WO2016125914A1 - Cartouche, unité à photorécepteur, dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique - Google Patents

Cartouche, unité à photorécepteur, dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016125914A1
WO2016125914A1 PCT/JP2016/054209 JP2016054209W WO2016125914A1 WO 2016125914 A1 WO2016125914 A1 WO 2016125914A1 JP 2016054209 W JP2016054209 W JP 2016054209W WO 2016125914 A1 WO2016125914 A1 WO 2016125914A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coupling member
rotational force
cartridge
axis
main body
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/054209
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
成実 鴨志田
卓也 川上
荻野　博基
菅野　一彦
Original Assignee
キヤノン株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2016020213A external-priority patent/JP6671997B2/ja
Priority to RU2017131060A priority Critical patent/RU2017131060A/ru
Priority to DE112016000641.1T priority patent/DE112016000641B4/de
Priority to KR1020177021411A priority patent/KR20170115530A/ko
Priority to MX2017009974A priority patent/MX369430B/es
Priority to CA2975984A priority patent/CA2975984C/fr
Priority to MYPI2017702855A priority patent/MY189053A/en
Priority to BR112017016420-5A priority patent/BR112017016420B1/pt
Priority to KR1020197033289A priority patent/KR102110097B1/ko
Priority to EP16746742.2A priority patent/EP3255508B1/fr
Application filed by キヤノン株式会社 filed Critical キヤノン株式会社
Priority to GB1712635.0A priority patent/GB2550751B/en
Priority to CN201680014245.7A priority patent/CN107407905B/zh
Priority to SG11201706395UA priority patent/SG11201706395UA/en
Priority to AU2016216346A priority patent/AU2016216346A1/en
Priority to KR1020207012838A priority patent/KR102172851B1/ko
Priority to EP18179267.2A priority patent/EP3422110A1/fr
Publication of WO2016125914A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016125914A1/fr
Priority to ZA2017/04573A priority patent/ZA201704573B/en
Priority to US15/659,034 priority patent/US10795311B2/en
Priority to PH12017501403A priority patent/PH12017501403A1/en
Priority to CONC2017/0008433A priority patent/CO2017008433A2/es
Priority to AU2019200100A priority patent/AU2019200100B2/en
Priority to US16/931,481 priority patent/US11016438B2/en
Priority to AU2021203198A priority patent/AU2021203198B2/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
    • G03G21/1842—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/75—Details relating to xerographic drum, band or plate, e.g. replacing, testing
    • G03G15/757—Drive mechanisms for photosensitive medium, e.g. gears
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/75—Details relating to xerographic drum, band or plate, e.g. replacing, testing
    • G03G15/751—Details relating to xerographic drum, band or plate, e.g. replacing, testing relating to drum
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
    • G03G21/1817—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof having a submodular arrangement
    • G03G21/1821—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof having a submodular arrangement means for connecting the different parts of the process cartridge, e.g. attachment, positioning of parts with each other, pressure/distance regulation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
    • G03G21/1817—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof having a submodular arrangement
    • G03G21/1825—Pivotable subunit connection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
    • G03G21/1842—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks
    • G03G21/1853—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks the process cartridge being mounted perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
    • G03G21/1857—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for transmitting mechanical drive power to the process cartridge, drive mechanisms, gears, couplings, braking mechanisms
    • G03G21/186—Axial couplings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
    • G03G21/1857—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for transmitting mechanical drive power to the process cartridge, drive mechanisms, gears, couplings, braking mechanisms
    • G03G21/1864—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for transmitting mechanical drive power to the process cartridge, drive mechanisms, gears, couplings, braking mechanisms associated with a positioning function
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
    • G03G21/1647—Mechanical connection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
    • G03G21/1857—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for transmitting mechanical drive power to the process cartridge, drive mechanisms, gears, couplings, braking mechanisms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1651—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for connecting the different parts
    • G03G2221/1657—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for connecting the different parts transmitting mechanical drive power

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cartridge, a photosensitive unit, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the cartridge and the photosensitive unit are detachably mounted.
  • Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.).
  • the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of an image carrier (photosensitive member) and process means acting on the image carrier is integrally formed into a cartridge, and is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
  • the process means include a developing means, a charging means, and a cleaning means.
  • the process cartridge include a cartridge in which an image carrier and a charging unit as the process unit are integrally formed.
  • an image carrier, a charging unit as the process unit, and a cleaning unit are integrally formed into a cartridge.
  • an image carrier and a developing unit, a charging unit, and a cleaning unit as the process unit are integrally formed into a cartridge.
  • the cartridge and the photosensitive unit can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by the user himself / herself. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person. This improves the maintenance operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
  • a main body side engaging portion provided in a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to transmit a rotational force to a rotating body such as an image carrier is moved in the rotation axis direction by opening / closing the main body cover of the main body of the apparatus.
  • a configuration that does not include a mechanism to be used is known.
  • the structure regarding the process cartridge which can be removed with respect to the apparatus main body of such a structure in the predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotating shaft line of the said rotary body is known.
  • a configuration relating to a cartridge side engaging portion (coupling member) provided in the process cartridge is known as a rotational force transmitting means that engages with the main body side engaging portion and transmits the rotational force to the rotating body. .
  • the present invention develops the above-described conventional technology, and a mechanism for moving a main body side engaging portion provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in the direction of the rotation axis thereof by opening / closing the main body cover of the main body of the apparatus.
  • a cartridge that can be removed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating body, or a photoconductor unit the apparatus body that does not include the apparatus body can be removed from the apparatus body without impairing usability performance.
  • a cartridge or a photoreceptor unit is provided.
  • the present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the cartridge and the photosensitive unit can be removed.
  • a first invention according to the present application is a cartridge removable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body having a rotatable main body side engaging portion.
  • a rotating body that is arranged so that its rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the removing direction of the cartridge and is capable of carrying a developer;
  • a coupling member provided at one end of the cartridge in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating body to transmit a rotational force from the main body engaging portion to the rotating body, the rotational axis of the coupling member Is a first position substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating body, the rotational axis of the coupling member is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating body, and the coupling member is the rotating body It is displaceable from the first position in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cartridge, and is movable between the second position displaced from the first position to the other end side of the cartridge in the rotation axi
  • a photosensitive unit removable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body having a rotatable main body side engaging portion, i) a photoconductor arranged such that its rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of removal of the photoconductor unit; ii) a coupling member provided at one end of the photoconductor to transmit a rotational force from the main body engaging portion to the photoconductor, wherein the rotation axis of the coupling member is substantially the same as the rotation axis of the photoconductor And the rotation axis of the coupling member is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the photoconductor and away from each other, and the photosensitivity is greater than the first position in the direction of the rotation axis of the photoconductor.
  • a photosensitive unit having a coupling member movable between a second position displaced to the other end side of the body.
  • a rotating body capable of carrying a developer
  • a coupling member provided at one end of the cartridge in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary body to transmit a rotational force to the rotary body, wherein the rotational axis of the coupling member and the rotational axis of the rotary body A first position substantially parallel to the first position in an orthogonal direction in which a rotation axis of the coupling member is substantially parallel to a rotation axis of the rotating body and substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating body.
  • a cartridge that is displaced from one position and is movable between a second position displaced from the first position to the other end side of the cartridge in the rotation axis direction of the rotating body.
  • a rotating body capable of carrying a developer
  • a rotational force transmitting member provided on the other end side of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the rotating body, for transmitting a rotational force to the rotating body
  • a coupling member provided in the rotational force transmission member for transmitting the rotational force to the rotational force transmission member, wherein the rotational axis of the coupling member is relative to the rotational axis of the rotational force transmission member
  • a coupling member configured to move toward the other end side of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the rotating body as they are separated from each other while maintaining a substantially parallel state.
  • a photoreceptor in a photosensitive unit used in a process cartridge that is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, i) a photoreceptor; ii) A coupling member provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor to transmit a rotational force to the photoconductor, wherein the rotation axis of the photoconductor and the rotation axis of the coupling member substantially coincide with each other.
  • the first position, the rotation axis of the photoconductor and the rotation axis of the coupling member are separated from each other in a substantially parallel state, and are closer to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor than the first position.
  • a photoreceptor unit having a displaced second position and a coupling member movable between the second position and the second position is provided.
  • a photoreceptor in a photosensitive unit used in a process cartridge that is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, i) a photoreceptor; ii) a flange provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor to transmit a rotational force to the photoconductor; iii) a coupling member attached to the flange so as to be movable in a state in which a rotation axis of the flange and a rotation axis of the coupling member are substantially parallel to transmit the rotational force to the flange;
  • the coupling member moves away from a state where the rotation axis of the flange and the rotation axis of the coupling member substantially coincide with each other, the coupling member receives a force from the flange and the photosensitive member is moved.
  • a photoreceptor unit configured to move toward the other longitudinal end of the body is provided.
  • a cartridge that can be attached to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body having a rotatable main body side engaging portion, i) a rotating body arranged so that its rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction of the cartridge, and capable of carrying a developer; ii) A coupling member provided at one end of the cartridge in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating body to transmit a rotational force from the main body engaging portion to the rotating body, the rotational axis of the coupling member Is a first position substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating body, and the rotation axis of the coupling member is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating body and is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating body.
  • a coupling member that is displaceable from the first position and is movable between a second position displaced from the first position to the other end side of the cartridge in the rotational axis direction of the rotating body.
  • a photosensitive unit that can be mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body having a rotatable main body side engaging portion, i) a photoconductor arranged such that its rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction of the photoconductor unit; ii) a coupling member provided at one end of the photoconductor to transmit a rotational force from the main body engaging portion to the photoconductor, wherein the rotation axis of the coupling member is substantially the same as the rotation axis of the photoconductor And the rotation axis of the coupling member is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the photoconductor and away from each other, and the photosensitivity is greater than the first position in the direction of the rotation axis of the photoconductor.
  • a photosensitive unit having a coupling member movable between a second position displaced to the other end side of the body.
  • the main body side engaging portion provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body for transmitting the rotational force to the rotating body such as the image carrier is rotated by opening / closing the main body cover of the apparatus main body.
  • Usability performance is impaired in a cartridge or photoconductor unit that is removable (or attachable) in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating body with respect to the apparatus main body that does not include a mechanism for moving in the axial direction.
  • a cartridge or a photoconductor unit that is removable (or attachable) with respect to the apparatus main body it is possible to provide a cartridge or a photoconductor unit that is removable (or attachable) with respect to the apparatus main body.
  • an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the cartridge or the photosensitive unit can be removed (or attached).
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory side sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view showing the operation of mounting the process cartridge on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the first frame unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an explanatory perspective view of the second frame unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the coupling of the first frame unit and the second frame unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective explanatory view of the photoreceptor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective explanatory view showing the assembly of the photosensitive unit to the second frame unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view of the photosensitive unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is an explanatory side view of the coupling member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view of the drive side flange according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the drive side flange, slider, and retaining pin according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a support structure of the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective explanatory view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the process cartridge is mounted.
  • FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operation state when the coupling member is engaged with the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 25 is an explanatory view when the process cartridge is completely installed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the driving structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and the photosensitive unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a perspective sectional view showing a rotational force transmission path according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention when a rotational force is transmitted.
  • FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 30 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling member and the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 37 is an exploded view of the coupling unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 38 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view of the photosensitive unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 40 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 41 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 42 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 43 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 44 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 46 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is engaged with the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 47 is a perspective sectional view showing a rotational force transmission path according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 49 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 50 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 51 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operating state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 52 is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling member and the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 54 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 55 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view of a process cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 56 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view of a process cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 57 is an explanatory perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 58 is a side sectional view of the cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 59 is an explanatory perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the drive side according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the non-driving side according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 61 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing a drive configuration of the apparatus main body according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body as viewed from the non-driving side according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body as viewed from the driving side according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 64 is an explanatory perspective view of the photosensitive unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 65 is an exploded view of the photosensitive unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram of the drive side flange unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 67 is an exploded view of the drive side flange unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the coupling member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 69 is an explanatory view of a coupling member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram of the drive side flange according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram of a drive side flange, a slider, and a retaining pin according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 72 is an explanatory view of a drum bearing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 73 is an explanatory view of the cartridge mounting process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 74 is an explanatory view of the operation of the coupling member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 75 is an explanatory diagram relating to the engaging operation between the coupling member and the main body drive shaft according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 76 is a detailed explanatory view regarding the engaging operation between the coupling member and the main body drive shaft according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 77 is an explanatory view when the coupling member and the main body drive shaft are engaged according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 78 is an explanatory diagram at the time of drive transmission according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 79 is an explanatory view when the coupling member and the main body drive shaft are engaged according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 80 is a modified example of the drive side flange unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 81 is an explanatory diagram relating to the detachment operation of the coupling member and the main body drive shaft according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 82 is a detailed explanatory diagram regarding the detachment operation of the coupling member and the main body drive shaft according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 83 is a detailed explanatory view regarding the detachment operation of the coupling member and the main body drive shaft according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 84 is a detailed explanatory view regarding the detachment operation of the coupling member and the main body drive shaft according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the main body drive shaft and the drum drive gear according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 86 shows a modification of the coupling member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 87 is an exploded view of the coupling unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 88 is a perspective explanatory view and a cross-sectional explanatory view of a photosensitive unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 89 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 90 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 91 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 92 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 93 is an operation explanatory view of the coupling member and the coupling unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 94 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 95 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 96 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member engages with the main body side engaging portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 97 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 98 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 99 is an explanatory view showing an operation state when the coupling member is detached from the main body side engaging portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the short direction of the process cartridge is a direction in which the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and coincides with the conveyance direction of the recording medium.
  • the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, is parallel to the rotation axis of the image carrier, and transports the recording medium. It is a direction that intersects the direction.
  • symbol in an explanatory note is for referring drawings, and does not limit a structure.
  • the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body excludes the process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge B”) from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It's part.
  • the cartridge B is configured to be detachable (mountable or removable) from the apparatus main body A.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory side sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view of the apparatus main body A.
  • FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view of the cartridge B.
  • FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of the operation of mounting the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A.
  • the apparatus main body A emits laser light L corresponding to image information from the optical means 1 during image formation to a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member 10 (hereinafter referred to as an image carrier (rotary body)). , And referred to as “photosensitive drum 10”).
  • an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information can be formed on the photosensitive drum 10.
  • This electrostatic latent image is developed with the developer t by a developing roller 13 described later. As a result, a developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the lift-up plate 3b at the front end of the paper feed tray 3a containing the recording medium 2 rises, and the recording medium 2 is fed with the paper feed roller 3c, the separation pad 3d, and the registration roller pair 3e. And so on.
  • a transfer roller 4 as a transfer means is disposed at the transfer position.
  • a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer image is applied to the transfer roller 4.
  • the developer image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the recording medium 2.
  • the recording medium 2 is an image on which a developer is formed, and is, for example, a recording paper, a label, or an OHP sheet.
  • the recording medium 2 onto which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing means 5 via the conveyance guide 3f.
  • the fixing unit 5 includes a driving roller 5a and a fixing roller 5c incorporating a heater 5b.
  • the fixing unit 5 applies heat and pressure to the passing recording medium 2 to fix the developer image transferred to the recording medium 2 to the recording medium 2. As a result, an image is formed on the recording medium 2.
  • the recording medium 2 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 3 g and discharged to the discharge portion 8 c of the main body cover 8.
  • the sheet feeding roller 3c, the separation pad 3d, the registration roller pair 3e, the conveyance guide 3f, the discharge roller pair 3g, and the like constitute conveyance means for the recording medium 2.
  • the side on which the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body A to the photosensitive drum 10 is referred to as a “drive side”.
  • the side opposite to the drive side in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 10 is referred to as “non-drive side”.
  • the apparatus main body A is provided with an installation portion 7 which is a space for installing the cartridge B.
  • the coupling member 180 of the cartridge B is engaged (connected) to the main assembly side engaging portion 100 of the apparatus main assembly A. Then, a rotational force is transmitted from the main body side engaging portion 100 to the photosensitive drum 10 via the coupling member 180 (details will be described later).
  • a main body side engaging portion 100 and a drive side guide member 120 are provided on the drive side of the apparatus main body A.
  • the drive side guide part 120 is provided with a first guide part 120a and a second guide part 120b for guiding the attachment and detachment of the cartridge B.
  • a non-driving side guide member 125 is provided on the non-driving side of the apparatus main body A.
  • the non-driving side guide portion 125 is provided with a first guide portion 125a and a second guide portion 125b that guide the attachment and detachment of the cartridge B.
  • the drive-side guide member 120 and the non-drive-side guide member 125 are provided to face both the drive-side and non-drive-side side surfaces inside the apparatus main body A with the installation portion 7 interposed therebetween.
  • a drum bearing 30 for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum unit U1 is provided on the drive side of the cartridge B.
  • the drum bearing 30 is provided with a driving side supported portion 30b.
  • the cleaning frame body 21 is provided with a drive side rotation stop portion 21e.
  • the cleaning frame 21 is provided with a non-driving side supported portion 21f and a non-driving side guide portion 21g.
  • a body cover 8 that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus body A is opened by rotating in the direction of the arrow 8u around the hinge 8a and the hinge 8b. Thereby, the installation part 7 in the apparatus main body A is exposed. Then, the cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10 in the cartridge B (the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. 4), and is attached to the apparatus main body A (installation unit 7).
  • the drive side supported portion 30b and the drive side rotation stop portion 21e are guided by the first guide portion 120a and the second guide portion 120b of the drive side guide portion 120, respectively.
  • the non-driving side supported portion 21f and the non-driving side guide portion 21g are guided by the first guide portion 125a and the second guide portion 125b of the non-driving side guide portion 125, respectively.
  • the installation of the cartridge B in the installation unit 7 is referred to as “the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A”. Further, the removal of the cartridge B from the installation portion 7 is referred to as “the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body A”. Further, the position of the cartridge B installed in the installation unit 7 with respect to the apparatus main body A is referred to as “mounting completion position”.
  • the configuration in which the user himself / herself inserts the cartridge B up to the installation unit 7 has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited thereto.
  • the final mounting operation may be performed by another means such as the user inserting the cartridge B halfway and inserting the cartridge B into the installation portion 7 by the weight of the cartridge B from the middle.
  • FIG. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the cartridge B.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the first frame unit 18.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of the second frame unit 19.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the coupling of the first frame unit 18 and the second frame unit 19.
  • the cartridge B includes a photosensitive drum 10 having a photosensitive layer.
  • a charging roller 11 as a charging means (process means) is provided in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the charging roller 11 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by voltage application from the apparatus main body A. Further, the charging roller 11 rotates following the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the charged photosensitive drum 10 is exposed to laser light L from the optical means 1 through the exposure opening 12 to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is configured to be developed by developing means described later.
  • the developer t stored in the developer storage container 14 is sent out from the opening 14 a of the developer storage container 14 into the development container 16 by the rotatable developer transport member 17.
  • the developing container 16 has a developer carrier (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller) 13 as developing means (process means).
  • the developing roller 13 functions as a rotating body that can carry the developer t.
  • the developing roller 13 includes a magnet roller (fixed magnet) 13c.
  • a developing blade 15 is provided in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 13.
  • the developing blade 15 defines the amount of developer t adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 13 and imparts triboelectric charge to the developer t. Thereby, a developer layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 13. Further, the blowout prevention sheet 24 prevents leakage of the developer t from the developing container 16.
  • the developing roller 13 is provided with a biasing spring 23a and a biasing spring 23b (with a predetermined clearance with respect to the photosensitive drum 10 by spacer rollers 13k (see FIG. 6) provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 13. 8), the photosensitive drum 10 is pressed. Then, the developing roller 13 to which the voltage is applied is rotated to supply the developer t to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 10. The developing roller 13 transfers the developer t according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10, and the developer image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 10. Form. That is, the photosensitive drum 10 functions as a rotating body capable of carrying a developer image (developer).
  • the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the recording medium 2 by the transfer roller 4.
  • a cleaning blade 20 as a cleaning unit is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the tip of the cleaning blade 20 is in elastic contact with the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the cleaning blade 20 scrapes off the developer t remaining on the photosensitive drum 10 after transferring the developer image to the recording medium 2.
  • the developer t scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by the cleaning blade 20 is stored in the removed developer storage portion 21a.
  • the squeeze sheet 22 prevents leakage of the developer t from the removed developer accommodating portion 21a.
  • the cartridge B is configured by integrally coupling a first frame unit 18 and a second frame unit 19.
  • first frame unit 18 and the second frame unit 19 will be described.
  • the first frame unit 18 includes a developer container 14 and a developer container 16 as shown in FIG.
  • the developer container 14 is provided with members such as a developer transport member 17 (not shown).
  • the developing container 16 is provided with members such as a developing roller 13, a developing blade 15, spacer rollers 13 k at both ends of the developing roller 13, and a blowing prevention sheet 24.
  • the second frame unit 19 is provided with members such as a cleaning frame 21, a cleaning blade 20, and a charging roller 11 as shown in FIG.
  • a photosensitive drum unit U1 as a photosensitive unit including the photosensitive drum 10 is rotatably supported by the drum bearing 30 and the drum shaft 54.
