302 is arranged on a line that is perpendicular to the direction of the arrow M1 in the protruding direction of the first protruding portion 301f by the driving side abutting the center of the supported portion 301d of the distance rod 301. A pattern diagram on the opposite side of the arrow M1.

As shown in FIG. 43 (a), the driving-side abutment spacer 301 has a first abutment surface 301a, a second abutment surface 301b, a third abutment surface 301c, a supported portion 301d, and a regulated abutment portion 301e. 301m at the other end. The driving-side abutment spacer 301 is rotatably supported on the driving-side development bearing 306 by the supported portion 301d on the supporting portion 306b.

The driving-side development pressure spring 302 is a compression spring, and one end portion 302d is in contact with the third contact surface 301c, and the other end portion 302e is in contact with the contact surface 306d provided in the driving-side development bearing 306.

Here, in the state of the developing cartridge B1 alone, the driving-side abutment spacer 301 is urged by the driving-side developing pressure spring 302 in the direction of arrow F30 on the third abutting surface 301c. At this time, the support portion 306b is rotated around the arrow N10 direction, and the regulation contact portion 301e is brought into contact with the regulation portion 306e of the drive-side development bearing 306.

The development cassette B1 is positioned to drive the side plate (not shown). The center of the supported portion 310b can swing the drive-side swing guide 310 supported in the directions of the arrows N5 and N6. Since the same is applied to the non-driving side, the developing cartridge B1 is rotatable in the directions of arrows N5 and N6 around the supported portion 310b.

Here, the driving-side device pressing member 303 is provided with a first contact surface 303a and a second contact surface 303b, and is slidable in the direction of arrow N7 and the direction of arrow N8.

When the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 are pressurized, the driving-side device pressing member 303 moves in the direction of arrow N7. Then, the second abutting surface 303b of the driving-side device pressing member 303 is a first abutting surface 301a that abuts the driving-side abutting spacer 301. The driving-side abutment spacer 301 is rotatable around the support portion 306b. Therefore, the driving-side abutment spacer 301 is rotated in the direction of N20, and the regulated abutment portion 301e is separated from the regulated portion 302e.

At this time, the third abutting surface 301c of the driving side abutting the spacer rod 301 receives the elastic pressure F30 of the driving side developing pressure spring 302, and a moment M10 in the direction of the arrow N10 acts on the driving side abutting the spacer rod 301. At this time, the second abutting surface 303b of the driving-side device pressing member 303 and the first abutting surface 301a of the driving-side abutting spacer 301 abut. Therefore, the first abutment surface 301a of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 301 receives the force F32 from the second abutting surface 303b of the driving side device pressing member 303, so that a torque commensurate with the moment M10 will act on the driving side abutment.接 离间 杆 301. Therefore, an external force acting on the developing cassette B1 is the force F32.

Moreover, the development cassette B1 is rotatable in the directions of arrows N5 and N6 with the supported portion 310b as the center. Therefore, the development cassette B1 is driven by force. The external force of F32 came in the direction of arrow N5. At this time, the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. The developing cartridge B1 determines the rotation posture in the direction of the arrow N5 by the developing roller 13 abutting on the photosensitive drum 10.

Moreover, once the driving-side device pressing member 303 moves in the direction of arrow N7, since the developing cartridge B1 cannot rotate in the direction of arrow N5, the driving-side abutment spacer 301 rotates around the support portion 306b as a center. N20 direction. Then, the third contact surface 301c of the drive-side abutment with the spacer lever 301 receives the elastic force F31 of the drive-side development pressure spring 302 (see FIG. 43 (b)).

Here, since the driving-side development pressure spring 302 is more compressed, it becomes: F31> F30.

Since the developing cartridge B1 cannot be rotated in the direction of arrow N5, the developing roller 13 is pressurized to the photosensitive drum 10.

When the photosensitive drum 10 is separated from the developing roller 13, the driving-side device pressing member 303 moves in the direction of arrow N8, and the first abutting surface 303a abuts on the second abutting surface 301b. Since the drive-side abutment spacer 301 is rotatable in the direction of arrow N10 with the support portion 306b as the center, the regulated abutment portion 301e will abut the regulation portion 306e of the bearing 306, and the drive-side abutment spacer 301 will determine the position .