  • the rotation holes 16a and 16b at both ends of the first frame unit 18 and the fixing holes 21c and 21d at both ends of the second frame unit 19 are unit coupling pins. 25a and unit coupling pin 25b.
  • the 1st frame unit 18 and the 2nd frame unit 19 are connected so that rotation is possible.
  • the developing roller 13 is moved through a spacer roller 13k (see FIG. 6) by an urging spring 23a and an urging spring 23b provided between the first frame unit 18 and the second frame unit 19. It is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 while maintaining a certain clearance.
  • FIG. 9A is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit U1 as viewed from the driving side
  • FIG. 9B is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit U1 as viewed from the non-driving side
  • FIG. 9C is an exploded perspective view of the photosensitive drum unit U1.
  • FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the photosensitive drum unit U1 is incorporated into the second frame unit 19.
  • a photosensitive drum unit U1 as a photosensitive unit is composed of a photosensitive drum 10, a driving side flange unit U2, a non-driving side flange 50, and the like.
  • the photosensitive drum 10 is a conductive member such as aluminum whose surface is coated with a photosensitive layer. Note that the inside of the photosensitive drum 10 may be hollow or the inside may be solid.
  • the drive-side flange unit U2 is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum 10 on the drive side in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction along the rotation axis L1). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9C, the drive side flange unit U2 has a fitting support portion 150b of the drive side flange (rotational force transmitted member (rotational force transmitting member)) 150 at the end of the photosensitive drum 10. And is fixed to the photosensitive drum 10 by adhesion, caulking, or the like. When the driving side flange 150 rotates, the photosensitive drum 10 rotates integrally.
  • the drive side flange 150 is fixed to the photosensitive drum 10 so that the rotation axis L151 of the drive side flange 150 and the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10 are substantially coaxial (on the same straight line).
  • the attaching / detaching direction (mounting direction or removing direction) of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A is a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10 and the rotation axis L151 of the drive side flange 150. Is also a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L101 of the main body side engaging portion 100 (described later).
  • substantially coaxial (on the same straight line) includes not only the case of completely coincident coaxial (on the same straight line) but also the case where it is slightly deviated from the same axis (on the same straight line) due to variations in component dimensions. . The same applies to the following description.
  • the non-driving side flange 50 is substantially coaxial with the photosensitive drum 10 and is disposed at the non-driving side end 10a1 of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the non-driving side flange 50 is made of resin, and is fixed to the photosensitive drum 10 by adhesion, caulking, or the like to the end portion 10a1 on the non-driving side of the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in FIG. 9C.
  • the non-driving side flange 50 is provided with a conductive ground plate 51 for electrically grounding the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the ground plate 51 has a protrusion 51 a and a protrusion 51 b that are larger than the inner peripheral surface 10 b of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the ground plate 51 is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 10 by the protrusions 51 a and 51 b being in contact with the inner peripheral surface 10 b of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the photosensitive drum unit U1 is rotatably supported by the second frame unit 19. As shown in FIG. 10, on the drive side of the photosensitive drum unit U1, the supported portion 150d of the drive side flange 150 is rotatably supported by the support portion 30a of the drum bearing 30. The drum bearing 30 is fixed to the cleaning frame 21 by screws 26. On the other hand, on the non-driving side of the photosensitive drum unit U1, the bearing portion 50a (see FIG. 9B) of the non-driving side flange 50 is rotatably supported by the conductive drum shaft 54. Here, since the drum shaft 54 is in contact with a contact portion (not shown) of the ground plate 51, the drum shaft 54 is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 10 via the ground plate 51.
  • FIG. 11A is a perspective explanatory view of the state where the drive side flange unit U2 is attached to the photosensitive drum 10 as viewed from the drive side.
  • the photosensitive drum 10 is indicated by a broken line, and a portion hidden inside the photosensitive drum 10 is indicated.
  • FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S1 cross section of FIG. 11A
  • FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S2 cross section of FIG. 11A.
  • the slide groove 150s1 of the drive side flange 150 is indicated by a broken line for the sake of explanation.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit U2.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory perspective view of the coupling member 180.
  • FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling member 180.
  • 15A and 15B are perspective explanatory views of the drive side flange 150.
  • FIG. FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing the S3 cross section of FIG. 15A, and for the sake of explanation, the convex portion 180m1, the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 of the coupling member 180 are displayed. ing.
  • FIG. 15D is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling member 180 and the drive side flange 150.
  • FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the drive side flange 150 and the slider 160, the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192, and FIG. 16B is a sectional view of the SL 153 shown in FIG.
  • the photosensitive drum 10 is indicated by a two-dot chain line for explanation.
  • the drive side flange unit U2 includes a drive side flange 150 as a rotational force transmitting member, a coupling member 180, a biasing member 170, a slider 160, a retaining pin 191 and a retaining pin. 192.
  • L151 shown in FIG. 11 represents a rotation axis when the drive-side flange 150 rotates.
  • rotation axis L151 is referred to as “axis L151”.
  • L181 represents a rotation axis when the coupling member 180 rotates.
  • rotation axis L181 is referred to as “axis L181”.
  • the coupling member 180 is provided inside the drive side flange 150 together with the biasing member 170 and the slider 160. With the configuration described later, the slider 160 is prevented from moving in the direction of the axis L151 with respect to the drive side flange 150 by the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192.
  • the urging member 170 uses a compression coil spring. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, one end portion 170 a of the biasing member 170 is in contact with the spring contact portion 180 d 1 of the coupling member 180, and the other end portion 170 b is in contact with the spring of the slider 160. It is in contact with the portion 160b.
  • the biasing member 170 is compressed between the coupling member 180 and the slider 160, and biases the coupling member 180 toward the driving side (in the direction of arrow X9 (outside of the cartridge B)) by the biasing force F170.
  • the urging member can be appropriately selected as long as it is an elastic body (that generates an elastic force) such as a spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring, rubber, or sponge.
  • an elastic body that generates an elastic force
  • the coupling member 180 is configured to move in a direction parallel to the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150, the type of the biasing member 170 needs to have a certain amount of stroke. Therefore, a member having a stroke such as a coil spring is desirable.
  • the coupling member 180 mainly includes a convex portion 180m1, a convex portion 180m2, a first protruding portion 180a, a second protruding portion 180b, a body portion 180c, a fitting portion 180h, and a spring mounting portion 180d. Consists of.
  • axis L182 one direction orthogonal to the axis L181 is referred to as “axis L182”, and a direction orthogonal to both the axis L181 and the axis L182 is referred to as “axis L183”.
  • the convex portion 180m1 and the convex portion 180m2 protrude from the body portion 180c along the direction of the axis L182, and the convex portion 180m1 and the convex portion 180m2 are mutually on the basis of the axis L181. It is provided at a position facing 180 degrees.
  • the convex portion 180m1 and the convex portion 180m2 have the same shape, and the shape will be described below by taking the convex portion 180m1 as an example.
  • the convex portion 180m1 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L181 as viewed from the direction of the axis L182, and a pentagonal shape.
  • a guided portion 180j1 and a guided portion 180j2 portions having two surfaces inclined by an angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L181 are referred to as a guided portion 180j1 and a guided portion 180j2 as an inclined portion or a contact portion.
  • the guided portion 180j1 and the guide portion 180j2 are inclined with respect to the axis L181.
  • a portion connecting the guided portion 180j1 and the guided portion 180j2 is referred to as an R-shaped portion 180t1.
  • the surface perpendicular to the axis L183 of the convex portion 180m1 is referred to as a convex portion end portion 180n1 and a convex portion end portion 180n2.
  • a surface perpendicular to the axis L182 of the convex portion 180m1 is referred to as a rotational force transmitting portion 180g1.
  • each part which forms the convex part 180m2 is also called the guided part 180j3, the guided part 180j4, the R-shaped part 180t2, the convex part end part 180n3, the convex part end part 180n4, and the rotational force transmission part 180g2.
  • the first projecting portion 180a and the second projecting portion 180b are portions having spherical surfaces protruding from the driving side end portion 180c1 of the cylindrical body portion 180c toward the driving side,
  • the shapes are point-symmetric with respect to the axis L181.
  • the first projecting portion 180 a and the second projecting portion 180 b are formed inside the portion including the body portion 180 c in the rotational radius direction of the coupling member 180.
  • the first protrusion 180a and the second protrusion 180b are respectively a main body contact part 180a1, a main body contact part 180b1, a second main body contact part 180a2, and a second main body contact part.
  • 180 b 2 a rotational force receiving portion 180 a 3, a rotational force receiving portion 180 b 3, a third main body contact portion 180 a 5, a third main body contact portion 180 b 5, a tip surface 180 a 4, and a tip surface 180 b 4.
  • the driving-side tip portions of the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 are referred to as a tip corner portion 180a7 and a tip corner portion 180b7, respectively.
  • the main body contact portion 180a1 and the main body contact portion 180b1 are provided outside the first protrusion 180a and the second protrusion 180b, respectively.
  • the first projecting portion 180a and the second projecting portion 180b are engaged with the main body side when the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 100 and when the coupling member 180 is detached from the main body side engaging portion. It is a part that contacts the part 100 (details will be described later).
  • the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 have a plane parallel to the axis L181 of the coupling member 180 (FIG. 14 (a)).
  • the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 have a shape having a plane perpendicular to the axis L183.
  • the distance between the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 and the axis L181 is defined as an offset V1.
  • the second main body contact portion 180a2 and the second main body contact portion 180b2 have an angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the axis L181 of the coupling member 180 when viewed from the direction of the axis L183.
  • the third main body contact portion 180a5 and the third main body contact portion 180b5 are inclined surfaces having an angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the axis L181 of the coupling member 180 when viewed from the direction of the axis L183.
  • the main body contact portion 180a1 and the main body contact portion 180b1 are configured to approach the axis L181 as they move toward the drive side of the axis L181.
  • the main body abutting portion 180a1 and the main body abutting portion 180b1 are formed of a part of a spherical surface having substantially the same diameter as the cylinder of the body portion 180c, and the axis L181 is directed toward the driving side of the axis L181.
  • the outer diameter in the cross section perpendicular to is small.
  • the fitting portion 180h has a cylindrical shape with the axis L181 as the central axis, and there is almost no gap due to the cylindrical portion 160a (see FIGS. 11B and 11C) of the slider 160 as a holding member (moving member). It is fitted and supported (details will be described later).
  • the cylindrical portion 160 a functions as a holding portion for holding the coupling member 180.
  • the spring attachment portion 180d is provided at the non-driving side end of the fitting portion 180h.
  • the spring attachment portion 180d is provided with a spring contact portion 180d1 that contacts the one end portion 170a of the biasing member 170.
  • the spring contact portion 180d1 is a surface that is substantially orthogonal to the axis L181 of the coupling member 180. .
  • the driving flange 150 includes a fitting support portion 150 b that fits on the inner peripheral surface 10 b of the photosensitive drum 10, a gear portion 150 c, a support portion 150 d that is rotatably supported by the drum bearing 30, and the like. Is provided.
  • axis L152 one direction orthogonal to the axis L151 is referred to as an “axis L152”, and a direction orthogonal to both the axis L151 and the axis L152 is referred to as an “axis L153”.
  • the inside of the drive side flange 150 has a hollow shape, which is referred to as a hollow portion 150f.
  • the hollow portion 150f is provided with a planar inner wall portion 150h1, a planar inner wall portion 150h2, a cylindrical inner wall portion 150r1, a cylindrical inner wall portion 150r2, a concave portion 150m1, and a concave portion 150m2.
  • the plane inner wall portion 150h1 and the plane inner wall portion 150h2 have a plane perpendicular to the axis L152, and are provided at positions facing each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L151.
  • the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r1 and the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r2 have a cylindrical shape with the axis L151 as the central axis, and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L151.
  • the concave portion 150m1 and the concave portion 150m2 are provided with steps with respect to the planar inner wall portion 150h1 and the planar inner wall portion 150h2, respectively, and are formed in a direction away from the axis L151 along the axis L152 direction.
  • the concave portion 150m1 and the concave portion 150m2 have the same shape and are provided at positions opposed to each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L151, the shape will be described in detail below by taking the concave portion 150m1 as an example.
  • the recess 150m1 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L151 when viewed from the direction of the axis L152. As shown in FIG. 15C, when viewed from the direction of the axis L152, a portion having a surface that is inclined by an angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L151 as in the guided portions 180j1 to 180j4 is inclined or abutted. These parts are referred to as a guide part 150j1 and a guide part 150j2. Here, the guide part 150j1 and the guide part 150j2 are inclined with respect to the axis L151. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 150j1 corresponds to the guided portion 180j1, and the guide portion 150j2 corresponds to the guided portion 180j2.
  • a portion connecting the guide portion 150j1 and the guide portion 150j2 is an R shape 150t1. Further, the surface perpendicular to the axis L153 of the recess 150m1 is referred to as a recess end 150n1 and a recess end 150n2. And the rotational force receiving part 150g1 which has a plane orthogonal to the axis line L152 is provided with the level
  • the slide groove 150s1 is a through-hole that supports the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192, and has a rectangular shape having a long side in the direction of the axis L153 when viewed from the direction of the axis L152.
  • the respective portions forming the recess 150m2 are also referred to as a rotational force transmitted portion 150g2, a guide portion 150j3, a guide portion 150j4, an R-shaped portion 150t2, a slide groove 150s4, a recess end portion 150n3, and a recess end portion 150n4, respectively.
  • the drive side end of the hollow portion 150f is referred to as an opening 150e.
  • the coupling member 180 is hollow in the drive side flange 150 so that the axis L ⁇ b> 182 is parallel to the axis L ⁇ b> 152 with respect to the drive side flange 150.
  • the rotational force transmitting portion 180g1, the rotational force transmitting portion 180g2, the rotational force transmitted portion 150g1, and the rotational force transmitted portion 150g2 are fitted in the direction of the axis L182 with almost no gap. Thereby, the movement to the axis L182 direction with respect to the drive side flange 150 of the coupling member 180 is controlled (refer to Drawing 11 (b) and Drawing 15 (d)).
  • the shape of the convex part 180m1 and the concave part 150m1 is set so that the gap E1 is larger than the gap D.
  • the projection 180m1 is provided on the coupling member 180 and the 150m1 is provided on the flange 150.
  • the concavo-convex relationship may be reversed.
  • the aforementioned inclined portion may be provided on one or the other of the coupling member 180 and the flange 150. That is, the inclined portion may be provided on at least one of the coupling member 180 and the flange 150.
  • the slider 160 is provided with a cylindrical portion 160a and a contact portion 160b with which the other end portion 170b of the urging member 170 contacts, and through holes 160c1 to 160c4.
  • axis line L161 the central axis of the cylindrical portion 160a is referred to as “axis line L161”.
  • the cylindrical part 160a fits and supports the fitting part 180h of the coupling member 180 with almost no gap.
  • the coupling member 180 is movable in the direction of the axis L181 while being held so that the axis L181 is substantially coaxial with the axis L161.
  • the cylindrical retaining pin 191 and retaining pin 192 have a central axis parallel to the axis L152.
  • the through holes 160c1 to 160c4 of the slider 160 are inserted.
  • the slider 160 and the drive side flange 150 are connected to each other by the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 being supported by the slide groove 150s1 and the slide groove 150s4 of the drive side flange 150.
  • the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 are arranged side by side in the direction of the axis L153.
  • the diameters of the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 are set to be slightly smaller than the width of the slide groove 150s1 and the slide groove 150s4 in the direction of the axis L151.
  • the fitting support portion 150b (see FIG. 16A) of the driving side flange 150 is fitted and fixed to the opening 10a2 of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 are prevented from coming out in the direction of the axis L152.
  • the length G1 of the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 is set sufficiently larger than the distance G2 between the rotational force transmitting portion 150g1 and the rotational force transmitting portion 150g2. As a result, the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 are prevented from falling off from the slide groove 150s1 and the slide groove 150s4.
  • a gap E2 larger than the gap D is provided between the retaining pin 191 and one end 150s2 of the slide groove 150s1, and between the retaining pin 192 and the other end 150s3 of the slide groove 150s1. (See FIG. 11C and FIG. 16A).
  • a clearance similar to the clearance E2 is also provided between the retaining pin 191 and the one end 150s5 of the slide groove 150s4 and between the retaining pin 192 and the other end 150s6 of the slide groove 150s4 ( FIG. 16 (a)).
  • a lubricant (not shown) is applied to the through holes 160c1 to 160c4, the slide groove 150s1, and the slide groove 150s4. As a result, the slider 160 can move smoothly in the direction of the axis L153 with respect to the drive-side flange 150.
  • the guide portion 150j1 and the guide portion 150j2 as the inclined portion or the contact portion, and the guided portion 180j1 and the guided portion 180j2 as the inclination portion or the contact portion can contact each other.
  • both the guide portion 150j1 (150j2) and the guided portion 180j1 (180j2) are inclined, and either one may be inclined.
  • the coupling members 180 are prevented from dropping from the opening 150e of the drive side flange 150 by abutting each other. Further, the coupling member 180 is urged to the drive side by the urging member 170 so that the guided portion 180j1 and the guided portion 180j2 are in contact with the guide portion 150j1 and the guide portion 150j2.
  • the relationship between the guide portion 150j3, the guide portion 150j4, the guided portion 180j3, and the guided portion 180j4 is the same.
  • the convex portion 180m1 and the convex portion 180m2 are symmetrical with respect to the axis L181 when viewed from the direction of the axis L182. Further, the recess 150m1 and the recess 150m2 are symmetrical with respect to the axis L151 when viewed from the direction of the axis L152. Therefore, the coupling member 180 is urged to the driving side by the urging member 170, and the guided portion 180j1 to the guided portion 180j4 and the guide portion 150j1 to the guide portion 150j4 come into contact with each other, so that the axis L181 is substantially set to the axis L151. Arranged to be coaxial.
  • the coupling member 180 is configured such that the axis L181 and the axis L151 are parallel to the drive side flange 150 via the slider 160. Further, the coupling member 180 is movable in the direction of the axis L181 and the direction of the axis L183 with respect to the drive side flange 150. Furthermore, the coupling member 180 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L182 with respect to the drive-side flange 150. The coupling member 180 is urged toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9 in FIG. 11) with respect to the driving side flange 150 by the urging force F170 of the urging member 170, and the axis line L181 and the axis line L151 are It is urged to be substantially coaxial.
  • the drive side flange 150, the coupling member 180, and the slider 160 are made of resin, and the material thereof is polyacetal, polycarbonate, or the like.
  • the retaining pin 190 is made of metal, and the material thereof is iron, stainless steel, or the like.
  • the material of each component can be appropriately selected from resin and metal, such as making each component made of metal or resin.
  • the gear portion 150c transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member 180 from the main body side engaging portion 100 to the developing roller 13, and the helical gear or the spur gear is driven. It is integrally formed with the side flange 150. Note that the rotation of the developing roller 13 may not be via the drive side flange 150. In that case, the gear part 150c can be eliminated.
  • the assembly procedure of the drive side flange unit U2 is demonstrated.
  • the coupling member 180 is inserted into the space 150 f of the drive side flange 150.
  • the coupling member 180 and the drive side flange 150 are inserted in phase so that the axis L182 and the axis L152 are parallel to each other.
  • the urging member 170 is assembled. The position of the urging member 170 in the radial direction is regulated by the shaft portion 180d2 of the coupling member 180 and the shaft portion 160d of the slider 160.
  • the urging member 170 may be assembled in advance to either or both of the shaft portion 180d2 and the shaft portion 160d. At that time, if the urging member 170 is press-fitted into the shaft portion 180d2 (or the shaft portion 160d) so that the urging member 170 does not fall off, the assembling workability is improved. Thereafter, the slider 160 is inserted into the space portion 150f so that the fitting portion 180h fits into the cylindrical portion 160a. Then, as shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D, the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192 are inserted from the slide groove 150s1 into the through holes 160c1 to 160c4 and the slide groove 150s4. (6) Explanation of operation of coupling member
  • FIG. 17A1 shows a state in which the axis L181 of the coupling member 180 and the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150 coincide, and the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 and the guided portions 180j1 to 180j4 are in contact with each other.
  • FIG. 17A2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the coupling member 180 has moved in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L183 with respect to the drive-side flange 150.
  • FIGS. 17 (b1) to 17 (b3) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing FIGS. 17 (a1) to 17 (a3) as SL183 cross sections parallel to the axis L183.
  • the coupling member 180 is displayed without being cut, and the guide portion 150j3, the guide portion 150j4, and the slide groove 150s4 of the drive side flange 150 are indicated by broken lines for explanation. Yes.
  • the coupling member 180 is brought into contact with the guide portion 150j3, the guide portion 150j4, the guided portion 180j3, and the guided portion 180j4 by the urging force F170 of the urging member 170.
  • L181 and the axis L151 are substantially coaxial.
  • the first projecting portion 180a and the second projecting portion 180b of the coupling member 180 project from the opening 150e of the drive side flange 150 to the drive side.
  • the biasing member 170 is a spring as an elastic member.
  • the coupling member 180 is moved by the distance p3 in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L183 with respect to the drive side flange 150. Then, as shown in FIG. 17 (b2), the coupling member 180 resists the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170 while the guided portion 180j4 and the guide portion 150j4 of the driving side flange 150 are in contact with each other. It moves in the direction (arrow X61 direction) along the guide portion 150j4. At this time, the coupling member 180 maintains the state in which the axis L181 is parallel to the axis L151.
  • the coupling member 180 can move in the direction of the arrow X61 until the body portion 180c contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r1, that is, until the movement distance p3 of the coupling member 180 in the direction of the axis L183 becomes equal to the gap D. is there.
  • the slider 160 can be moved only in the direction of the axis L183 by the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192. Accordingly, in conjunction with the movement of the coupling member 180 in the direction of the arrow X61, the slider 160 moves in the direction of the arrow X51 integrally with the retaining pin 191 and the retaining pin 192.
  • the coupling member 180 when the coupling member 180 is moved in the direction of the arrow X8, the coupling member 180 is attached with the fitting portion 180h supported by the cylindrical portion 160a of the slider 160. It moves in the direction of arrow X8 against the urging force F170 of the urging member 170. At this time, there are gaps between the guided portions 180j3 and 180j4 of the coupling member 180 and the guide portions 150j3 and 150j4 of the driving flange 150.
  • the coupling member 180 can move from the opening 150e of the driving side flange 150 to a state where it can be completely accommodated in the space 150f inside the driving side flange 150.
  • the coupling member 180 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 150 in the direction of the axis L181 and the direction of the axis L183. Further, the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the axis L181 in conjunction with the movement in the direction of the axis L183 relative to the driving side flange 150 by the contact between the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 and the guided portions 180j1 to 180j4. It is movable. (7) Description of main assembly side engaging portion and drive configuration of apparatus main body
  • FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing the shape of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • L101 shown in FIG. 17 represents a rotation axis when the main body side engaging portion 100 rotates
  • rotation axis L101 is referred to as “axis L101”.
  • axis L102 One direction orthogonal to the axis L101
  • axis L103 a direction orthogonal to both the axis L101 and the axis L102
  • FIG. 18A and 18B are perspective explanatory views showing the main body side engaging portion 100 of the apparatus main body A.
  • FIG. FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional explanatory view (cross-sectional view cut along a plane including the axis L101 and orthogonal to the axis L102) showing the S6 cross section of FIG. 18B.
  • FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of supporting the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • 19A is a side view on the drive side of the apparatus main body A
  • FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view showing a support structure of the main body side engaging portion 100 showing the S7 cross section of FIG. 19A. It is explanatory drawing.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 is provided with a cylindrical driving shaft 100j and a driving gear portion 100c. Inside the drive shaft 100j, a cylindrical inner wall 100b, a rotational force applying unit 100a1, and a rotational force applying unit 100a2 are provided. A space formed by the inner wall 100b, the rotational force applying part 100a1, and the rotational force applying part 100a2 inside the drive shaft 100j is referred to as a space part 100f. As shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the coupling member 180 enters the space portion 100f to transmit the rotational force when the rotational force is transmitted. Further, the end on the cartridge B side in the direction of the axis L101 of the space 100f is referred to as an open end 100g.
  • the rotational force applying unit 100a1 and the rotational force applying unit 100a2 are point-symmetric with respect to the axis L101 of the main body side engaging unit 100, and each has a cylindrical surface 100e1 and a cylindrical surface along a direction parallel to the axis L102. 100e2. Further, in the rotational force imparting portion 100a1 and the rotational force imparting portion 100a2, the most protruding portions in the direction of the axis L103 are referred to as the most convex portion 100m1 and the most convex portion 100m2, respectively.
  • the rotational force imparting portion 100a1 and the rotational force imparting portion 100a2 come into contact with the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 of the coupling member 180 at the most convex portion 100m1 and the maximum convex portion 100m2, so that the coupling member 180 Transmits rotational force.
  • the distance in the direction of the axis L103 between the axis L101, the most convex part 100m1, and the most convex part 100m2 is defined as an offset V2.
  • the rotational force provision part 100a1 and the rotational force provision part 100a2 each have the plane wall part 100k1 and the plane wall part 100k2 orthogonal to the axis line L103.
  • the ridge line portions on the opening end portion 100g side of the planar wall portion 100k1 and the planar wall portion 100k2 are referred to as a retracting force applying portion 100n1 and a retracting force applying portion 100n2, respectively.
  • Rotational force imparting part 100a1 and rotational force imparting part 100a2 are enhanced in strength by being connected by inner wall 100b. Therefore, the main body side engaging portion 100 can smoothly transmit the rotational force to the coupling member 180.
  • a driving gear portion 100c centering on the axis L101 is provided on the opposite side of the main body side engaging portion 100 in the direction of the axis L101 from the cartridge B side.
  • the driving gear portion 100c is fixed to the main body side engaging portion 100 so as to be integral or non-rotatable.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 rotates around the axis L101, the main body side engaging portion 100 also rotates around the axis L101. .
  • the inner diameter portion 103 a of the bearing member 103 supports the outer shape portion 100 j 1 of the drive shaft 100 j of the main body side engaging portion 100. Further, the outer portion 104 a of the bearing member 104 supports the inner wall portion 100 b of the main body side engaging portion 100. And the bearing member 103 and the bearing member 104 are being fixed to the side plate 108 and the side plate 109 which comprise the housing
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the main part on the drive side of the cartridge B in a mounted state of the cartridge B in the apparatus main body A.
  • FIG. FIGS. 21 and 23 are cross-sectional explanatory views of the state when the coupling member 180 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • FIG. 21A and FIG. 23A are explanatory views showing the mounting direction and the cutting direction of the S8 sectional view and the S12 sectional view, respectively.
  • FIGS. 21B1 to 21B4 are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S8 cross section of FIG. 21A, in which the coupling member 180 moves and engages with the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • FIGS. 21 (b1) and 21 (b2) are enlarged views of the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U2 and the contact portion 108a as a fixing member in FIGS. 21 (b1) and 21 (b2), respectively. .
  • the first projecting portion 180b in the initial mounting state (described later) is indicated by a broken line for explanation.
  • 23 (b1) and 23 (b2) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the process of mounting the cartridge B, showing the S12 cross section of FIG. 23 (a).
  • “engagement” refers to a state in which the axis L151 and the axis L101 are arranged substantially coaxially and the coupling member 180 and the main body side engaging portion 100 can transmit a rotational force.
  • the cartridge B is in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L ⁇ b> 1 of the photosensitive drum 10 and in a direction (arrow X ⁇ b> 1 direction) substantially orthogonal to the axis L ⁇ b> 151 of the drive side flange 150. It moves along and is attached to the apparatus main body A.
  • FIGS. 21B1 and 22A when the cartridge B starts to be attached to the apparatus main body A, the coupling member 180 is opened by the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170.
  • the rotation axis L 181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L 1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150. More specifically, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L151 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the main body contact portion 180b1 of the coupling member 180 contacts the contact portion 108a of the side plate 108 of the apparatus main body A. Then, as shown in FIGS. 21 (b1) and 22 (a), the main body contact portion 180b1 receives a force F1 (retraction force) due to mounting from the contact portion 108a as a fixing member.
  • the force F1 is directed in the direction inclined by an angle ⁇ 7 that is smaller than the remainder angle ⁇ 31 of the angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L183 in order to face the central direction of the substantially spherical surface that forms the main body contact portion 180b1.
  • the cartridge B is further moved in the direction of the arrow X1.
  • the body part 180c of the coupling and the cylindrical inner wall part 150r1 of the driving side flange 150 come into contact with each other, and the movement of the coupling member 180 in the arrow X61 direction with respect to the driving side flange 150 is restricted.
  • the amount of movement of the coupling member 180 from the initial mounting state in the direction of the axis L181 is defined as a movement amount N (see FIG. 22B).
  • the movement amount N is determined by the inclination ⁇ 3 (see FIG. 15) with respect to the axis L181 of the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 and the gap D (see FIG. 11C).
  • the coupling member 180 is moved in the arrow X8 direction by a movement amount N compared to the initial state of attachment. Then, since the force F1 is directed to the center of the substantially spherical surface constituting the main body contact portion 180b1, the angle ⁇ 7 formed by the force F1 and the axis L183 is increased as compared with the initial mounting state. Along with this, the component force F1a of the force F1 in the direction of the arrow X8 increases compared to the initial mounting state. By this component force F1a, the coupling member 180 can further move in the direction of the arrow X8 against the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170 and pass through the contact portion 108a of the side plate 108.
  • the cartridge B moves in the direction of the arrow X1 while the coupling member 180 is moved into the space 150f of the drive side flange 150.
  • the position of the coupling member 180 in FIG. 21 (b3) is the second position (retracted position).
  • the rotation axis L 181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L 1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide).
  • the rotation axis L181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L151 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position (retracted position), the coupling member 180 is displaced to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position (projecting position). (Moving / evacuating).
  • the axis L101 of the main body side engaging portion 100 and the driving side flange are positioned by positioning means for the main body A of the cartridge B described later.
  • 150 axial lines L151 are positioned substantially coaxially.
  • the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the arrow X9 by the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170.
  • the coupling member 180 moves along the guide portion 150j1, and the axis L181 coincides with the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150.
  • the coupling member 180 enters the space portion 100f of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the coupling member 180 and the main body side engaging portion 100 are overlapped in the direction of the axis L101.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 faces the rotational force applying portion 100a2
  • the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 faces the rotational force applying portion 100a1.
  • the portion 100a2 may overlap when viewed from the direction of the axis L101.
  • the coupling member 180 cannot enter the space portion 100f.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 is rotated by a driving source described later, so that the first protruding portion 180a, the second protruding portion 180b, the rotational force applying portion 100a1, and the rotational force applying portion 100a2 are aligned with the axis L101. It will not overlap when viewed from the direction.
  • the coupling member 180 can enter the space portion 100f by the urging force F170 of the urging member 170. That is, the main body side engaging portion 100 can be engaged with the coupling member 180 while being rotated by the driving source, and the coupling member 180 starts to rotate.
  • the cartridge B is moved in the direction of the arrow X1.
  • the third main body contact portion 180b5 contacts the contact portion 108a.
  • the third main body contact portion 180b5 receives a force F2 due to the mounting of the cartridge B from the contact portion 108a.
  • the third main body contact portion 180b5 is inclined by the angle ⁇ 1 (see FIG. 14B) with respect to the axis L181, so that the force F2 is inclined by the angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the axis L182.
  • the component force F2a of the force F2 in the direction of the arrow X8 is generated.
  • the coupling member 180 resists the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170 by the component force F2a as shown in FIG. 23 (b2). And can pass through the contact portion 108a.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 formed by the third main body abutting portion 180b5 and the axis L181 is set so that the coupling member 180 can move in the arrow X8 direction by the component force F2a against the urging force F170 of the urging member 170.
  • the cartridge B can be moved to the mounting completion position while the coupling member 180 is moved into the space 150f of the drive side flange 150.
  • the coupling member 180 can move in the direction of the arrow X8 and pass through the contact portion 108a in the same manner when the mounting direction is different from that described above.
  • the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the arrow X8 along the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 by the force F1, or by the component force F1a or the component force F2a of the force F1 or the force F2 in the arrow X8 direction. Move in the direction of arrow X8.
  • the cartridge B may It can be attached to the apparatus main body A.
  • the coupling member 180 and the main body side engaging portion 100 are engaged with each other with a simple configuration without providing a complicated configuration in the apparatus main body A and the cartridge B. be able to.
  • the abutting portion 108a of the side plate 108 shown in FIG. 20 is represented as an edge shape, but the abutting portion 108a is chamfered or rounded with rounded corners. It doesn't matter. Thereby, when the cartridge B is moved in the direction of the arrow X1, the coupling member 180 is easily moved in the direction of the arrow X8, and the load when the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A can be reduced. Further, it is possible to reduce scratches and dents generated on the coupling member 180 and the side plate 108 due to the contact between the main body contact portion 180b1 and the contact portion 108a.
  • the third main body contact portion 180a5 and the third main body contact portion 180b5 are surfaces inclined by an angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the axis L181.
  • the third main body contact portion 180a5 and the third main body contact portion 180b5 may be formed of a spherical surface integral with the main body contact portion 180a1 and the main body contact portion 180b1.
  • the coupling member 180 is configured to further move in the direction of the arrow X8 after the body portion 180c abuts on the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r1.
  • the coupling member 180 may be configured to pass through the contact portion 108a when the body portion 180c contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r1.
  • the movement amount N may be increased by decreasing the inclination ⁇ 3 or increasing the gap D.
  • FIGS. 24 (a1) and 24 (a2) the movement amount N may be increased by decreasing the inclination ⁇ 3 or increasing the gap D.
  • the amount Q of protrusion of the first protrusion 180a and the second protrusion 180b from the opening 150e of the drive side flange 150 in the drive side direction is reduced. You may do it.
  • the tip surface 180a4 and the tip surface 180b4 of the coupling member 180 move to the arrow X8 side with respect to the contact portion 108a only by movement along the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4, and contact.
  • the portion 108a can be passed through. Therefore, it is not necessary to generate the component force F1a of the force F1 in the direction of the arrow X8.
  • FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting completion position of the cartridge B.
  • FIG. FIG. 25A is a diagram viewed from the driving side
  • FIG. 25B is a diagram viewed from the non-driving side.
  • FIG. 26 is an explanatory perspective view illustrating a drive configuration of the apparatus main body A.
  • FIG. FIG. 26A is a perspective explanatory view of the drive transmission path
  • FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S9 cross section of FIG.
  • FIG. 26C is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first protrusion 180a in FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 27A is a perspective sectional view showing a rotational force transmission path.
  • FIG. 27B is an explanatory perspective view showing an enlarged view of the state where the rotational force applying unit 100a1 and the rotational force receiving unit 180b3 are in contact with each other, and a part hidden by the rotational force applying unit 100a1 is partially displayed with a broken line. ing.
  • the positioning of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A at the time of transmitting the rotational force will be described.
  • the driving-side supported portion 30b is accommodated in the cartridge positioning portion 120a1 formed on the downstream side of the first guide portion 120a in the cartridge mounting direction X1.
  • the non-driving side supported portion 21f is accommodated in the cartridge positioning portion 125a1 formed on the downstream side of the second guide portion 125a in the cartridge mounting direction X1.
  • a driving side pressing spring 121 is provided on the driving side of the apparatus main body A, and the driving side pressing spring 121 is biased (in the direction of arrow X121) so that the pressing portion 121a is directed toward the cartridge positioning portion 120a1. ing.
  • the pressing portion 121a of the driving side pressing spring 121 contacts the pressed portion 30b1 of the driving side supported portion 30b, and the driving side supported portion 30b contacts the cartridge positioning portion 120a1. It is energized to touch.
  • a non-driving side pressing spring 126 is provided on the non-driving side of the apparatus main body A, and the non-driving side pressing spring 126 is arranged so that the pressing portion 126a faces the cartridge positioning portion 125a1 (in the direction of the arrow X125). It is energized.
  • the pressing portion 126a of the non-driving side pressing spring 126 comes into contact with the pressed portion 21f1 of the non-driving side supported portion 21f, and the non-driving side supported portion 21f is the cartridge positioning portion. It is urged to abut against 125a1. As a result, the position of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A is maintained.
  • the rotation stopping portion 21e is accommodated in the rotation position restricting portion 120b1 formed on the downstream side in the mounting direction X1 of the lower guide portion 120b, and comes into contact with the rotation position restricting surface 120b2.
  • the non-driving side guide portion 21g is accommodated in the accommodating portion 125b1 formed on the downstream side in the mounting direction X1 of the lower guide portion 125b.
  • the cartridge B is positioned by the cartridge positioning unit 120a1 and the cartridge positioning unit 125a1 of the apparatus main body A.
  • the motor 106 that is a drive source of the apparatus main body A is fixed to the side plate 109 that constitutes the casing of the apparatus main body A, and the motor 106 is coaxial with the motor 106.
  • a pinion gear 107 that rotates integrally with 106 is attached. Further, as described above, the main body side engaging portion 100 is accurately positioned at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body A in the radial direction, and the drive gear portion 100c and the pinion gear 107 are engaged with each other. Therefore, when the motor 106 rotates, the main body side engaging portion 100 rotates via the drive gear portion 100c.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 when the rotational force of the main body side engaging portion 100 is transmitted, the main body side engaging portion 100 has an outermost convex portion 100m1 and an outermost convex portion 100m2 having an axis line. It is positioned so as to be located within the shaft support range 103h in the L101 direction.
  • the shaft support range 103h is a range where the bearing member 103 and the main body side engaging portion 100 are in contact with each other when the bearing member 103 rotatably supports the main body side engaging portion 100. It is.
  • the drive gear portion 100c and the pinion gear 107 are meshed with a helical gear.
  • the torsional angle direction of the helical gear is set so that when the motor 106 rotates, the main body side engaging portion 100 is urged by the rotational force in the direction of the arrow X7 parallel to the axis L101.
  • the contact part 100d of the main body side engaging part 100 and the contact part 103b of the bearing member 103 contact
  • the engagement amount K is the length in the direction of the axis L181 from the most convex part 100m1 of the rotational force applying part 100a2 to the tip corner part 180a7 of the rotational force receiving part 180a3, as shown in FIG. That's it.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 is rotated in the direction of X10 in the drawing by the rotational force received from the motor 106 which is a drive source. And the rotational force provision part 100a1 and the rotational force provision part 100a2 which were provided in the main body side engaging part 100 contact
  • an offset V1 (FIG. 18C) that is the distance between the axis L101 and the most convex portion 100m1
  • an offset V2 (FIG. 14B) that is the distance between the axis L181 and the rotational force receiving portion 180a3.
  • the rotational force applying portion 100a1 contacts the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 at the most convex portion 100m1, and the contact range is a width in the direction of the axis L182 (hereinafter referred to as contact width H1). And). Similarly, the rotational force applying unit 100a2 and the rotational force receiving unit 180b3 are in contact with each other with a contact width H2 (not shown). In this embodiment, when the rotational force applying unit 100a1 and the rotational force receiving unit 180a3 are in contact with each other, the axis L182 and the axis L102 are set to be parallel, but the axis L182 is inclined with respect to the axis L102. As described above, the offset V1 and the offset V2 may have different values.
  • the rotational force transmitting portion 180g1, the rotational force transmitting portion 180g2, the rotational force transmitted portion 150g1, and the rotational force transmitted portion 150g2 are fitted in the direction of the axis L182 with almost no gap (FIG. 15C). Therefore, they are kept substantially parallel to each other. Thereby, the coupling member 180 can transmit the rotation around the axis L181 to the drive side flange 150. Therefore, the rotation of the coupling member 180 is transmitted to the drive side flange 150 via the rotational force transmitting portion 180g1, the rotational force transmitting portion 180g2, the rotational force transmitted portion 150g1, and the rotational force transmitted portion 150g2.
  • the rotational force of the main body side engaging portion 100 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 10 via the coupling member 180 and the driving side flange 150, and the photosensitive drum 10 is rotated.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 is positioned at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body A in the radial direction during the rotational force transmission operation.
  • the drive side flange 150 is also positioned at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body A via the cartridge B in the radial direction.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 positioned at the predetermined position and the driving side flange 150 similarly positioned at the predetermined position are connected by a coupling member 180.
  • the coupling member 180 is substantially aligned with the axis line L181 and the axis line L101. Rotate in state. Therefore, the main body side engaging portion 100 can smoothly transmit the rotational force to the photosensitive drum 10 via the coupling member 180.
  • FIG. 28 the axis L151 and the axis L101 may be slightly shifted from the same axis due to variations in component dimensions.
  • the state of drive transmission when the axis L151 and the axis L101 are shifted will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the direction in which the axis line L151 and the axis line L101 are shifted is referred to as “axis shift direction J”, and the shift amount is referred to as “axis shift amount J1”.
  • FIG. 28A1 to FIG. 28A3 are views of driving transmission as seen from the driving side. 28A1 shows a state in which the axial deviation direction J and the axis L183 are orthogonal to each other, FIG.
  • FIG. 28A2 shows a state in which the axial deviation direction J and the axis L183 are parallel
  • FIG. 28A3 shows an axial deviation direction.
  • a state where J is inclined with respect to the axis L183 is shown.
  • 28 (b1) to 28 (b3) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing FIGS. 28 (a1) to 28 (a3) as SL183 cross sections parallel to the axis L183.
  • the coupling member 180 moves with respect to the main body side engaging portion 100 by a deviation J2 in the direction of the axis L182, and the engaging width H1 and the engaging width H2 change.
  • the coupling member 180 moves by an axis deviation amount J3 in the direction of the axis L183 with respect to the driving side flange 150, and accordingly moves in the direction of the arrow X62 (FIG.
  • the axial line L181 and the axial line L151 are spaced apart from each other. is there. Therefore, the engagement amount K between the main body engaging portion 100 and the coupling member 180 is minimized in the state shown in FIG. Therefore, it is necessary to secure the engagement amount K so that the engagement amount K becomes 0 or more even in the state shown in FIG. Further, the engagement width H1 and the engagement width H2 change as the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the axis L182. In addition, since the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 is tapered by the third main body contact surface 180b5 (see FIG. 27B), the engagement width H1 and the engagement width H2 are the axes of the coupling member 180. It changes also by the movement of L181. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the engagement width H1 and the engagement width H2 so that the engagement width H1 and the engagement width H2 are always 0 or more during one rotation of the coupling member 180.