Furthermore, once the driving-side device pressing member 303 moves in the direction of arrow N8, the development cassette B1 can be rotated in the directions of arrow N5 and arrow N6 with the supported portion 310b as the center. Therefore, the development cassette B1 is It moves in the arrow N6 direction about the supported part 310b. Then, the developing roller 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13, the first contact surface (force receiving portion) 301 a and the third contact surface (elastic pressure receiving portion) 301 c The distance between them is longer than the distance between the first contact surface 301a and the supported portion 301d. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the positional arrangement of the member that develops the compression spring 71 on the driving side, which is equivalent to the urging member that is a compression spring, shown in Example 1, increases the degree of design freedom.

Further, as shown in Example 1, the driving-side abutment and separation lever 301 has a pressurized surface (first abutment surface 301a) and a to-be-divided surface (second abutment surface 301g). Among these, the pressing surface (second contact surface 303b) and the separation surface (first contact surface 303a) of the driving-side device pressing member 303 act separately. Thereby, a single part of the driving side abutting the separation lever 301 can be used to select a contact state or a separation state of the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing roller 13 according to needs. As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the development cassette B1.

The modification of the fourth embodiment may be configured as follows.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 54, a regulation unit 336 b is provided in the driving-side development bearing 336. In this modification, the position of the pressure spring 71 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a protruding portion (regulated portion) 360b is provided in the opposite direction via the support portion 36c, and the protruding portion 360b is in contact with the regulated portion 336b. . The configuration in which the elastic pressure receiving portion 370c receives the elastic pressure from the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

According to this modification, the degree of freedom of arrangement in the driving-side development bearing 336 of the regulation portion 336b is increased. In addition, by increasing the distance from the support portion 36c, the force applied to the regulation portion 336b can also be reduced, Suppress container deformation. That is, the relationship between the first abutment surface 370a, the support portion 36c, and the protruding portion 360b that is pressurized from the second abutment surface 150b of the driving-side device pressing member 150 is as follows. Viewed from the axial direction of the developing roller 13, the distance between the first contact surface 370a and the protruding portion 360b is longer than the distance between the first contact surface 370a and the support portion 36c. In addition, although the above description has been described taking the driving side as a representative, the same configuration can be applied to the non-driving side.

In addition, in any of the above embodiments, the arrangement of the third contact surface (elastic pressure receiving portion) 301c of the present embodiment and the arrangement of the regulation portion 336b of the present modification can be applied.

"Example 5"

Next, a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 50. The developing cartridge B1 of this embodiment is different from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the non-driving side is provided with a non-driving side abutting the spacer 72 on the non-driving side. The unexplained description has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 50, the developing cartridge B1 of this embodiment is not provided with a driving-side abutment spacer 70 and a driving-side developing pressure spring 71 (dashed line portion) on the driving side. On the other hand, the non-driving side abutment spacer 72 and the non-driving side development pressure spring 73 (not shown) are provided only on the non-driving side. That is, regarding the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 or the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73 is arranged only on the side where the coupling member 180 of the developing frame is not arranged. In addition, as for the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the so-called coupling member 180 is not provided with the developing frame. The side of is a portion indicating the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, and the side where the coupling member 180 is not arranged than the center of the cassette B1.

As shown in FIG. 8, on the driving side, the coupling member 180 is rotated in the direction of arrow X6. The developing cartridge B1 receiving this rotational force is integrated with the drive-side rocking guide 80 and moves around the support portion 90c (see FIG. 27) in the direction of the arrow N6 shown in FIG. 27. When the moment in the N6 direction generated by the driving force received by the coupling member 180 is sufficient, the developing roller 13 can be crimped to the photoreceptor drum 10 only on the driving side.

On the other hand, on the non-driving side, since the moment in the N6 direction generated by the driving force received by the coupling member 180 as much as the driving side cannot be obtained, it is the same as in Example 1 that the driven side is used to abut the spacer lever. The composition of 72.

In any of the above embodiments, a configuration in which the non-driving side abuts the spacer lever 72 only on the non-driving side can be applied in this embodiment. Then, with the application of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the cost incurred by reducing the number of parts as the driving side abuts the spacer lever 70.

<< Example 6 >>

A sixth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figs. 51 and 52. In this embodiment, a first force receiving portion for receiving the force when the developing roller 13 abuts is provided only at one end portion of the cassette B1, and only a force receiving portion for receiving the force when the developing roller 13 is spaced apart is provided at the other end portion. The points of the second force receiving portion are different from those in the above embodiments. The unexplained description has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a diagram when the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. FIG. 51 (a) is a diagram showing the driving side abutting the spacer rod 170 and the driving-side development bearing 236 being supported, and FIG. 51 (b) is showing the non-driving side abutting the spacer rod 72 and the non-driving supported Picture of the side development bearing 246.

As shown in FIG. 51, regarding the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, on the driving side of the other end portion, the driving side abuts against the spacer lever 170 and is rotatably supported by the driving-side developing bearing 236. However, the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 as shown in Example 1 is not provided. Therefore, once the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves in the direction of arrow N7, the driving-side abutment spacer lever 170 rotates counterclockwise around the support portion 236c. However, the driving force of the developing roller 13 against the photosensitive drum 10 cannot be applied to the driving-side developing bearing 236 by the action of the driving side abutting the spacer lever 170. However, on the driving side, as in Example 5, the coupling member 180 receives a driving force to receive a moment in a direction in which the developing roller 13 abuts the photoreceptor drum 10. Therefore, the developing roller 13 can be crimped to the photoreceptor drum 10 by this torque.

On the other hand, regarding the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, the non-driving side of the other end portion is provided with the non-driving side abutting spacer 72. The first contact surface 72a of the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 is pushed to the driving-side device pressing member 151 moving in the N7 direction to rotate, thereby urging the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73 to make The developing roller 13 presses the photosensitive drum 10.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a state where the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 10.

By the drive-side device pressing member 150 moving in the direction of arrow N8, the drive-side abutment spacer 170 and the regulation portion of the drive-side bearing member 236 236b abuts. Then, the driving-side device pressing member 150 moves in the direction of arrow N8, and the driving side abuts the spaced portion 170g of the distance lever 170 to move the developing cartridge B1, so that the developing roller 13 moves from the photosensitive drum 10 Alienation.

In addition, a configuration in which the drive-side abutment spacer 170 is fixed to the drive-side bearing member 236 or a portion corresponding to 170 g of the spaced portion may be integrally provided in the drive-side bearing member 236.

On the other hand, the non-driving side is the regulation part 46e which does not have the non-driving side abutting the spacer lever 72 shown in Example 1. Therefore, even if the non-driving-side device pressing member 151 moves in the direction of arrow N8, the non-driving-side abutment spacer lever 72 rotates clockwise only around the support portion 246f, without causing the developing roller 13 to be spaced from the photosensitive drum 10. effect. At this time, the non-driving side developing pressure spring 73 is formed to have a natural length. At this time, the non-driving side development pressure spring 73 may be separated from the non-driving side to abut the spacer lever 72.

However, since the force for disengaging is received on the driving side, the rigidity of the driving-side bearing member 236 is made more than a certain value, so that the disengaging can be performed on the non-driving side. During this separation, the developing roller 13 may be separated from the photosensitive drum 10 in an inclined manner. That is, the developing roller 13 on the driving side is largely separated from the photosensitive drum 10, but the non-driving side is formed with a smaller amount of separation than the driving side. Therefore, first, the rigidity of the drive-side bearing member 236 is increased so that the distance between the developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 can be equal to or greater than the minimum required distance. As described above, in the present embodiment, only the one end portion of the cassette B1 is provided with the first force receiving portion (first contact surface 72a) that receives the force when the developing roller 13 is brought into contact. And only on the other end of cassette B1 The second portion is provided with a second force receiving portion (170 g of the separated portion) for receiving a force when the developing roller 13 is spaced. That is, the cassette B1 is provided with two parts (a first force) that receive a force when the developing roller 13 abuts and a force when the developing roller 13 is spaced from the device body in a different direction (opposite direction). Receiving part, second force receiving part). The two portions (the first force receiving portion and the second force receiving portion) are provided in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, one end portion and the other end portion of the cassette B1.

The configuration of the first force receiving portion and the second force receiving portion of this embodiment is applicable to any of the embodiments other than the above-mentioned fifth embodiment.

According to this embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the driving-side development pressure spring 71 is not required, and cost reduction can be achieved. In addition, since the amount of movement of the developing cassette B1 following the separation on the non-driving side is small, the consumption of the non-driving side swing guide 81 that movably supports the developing cassette B1 can be suppressed.

"Example 7"

A seventh embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described using FIG.53. Here, descriptions that are not described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the non-driving side abutment spacer 72 are configured to display positions determined in a state sandwiched by the regulation portions 36 b and 46 e and the pressure springs 71 and 73. However, as shown in FIG. 53, the drive-side abutment spacer 270 may have a structure in which a position is not determined between the drive-side development pressure spring 171 and the regulation portion 36 b (the same structure may be used on the non-drive side). This configuration is applicable when the free length of the development-side development pressure spring 171 is short.