  • the coupling member 180 can maintain the state of being in contact with the main body side engaging portion 100 at two points by moving in the direction of the axis L183. Therefore, since the drive is not transmitted only by any one of the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3, the rotational force receiving portion 180a3, the rotational force receiving portion 180b3, the rotational force applying portion 100a1, and the applying rotational force.
  • the load applied to the unit 100a2 can be distributed. Thereby, the coupling member 180 and the main body side engaging part 100 can rotate without receiving an excessive load.
  • FIGS. 29A and 33A are explanatory views showing the removal direction of the cartridge B and the cutting directions of the S10 sectional view and the S11 sectional view.
  • 29 (b1) to (b4) and FIGS. 32 (a1) to (a3) represent the S cross section of FIG. 29 (a), and represent the state in which the coupling member 180 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • FIG. 33 (b1) to 33 (b4) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S11 cross section of FIG.
  • FIG. 30 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U2 and the main body side engaging portion 100 in FIG. 29 (b3) in an enlarged manner.
  • 29 to 32 for the sake of explanation, the coupling member 180 is displayed without being cut, and the guide portion 150j1 and the guide portion 150j2 of the drive side flange 150 are indicated by broken lines.
  • the second protruding portion 180 b of the coupling member 180 in the initial removal state (described later) is indicated by a broken line.
  • description will be given by taking as an example a diagram showing the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 side.
  • the cartridge B moves along a removal direction X12 that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10 and substantially orthogonal to the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150. Then, it is removed from the apparatus main body A. In a state where the image formation is completed and the rotation of the main body side engaging portion 100 is stopped, the rotational force applying portion 100a1, the rotational force applying portion 100a2, the rotational force receiving portion 180a3, and the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 are in contact. Further, in the removing direction X12 of the cartridge B, the rotational force applying part 100a2 is located on the downstream side of the rotational force receiving part 180b3. In this embodiment, parts other than the rotational force receiving portion 180 a 3 and the rotational force receiving portion 180 b 3 of the coupling member 180 are not in contact with the main body side engaging portion 100. This state is the initial removal state.
  • the position of the coupling member 180 in FIG. 29 (b1) is the first position (position where torque can be transmitted).
  • the first position (position where the rotational force can be transmitted) is substantially the same as the first position (projecting position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L 181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L 1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150. More specifically, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L151 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the cartridge B is moved in the removal direction X12. Then, as shown in FIG. 29 (b2), the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 on the upstream side in the removal direction of the coupling member 180 receives the force F5 due to the removal of the cartridge B from the rotational force applying portion 100a2. Since the force F5 is orthogonal to the rotational force receiving portion 180b3, the force F5 is parallel to the axis L183 that is the normal line of the rotational force receiving portion 180b3. Therefore, when the coupling member 180 receives the force F5, the urging force of the urging member 170 in the direction of the arrow X62 along the guide portion 150j2 while the guided portion 180j2 is in contact with the guide portion 150j2 of the drive side flange 150. Move against F170.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 (and the rotational force receiving portion 180a3) is set so that the coupling member 180 can move in the direction of the axis L183 by the force F5.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 (and the rotational force receiving portion 180a3) is a plane orthogonal to the axis L183, the direction of the force F5 and the axis L183 are parallel. Accordingly, the user moves the coupling member 180 in the direction of the axis L183 with respect to the drive side flange 150 (and the direction of the axis L181) with a smaller force, and moves the cartridge B in the removal direction X12. Can do.
  • the body portion 180c and the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r2 come into contact with each other.
  • the movement of the coupling member 180 in the direction of the axis L183 relative to the drive side flange 150 is restricted.
  • the amount of movement of the coupling member 180 from the initial removal state in the direction of the axis L181 is defined as a movement amount M (see FIG. 30).
  • the moving amount M is determined by the inclination ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L181 of the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 and the gap D (see FIG. 11C).
  • FIG. 30 the moving amount M is determined by the inclination ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L181 of the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 and the gap D (see FIG. 11C).
  • the tip corner portion 180b7 of the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 is located on the arrow X8 direction side from the most convex portion 100m2 of the rotational force applying portion 100a2, that is, the movement amount M Is set to be larger than the engagement amount K.
  • a component force F5a of the force F5 in the arrow X8 direction works.
  • the coupling member 180 is further moved in the direction of arrow X8 (photosensitive member side (photosensitive drum 10 side) against the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170 as the cartridge B moves in the removal direction X12.
  • FIG. 29 (b 4) the coupling member 180 is detached from the space portion 100 f of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the position of the coupling member 180 in FIG. 29 (b4) is the second position (position where it can be detached).
  • the second position (removable position) is substantially the same as the second position (retracted position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L 181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L 1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L181 of the coupling member 180 is substantially parallel to the axis L151 of the drive side flange 150.
  • the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L151 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L181 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 180 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position. .
  • the cartridge B moves in the direction of the arrow X12 while the coupling member 180 is moved into the hollow portion 150f of the drive side flange 150.
  • FIG. 32 (a3) when the coupling member 180 passes through the contact portion 108a of the side plate 108, the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the arrow X9 by the urging force F170 of the urging member 170, and the cartridge B is Removed from A.
  • the coupling member 180 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the coupling member 180 receives a force from the main assembly side engaging portion 100, so that the coupling member 180 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the coupling member receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 100 and the driving side flange 150 and from the first position (rotational force transmitting position) to the first position. Displaced (moved) to the second position (position where it can be detached).
  • a part of the rotational force applying unit 100a1 and the rotational force applying unit 100a2 are formed in a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • FIG. 31 (a) when the body portion 180c of the coupling member 180 comes into contact with the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r2, the rotational force is applied so that the component force F5a of the force F5 in the arrow X8 direction works.
  • a chamfered portion 100t may be provided on the opening end 100g side of the portion 100a2. Further, as shown in FIG.
  • an R-shaped portion 180b6 may be provided at the driving-side tip of the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 of the coupling member 180, and the rotational force applying portion 100a2 may be a plane parallel to the axis L101. . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 31 (c), when the body portion 180c of the coupling member 180 comes into contact with the cylindrical inner wall portion 150r2, the front end surface 180b4 may be separated from the space portion 100f. .
  • the cartridge B is moved in the removal direction X12. Then, since the movement in the direction of the axis L182 is restricted with respect to the drive side flange 150, the coupling member 180 moves in the removal direction X12 together with the drive side flange 150.
  • the second main body contact portion 180b2 as a retracting force receiving portion on the upstream side in the removal direction X12 of the coupling member 180, and the downstream in the removal direction X12 of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the retracting force applying part 100n1 on the side comes into contact.
  • the second main body contact portion 180b2 receives a force F9 (retraction force) due to the removal of the cartridge B from the retraction force applying portion 100n1.
  • the second main body contact portion 180b2 is inclined by the angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the axis L181. Therefore, since the force F9 is inclined by the angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the axis L182, a component force F9a in the direction of the arrow X8 is generated.
  • the coupling member 180 moves in the arrow X8 direction against the biasing force F170 of the biasing member 170 by the component force F9a as shown in FIG. 33 (b3). To do. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 33 (b 4), the coupling member 180 is detached from the space portion 100 f of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the cartridge B moves in the direction of the arrow X12 while the coupling member 180 is moved into the hollow portion 150f of the drive side flange 150, and from the apparatus main body A. Removed.
  • the coupling member 180 can be detached from the main body side engaging portion 100 in the same manner even when the removal direction is different from that described above.
  • either the rotational force receiving portion 180a3 or the rotational force receiving portion 180b3 comes into contact with either the rotational force applying portion 100a1 or the rotational force applying portion 100a2.
  • either the second main body contact portion 180a2 or the second main body contact portion 180b2 comes into contact with either the retracting force applying portion 100n1 or the retracting force applying portion 100n2.
  • the coupling member 180 receives either the force F5 or the force F9 resulting from the above-described removal, moves in the direction of the arrow X8 with respect to the drive side flange 150, and can be detached from the main body side engaging portion 100. .
  • the cartridge B when the cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main body A, the cartridge B can be removed from the apparatus main body by the above-described configuration regardless of the relationship between the rotation direction of the coupling member 180 and the main body side engaging portion 100. Can be removed from A.
  • the coupling member 180 that has entered the space portion 100f of the main body side engaging portion 100 can be detached to the outside of the space portion 100f. Therefore, the cartridge B can be removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the coupling member 180 is movable in the direction of the axis L181 and the direction of the axis L183 with respect to the drive side flange 150. Further, the coupling member 180 can move in the direction of the axis L181 in conjunction with the movement in the direction of the axis L183 relative to the drive side flange 150.
  • the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the axis L181.
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 can be engaged.
  • the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the axis L181,
  • the main body side engaging portion 100 can be detached.
  • the shape of the 1st protrusion part 180a of the coupling member 180, the 2nd protrusion part 180b, the rotational force provision part 100a1 of the main body side engaging part 100, and the rotational force provision part 100a2 is a shape shown in the present Example. It is not necessary.
  • the coupling member 181 is provided with a protrusion 181a.
  • the protruding portion 181a is provided with a rotational force receiving portion 181a1, a rotational force receiving portion 181a2 orthogonal to the axis L183, and a tapered portion 181a3 and a tapered portion 181a4 that are inclined with respect to the axis L181 when viewed from the direction of the axis L183.
  • the main body side engaging portion 101 has a rotational force applying portion 101 a 1 that faces the rotational force receiving portion 181 a 1 and the rotational force receiving portion 181 a 2 when engaged with the coupling member 181. It has a rotational force applying part 101a2.
  • the main body side engaging portion 101 includes a tapered portion 181a3, a cylindrical inner wall portion 101a3 facing the tapered portion 181a4, and a cylindrical inner wall portion 101a4.
  • the coupling member 181 and the main body side engaging part 101 since it is the same as the structure mentioned above except the coupling member 181 and the main body side engaging part 101, the following description is demonstrated using the code
  • the rotational force applying portion 101a1, the rotational force applying portion 101a2, the rotational force receiving portion 181a1, and the rotational force receiving portion 181a2 come into contact with each other.
  • the ring member 181 can receive a rotational force from the main body side engaging portion 101.
  • the taper portion 181a3 comes into contact with the contact portion 108a, and the force F2 Receive. Then, the coupling member 181 can move in the arrow X8 direction by the component force F2a of the force F2.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 181a1 comes into contact with the contact portion 108a and receives the force F1. Then, the coupling member 181 can move in the arrow X62 direction (or the arrow X61 direction) along the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 by the force F1.
  • the tapered portion 181a4 (or the tapered portion 181a3) is the cylindrical inner wall portion 101a4 (or the cylindrical inner wall portion 101a3). And receives a force F9. Then, the coupling member 181 can move in the arrow X8 direction by the component force F9a of the force F9.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 181a2 (or the rotational force receiving portion 181a1) comes into contact with the rotational force applying portion 101a2 (or the rotational force applying portion 101a1) and receives the force F5.
  • the coupling member 181 can move in the arrow X61 direction (or the arrow X62 direction) along the guide portions 150j1 to 150j4 by the force F5.
  • the “rotation axis” of the drive side flange 250, the coupling member 280, and the main body side engagement portion 100 is referred to as “axis”. The same applies to other embodiments described below.
  • the mounting direction of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A and the removal direction of the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same applies to other embodiments described below. is there.
  • the coupling unit U23 includes a coupling member 280, an intermediate slider 230 as an intermediate transmission member, and a guided pin 240.
  • the rotation axis of the coupling member 280 is referred to as “axis L281”, one direction orthogonal to the axis L281 is referred to as “axis L282”, and the direction orthogonal to both the axis L281 and the axis L282 is referred to as “axis L283”.
  • FIG. 37 (a) to 37 (c) are exploded perspective views of the coupling unit U23.
  • 37 (d) and 37 (e) are explanatory views of the coupling unit U23,
  • FIG. 37 (d) is a view seen from the direction of the axis L281
  • FIG. 37 (e) is a view seen from the direction of the axis L283. is there.
  • a cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1 and a cylindrical inner wall portion 230r2 (described later) of the intermediate slider 230 are indicated by broken lines.
  • the coupling member 280 includes a first protrusion 280a, a second protrusion 280b, a body part 280c, a cylindrical part 280r1, a cylindrical part 280r2, a first rotational force transmission part 280g1, a first rotational force transmission part 280g2, and a through hole 280m. Is provided.
  • the through hole 280m is a cylindrical through hole provided in the first rotational force transmission unit 280g1 and the first rotational force transmission unit 280g2, and the central axis thereof is parallel to the axis L283.
  • the first rotational force transmission unit 280g1 and the first rotational force transmission unit 280g2 are planes having the axis L283 as a normal line, and are provided at positions facing each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L281 when viewed from the direction of the axis L281. .
  • the cylindrical portion 280r1 and the cylindrical portion 280r2 have a cylindrical shape with the axis L281 as the central axis, and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L281 when viewed from the direction of the axis L281.
  • the body portion 280c also has a cylindrical shape with the axis L281 as the central axis, and its radius is larger than that of the cylindrical portion 280r1 and the cylindrical portion 280r2.
  • the first protrusion 280a and the second protrusion 280b are provided with a rotational force receiving part 280a3, a rotational force receiving part 280b3, a second main body contact part 280a2, and a second main body contact part 280b2.
  • the body part 280c, the rotational force receiving part 280a3, and the rotational force receiving part 280b3 are smoothly connected by the R-shaped part 280a5 and the R-shaped part 280b5.
  • a distal end R portion 280a1 and a distal end R portion 280b1 are provided over the entire circumference at the driving side distal ends of the first projecting portion 280a and the second projecting portion 280b.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 280a3 and the rotational force receiving portion 280b3 have a plane orthogonal to the axis L283, and the second main body contact portion 280a2 and the second main body contact portion 280b2 are planes orthogonal to the axis L282.
  • the rotation axis of the coupling member 230 is referred to as “axis L231”, one direction orthogonal to the axis L231 is “axis L232”, and the direction orthogonal to both the axis L231 and the axis L232 is. This is referred to as “axis line L233”.
  • the intermediate slider 230 as an intermediate transmission member is mainly provided with a hollow portion 230f, an outer peripheral portion 230e, and a first guide portion 230j1 to a first guide portion 230j4.
  • the outer peripheral portion 230e is provided with a cylindrical convex portion 230m1 and a cylindrical convex portion 230m2 that protrude in the direction of the axis L232 from the second rotational force transmission portion 230k1 and the second rotational force transmission portion 230k2 (described later).
  • the second rotational force transmission unit 230k1 and the second rotational force transmission unit 230k2 have a plane with the axis L232 as a normal line, and are provided at positions opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L231.
  • the body portion 230c1 and the body portion 230c2 have a cylindrical shape with the axis L231 as the central axis, and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L231.
  • the hollow portion 230f includes a first rotational force transmitted portion 230g1, a first rotational force transmitted portion 230g2, having a plane with the axis L233 as a normal line, and a cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1 having a cylindrical shape with the axis L231 as a central axis.
  • a cylindrical inner wall 230r2 is provided.
  • the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1 and the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r2 are provided at positions opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L231 as viewed from the direction of the axis L231.
  • the 1st guide part 230j3 and the 1st guide part 230j4 are provided so that only the angle (theta) 4 may incline with respect to the axis line L231 seeing from the axis line L233 direction. Further, each of the first guide part 230j3 and the first guide part 230j4 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L231 as seen from the direction of the axis L233.
  • the first guide portion 230j1 and the first guide portion 230j2 shown in FIG. 37A are provided at positions that face the first guide portion 230j3 and the first guide portion 230j4 at 180 degrees with respect to the axis L231. Yes.
  • 280g2 is disposed in the hollow portion 230f.
  • the first rotational force transmitting portion 280g1, the first rotational force transmitting portion 280g2, the first rotational force transmitted portion 230g1, and the first rotational force transmitted portion 230g2 are arranged on the axis L283. It is fitted with almost no gap in the direction.
  • the movement of the coupling member 280 in the direction of the axis L283 relative to the intermediate slider 230 is restricted. Further, the intermediate slider 230 does not rotate around the axis L231 with respect to the coupling member 280. In other words, the first slider 280g1, the first torque transmitter 280g2, the first torque receiver 230g1, and the first torque receiver 230g2 are engaged with the intermediate slider from the coupling member 280. A rotational force is transmitted to 230.
  • the coupling member 280 when the coupling member 280 is disposed in the hollow portion 230f so that the axis L281 and the axis L231 are substantially coaxial, between the cylindrical portion 280r1, the cylindrical portion 280r2, the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1, and the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r2. Is provided with a gap D1. Thereby, the coupling member 280 is movable in the direction of the axis L282 with respect to the intermediate slider 230.
  • the cylindrical guided pin 240 is inserted into the through hole 230 m of the coupling member 230.
  • the coupling member 280 is urged by the urging member 270 toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9), the first guide portion 230j1, the first guide portion 230j2, and the guided pin 240 abut.
  • the coupling member 280 is prevented from slipping out from the intermediate slider 230 to the driving side, and is disposed so that the axis L281 is substantially coaxial with the axis L231.
  • FIG. 38A is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit U21 with the driving side flange unit U22 attached as viewed from the driving side.
  • FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S21 cross section of FIG. 38A
  • FIG. 38C is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S22 cross section of FIG. 38A.
  • FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit U22.
  • the coupling unit U23 is displayed without being cut, and the second guide portion 250j1, the second guide portion 250j2, and the slide groove 250s1 are indicated by broken lines.
  • the drive side flange unit U22 includes a drive side flange 250, a coupling unit U23, a retaining pin 291, a retaining pin 292, an urging member 270, and a slider 260.
  • axis line L251 The axis of rotation of the drive side flange is referred to as “axis line L251”
  • axis line L252 one direction orthogonal to the axis line L251
  • axis line L253 the direction orthogonal to both the axis line L251 and axis line L252
  • the drive side flange 250 is provided with a fitting support portion 250b, a gear portion 250c, a support portion 250d, and the like.
  • the inside of the drive side flange 250 has a hollow shape, which is referred to as a hollow portion 250f.
  • the hollow portion 250f includes a second rotational force transmitted portion 250g1 having a plane with the axis L252 as a normal line, a second rotational force transmitted portion 250g2, a cylindrical inner wall portion 250r having a cylindrical shape with the axis L251 as a central axis,
  • the second guide portion 250j1 to the second guide portion 250j4 are provided.
  • the second guide portion 250j1 and the second guide portion 250j2 are provided so as to be inclined by an angle ⁇ 5 with respect to the axis L251 when viewed from the direction of the axis L252.
  • the second guide portion 250j1 and the second guide portion 250j2 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L251 as viewed from the direction of the axis L252.
  • the second guide portion 250j3 and the second guide portion 250j4 are provided at positions that face the second guide portion 250j1 and the second guide portion 250j2 180 degrees with respect to the axis L251, respectively.
  • the cylindrical inner wall 250r is provided with a slide groove 250s1 and a slide groove 250s4.
  • the slide groove 250s1 and the slide groove 250s4 are through holes that support the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292, and have a rectangular shape having a long side in the direction of the axis L253 when viewed from the direction of the axis L252. .
  • the coupling unit U23 is disposed in the hollow portion 250f of the drive side flange 250 such that the axis L282 is parallel to the axis L252 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the second rotational force transmitting portion 230k1, the second rotational force transmitting portion 230k2, the second rotational force transmitted portion 250g1, and the second rotational force transmitted portion 250g2 of the intermediate slider 230 are fitted with almost no gap in the direction of the axis L282. Match.
  • the coupling unit U23 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L282 with respect to the drive-side flange 250 (see FIG. 39D).
  • the intermediate slider 230 is prevented from rotating around the axis L251 with respect to the drive side flange 250. That is, the second rotational force transmitting portion 230k1, the second rotational force transmitting portion 230k2, the second rotational force transmitted portion 250g1, and the second rotational force transmitted portion 250g2 are rotated from the intermediate slider 230 to the flange 250. Power is transmitted.
  • the coupling unit U23 when the coupling unit U23 is disposed in the hollow portion 250f so that the axis L281 and the axis L251 are substantially coaxial, the trunk portion 230c1, the trunk portion 230c2, and the cylindrical inner wall portion A gap D2 is provided between 250r. Thereby, the coupling unit U23 is movable in the direction of the axis L283 with respect to the drive side flange 250. Then, as will be described later, when the intermediate slider 230 is urged to the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9) by the urging member 270 via the coupling member 280, the cylindrical convex portion 230m1 and the cylindrical convex portion 230m2 become the second.
  • the intermediate slider 230 is prevented from falling off from the drive side flange 250 to the drive side, and the axis L231 is disposed so as to be substantially coaxial with the axis L251.
  • the slider 260 as the holding member (moving member) includes a cylindrical portion 280r1 of the coupling member 280, a cylindrical portion 260a fitted to the cylindrical portion 280r2, and one end portion 270a of the biasing member 270.
  • a contact portion 260b to be contacted, a retaining pin 291 and a through hole 260c1 to a through hole 260c4 through which the retaining pin 292 is inserted are provided.
  • the central axis of the cylindrical portion 260a is defined as an axis L261.