The driving-side device pressing member 150 moves in the N7 direction (see FIG. 28), and the spacer lever 270 abuts against the regulation portion 36b. In order to move in the N8 direction, the spacer lever 270 is a compression and compression spring 171. Here, the regulation portion 36 b is provided at a position where the regulation drive side abuts the distance lever 70 and moves in a direction away from the developing roller 13.

The configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to any of the above embodiments.

"Example 8"

An eighth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment is different from the above-mentioned embodiments in the configuration of the coupling member. The unexplained description has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, a clutch mechanism is not provided on the device body A1 side, and the coupling member 180 is engaged with the rotating body driving member 100, and the coupling member 180 can be released from the rotating body driving member 100. The specific configuration is achieved by a configuration in which the coupling member 180 is tiltable.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the clutch body is not provided with a clutch mechanism on the side of the device body A1, and is engaged with the rotating body driving member 100, and the coupling can be released by engagement.

FIG. 55 (a) is a perspective view showing a coupling member 280 provided in the developing cartridge B2 of the present embodiment. The development side cover 34 is omitted. FIG. 55 (b) is a perspective view showing a state where the coupling member 280 is assembled.

The coupling member 280 is configured in the drive input gear 127 and is configured to move forward and backward in the direction of the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 280. An elastic member 130 is provided between the coupling member 280 and the drive input gear 127, and the coupling member 280 is often springed 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 the driving force from the body-side driving member 100 (see FIG. 8). The rotational force transmitting sections 280c1 and 280c2 transmit the driving force to the rotational force transmitting sections 127d1 and 127d2 of the drive input gear 127, thereby transmitting the driving to the developing roller 13.

An outer conical surface 280e is provided on the front end side of the coupling member 280. This part abuts on the front end surface of the main body side drive member 100 (see FIG. 8), thereby retracting inward in the direction of the axis L2 and engaging with the main body side drive member 100. In addition, since the conical portion 280g is provided on the inner side of the outer conical surface 280e as in the first embodiment, it also abuts on the front end surface of the main body-side drive member 100, thereby retreating inward in the direction of the axis L2, and away from the main body-side drive member 100. Take off.

With the above-described configuration, the clutch mechanism can be installed and disengaged to the rotating main body driving member 100 without providing a clutch mechanism on the device main body A1 side.

Also, as in the first embodiment, the driving-side abutment spacer 70 and the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 may be provided.

Fig. 56 (a) is a front view of this embodiment, and Fig. 56 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 56 (a).

The coupling member 280 is movably supported in the direction of the axis L2 by the elastic member 130. A cylindrical outer diameter portion 280h (sliding portion) provided in the coupling member 280 is slidably supported in a cylindrical inner diameter portion (a sliding portion) 136h of the driving-side development bearing 136.

Here, as shown in FIG. 56 (b), the cylindrical outer diameter portion 280h (sliding portion) The cylindrical inner diameter portion (to-be-slided portion) 127h is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the driving-side development pressure spring 71 in the direction of the axis L2. This generates a torque such as the torsional driving-side developing bearing 136 by the force generated by the driving-side developing pressurizing spring 71, and can suppress the deformation that affects the sliding portions 280h and 127h. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the advancement and retreat operation in the direction of the axis L2 of the coupling member 280.

Further, a plane L2X which is orthogonal to the urging direction L2 of the urging member 130 is defined. The angle θ formed by the urging direction L4 of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 and the plane L2X is preferably in a range of -45 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 45 ° (above −45 ° degrees and + 45 °). More preferably, -10 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 10 ° (more than -10 ° and less than + 10 °). Most preferably, θ ≒ 0 ° (0 ° or substantially 0 °). Thereby, it is possible to suppress the elastic pressing force of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 from being affected by the elastic pressing member 130. That is, the urging member 130 is constantly in an urging state while the coupling member 280 transmits driving from the body-side driving member 100. At this time, the force component generated by the elastic member 130 does not affect the direction of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71 less than the direction of the driving-side developing pressure spring 71, and the accuracy of the pressing force is improved.

The configuration of the coupling member 280 of this embodiment can also be applied to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the relationship between the spring directions L4 and L2 as in this embodiment can be adopted.