  • the cylindrical portion 260a fits and supports the cylindrical portion 280r1 and the cylindrical portion 280r2 of the coupling member 280 with almost no gap.
  • the coupling member 280 is movable in the direction of the axis L281 while the axis L281 and the axis L261 are held substantially coaxially.
  • the cylindrical retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 have a through hole 260c1 of the slider 260 so that the central axis thereof is parallel to the axis L252 of the drive side flange 250. Or the through-hole 260c4 is inserted through the radial direction with almost no gap.
  • the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 are supported by the slide groove 250 s 1 and the slide groove 250 s 4 of the drive side flange 250, thereby connecting the slider 260 and the drive side flange 250.
  • the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 are arranged side by side in the direction of the axis L253.
  • the diameters of the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 are set to be slightly smaller than the width of the slide groove 150s1 and the slide groove 150s4 in the direction of the axis L251.
  • the slider 260 keeps the axis L261 and the axis L251 in a parallel state.
  • the slider 260 cannot move in the direction of the axis L251 with respect to the drive side flange 250. In other words, the slider 260 can move in the orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L251.
  • the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 are prevented from coming out in the direction of the axis L252 by the opening 10a2 of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the length G4 of the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 is set to be larger than the diameter ⁇ G5 of the cylindrical inner wall portion 250r. Thereby, the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292 are prevented from falling off from the slide groove 250s1 and the slide groove 250s4.
  • a clearance E3 larger than the clearance D2 is provided between the retaining pin 291 and one end portion 250s2 of the slide groove 250s1, and between the retaining pin 292 and the other end portion 250s3 of the slide groove 250s1. (See FIG. 38 (c)).
  • a clearance similar to the clearance E2 is also provided between the retaining pin 291 and one end portion 250s5 of the slide groove 250s4 and between the retaining pin 292 and the other end portion 250s6 of the slide groove 250s4 ( Not shown).
  • a lubricant (not shown) is applied to the through holes 260c1 to 260c4, the slide groove 250s1, and the slide groove 250s4. As a result, the slider 260 can move smoothly in the direction of the axis L253 with respect to the drive-side flange 250.
  • the slider 260 maintains the state where the axis L261 is parallel to the axis L251 with respect to the drive side flange 250, and the direction of the axis L252 and the axis L253, and the direction in which they are combined (that is, all orthogonal to the axis L251). In the direction of). In other words, the slider 260 is movable in the orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L251. Further, the slider 260 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L251 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • one end 270a of the biasing member 270 contacts the spring contact portion 260b of the slider 260, and the other end 270b contacts the spring contact portion 280d1 of the coupling member 280. Yes.
  • the urging member 270 is compressed between the coupling member 280 and the slider 260 to urge the coupling member 280 toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9).
  • the biasing member 270 is brought into contact with the guided pin 240 attached to the coupling member 280 and the first guide portion 230j1 to the first guide portion 230j4.
  • the intermediate slider 230 is also biased toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9).
  • the coupling member 280 is configured to keep the axis L281 and the axis L251 in parallel to the drive side flange 250 via the slider 260. Further, the intermediate slider 230 does not rotate about the axis L232 with respect to the coupling member 280, and does not rotate about the axis L233 with respect to the drive side flange 250. Therefore, the intermediate slider 230 keeps the axis L231 parallel to the axis L281 and the axis L251 with respect to the coupling member 280 and the drive side flange 250.
  • the coupling member 280 is movable in the direction of the axis L282 with respect to the intermediate slider 230.
  • the intermediate slider 230 is movable in the direction of the axis L233 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the moving direction of the coupling member 280 relative to the intermediate slider 230 and the intermediate slider 230 relative to the drive side flange 250 substantially intersect (more specifically substantially orthogonal). Is configured to do.
  • the coupling member 280 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 250 in the direction of the axis L282, the direction of the axis L233, and the direction in which these are combined (that is, all directions orthogonal to the axis L281).
  • the biasing member 270 biases the axis L281 of the coupling member 280 so as to be substantially coaxial with the axis L231 of the intermediate slider 230, and the axis L231 becomes substantially coaxial with the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. It is so energized. Therefore, the coupling member 280 is urged by the urging member 270 so that the axis L281 is substantially coaxial with the axis L251 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • FIG. 40 is a view showing a state where the axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is coaxial with the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250.
  • FIG. 40A is a view seen from the driving side.
  • FIGS. 40B and 40C are cross sections of SL283 parallel to the axis L283 and SL282 parallel to the axis L282, respectively. It is sectional drawing represented by these. The definition of the cross-sectional view is the same in FIGS. 41 to 43.
  • FIG. 40 is a view showing a state where the axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is coaxial with the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250.
  • FIG. 40A is a view seen from the driving side.
  • FIGS. 40B and 40C are cross sections of SL283 parallel to the axis L283 and SL282 parallel to the axis L282, respectively. It is sectional drawing represented by these. The definition of the
  • FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a state in which the coupling member 280 is moved in the arrow X51 direction parallel to the axis L283 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • FIG. FIG. 42 is a view showing a state in which the coupling member 280 is moved in the direction of the arrow X41 parallel to the axis L282 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • FIG. FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the coupling member 280 is moved by the distance p in the direction of the arrow X45 in which the direction of the arrow X41 and the direction of the arrow X51 are combined.
  • the coupling member 280 is configured such that the first guide portion 230j3, the first guide portion 230230j4, and the guided pin 240 come into contact with each other by the urging force F270 of the urging member 270, and the second guide portion 250j1, The 2nd guide part 250j2 and cylindrical convex part 230m1 contact
  • the first guide portion 230j3, the first guide portion 230j4, and the guided pin 240 are in contact with each other so that the axis L281 and the axis L231 are substantially viewed from the direction of the axis L282. It becomes coaxial.
  • FIG. 40C the first guide portion 230j3, the first guide portion 230j4, and the guided pin 240 are in contact with each other so that the axis L281 and the axis L231 are substantially viewed from the direction of the axis L282. It becomes coaxial.
  • the axis L231 and the axis L251 are substantially coaxial when viewed from the direction of the axis L283 due to the contact between the second guide part 250j1, the second guide part 250j2 and the cylindrical convex part 230m1. become. Therefore, in the coupling member 280, the axis L281 and the axis L251 are substantially coaxial by the biasing force F270 of the biasing member 270.
  • the coupling member 280 is moved in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L283 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the coupling unit U 23 includes the cylindrical convex portion 230 m 1 as the inclined portion or the abutting portion of the intermediate slider 230, and the first as the inclined portion or the abutting portion of the drive side flange 250. Due to the contact of the two guide portions 250j1, the second guide portion 250j1 moves in the direction along the second guide portion 250j1 (arrow X61 direction). At this time, the coupling unit U23 maintains the state where the axis L281 is parallel to the axis L251.
  • the coupling unit U23 can move in the direction of the arrow X61 until the body portion 230c1 of the intermediate slider 230 contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 250r, that is, until the moving distance p1 in the direction of the axis L283 becomes equal to the gap D2.
  • the slider 260 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L251 by a retaining pin 291 and a retaining pin 292. Accordingly, in conjunction with the movement of the coupling unit U23 in the direction of the arrow X61, the slider 260 moves in the direction of the arrow X51 along the slide groove 250s1 and the slide groove 250s4 together with the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292.
  • the coupling member 280 is moved in the direction of the arrow X41 parallel to the axis L282 with respect to the drive side flange 250. Then, as shown in FIG. 42 (c), the coupling member 280 contacts the guided pin 240 as the inclined portion or the contact portion and the first guide portion 230j4 as the inclined portion or the contact portion of the intermediate slider 230. By contact, it moves in the direction (arrow X71 direction) along the first guide part 230j4. At this time, the coupling member 280 maintains the state in which the axis L281 is parallel to the axis L231.
  • the coupling member 280 moves in the direction of the arrow X71 until the cylindrical portion 280r1 contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1 of the intermediate slider 230, that is, until the moving distance p2 of the coupling portion 280 in the direction of the axis L282 becomes equal to the gap D1.
  • the slider 260 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L251 by a retaining pin 291 and a retaining pin 292. Therefore, in conjunction with the movement of the coupling member 280 in the direction of the arrow X71, the slider 260 moves in the direction of the arrow X41 along the central axis of the retaining pin 291 and the retaining pin 292.
  • the coupling member 280 is moved by the distance p in the direction of the arrow X45 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the component in the direction of the axis L282 is p4
  • the component in the direction of the axis L283 is p5.
  • the coupling member 280 moves with respect to the intermediate slider 230 by a distance p4 in the direction of the axis L282.
  • the coupling member 280 and the intermediate slider 230 move by the distance p5 in the direction of the axis L283 with respect to the drive side flange.
  • the coupling member 280 moves relative to the intermediate slider 230, the coupling member 280 moves along the first guide portion 230j4 by the distance p41 in the direction of the arrow X8 with respect to the intermediate slider 230 (FIG. 43 ( c)).
  • the intermediate slider 230 and the coupling member 280 are moved along the second guide portion 250j1 by a distance p51 in the direction of the arrow X8 with respect to the drive side flange 250. (See FIG. 43B).
  • the coupling member 280 moves by the distance p41 + p51 in the arrow X8 direction as it moves by the distance p in the arrow X45 direction.
  • the coupling member 280 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 250 in the direction of the axis L281, the direction of the axis L283, and the direction of the axis L282. Further, the coupling member 280 is linked to the driving side flange 250 in the direction of the axis L283, the direction of the axis L282, and the direction in which these are combined (that is, all directions orthogonal to the axis L281). It can move in the direction.
  • FIGS. 44 and 46 are cross-sectional explanatory views of the state when the coupling member 280 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • FIG. 44 (a) and 46 (a) are explanatory views showing the mounting direction and the cutting direction of the S23 sectional view and S24 sectional view.
  • 44 (b1) to 44 (b4) are cross-sectional views illustrating a state in which the coupling member 280 is moved and engaged with the main body side engaging portion 100 in the S23-S23 cross section of FIG. 44 (a).
  • 46 (b1) and 46 (b2) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing a state where the coupling member 280 moves and engages with the main body side engaging portion 100, which is shown in the S24 cross section of FIG. 46 (a). is there.
  • 45 (a) and 45 (b) are enlarged views of the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U22 in FIGS. 44 (b1) and 44 (b2), respectively.
  • 45 (b) and 46 (b2), the first protrusion 280b in the initial mounting state (described later) is indicated by a broken line for the sake of explanation.
  • a diagram illustrating a state where the engagement between the main body side engaging portion 100 and the coupling member 280 is completed will be described as an example.
  • the body portion 280c of the coupling member 280 comes into contact with the contact portion 108a.
  • This state is the initial mounting state.
  • the position of the coupling member 280 at the time of this FIG.44 (b1) is a 1st position (projection position).
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. More specifically, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L251 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the body portion 280c receives the force F1 accompanying the mounting from the main body side contact portion 108a as a fixing member. Since the force F1 acts in parallel with the arrow X1 direction, that is, in a direction parallel to the axis L283, the cylindrical convex portion 230m1 of the intermediate slider 230 and the second guide portion 250j1 of the drive side flange 250 come into contact with each other by the force F1. Then, the coupling unit U23 moves in the direction of the arrow X61 along the second guide portion 250j1 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the body 230c1 of the intermediate slider 230 comes into contact with the cylindrical inner wall 250r1 of the drive side flange 250, and the coupling unit U23 moves in the X61 direction. Be regulated.
  • the amount of movement of the coupling unit U23 from the initial mounting state in the direction of the axis L281 is defined as a movement amount N2.
  • the moving amount N2 is determined by the inclination ⁇ 5 of the second guide portion 250j1 to the second guide portion 250j4 with respect to the axis L251 and the gap D2 (see FIG. 38C).
  • the coupling unit U23 has moved in the direction of the arrow X8 by a movement amount N2 compared to the initial mounting state shown in FIGS. 44 (b1) and 45 (a).
  • the movement amount N2 is set so that only the tip R portion 280b1 of the coupling member 280 protrudes from the drive side flange 250.
  • a component force F1a in the direction of the arrow X8 acts on the force F1.
  • the coupling member 280 As the cartridge B moves in the mounting direction X1, the coupling member 280 further moves in the arrow X8 direction against the biasing force F270 of the biasing member 270 by the component force F1a. Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (b3), the coupling member 280 can pass through the contact portion 108a.
  • the position of the coupling member 280 in FIG. 44 (b3) is the second position (retracted position).
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide).
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L251 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 280 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) as compared to the first position. .
  • the coupling member 280 protrudes in the direction of the arrow X9 by the biasing force F270 of the biasing member 270, and the coupling member 280 is moved to the body side engaging portion. (Fig. 44 (b4)). That is, at this time, the position of the coupling member 280 is substantially the same as the first position (projecting position) described above.
  • the body portion 280c of the coupling member 280 comes into contact with the contact portion 108a.
  • the body portion 280c receives a force F2 accompanying the mounting from the main body side contact portion 108a. Since the force F2 acts in the direction parallel to the arrow X1 direction, that is, in the direction parallel to the axis L282, the guided pin 240 and the first guide portion 230j4 of the intermediate slider 230 come into contact with each other by the force F2. Then, the coupling member 280 moves in the arrow X71 direction along the first guide portion 230j4 with respect to the intermediate slider 230.
  • the cylindrical portion 280r1 of the coupling member 280 contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1 of the intermediate slider 230, and the movement of the coupling member 280 in the X71 direction is restricted.
  • the amount of movement of the coupling member 280 from the initial mounting state in the direction of the axis L281 is defined as a movement amount N3 (FIG. 46 (b2)).
  • the movement amount N3 is determined by the inclination ⁇ 4 of the first guide part 230j1 to the first guide part 230j4 with respect to the axis L231 and the gap D1 (see FIG. 37C).
  • the coupling member 280 has moved in the direction of the arrow X8 by a movement amount N3 compared to the initial mounting state.
  • the movement amount N3 is set so that only the tip R portion 280b1 of the coupling member 280 protrudes from the drive side flange 250.
  • a component force F2a in the direction of the arrow X8 acts on the force F2.
  • the coupling member 280 further moves in the direction of the arrow X8 against the biasing force F270 of the biasing member 270 by the component force F2a and moves the contact portion 108a. You can go through. Thereafter, the cartridge B can be moved to the mounting completion position by following the same process as in FIGS. 44 (b3) and 44 (b4).
  • FIG. 47 is a perspective sectional view showing a rotational force transmission path.
  • the coupling member 280 to which the rotational force has been transmitted is intermediate between the first rotational force transmitting portion 280g1 and the first rotational force transmitting portion 280g2 via the first rotational force transmitted portion 230g and the first rotational force transmitted portion 230g2.
  • a rotational force is transmitted to the slider 230.
  • the intermediate slider 230 rotates from the second rotational force transmitting portion 230k1 and the second rotational force transmitting portion 230k2 to the driving side flange 250 via the second rotational force transmitted portion 250g1 and the second rotational force transmitted portion 250g2. Transmit power.
  • the rotational force is transmitted from the drive side flange 250 to the photosensitive drum 10.
  • 48 (a) and 50 (a) are explanatory views showing the removal direction of the cartridge B and the cutting directions of the S25 sectional view and the S26 sectional view.
  • 48 (b1) to 48 (b4) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S25 cross section of FIG. 48 (a) and showing a state where the coupling member 180 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • FIG. 50 (b1) to 50 (b4) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S26 cross section of FIG. 50 (a) and showing a state in which the coupling member 180 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • 49 and 51 are enlarged views in which the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U22 in FIGS. 48 (b3) and 50 (b3) is enlarged.
  • FIGS. 48 to 51 the coupling unit U23 is shown in a state where it is not cut for the sake of explanation.
  • the second guide portion 250j1 and the second guide portion 250j2 of the drive side flange 250 are indicated by broken lines.
  • 50 (b1) to (b3) and FIG. 51 the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r1 and the cylindrical inner wall portion 230r2 of the intermediate slider 230 are indicated by broken lines.
  • description will be given by taking as an example a diagram showing the rotational force receiving portion 280b3 side.
  • the position of the coupling member 280 is the first position (position where torque can be transmitted). This first position (position where torque can be transmitted) is substantially the same as the first position (projection position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. More specifically, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L251 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 280b3 on the upstream side in the removal direction of the coupling member 280 causes the force generated by the removal of the cartridge B from the rotational force applying portion 100a2.
  • the coupling unit U23 moves in the direction of the arrow X62 along the second guide portion 250j2 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the force F5 is directed to the center of the R shape of the tip R portion 280b1, and thus the component force F5a in the direction of the arrow X8 acts on the force F5.
  • the coupling member 280 further moves in the arrow X8 direction against the urging force F270 of the urging member 270 as the cartridge B moves in the removal direction X12 by the component force F5a.
  • the coupling member 280 is detached from the space portion 100 f of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the position of the coupling member 280 in FIG. 48 (b4) is the second position (detachable position). This second position (removable position) is substantially the same as the first position (retracted position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250.
  • the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L251 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 280 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) as compared to the first position. .
  • the coupling member 280 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the coupling member 280 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 100, so that the coupling member 280 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the coupling member 280 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 100 and the driving side flange 250 and from the first position (rotational force transmitting position) to the above. Move to the second position (detachable position).
  • the position of the coupling member 280 in FIG. 50 (b1) is also the first position (position where torque can be transmitted).
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. More specifically, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L251 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the position of the intermediate slider 230 in FIG. 50 (b1) is the first intermediate position.
  • the rotation axis L231 of the intermediate slider 230 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L231 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L231 of the intermediate slider 230 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. More specifically, the rotation axis L231 and the rotation axis L251 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the coupling member 280 moves in the removal direction X12 together with the drive side flange 250 and the intermediate slider 230. 50 (b2), the second main body abutting portion 280b2 on the upstream side in the removing direction X12 of the coupling member 280 abuts on the flat wall portion 100k1 on the downstream side in the removing direction X12, and the force due to the removal of the cartridge B Receive F9.
  • the force F9 acts in a direction parallel to the normal line of the second main body contact portion 280b2, that is, the axis L282.
  • the coupling member 280 moves to the first guide portion 230j2 with respect to the intermediate slider 230 and the drive side flange 250 while the guided pin 240 is in contact with the first guide portion 230j1 of the intermediate slider 230 by the force F9.
  • the coupling member 280 moves to the first guide portion 230j2 with respect to the intermediate slider 230 and the drive side flange 250 while the guided pin 240 is in contact with the first guide portion 230j1 of the intermediate slider 230 by the force F9.
  • the coupling member 280 moves to the first guide portion 230j2 with respect to the intermediate slider 230 and the drive side flange 250 while the guided pin 240 is in contact with the first guide portion 230j1 of the intermediate slider 230 by the force F9.
  • the coupling member 280 moves to the first guide portion 230j2 with respect to the intermediate slider 230 and the drive side flange 250 while the guided pin 240 is in contact with the first guide portion 230j1 of the intermediate slider 230 by the force F9.
  • the force F9 is directed to the center of the R shape of the distal end R portion 280b1, and thus the component force F9a in the direction of the arrow X8 acts on the force F9.
  • the coupling member 280 With the movement of the cartridge B in the removal direction X12 by the component force F9a, the coupling member 280 further moves in the arrow X8 direction against the biasing force F270 of the biasing member 270. 50 (b4), the coupling member 280 is detached from the space portion 100f of the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the position of the coupling member 180 in FIG. 50 (b4) is also the second position (detachable position).
  • the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L281 of the coupling member 280 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L251 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L281 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 280 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) as compared to the first position. .
  • the position of the intermediate slider 230 in FIG. 50 (b4) is the second intermediate position.
  • the rotation axis L231 of the intermediate slider 230 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L231 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced apart from each other (the rotation axis L231 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L231 of the intermediate slider 230 is substantially parallel to the axis L251 of the drive side flange 250.
  • the rotation axis L231 and the rotation axis L251 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L231 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide).
  • the intermediate slider 230 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) as compared to the first position.
  • the coupling member 280 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the coupling member 280 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 100, so that the coupling member 280 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the coupling member receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 100 and the driving side flange 250 and from the first position (position where torque can be transmitted) to the first position. Move to the second position (position where it can be detached).
  • the coupling member 280 can be detached from the main body side engaging portion 100 in the same manner even when the removing direction is different from that described above.
  • either the rotational force receiving portion 280a3 or the rotational force receiving portion 280b3 comes into contact with either the rotational force applying portion 100a1 or the rotational force applying portion 100a2.
  • either the second main body contact portion 280a2 or the second main body contact portion 280b2 is in contact with either the flat wall portion 100k1 or the flat wall portion 100k2.
  • either the tip R portion 280a1 or the tip R portion 280b1 comes into contact with either the retracting force applying portion 100n1 or the retracting force applying portion 100n2.
  • the coupling member 280 receives at least one of the force F5 and the force F9 due to the above-described removal, and moves in a direction perpendicular to the axis L281 with respect to the drive side flange 250.
  • the coupling member 280 moves in the direction of the arrow X8 and can be detached from the main body side engaging portion 100.
  • the cartridge B can be removed by the above-described configuration. It can be removed from the apparatus main body A.
  • the coupling member 280 has two protrusions as in the first embodiment, but the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions can be freely designed.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion is a triangular prism
  • FIG. 52 is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling member 281 and the main body side engaging portion 201.
  • FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing a state where the drive side flange unit U221 including the coupling member 281 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 201.
  • FIG. 53A is a view seen from the direction of the axis L101
  • FIGS. 53B and 53C are cross-sectional views of FIG.
  • FIG. 54 is an explanatory view showing a state where the drive side flange unit U221 including the coupling member 281 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 201.
  • FIG. 54A is a view seen from the direction of the axis L101
  • FIGS. 54B and 54C are cross-sectional views of FIG. 54A showing the S29 cross section and the S30 cross section, respectively.
  • 53 (a) and 54 (a) the coupling unit U231 is displayed without cutting, and the cylindrical inner wall portion 250r of the drive side flange 250 is indicated by a broken line for the sake of explanation.
  • 53 (c) and 54 (c) the coupling unit U23 is displayed without being cut, and the first guide portion 250j1 and the first guide portion 250j2 of the drive side flange 250 are indicated by broken lines for the sake of explanation. is doing.
  • the protruding portion 281a of the coupling member 281 is a triangular prism protruding from the body portion 280c to the driving side.
  • the rotational force imparting portion 201a of the main body side engaging portion 201 is a triangular prism recess having a cross section substantially the same shape as the protruding portion 281a.
  • the coupling member 281 when the cartridge B is moved in the removal direction X12, the coupling member 281 remains engaged with the main body side engaging portion 201 and does not move in the removal direction X12.
  • the coupling member 281 moves relative to the drive side flange 250 in the direction opposite to the removal direction X12.
  • the coupling member 281 is moved into the first guide portion 230j1 to the first guide portion 230j4 and the second guide portion 250j1 to the second guide portion 250j4.
  • the coupling member 281 does not move in the detaching direction X12, but moves in the direction of the arrow X8 on the spot, and the protruding portion 281a can be detached from the rotational force applying portion 201a.
  • the coupling member 280 can be moved in all directions orthogonal to the axis L281 in addition to the operation in the first embodiment. Thereby, while obtaining the same effect as Example 1, the design restrictions of the shape of a rotational force receiving part can be reduced.
  • the “rotation axis” of the drive side flange 350, the coupling member 380, and the main body side engagement portion 300 is referred to as “axis”.
  • FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B to which the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 59 and 60 are perspective views of the cartridge B.
  • FIG. 59 and 60 are perspective views of the cartridge B.
  • the cartridge B has a photosensitive drum 310.
  • the cartridge B is rotated by receiving a rotational driving force from the apparatus main body A by a coupling mechanism described later.
  • the cartridge B can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A by the user.
  • a charging roller 311 as a charging unit is provided so as to be opposed to each other.
  • the charging roller 311 charges the photosensitive drum 310 by voltage application from the apparatus main body A.
  • the charging roller 311 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 310 and rotates following the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the cartridge B has a developing roller 313 as developing means.
  • the developing roller 313 is a rotating body that can carry the developer t and supplies the developer t to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the developing roller 313 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 310 using the developer t.
  • the developing roller 313 includes a magnet roller (fixed magnet) 313c.
  • a developing blade 315 is provided in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 313.
  • the developing blade 315 defines the amount of developer t that adheres to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 313. Further, a triboelectric charge is imparted to the developer t.
  • the developer t stored in the developer storage container 314 is sent out to the developing chamber 314a by the rotation of the stirring members 316 and 317. Then, the developing roller 313 to which the voltage is applied is rotated. As a result, a developer layer imparted with triboelectric charge by the developing blade 315 is formed on the surface of the developing roller 313. Then, the developer t is transferred to the photosensitive drum 310 according to the latent image. Thereby, the latent image is developed. That is, the photosensitive drum 310 as the photosensitive member (rotating member) can carry a developer image (developer t).
  • the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 310 is transferred to the recording medium 2 (see FIG. 1) by the transfer roller 4 (see FIG. 1).
  • the recording medium is, for example, a sheet, a label, or an OHP sheet.
  • an elastic cleaning blade 320 is disposed as a cleaning means.
  • the tip of the blade 320 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the blade 320 removes the developer t remaining on the photosensitive drum 310 after transferring the developer image to the recording medium 2.
  • the developer t removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 310 by the blade 320 is stored in a removed developer reservoir 321a.
  • the cartridge B is integrally formed by a developing unit 318 and a drum unit 319.
  • the developing unit 318 is constituted by a developing frame 314b that is a part of the cartridge frame B1.
  • the developing unit 318 includes a developing roller 313, a developing blade 315, a developing chamber 314a, a developer storage container 314, and stirring members 316 and 317.
  • the drum unit 319 is constituted by a drum frame 321 which is a part of the cartridge frame B1.
  • the drum unit 319 includes a photosensitive drum 310, a cleaning blade 320, a removed developer reservoir 321a, and a charging roller 311.
  • the developing unit 318 and the drum unit 319 are rotatably coupled by a pin P.
  • the developing roller 313 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 310 by the elastic member 323 shown in FIG. 60 provided between the units 318 and 319.
  • the cartridge B is mounted in the cartridge housing 330a (described later: FIG. 62) of the apparatus main body A. At this time, as will be described later, the drive shaft of the apparatus main body A and the coupling which is the rotational driving force transmission component of the cartridge B are coupled in conjunction with the mounting operation of the cartridge B.
  • the photosensitive drum 310 and the like are rotated by receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body A.
  • a drum bearing 325 for rotatably supporting a photosensitive drum unit U31 as a photosensitive unit described later is provided on the drive side of the cartridge B.
  • the outer periphery 325a of the outer end of the drum bearing 325 also serves as the cartridge guide 340R1.
  • the cartridge guide 340R1 protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 310 (the direction of the rotation axis L1).
  • the cartridge guide 340R1 as the projecting portion and the coupling member 350 are projected onto the rotation axis L1, the coupling member 350 and the cartridge guide 340R1 are over each other. Wrapping.
  • the cartridge guide 340R1 also has a function of protecting the coupling member 350.
  • a drum shaft 326 for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum unit U31 is provided on the non-driving side of the cartridge B.
  • the outer periphery 326a of the outer end of the drum shaft 326 also serves as the cartridge guide 340L1.
  • 340R2 is provided at substantially one end (driving side) in the longitudinal direction of the drum unit 319 substantially above the cartridge guide 340R1.
  • a cartridge guide 340L2 is provided above the cartridge guide 340L1 at the other end in the longitudinal direction (non-driving side).
  • the cartridge guides 340R1 and 340R2 are formed integrally with the drum frame 321.
  • the cartridge guides 340R1 and 340R2 may be separate members.
  • FIG. 61A is a perspective view in which the side plate on the driving side is partially cut away in a state where the cartridge B is not inserted into the apparatus main body A.
  • FIG. FIG. 61 (b) is a perspective view of only the drum drive configuration.
  • FIG. 61 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along S7-S7 of FIG. 61 (b).
  • the main body drive shaft 300 has a drive transmission pin 302 which is a main body side rotational drive force transmission portion having a tip end portion 300b as a spherical surface and penetrating substantially the center of the cylindrical main portion 300a. Drive is transmitted to B.
  • the drum drive gear 301 is arranged substantially coaxially on the opposite side of the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 in the longitudinal direction. Since the drum driving gear 301 is fixed to the main body driving shaft 300 so as not to rotate, the main body driving shaft 300 rotates when the drum driving gear 301 rotates.
  • the drum driving gear 301 is disposed at a position where the drum driving gear 301 meshes with the pinion gear 307 that receives driving from the motor 306. Therefore, when the motor 306 rotates, the main body drive shaft 300 is driven to rotate.
  • the drum drive gear 301 is supported by the bearing members 303 and 304 so as to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body A. At this time, since the drive gear 301 does not move with respect to the axial direction L1, the drive gear 301 and the bearing members 303 and 304 can be disposed close to each other.
  • FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion attached to the drive side.
  • FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion attached to the non-driving side surface.
  • the cartridge mounting means 330 of the present embodiment includes main body guides 330R1, 330R2, 330L1, and 330L2 provided in the apparatus main body A.
  • the cartridge mounting means 330 is mounted on the left and right side surfaces of the cartridge mounting space (cartridge housing portion 330a) provided in the apparatus main body A so as to face each other (FIG. 62 is a driving side surface, and FIG. Drive side shown).
  • the left and right mounting means 330 are provided with guide portions 330R1, 330L1, 330R2, and 330L2 that are opposed to each other as guides when the cartridge B is mounted.
  • the guide portions 330R1, 330R2, 330L1, and 330L2 are inserted by guiding bosses and the like, which will be described later, formed so as to protrude on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame.
  • the cartridge door 309 which is an openable / closable door that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body A, is opened around the shaft 309a. Then, by closing the cartridge door 309, the mounting of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A is completed. Further, when the cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main body A, the taking-out operation is performed by opening the cartridge door 309 described above. In conjunction with opening the door 30, the removal or mounting of the cartridge B from the apparatus main body may be assisted. (3) Description of the structure of the photosensitive unit (photosensitive drum unit)
  • FIG. 64A is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit U31 viewed from the driving side
  • FIG. 64B is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit U31 viewed from the non-driving side
  • FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective view of the photosensitive drum unit U31.
  • the photosensitive drum unit U31 includes a photosensitive drum 310, a driving side flange unit U32, and a non-driving side flange 352.
  • the photosensitive drum 310 is obtained by applying a photosensitive layer to a conductive cylinder 310a such as aluminum. Openings 310a1 and 310a2 that are substantially coaxial with the drum surface are provided at both ends so that the drum flange can be fitted.
  • the drive side flange unit U32 has a drive side flange 350.
  • the drive side flange 350 is made of resin molded by injection molding, and polyacetal, polycarbonate, etc. can be considered as the material thereof.
  • the drive side flange 350 is provided with a fitting support portion 350b and a support portion 350a substantially coaxially.
  • the drive side flange unit U32 will be described in detail later.
  • the non-driving side flange 352 is made of an injection-molded resin like the driving side, and the fitting support part 352b and the support part 352a are arranged substantially coaxially.
  • a drum earth plate 351 is disposed on the non-drive side flange 352.
  • the drum earth plate 351 is a conductive (mainly metal) thin plate-like member, and contacts the contact portions 351b1 and 351b2 that are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the conductive cylinder 310a and the drum shaft 326 (see FIG. 60).
  • a contact portion 351a is provided.
  • the ground plate 351 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body AA in order to drop the photosensitive drum 310 to ground.
  • the drive side flange 350 and the non-drive side flange 352 are fixed to the cylinder 310a by bonding, caulking or the like after the fitting support portions 350b and 352b are fitted into the openings 310a1 and 310a2 at both ends of the cylinder 310a, respectively.
  • the ground plate 351 has been described as being provided on the non-driving side flange 352, the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • the ground plate 351 may be disposed on the drive-side flange 350, or may be appropriately selected and disposed at a place that can be connected to the ground. (4) Explanation of drive side flange unit
  • FIG. 66A is a perspective explanatory view of the state in which the drive side flange unit U32 is attached to the photosensitive drum 310 as viewed from the drive side.
  • the photosensitive drum 310 is indicated by a broken line, and a portion hidden inside the photosensitive drum 310 is indicated.
  • 66B is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S1 cross section of FIG. 66A
  • FIG. 66C is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S2 cross section of FIG. 66A.
  • FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit U32.
  • FIG. 68 is an explanatory perspective view of the coupling member 380.
  • FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling member 380.
  • 70 (a) and 70 (b) are perspective explanatory views of the drive side flange 350.
  • FIG. FIG. 70 (c) is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S3 cross section of FIG. 70 (a).
  • the projection 380b1 of the coupling member 380, the retaining pin 391, and the retaining pin 392 are displayed. ing.
  • FIG. 70 (d) is a perspective explanatory view of the coupling member 380 and the drive side flange 350.
  • 71A is an explanatory diagram of the drive side flange 350, slider 360, retaining pin 391, and retaining pin 392, and
  • FIG. 71B is a cross-sectional view of SL353 shown in FIG. 71A.
  • the photosensitive drum 310 is indicated by a two-dot chain line for explanation.
  • the drive side flange unit U32 includes a drive side flange 350, a coupling member 380, a biasing member 370, a slider 360, a retaining pin 391, and a retaining pin. 392.
  • L351 shown in FIG. 66 represents a rotation axis when the drive-side flange 350 rotates, and in the following description, “rotation axis L351” is referred to as “axis L351”.
  • L381 represents a rotation axis when the coupling member 380 rotates. In the following description, “rotation axis L381” is referred to as “axis L381”.
  • the coupling member 380 is provided inside the drive side flange 350 together with the biasing member 370 and the slider 360.
  • the slider 360 is prevented from moving in the direction of the axis L351 with respect to the drive side flange 350 by the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 due to the configuration described later.
  • the biasing member 370 uses a spring (compression coil spring) as an elastic member.
  • a spring compression coil spring
  • one end 370a of the biasing member 370 is in contact with the spring contact portion 380h1 of the coupling member 380
  • the other end 370b is in contact with the spring of the slider 360. It is in contact with the portion 360b.
  • the biasing member 370 is compressed between the coupling member 380 and the slider 360, and biases the coupling member 380 toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9) by the biasing force F370.
  • the urging member can be appropriately selected as long as it generates an elastic force such as a leaf spring, a torsion spring, rubber, or sponge.
  • the coupling member 380 is configured to move in a direction parallel to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350, the type of the urging member 370 needs to have a certain amount of stroke. Therefore, a member having a stroke such as a coil spring is desirable.
  • the coupling member 380 has mainly four parts.
  • the first portion engages with a main body drive shaft 300 (described later), and a drive transmission pin 302 (described later) which is a rotational force transmission portion (main body side rotational force transmission portion) provided on the main body drive shaft 300.
  • a drive transmission pin 302 (described later) which is a rotational force transmission portion (main body side rotational force transmission portion) provided on the main body drive shaft 300.
  • the second portion is a drive unit 380 b that engages with the drive side flange 350 and transmits the rotational drive to the drive side flange 350.
  • the third portion is a connecting portion 380c that connects the driven portion 380a and the driving portion 380b.
  • the fourth portion is a fitting portion 380d as the other end supported by the slider 360 so that the coupling member 380 can move in the direction of the rotation axis L381.
  • the other end portion of the coupling member 380 is the fitting portion 380d, but may be the driving portion 380b.
  • axis L382 one direction orthogonal to the axis L381 is referred to as an “axis L382”, and a direction orthogonal to both the axis L381 and the axis L382 is referred to as an “axis L383”.
  • the driven portion 380a has a drive shaft insertion opening 380m as a recess that expands with respect to the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380.
  • the opening 380m is formed by a conical drive bearing surface 380f that expands toward the main body drive shaft 300 side.
  • a main body contact portion 380i having a substantially spherical shape is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driven portion 380a including the two transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2.
  • the main body abutting portion 380i is connected to the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 and the drive when the coupling member 380 is engaged with the main body drive shaft 300 and when the coupling member 380 is detached from the main body drive shaft 300. This is a portion that contacts the transmission pin 302 (details will be described later).
  • driven standby portions 380k1 and 380k2 are provided between the respective transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2. That is, the interval between the two driven transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 is set wider than the outer diameter of the drive transmission pin so that the drive transmission pin 302 of the main body drive shaft 300 of the apparatus main body A, which will be described later, can be positioned in this interval portion. Has been.
  • interval part is 380k1 and 380k2.
  • driving force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) 380e1 and 380e2 are provided, and the rotational force transmitting portion provided on the main body driving shaft 300 is provided.
  • a rotational force is transmitted. That is, the driving force receiving surfaces 380e1 and 380e2 are surfaces intersecting with the rotation direction of the coupling member 380 so that the driving force receiving surfaces 380e1 and 380e2 are pushed by the side surface of the drive transmission pin 302 of the main body driving shaft 300 and rotate about the axis L381.
  • the driving force receiving surfaces 380e1 and 380e2 are disposed on the same circumference having the center on the axis L381.
  • the drive transmission radius is constant, and the transmitted torque is stabilized.
  • the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 are as stable as possible in the position of the coupling member 380 due to the balance of the forces received by the coupling. For this reason, in this embodiment, they are arranged in a position opposite to each other by 180.degree. This is because the force received by the coupling member 380 becomes a couple by being arranged at the 180 ° facing position. Therefore, the coupling member 380 can continue to rotate only by applying a couple of forces, and can rotate without determining the position of the rotation axis of the coupling.
  • the connecting portion 380c When the connecting portion 380c is cut in a cross section orthogonal to the axis L381, at least one cut surface of the connecting portion 380c is the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 and the transmission protrusions 380f1, 380f2 (driving force receiving surface 3890e1). 380e2) with a maximum turning radius smaller than the distance between.
  • a predetermined cross section orthogonal to the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 380 in the connecting portion 380c is smaller than the distance between the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 (driving force receiving surfaces 3890e1 and 380e2) and the rotation axis L2.
  • the connecting portion 380c has an outer diameter smaller than the distance between the transmission protrusion 380f1 (driving force receiving surface 380e1) and the transmission protrusion 380f2 (driving force receiving surface 380e2).
  • the convex portions 380b1 and 380b2 protrude from the drive portion 380b along the direction of the axis L382, and the convex portions 380b1 and 380b2 are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L381. Yes.
  • the convex portions 380b1 and 380b2 have the same shape, and the shape will be described below by taking the convex portion 380b1 as an example.
  • the convex portion 380b1 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L381 when viewed from the direction of the axis L382, and has a pentagonal shape.
  • portions having two surfaces inclined by an angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L381 are referred to as a guided portion 380j1 and a guided portion 380j2 as inclined portions or contact portions.
  • a portion connecting the guided portion 380j1 and the guided portion 380j2 is referred to as an R-shaped portion 380t1.
  • surfaces perpendicular to the axis L383 of the convex portion 380b1 are referred to as a convex portion end portion 380n1 and a convex portion end portion 380n2.
  • a surface perpendicular to the axis L182 of the convex portion 380b1 is referred to as a rotational force transmitting portion 380g1.
  • each part forming the convex part 380b2 also has a guided part 380j3, a guided part 380j4, an R-shaped part 380t2, a convex part end part 380n3, a convex part end part 380n4, and a rotation part.
  • This is referred to as a force transmission unit 380g2.
  • the fitting portion 380d has a cylindrical shape with the axis L381 as a central axis, and is fitted and supported by the cylindrical portion 360a of the slider 360 (see FIGS. 66B and 66C) with almost no gap ( Details will be described later).
  • the spring mounting portion 380h is provided at the non-driving side end of the fitting portion 380d.
  • the spring attachment portion 380h is provided with a spring contact portion 380h1 that contacts the one end portion 370a of the biasing member 370.
  • the spring contact portion 380h1 is a surface that is substantially orthogonal to the axis L381 of the coupling member 380. .
  • the driving flange 350 has a fitting support portion 350b that fits on the inner peripheral surface 310b of the photosensitive drum 310, a gear portion 350c, a support portion 350a that is rotatably supported by the drum bearing 330, and the like. Is provided.
  • axis L352 one direction orthogonal to the axis L351 is referred to as an “axis L352”, and a direction orthogonal to both the axis L351 and the axis L352 is referred to as an “axis L353”.
  • the inside of the drive side flange 350 has a hollow shape, which is referred to as a hollow portion 350f.
  • the hollow portion 350f is provided with a planar inner wall portion 350h1, a planar inner wall portion 350h2, a cylindrical inner wall portion 350r1, a cylindrical inner wall portion 350r2, a concave portion 350m1, and a concave portion 350m2.
  • the planar inner wall portion 350h1 and the planar inner wall portion 350h2 have a plane perpendicular to the axis L352, and are provided at positions facing each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L351.
  • the cylindrical inner wall portion 350r1 and the cylindrical inner wall portion 350r2 have a cylindrical shape with the axis L351 as the central axis, and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L351.
  • the concave portion 350m1 and the concave portion 350m2 are provided with a step with respect to the planar inner wall portion 350h1 and the planar inner wall portion 350h2, respectively, and are formed in a direction away from the axis L351 along the axis L352 direction.
  • the recess 350m1 and the recess 350m2 have the same shape and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L351, the shape will be described in detail below using the recess 350m1 as an example.
  • the recess 350m1 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L351 when viewed from the direction of the axis L352. As shown in FIG. 70 (c), when viewed from the direction of the axis L352, a portion having a surface inclined by an angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L351 as in the guided portions 380j1 to 380j4 is inclined or abutted. These parts are referred to as a guide part 350j1 and a guide part 350j2. A portion connecting the guide portion 350j1 and the guide portion 350j2 is an R shape 350t1.
  • the rotational force receiving part 350g1 which has a plane orthogonal to the axis line L352 is provided with the level
  • the rotational force transmitted portion 350g1 is provided with a slide groove 350s1.
  • the slide groove 350s1 is a through hole that supports the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392, and has a rectangular shape having a long side in the direction of the axis L353 when viewed from the direction of the axis L352.
  • the parts forming the recess 350m2 are also referred to as a rotational force transmitted part 350g2, a guide part 350j3, a guide part 350j4, an R-shaped part 350t2, a slide groove 350s4, a recess end part 350n3, and a recess end part 350n4, respectively.