<< Example 9 >>

A ninth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 57. This embodiment is different from the above-mentioned embodiments in that it does not have a regulatory section. About The description is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The cartridge B1 of the present embodiment is a member that is not provided with the regulation portion 36b of the first embodiment in the drive-side development bearing 436. Therefore, when the developing roller 13 is separated from the photoreceptor drum 10, the elastic force of the spring 471 is used.

As shown in FIG. 57, one end portion of the spring 471 of the torsion coil spring is engaged with the driving-side development bearing 436 by being sandwiched between the engaging portions 436d1 and 436d2 of the driving-side development bearing 436. On the other hand, the other end portion of the spring 471 is engaged with the driving-side abutting spacer 470 by being sandwiched between the engaging portions 470c1 and 470c2 of the driving-side abutting spacer 470.

FIG. 57A is a diagram showing a state where the developing roller 13 is in contact with a photoreceptor drum (not shown). The first abutment surface 470a of the driving-side abutting spacer 470 is pushed to the N7 direction by the driving-side device pressing member 150, whereby the developing roller 13 is brought into contact with the photosensitive member in the state of the spring 471. Body drum status. At this time, one end portion of the spring 471 collides with the engaging portion 436d1, and the other end portion of the spring 471 collides with the engaging portion 470c1. The driving side abutting the spacer lever 470 receives the spring pressure from the spring 471 through the engaging portion 470c1. . Thereby, an appropriate abutment pressure between the developing roller 13 and the photoreceptor drum can be maintained.

FIG. 57 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the developing roller 13 is separated from the photoreceptor drum. The separated portion 470g of the driving side abutting the separating lever 470 is pushed to the N8 direction by the driving-side device pressing member 150, whereby one end portion of the spring 471 collides with the engaging portion 436d2 and the other end portion of the spring 471 It conflicts with the engaging part 470c2. Therefore, the spring 471 is in a state of being extended more than the free length. Thereby, the elastic force of the spring 471 can be used to make the driving side display The image bearing 436 moves to a direction in which the developing roller 13 is separated from the photoreceptor drum.

By thus making the spring more elongated than free length, it is also possible to use the elastic force of the spring to separate the developing roller from the photoreceptor drum.

In addition, the configuration of this embodiment can be applied to any of the above embodiments.

<Other matters>

In each of the embodiments described above, the development cassettes B1 and B2 and the drum cassette C are configured separately. That is, the developing device is formed as a developing cartridge B1, B2 and the photoreceptor drum 10, respectively, and is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus. However, the above-mentioned embodiment is applicable other than such a structure.

For example, even if the development cassettes B1, B2 and the drum cassette C are not separated from each other, the constitution of any of the above-described embodiments is applicable. That is, the process cartridge may be configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus, and the process cartridge is configured to be rotatably coupled to the development cartridges B1 and B2 (development apparatus) for the drum cartridge C. . That is, the process cartridge includes a photoreceptor drum 10 and a developing device. Moreover, this process cartridge is provided with the 1st movable member 120 and the 2nd movable member 121 similarly to each Example.

An example of a process cartridge is explained below. FIG. 49 is a view of a process cartridge BC attached to the apparatus body A2 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13. FIG. 49 (a) illustrates a state where the developing roller 13 is in contact with the photoreceptor drum 10, and FIG. 49 (b) illustrates a state where the developing roller 13 is spaced from the photoreceptor drum 10.

FIG. 49 illustrates the drive-side device pressing member 150 as a part of the device body A2. Here, the device body A2 is described in the above-mentioned embodiment except for a point having a guide member (not shown) for guiding the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge BC, and a non-drive side swing guide 80 and a non-drive side swing guide 81. The device body A1 has the same structure. Of course, the non-driving side device pressing member 151 similar to the device main body A1 is provided on the non-driving side of the device main body A2.

The process cartridge BC mainly includes a driving-side development bearing 536 as a development frame, a photoreceptor support frame 521, and a coupling member 180. The driving-side developing bearing 536 supports the developing roller 13, the driving-side abutting spacer 70, and the driven-side abutting spacer 72 (not shown). The driving-side development bearing 536 has the same configuration as the driving-side development bearing 36 of the above embodiment, except that it has a boss 536a that is rotatably supported by the long hole 521a of the photoreceptor support frame 521. Therefore, the same The detailed parts are omitted. The photoreceptor support frame 521 supports the photoreceptor drum 10.