  • the drive side end part of the hollow part 350f is called the opening part 350e.
  • the coupling member 380 has a hollow of the driving side flange 350 so that the axis L382 is parallel to the axis L352 with respect to the driving side flange 350. Arranged in the portion 350f.
  • the rotational force transmitting parts 380g1, 380g2 and the rotational force transmitted parts 350g1, 350g2 are fitted in the direction of the axis L382 with almost no gap. This restricts the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the axis L382 relative to the drive side flange 350 (see FIGS. 66B and 70D). As shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 66, 67, and 71 the shapes of the slider 360 as a holding member (moving member), the retaining pin 391, and the retaining pin 392 will be described with reference to FIGS. 66, 67, and 71.
  • FIG. 66, 67, and 71 the shapes of the slider 360 as a holding member (moving member), the retaining pin 391, and the retaining pin 392 will be described with reference to FIGS. 66, 67, and 71.
  • the slider 360 is provided with a cylindrical portion 360a, an abutting portion 360b with which the other end portion 370b of the urging member 370 abuts, and through holes 360c1 to 360c4.
  • axis line L361 the central axis of the cylindrical portion 360a is referred to as “axis line L361”.
  • the cylindrical portion 360a fits and supports the fitting portion 38d of the coupling member 380 with almost no gap.
  • the coupling member 380 is movable in the direction of the axis L381 while being held so that the axis L381 is substantially coaxial with the axis L361.
  • the cylindrical retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 have a central axis parallel to the axis L352.
  • the through-holes 360c1 to 360c4 of the slider 360 are inserted.
  • the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 are supported by the slide groove 350 s 1 and the slide groove 350 s 4 of the drive side flange 350, thereby connecting the slider 360 and the drive side flange 350.
  • the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 are arranged side by side in the direction of the axis L353.
  • the diameters of the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 are set to be slightly smaller than the width of the slide groove 350s1 and the slide groove 350s4 in the direction of the axis L351.
  • the slider 360 keeps the axis L361 and the axis L351 in parallel. Further, the slider 360 cannot move in the direction of the axis L351 with respect to the drive side flange 350. In other words, the slider 360 can move in the orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L351.
  • the fitting support portion 350b (see FIG. 71 (a)) of the drive side flange 350 is fitted and fixed to the opening 310a2 of the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 are prevented from coming out in the direction of the axis L352.
  • the length G1 of the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 is set sufficiently larger than the distance G2 between the rotational force transmitting portion 350g1 and the rotational force transmitting portion 350g2. Thereby, the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 are prevented from falling off from the slide groove 350s1 and the slide groove 350s4.
  • a gap E2 larger than the gap D is provided between the retaining pin 391 and one end 350s2 of the slide groove 350s1, and between the retaining pin 392 and the other end 350s3 of the slide groove 350s1. (See FIGS. 66 (c) and 71 (a)).
  • a clearance similar to the clearance E2 is also provided between the retaining pin 391 and one end portion 350s5 of the slide groove 350s4 and between the retaining pin 392 and the other end portion 350s6 of the slide groove 350s4 ( FIG. 71 (a)).
  • a lubricant (not shown) is applied to the through holes 360c1 to 360c4, the slide groove 350s1, and the slide groove 350s4.
  • the guide portion 350j1 and the guide portion 350j2 as the inclined portion or the abutting portion and the guided portion 380j1 and the guided portion 380j2 as the inclined portion or the abutting portion can be brought into contact with each other.
  • at least one of the guide portion 350j1 or the guided portion 380j1 may be inclined, and the other may be inclined corresponding to the one report.
  • the coupling member 380 is prevented from dropping from the opening 350e of the drive side flange 350 by abutting each other.
  • the coupling member 380 is urged to the drive side by the urging member 370 so that the guided portion 380j1 and the guided portion 380j2 are in contact with the guide portion 350j1 and the guide portion 350j2.
  • the relationship between the guide part 350j3, the guide part 350j4, the guided part 380j3, and the guided part 380j4 is the same.
  • the convex portions 380b1 and 380b2 are symmetrical with respect to the axis L381 when viewed from the direction of the axis L382.
  • the concave portion 350m1 and the concave portion 350m2 are symmetrical with respect to the axis L351 when viewed from the direction of the axis L352. Therefore, the coupling member 380 is urged toward the driving side by the urging member 370, and the guided portion 380j1 to the guided portion 380j4 and the guide portion 350j1 to the guide portion 350j4 come into contact with each other, so that the axis L381 is substantially aligned with the axis L351. Arranged to be coaxial.
  • the coupling member 380 maintains the state in which the axis L381 and the axis L351 are parallel to the drive side flange 350 via the slider 360. Further, the coupling member 380 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 350 in the direction of the axis L381 and the direction of the axis L383. Further, the coupling member 380 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L382 relative to the drive-side flange 350. The coupling member 380 is urged toward the driving side (in the direction of arrow X9 in FIG. 66) with respect to the driving side flange 350 by the urging force F370 of the urging member 370, and the axis line L381 and the axis line L351 are It is urged to be substantially coaxial.
  • the drive side flange 350, the coupling member 380, and the slider 360 are made of resin, and the material thereof is polyacetal, polycarbonate, or the like.
  • the retaining pins 391 and 392 are made of metal, and the material thereof is iron or stainless steel.
  • the material of each component can be appropriately selected from resin and metal, such as making the component made of metal or resin.
  • the gear portion 350c transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member 380 from the main body side engaging portion 300 to the developing roller 313, and the helical gear or the spur gear is driven. It is integrally formed with the side flange 350. Note that the rotation of the developing roller 313 may not be via the drive side flange 350. In that case, the gear part 350c can be eliminated.
  • the coupling member 380 is inserted into the space 350 f of the drive side flange 350.
  • the coupling member 380 and the drive side flange 350 are inserted in phase so that the axis L382 and the axis L352 are parallel to each other.
  • the biasing member 370 is assembled. The position of the urging member 370 in the radial direction is regulated by the shaft portion 380h2 of the coupling member 380 and the shaft portion 360d of the slider 360.
  • the urging member 370 may be assembled in advance on either or both of the shaft portion 380h2 and the shaft portion 360d. At that time, if the urging member 370 is press-fitted into the shaft portion 380h2 (or the shaft portion 360d) so that the urging member 370 does not fall off, the assembling workability is improved. Thereafter, the slider 360 is inserted into the space portion 350f so that the fitting portion 380d fits into the cylindrical portion 360a. Then, as shown in FIGS. 67 (c) and 67 (d), the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392 are inserted from the slide groove 350s1 into the through holes 360c1 to 360c4 and the slide groove 350s4. (5) Explanation of drum bearing
  • FIG. 72A is a perspective view seen from the drive shaft
  • FIG. 72B is a perspective view seen from the photosensitive drum side.
  • the drum bearing 325 is a member for positioning and fixing the photosensitive drum 310 to the drum frame 321 and positioning the drum unit U10 to the apparatus main body A. Further, it has a function of holding the coupling member 380 so as to be able to transmit the driving force to the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the photosensitive drum 310 is positioned and the fitting portion 325d positioned with respect to the drum frame 321 and the outer peripheral portion 325c positioned on the apparatus main body A are arranged substantially coaxially.
  • the fitting portion 325d and the outer peripheral portion 325c are annular, and the coupling member 380 described above is disposed in the space portion 325b.
  • an abutting surface 325e for positioning the photosensitive drum unit U31 in the axial direction is provided near the center in the axial direction of the fitting portion 325d / outer peripheral portion 325c of the space portion 325b.
  • the drum bearing 325 is formed with a fixing surface 325f for fixing to the drum frame 321 and holes 325g1, 325g2 through which fixing screws are passed.
  • a guide portion 325a for attaching and detaching the cartridge BB to the apparatus main body A is integrally formed.
  • the outer periphery 325a of the outer end of the drum bearing 325 also serves as the cartridge guide 340R1
  • the outer periphery 326a of the outer end of the drum shaft 326 also serves as the cartridge guide 340L1.
  • 340R2 is provided substantially above the cartridge guide 340R1 on one end side (drive side) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum unit U31.
  • a cartridge guide 340L2 is provided above the cartridge guide 340L1 on the other end side (non-driving side) in the longitudinal direction.
  • the cartridge guides 340R1 and 340R2 are formed integrally with the drum frame 321.
  • the cartridge guides 340R1 and 340R2 may be separate members. (7) Description of process cartridge mounting operation
  • FIG. 73 shows a mounting process, and is a cross-sectional view taken along S9-S9 in FIG.
  • the user opens the cartridge door 309 provided in the apparatus main body A. Then, the cartridge B is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting means 330 provided in the apparatus main body A.
  • the cartridge guides 340R1 and 340R2 are placed along the main body guides 330R1 and 330R2 on the drive side.
  • cartridge guides 340L1 and 340L2 are inserted along the main body guides 330L1 and 330L2 (see FIG. 63).
  • the cartridge B is placed in a predetermined position through the engagement between the main body drive shaft 300 of the apparatus main body A and the coupling 380 of the cartridge B. That is, as shown in FIG. 73 (c), the cartridge guide 340R1 contacts the positioning portion 330R1a of the main body guide 330R1, and the cartridge guide 340R2 contacts the positioning portion 330R2a of the main body guide 330R2. Although not shown because it has a substantially symmetrical shape, the cartridge guide 340L1 contacts the positioning portion 330L1a (see FIG.
  • the cartridge B is detachably mounted on the cartridge housing portion 330a by the mounting means 330.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 330a When the cartridge B is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 330a, an image forming operation can be performed.
  • the cartridge storage portion 330a is a room occupied by the cartridge B mounted on the apparatus main body A by the mounting means 330 as described above.
  • the pressure receiving portion 340R1b (see also FIG. 59) of the cartridge B is applied by the pressure spring 388R as shown in FIGS. 62, 63, and 73. ) Is pressurized. Further, the pressure receiving portion 340L1b (see FIG. 60) of the process cartridge B is pressurized by the pressure spring 388L. Thereby, the position of the cartridge B (photosensitive drum 310) is accurately determined with respect to the transfer roller, the optical means, and the like of the apparatus main body A. (8) Explanation of operation of coupling member
  • FIG. 74A1 shows a state in which the axis L381 of the coupling member 380 and the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350 coincide with each other, and the guide portions 350j1 to 350j4 and the guided portions 380j1 to 380j4 are in contact with each other.
  • FIG. 74A2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the coupling member 380 has moved in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L383 with respect to the drive-side flange 350.
  • 74A3 shows a state in which the coupling member 380 is in the non-driving side direction (arrow X8 direction) along the axis L351 from the state where the guide portions 350j1 to 350j4 and the guided portions 380j1 to 380j4 are in contact with each other.
  • It is explanatory drawing showing the state which moved to. 74 (b1) to 74 (b3) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing FIGS. 74 (a1) to 74 (a3) as SL383 cross sections parallel to the axis L383.
  • the coupling member 380 is displayed without being cut, and the guide portion 350j3, the guide portion 350j4, and the slide groove 350s4 of the drive side flange 350 are indicated by broken lines for the sake of explanation. Yes.
  • the coupling member 380 is brought into contact with the guide portion 350j3, the guide portion 350j4, the guided portion 380j3, and the guided portion 380j4 by the urging force F370 of the urging member 370.
  • L381 and the axis L351 are substantially coaxial. Further, at this time, the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 of the coupling member 380 are in a state of protruding most with respect to the drive side flange 350.
  • the coupling member 380 is moved by the distance p3 in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L383 with respect to the drive side flange 350. Then, as shown in FIG. 74 (b2), the coupling member 380 resists the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370 while the guided portion 380j4 and the guide portion 350j4 of the driving side flange 350 are in contact with each other. It moves in the direction (arrow X61 direction) along the guide part 350j4. At this time, the axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is maintained parallel to the axis L351.
  • the coupling member 380 can move in the direction of the arrow X61 until the driving portion 380b contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 350r1, that is, until the moving distance p3 of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the axis L383 becomes equal to the gap D. is there.
  • the slider 360 can be moved only in the direction of the axis L383 by the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392. Accordingly, in conjunction with the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the arrow X61, the slider 360 moves in the direction of the arrow X51 integrally with the retaining pin 391 and the retaining pin 392.
  • the coupling member 380 when the coupling member 380 is moved in the direction of arrow X8, the coupling member 380 is attached with the fitting portion 380d supported by the cylindrical portion 360a of the slider 360. It moves in the direction of arrow X8 against the urging force F370 of the urging member 370. At this time, there are gaps between the guided portions 380j3 and 380j4 of the coupling member 380 and the guide portions 350j3 and 350j4 of the drive side flange 350. That is, the coupling member 380 is located from the state in which the coupling member 380 shown in FIG. 74 (b1) protrudes most with respect to the drive side flange 350 to the state in which the coupling member 380 shown in FIG. 74 (b3) is retracted. Can move quantitatively.
  • the coupling member 380 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 350 in the direction of the axis L381 and the direction of the axis L383.
  • the coupling member 180 moves in the direction of the axis L381 in conjunction with the movement in the direction of the axis L383 relative to the driving side flange 350 by the contact between the guide portions 350j1 to 350j4 and the guided portions 380j1 to 380j4. It is movable. (9) Explanation of coupling attachment operation and drive transmission
  • FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing the drive shaft of the apparatus main body and the main part on the drive side of the cartridge.
  • FIG. 76 is a vertical cross-sectional view seen from the lower side of the apparatus main body showing only the drive shaft of the apparatus main body, the coupling of the process cartridge, and the drum shaft.
  • FIG. 77 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft of the apparatus main body, the coupling of the process cartridge, and the phase difference of the drum shaft with respect to FIG.
  • “engagement” refers to a state in which the axis L351 and the axis L301 are arranged substantially coaxially and the coupling member 380 and the main body side engaging portion 300 can transmit the rotational force.
  • the mounting direction of the cartridge B is a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 310 and a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350 (arrow X1). Direction) and is attached to the apparatus main body A.
  • the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 of the coupling member 380 are caused by the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370.
  • the drive side flange 350 protrudes most.
  • This state is the initial mounting state.
  • the position of the coupling member 380 at this time is the first position (projecting position).
  • the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350. More specifically, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L351 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the main body contact portion 380i of the coupling member 380 comes into contact with the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 provided in the apparatus main body A. Then, as shown in FIG. 75 (b1) and FIG. 76 (a), the main body contact portion 380i receives a force F1 (retraction force) due to mounting from the distal end portion 300b.
  • the force F1 is directed in the direction inclined by an angle ⁇ 7 that is smaller than the remainder angle ⁇ 31 of the angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L383, since the force F1 is directed in the center direction of the substantially spherical surface constituting the main body contact portion 380i.
  • the coupling member 380 receives the force F1
  • the biasing member 370 is applied in the direction of the arrow X61 along the guide portion 350j1 while the guided portion 380j1 is in contact with the guide portion 350j1 of the drive side flange 350. Move against the force F370.
  • the cartridge B is further moved in the direction of the arrow X1.
  • the drive part 380b of the coupling member 380 and the cylindrical inner wall part 350r1 of the drive side flange 350 abut, and the movement of the coupling member 380 relative to the drive side flange 350 in the arrow X61 direction is restricted.
  • the amount of movement of the coupling member 380 from the initial mounting state in the direction of the axis L381 is defined as a movement amount N10 (see FIG. 76B).
  • the moving amount N10 is determined by the inclination ⁇ 3 (see FIG. 70) with respect to the axis L381 of the guide portions 350j1 to 350j4 and the gap D (see FIG. 66 (c)).
  • the coupling member 380 is moved in the arrow X8 direction by a movement amount N10 compared to the initial mounting state. Then, since the force F1 is directed toward the center of the substantially spherical surface constituting the main body contact portion 380i, the angle ⁇ 7 formed by the force F1 and the axis L383 is increased as compared with the initial mounting state. Along with this, the component force F1a of the force F1 in the direction of the arrow X8 increases compared to the initial mounting state. By this component force F1a, the coupling member 380 further moves in the arrow X8 direction against the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370.
  • the coupling member 380 can pass through the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 by the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the arrow X8.
  • the position of the coupling member 380 in FIG. 76 (b2) is the second position (retracted position).
  • the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide).
  • the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L351 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, at the second position (retracted position), the coupling member 380 is displaced to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position (projecting position). (Moving / evacuating).
  • the axis L301 of the main body drive shaft 300 and the drive side flange 350 are positioned by positioning means for the apparatus main body A of the cartridge B described later.
  • the axial line L351 is substantially coaxial.
  • the coupling member 380 moves in the arrow X9 direction by the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370.
  • the coupling member 380 moves along the guide portion 350j1, and the axis L381 coincides with the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350.
  • the drive bearing surface 380f having the conical shape of the coupling member 380 has the main body drive shaft. It abuts on the tip 380b of 300.
  • the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 of the coupling member 380 and the drive transmission pin 302 of the main body drive shaft 300 are overlapped in the direction of the axis L301.
  • the drive transmission pin 302 is located in the driven standby portions 380k1 and 380k2.
  • the rotational force receiving portions 380e1 and 380e2 provided on the downstream side in the clockwise direction of the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 are in a state of facing the drive transmission pin 302, respectively. That is, the coupling member 380 and the main body drive shaft 300 are engaged with each other, and the coupling member 380 can be rotated. Note that the position of the coupling member 380 at this time is substantially the same as the first position (projecting position) described above.
  • the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 and the drive transmission pin 302 may overlap each other when viewed from the direction of the axis L301 depending on the phase in the rotation direction of the main body drive shaft 300. .
  • the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 cannot abut on the drive bearing surface 380f of the coupling member 380.
  • the main body drive shaft 300 is rotated by a drive source described later, so that the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 and the drive transmission pin 302 do not overlap each other when viewed from the direction of the axis L301.
  • tip part 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 can contact
  • the main body driving shaft 300 rotates together with the drum driving gear 301 in the X10 direction in the drawing. Then, the drive transmission pin 302 integral with the main body drive shaft 300 contacts the rotational force receiving portions 380e1 and 380e2 of the coupling member 380, and rotates the coupling member 380.
  • the rotational force transmitting portion 380g1, the rotational force transmitting portion 380g2, the rotational force transmitted portion 350g1 (see FIG. 70 (a)), and the rotational force transmitted portion 350g2 (see 70 (b)) are as follows.
  • the coupling member 380 can transmit the rotation around the axis L381 to the drive side flange 350. Accordingly, the rotation of the coupling member 380 is transmitted to the drive side flange 350 via the rotational force transmitting portion 380g1, the rotational force transmitting portion 380g2, the rotational force transmitted portion 350g1, and the rotational force transmitted portion 350g2.
  • the main body of the coupling member 380 is similar to the case where the axis L383 of the coupling member 380 and the mounting direction of the cartridge B are parallel.
  • the abutting portion 380i abuts on the tip portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 provided in the apparatus main body A. At this time, the main body contact portion 380i receives a force F2 due to the mounting of the cartridge B from the tip portion 300b.
  • the force F2 is directed in a direction inclined by an angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the axis L382 in order to face the center direction of the substantially spherical surface constituting the main body contact portion 380i, and thereby the direction of the arrow F8 of the force F2 in the direction of the axis L381.
  • the component force F2a is generated. Therefore, when the cartridge B is further moved in the arrow X1 direction, the coupling member 380 resists the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370 by the component force F2a as shown in FIG. 79 (b2). Move to.
  • the coupling member 380 can pass through the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 by the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the arrow X8.
  • the angle ⁇ 1 formed by the main body contact portion 380i and the axis L381 is set so that the coupling member 380 can move in the direction of the arrow X8 by the component force F2a against the urging force F370 of the urging member 370.
  • the cartridge B can be moved to the mounting completion position while the coupling member 380 is moved into the space 350f of the drive side flange 350.
  • the coupling member 380 can move in the direction of the arrow X8 and pass through the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 in the same manner when the mounting direction is different from that described above.
  • the coupling member 380 moves in the direction of the arrow X8 along the guide portions 350j1 to 350j4 by the force F1, or by the component force F1a or the component force F2a of the force F1 or the force F2 in the arrow X8 direction. Move in the direction of arrow X8.
  • the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main body by the above-described configuration. A can be attached.
  • the coupling member 380 and the main body drive shaft 300 can be engaged with each other with a simple configuration without providing a complicated configuration in the apparatus main body A and the cartridge B. it can.
  • the coupling member 380 is configured to further move in the direction of the arrow X8 after the drive portion 380b abuts on the cylindrical inner wall portion 350r1.
  • the coupling member 380 may be configured to pass through the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 when the drive portion 380b comes into contact with the cylindrical inner wall portion 350r1.
  • the movement amount N10 may be increased by decreasing the inclination ⁇ 3 or increasing the gap D.
  • the protrusion amount Q of the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 from the opening 350e of the drive side flange 350 in the drive side direction may be reduced.
  • the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 of the coupling member 380 move to the arrow X8 side from the tip portion 300b and pass through the tip portion 300b only by movement along the guide portions 350j1 to 350j4. Can do. Therefore, it is not necessary to generate the component force F1a in the direction of the arrow X8 of the force F1, and the coupling member 380 and the main body drive shaft 300 can be engaged with each other with a simpler configuration. (10) Explanation of coupling release operation and cartridge removal operation
  • FIGS. 81 (a) and 84 (a) are explanatory views showing the removal direction of the cartridge B and the cutting directions of the S10 sectional view and the S11 sectional view.