Below the boss 536a supported by the long hole 521a, the driving-side developing bearing 536 can rotate the boss 536a as a rotation center to the photoreceptor support frame 521. The driving-side developing bearing 536 is urged in a direction in which the developing roller 13 abuts against the photoreceptor drum 10 by a spring (not shown) that is stretched between the photoreceptor support frames 521. The long hole 521a may be a circular hole.

In a state where the process cartridge BC is mounted on the apparatus main body A2, the photoreceptor support frame 521 is positioned on a positioning portion (not shown) of the apparatus main body A2 and is fixed. Then, as shown in FIG. 49 (a), on the driving side, The driving-side device pressing member 150 presses the first abutting surface 70a of the driving-side abutting spacer 70, thereby causing the driving-side developing bearing 536 to rotate counterclockwise with the boss 536a as a rotation center. Thereby, the developing roller 13 can be brought into contact with the photoreceptor drum 10.

As shown in FIG. 49 (b), on the driving side, the driven portion 70g of the driving side abutting the separating lever 70 is pressed by the driving-side device pressing member 150, thereby using the boss 536a as the rotation center. , So that the driving-side developing bearing 536 rotates clockwise. Thereby, the developing roller 13 can be separated from the photoreceptor drum 10.

In this way, in any of the above embodiments, the development cassettes B1 and B2 may be replaced with the process cassette BC.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

Claims (11)

A cassette is a cassette that can be mounted on a device body of an image forming apparatus, and is characterized by: a developing roller; a frame supporting the developing roller; a first movable portion and a second movable portion; The frame is movably supported, and the frame can be independently moved to the first position and the second position; the first spring is provided between the frame and the first movable portion, and the first 1 the movable portion is elastically pressed; a second spring is provided between the frame and the second movable portion and elastically compresses the second movable portion; and a drive input member is inputted to rotate to rotate the developing roller For the force, the first and second movable sections are each provided with a force receiving section for receiving a force in a direction moving from the first position to the second position, and the first and second movable sections receive a force from the force receiving section. When in the second position, the first and second movable parts are respectively received from the first and second springs in the direction of moving the first and second movable parts from the second position to the first position. Pressure, with respect to the direction of the rotation axis of the aforementioned development roller, The first movable portion is supported on a side of the frame where the drive input member is disposed, the second movable portion is supported on a side of the frame where the drive input member is not disposed, and the first spring The spring force is smaller than the spring force of the second spring. For example, the cassette of the first scope of the patent application, wherein the frame system has a first and a second regulatory section abutting on the first and second movable sections located in the first position. For example, in the case of the second patent application, when the movable portion is located at the first position, the first and second movable portions receive spring pressure from the first and second springs respectively, and conflict with the first 2. The second regulatory department. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotation center of the developing roller and the driving input member are related and connected when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller. In the first direction in which the straight line of the rotation center is parallel, the developing roller system is disposed on one end side of the frame body, and the force receiving portion of the first and second movable portions is disposed on the other end side of the frame body. For example, the cassette of the fourth scope of the patent application, wherein the frame system includes a recording medium abutment portion that can abut a recording medium transported inside the apparatus body, and is viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller. With regard to the first direction, the recording medium abutting portion is disposed closer to the developing roller than the force receiving portion of the first and second movable portions. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second movable portions each include a supported portion rotatably supported by the frame. For example, in the case of the patent application No. 6, the acceptance of the first and second movable portions of the first and second movable portions from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller is received from the first and second movable portions. The distance between the elastically compressive portions of the first and second springs is greater than the distance between the supported portion of the first and second movable portions and the force receiving portion of the first and second movable portions. short. For example, the cartridge of claim 6 in which the frame system has a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, and the rotation of the first and second movable portions is viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller. The center is disposed at a position overlapping the developer storage portion. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first movable portion is moved on a plane orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis, and the second movable portion is moved between and The rotation axis direction is orthogonal to another plane. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second protrusions include a portion bent to a side of the developing roller. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second movable parts are provided with: a force for receiving a force in a direction from the second position to the first position; When the first and second movable parts receive force from the device body in the force receiving part and are in the second position in a state where the cassette is mounted on the device body in another force receiving part, the display is displayed. The image roller system is in an abutment position that abuts against the photoreceptor. When the first and second movable portions are in the first position and the other force receiving portion receives force from the device body, the development roller system It is in a spaced position from the abutment position and the photoreceptor.