  • 81 (b1) to (b4) and FIGS. 83 (a) to (b) are cross-sectional views showing the S cross section of FIG. 81 (a) and showing a state in which the coupling member 380 is detached from the main body drive shaft 300.
  • FIG. 84 (b1) to 84 (b4) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S11 cross section of FIG.
  • FIG. 82 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U32 and the main body drive shaft 300 in FIG. 81 (b3) in an enlarged manner.
  • the coupling member 380 is shown without being cut for the sake of explanation.
  • 81 to 84 the guide portion 350j1 and the guide portion 350j2 of the drive side flange 350 are indicated by broken lines for explanation. Further, in FIG. 81 (b3), FIG. 81 (b4), and FIGS.
  • the transmission protrusion 380f2 in front of the cross-sectional view is indicated by a broken line for the sake of explanation.
  • description will be given by taking as an example a diagram showing the rotational force receiving portion 380e2 side.
  • the cartridge B moves along the removal direction X12 that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 310 and substantially orthogonal to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350. Then, it is removed from the apparatus main body A. In a state where the image formation is completed and the rotation of the main body drive shaft 300 is stopped, the drive transmission pin 302 and the rotational force receiving portions 380e1 and 380e2 are in contact with each other. Further, in the removing direction X12 of the cartridge B, the drive transmission pin 302 is located on the downstream side of the rotational force receiving portion 380e2. Further, at this time, the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 is in contact with the drive bearing surface 380f of the coupling member 380. This state is the initial removal state.
  • the position of the coupling member 380 in FIG. 81 (b1) is the first position (position where torque can be transmitted).
  • the first position (position where the rotational force can be transmitted) is substantially the same as the first position (projecting position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350. More specifically, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L351 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the cartridge B is moved in the removal direction X12. Then, as shown in FIG. 81 (b2), the rotational force receiving portion 380e2 on the upstream side in the removal direction of the coupling member 380 receives the force F5 due to the removal of the cartridge B from the rotational drive transmission pin 302. Since the force F5 is orthogonal to the rotational force receiving portion 380e2, the force F5 is parallel to the axis L383 that is the normal line of the rotational force receiving portion 380e2.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 380e2 (and the rotational force receiving portion 380e1) is set so that the coupling member 380 can move in the direction of the axis L183 by the force F5.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 380e2 (and the rotational force receiving portion 380e1) is a plane orthogonal to the axis L383, the direction of the force F5 and the axis L383 are parallel. Accordingly, the user moves the coupling member 380 in the direction of the axis L383 relative to the driving side flange 350 (and the direction of the axis L381) with a smaller force, and moves the cartridge B in the removal direction X12. Can do.
  • the transmission protrusion 380f2 can pass through the drive transmission pin 302 by the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the arrow X8 by the force F5.
  • the coupling member 380 moves in the direction of the arrow X62 while the guided portion 380j2 is in contact with the guide portion 350j2 of the drive side flange 350 by the component force F6b, and the drive portion 380b and the cylindrical inner wall portion 350r2 are in contact with each other. Touch. As a result, the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the axis L383 relative to the drive side flange 350 is restricted.
  • the second position (removable position) is substantially the same as the second position (retracted position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L381 of the coupling member 380 is substantially parallel to the axis L351 of the drive side flange 350.
  • the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L351 are spaced apart (the rotation axis L381 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 180 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position. .
  • the coupling member 380 that has come out of contact with the main body drive shaft 300 has the guided portion 380j2 guided by the urging force F370 of the urging member 370. It moves in the direction opposite to the arrow X62 while being in contact with 350j2. Then, as shown in FIG. 83 (b), an initial mounting state in which the cartridge B starts to be mounted on the apparatus main body A, that is, a state in which the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 of the coupling member 380 protrude most with respect to the drive side flange 350 ( Return to the first position (protruding position).
  • the coupling member 380 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • the coupling member 180 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300, so that the coupling member 380 moves from the first position to the second position. Then, it returns to the first position.
  • the coupling member 380 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300 and the driving side flange 350 and from the first position (rotational force transmitting position) to the above. It is displaced (moved) to the second position (detachable position) and then returned to the first position (projecting position).
  • FIG. 84A a case where the removal direction X12 of the cartridge B and the axis L383 of the coupling member 380 are orthogonal to each other will be described.
  • FIG. 84 (b1) in the state where the image formation is completed and the rotation of the main body drive shaft 300 is stopped, the drive transmission pin 302 and the rotational force receiving portions 380e1 and 380e2 are in contact with each other. At this time, the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 is in contact with the drive bearing surface 380f of the coupling member 380. This state is the initial removal state.
  • the cartridge B is moved in the removing direction X12. Then, since the movement of the coupling member 380 in the direction of the axis L382 is restricted with respect to the drive side flange 350, the coupling member 380 moves in the removal direction X12 together with the drive side flange 350. As shown in FIG. 84 (b2), the drive bearing surface 380f as a retracting force receiving portion of the coupling member 380 receives a force F9 (retracting force) due to the removal of the cartridge B from the distal end portion 300b of the main body driving shaft 300. .
  • the coupling member 380 When the cartridge B is further moved in the removal direction X12 from this state, the coupling member 380 further moves in the arrow X8 direction against the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370 by the component force F10a. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 84 (b4), the transmission protrusion 380f2 can pass through the drive transmission pin 302 by the movement of the coupling member 380 in the arrow X8 direction by the component force F10a. That is, the front end portion 300 b of the main body drive shaft 300 is detached from the opening 380 m of the coupling member 380.
  • the coupling member 380 that has come out of contact with the main body drive shaft 300 is similar to the case where the above-described removal direction of the cartridge B (the direction of the arrow X12) and the axis L383 of the coupling member 380 are parallel to each other.
  • the cartridge B returns to the initial mounting state in which the cartridge B starts to be mounted, that is, the state in which the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 of the coupling member 380 protrude most with respect to the drive side flange 350 (see FIG. 83B).
  • the coupling member 380 can be detached from the main body side engaging portion 100 in the same manner even when the removal direction is different from that described above.
  • one of the transmission protrusions 380f1 and 380f2 comes into contact with the drive transmission pin 302.
  • the tip portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 abuts on the drive bearing surface 380f of the coupling member 380.
  • the coupling member 380 receives any of the aforementioned forces F5, F6 and F9, F10 due to the removal, moves in the direction of the arrow X8 with respect to the drive side flange 350, and separates from the main body drive shaft 300. Can do.
  • the cartridge B when the cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main body A, the relation between the rotational direction phases of the coupling member 380 and the drive transmission pin 302 with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A is determined.
  • the cartridge B can be mounted on the apparatus main body A by the above-described configuration.
  • the coupling member 380 can be detached from the state in which the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 enters the opening 380m of the coupling member 380. . Therefore, the cartridge B can be removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the coupling member 380 is movable in the direction of the axis L381 and the direction of the axis L383 with respect to the drive side flange 350. Further, the coupling member 380 can move in the direction of the axis L381 in conjunction with the movement in the direction of the axis L383 with respect to the drive side flange 350.
  • the coupling member 380 moves in the direction of the axis L381.
  • the main body drive shaft 300 can be engaged.
  • the coupling member 380 moves in the direction of the axis L381, It can be detached from the main body drive shaft 300.
  • the removal load of the cartridge B can be reduced and the usability performance when removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A can be improved.
  • FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the main body drive shaft and the drum drive gear.
  • the tip of the main body drive shaft 1300 can be made flat 1300b. This simplifies the shape of the shaft, lowers the machining cost, and leads to cost reduction.
  • the main body drive shaft 1300 has the flat surface 1300b in contact with the coupling member 380, but the drive bearing surface 380f (see FIG. 68) with which the flat surface 1300b contacts has a conical shape. Therefore, a component force acts on the coupling member 380 also in the direction of the axis L381 from the main body drive shaft 1300 due to the movement at the time of attachment and removal of the cartridge B, so that the coupling member 380 can pass through the main body drive shaft 1300. .
  • drive transmission portions 1302c1 and 1302c2 for transmitting drive to the cartridge B are formed integrally with the main body drive shaft 1300, and the drive transmission surfaces 1302c1 and 1302c2 are respectively provided with drive transmission surfaces 1302e1 and 1302c1, respectively. 1302e2 may be molded.
  • the drive shaft is a resin molded part, the drive transmission part can be molded integrally, leading to cost reduction.
  • a tip shaft portion 1300d that is thinner than the outer diameter of the main portion 1300a may be provided.
  • the tip portion 1300b needs a certain degree of accuracy. Therefore, since the required accuracy range is limited to the contact portion of the coupling member 380 (FIG. 66 (a): drive bearing surface 380f), the machining cost can be reduced by reducing only the cost-required accuracy required surface. .
  • FIG. 86 is a perspective view and a plan view of the coupling member.
  • the rotational force receiving portions 1380e1 and 1380e2 provided on the transmission protrusions 1380f1 and 1380f2 of the coupling member 1380 have a taper angle ⁇ 5 with respect to the rotational axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 310, respectively. That is, the surface is inclined with respect to the axis L383.
  • the driving bearing surface 1380f of the coupling member 1380 is caused to move by the biasing force F370 of the biasing member 370 (see FIG. 75 (b4)). It is in contact with 300b. Therefore, the coupling member 1380 receives a force in the T2 direction, so that the contact between the drive bearing surface 1380f and the tip end portion 300b becomes strong during driving, so that the coupling member 1380 and the main body drive shaft 300 are more engaged. It can be stabilized.
  • the “rotation axis” of the drive side flange 450, the coupling member 480, and the main body side engaging portion 100 is referred to as “axis”. The same applies to other embodiments described below.
  • the mounting direction of the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A and the removal direction of the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same applies to other embodiments described below. is there.
  • the coupling unit U40 includes a coupling member 480, an intermediate slider 430 as an intermediate transmission member, and a guided pin 440.
  • the rotation axis of the coupling member 480 is referred to as “axis L481”, one direction orthogonal to the axis L481 is referred to as “axis L482”, and the direction orthogonal to both the axis L481 and the axis L482 is referred to as “axis L483”.
  • 87 (a) to 87 (c) are exploded perspective views of the coupling unit U40.
  • 87 (d) and 87 (e) are explanatory diagrams of the coupling unit U40,
  • FIG. 87 (d) is a view seen from the direction of the axis L881
  • FIG. 87 (e) is a view seen from the direction of the axis L483. is there.
  • a cylindrical inner wall portion 430r1 and a cylindrical inner wall portion 430r2 (described later) of the intermediate slider 430 are indicated by broken lines for explanation.
  • the coupling member 480 mainly has three parts.
  • the first portion engages with a main body drive shaft 300 (described later), and a drive transmission pin 302 (described later) which is a rotational force transmission portion (main body side rotational force transmission portion) provided on the main body drive shaft 300.
  • a driven portion 480a as one end portion (free end portion) for receiving the rotational driving force from the.
  • the second part transmits the rotational drive to a drive side flange 450 to be described later via the intermediate slider 430, and the other end (supported by the slider 460 so that the coupling member 480 can move in the direction of the rotation axis L481).
  • It is the drive part 480b as a supported part.
  • the connecting portion 480c connects the driving portion 480b and the driven portion 480a.
  • the driven portion 380a has a drive shaft insertion opening 480m as a recess that expands with respect to the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480.
  • the opening 480m is formed by a conical drive bearing surface 480f that expands toward the main body drive shaft 300 side.
  • a main body contact portion 480i having a substantially spherical shape is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driven portion 380a including the two transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2.
  • the main body abutting portion 480i is arranged so that the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 and the drive when the coupling member 480 is engaged with the main body drive shaft 300 and when the coupling member 480 is detached from the main body drive shaft 300. This is a portion that contacts the transmission pin 302 (details will be described later).
  • driven standby portions 480k1 and 480k2 are provided between the transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2, respectively. That is, the interval between the two driven transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2 is wider than the outer diameter of the drive transmission pin 302 so that the drive transmission pin 302 of the main body drive shaft 300 of the apparatus main body A, which will be described later, can be positioned in this interval portion. Is set. This space
  • interval part is 480k1 and 480k2.
  • driving force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) 480e1 and 480e2 are provided on the downstream side in the clockwise direction of the transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2, and the rotational force transmitting portion provided on the main body driving shaft 300 is provided.
  • a rotational force is transmitted. That is, the driving force receiving surfaces 480e1 and 480e2 are surfaces intersecting with the rotation direction of the coupling member 480 so that the driving force receiving surfaces 480e1 and 480e2 are pushed by the side surface of the drive transmission pin 302 of the main body driving shaft 300 and rotate about the axis L481.
  • the connecting portion 480c When the connecting portion 480c is cut in a cross section orthogonal to the axis L481, at least one cut surface of the connecting portion 480c is the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 and the transmission protrusions 480f1, 480f2 (driving force receiving surface 480e1). 480e2) with a maximum turning radius smaller than the distance between.
  • a predetermined cross section orthogonal to the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 480 in the connecting portion 480c is smaller than the distance between the transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2 (driving force receiving surfaces 480e1 and 480e2) and the rotation axis L2.
  • the connecting portion 480c has an outer diameter smaller than the distance between the transmission protrusion 480f1 (driving force receiving surface 480e1) and the transmission protrusion 480f2 (driving force receiving surface 480e2).
  • the body part (the connecting part 480c and the drive part 480b) is provided with a cylindrical part 480r1, a cylindrical part 480r2, a first rotational force transmission part 480g1, a first rotational force transmission part 280g2, and a through hole 480p. ing.
  • the through hole 480p is a cylindrical through hole provided in the first rotational force transmission unit 480g1 and the first rotational force transmission unit 480g2, and the central axis thereof is parallel to the axis L483.
  • the first rotational force transmission unit 480g1 and the first rotational force transmission unit 480g2 are planes having the axis L483 as a normal line, and are provided at positions opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L481 when viewed from the direction of the axis L481. Yes.
  • the cylindrical portion 480r1 and the cylindrical portion 480r2 have a cylindrical shape with the axis L481 as the central axis, and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L481 when viewed from the direction of the axis L481.
  • the intermediate slider 430 as an intermediate transmission member will be described in detail.
  • the rotation axis of the intermediate slider 430 is referred to as “axis L431”
  • one direction orthogonal to the axis L431 is “axis L432”
  • the direction orthogonal to both the axis L431 and the axis L432 is “ This is referred to as “axis line L433”.
  • the intermediate slider 430 is mainly provided with a hollow portion 430f, an outer peripheral portion 430e, and a first guide portion 430j1 to a first guide portion 430j4.
  • the outer peripheral portion 430e is provided with a cylindrical convex portion 430m1 and a cylindrical convex portion 430m2 protruding in the direction of the axis L432 where second torque transmission portions 430k1 and 430k2 (described later) are formed.
  • the second rotational force transmission units 430k1 and 430k2 are planes having the axis L432 as a normal line, and are provided at positions facing each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L431.
  • the body portion 430c1 and the body portion 430c2 have a cylindrical shape with the axis L431 as the central axis, and are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L431.
  • the hollow portion 430f includes a first rotational force transmitted portion 430g1, a first rotational force transmitted portion 430g2, and a cylindrical inner wall portion 430r1 having a cylindrical shape with the axis L431 as a central axis.
  • a cylindrical inner wall portion 430r2 is provided.
  • the cylindrical inner wall portion 430r1 and the cylindrical inner wall portion 430r2 are provided at positions that are opposed to each other by 180 ° with respect to the axis L431 as seen from the direction of the axis L431.
  • the first guide part 430j3 and the first guide part 430j4 are provided so as to be inclined by an angle ⁇ 4 with respect to the axis L431 when viewed from the direction of the axis L433. Further, each of the first guide part 430j3 and the first guide part 430j4 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L431 as seen from the direction of the axis L433.
  • the first guide portion 430j1 and the first guide portion 430j2 shown in FIG. 87A are provided at positions that face the first guide portion 430j3 and the first guide portion 430j4 at 180 degrees with respect to the axis L431. Yes.
  • the cylindrical portions 480r1, 480r2, the first rotational force transmitting portions 480g1, 480g2 are the hollow portions 430f so that the axis L483 of the coupling member 480 is parallel to the axis L433 of the intermediate slider 430.
  • the first rotational force transmitting portions 480g1, 480g2 and the first rotational force transmitted portions 430g1, 430g2 are fitted in the direction of the axis L483 with almost no gap. Thereby, the movement of the coupling member 480 in the direction of the axis L483 with respect to the intermediate slider 430 is restricted.
  • the intermediate slider 430 does not rotate around the axis L431 with respect to the coupling member 480.
  • the first slider 480g1, the first torque transmitter 480g2, the first torque receiver 430g1, and the first torque receiver 430g2 are engaged with the intermediate slider from the coupling member 280.
  • a rotational force is transmitted to 230.
  • the coupling member 480 When the coupling member 480 is disposed in the hollow portion 430f so that the axis L481 and the axis L431 are substantially coaxial, the cylindrical portion 480r1, the cylindrical portion 480r2, the cylindrical inner wall portion 430r1, and the cylindrical inner wall portion 430r2 are disposed. Is provided with a gap D10. Thereby, the coupling member 480 is movable in the direction of the axis L482 with respect to the intermediate slider 430.
  • the cylindrical guided pin 440 is inserted into the through hole 430 p of the coupling member 430.
  • the coupling member 480 is urged by the urging member 470 toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9), the first guide portion 430j1 to the first guide portion 430j4 and the guided pin 440 come into contact with each other.
  • the coupling member 480 is prevented from slipping out from the intermediate slider 430 to the drive side, and is arranged so that the axis L481 is substantially coaxial with the axis L431.
  • FIG. FIG. 88 (a) is a perspective explanatory view of the photosensitive drum unit U41 as a photosensitive unit to which the driving side flange unit U42 is attached as viewed from the driving side.
  • 88 (b) is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S41 cross section of FIG. 88 (a)
  • FIG. 88 (c) is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the S42 cross section of FIG. 88 (a).
  • FIG. 89 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side flange unit U42.
  • the second guide portions 450j1 and 450j2 and the slide groove 450s1 are indicated by broken lines for explanation.
  • the drive side flange unit U42 includes a drive side flange 450, a coupling unit U40, retaining pins 491, 492, an urging member 470, and a slider 460.
  • axis line L451 The axis of rotation of the drive side flange is referred to as “axis line L451”
  • axis line L452 one direction orthogonal to axis line L451
  • axis line L453 the direction orthogonal to both axis line L451 and axis line L452
  • the drive side flange 450 is provided with a fitting support portion 450b, a gear portion 450c, a support portion 450d, and the like. Further, the inside of the drive side flange 450 has a hollow shape, which is referred to as a hollow portion 450f.
  • the hollow portion 450f includes second rotational force transmitted portions 450g1 and 450g2 having a plane with the axis L452 as a normal line, a cylindrical inner wall 450r having a cylindrical shape with the axis L451 as a central axis, and second guide portions 450j1 to 450j1.
  • a second guide portion 450j4 is provided.
  • the second guide portions 450j1 and 450j2 are provided so as to be inclined by an angle ⁇ 5 with respect to the axis L251 when viewed from the direction of the axis L452.
  • the second guide portions 450j1 and 450j2 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis L451 as viewed from the direction of the axis L452.
  • the second guide portions 450j3 and 450j4 are provided at positions that face the second guide portions 450j1 and 450j2 by 180 degrees with respect to the axis L451.
  • the cylindrical inner wall 450r is provided with a slide groove 450s1 and a slide groove 450s4.
  • the slide groove 450s1 and the slide groove 450s4 are through holes that support the retaining pins 491 and 492, and have a rectangular shape with the axis L453 direction as the long side when viewed from the axis L452 direction.
  • the coupling unit U40 is disposed in the hollow portion 450f of the drive side flange 450 such that the axis L482 is parallel to the axis L452 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • the second rotational force transmitting portions 430k1 and 430k2 of the intermediate slider 430 and the second rotational force transmitted portions 450g1 and 450g2 are fitted in the direction of the axis L482 with almost no gap.
  • the coupling unit U40 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L482 with respect to the drive side flange 450 (see FIG. 89D).
  • the intermediate slider 430 does not rotate around the axis L451 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • the second rotational force transmitting portion 430k1, the second rotational force transmitting portion 430k2, the second rotational force transmitted portion 450g1, and the second rotational force transmitted portion 450g2 are rotated from the intermediate slider 430 to the flange 450. Power is transmitted.
  • the intermediate slider 430 is prevented from falling off from the drive side flange 450 to the drive side, and the axis L431 is disposed so as to be substantially coaxial with the axis L451.
  • the slider 460 as the holding member (moving member) is in contact with the cylindrical portions 460a of the coupling member 480 and the one end portion 470a of the biasing member 470.
  • Through holes 460c1 to 460c4 through which the contact portion 460b and the retaining pins 491 and 492 are inserted are provided.
  • the central axis of the cylindrical portion 460a is defined as an axis L461.
  • the cylindrical portion 460a fits and supports the cylindrical portion 480r1 and the cylindrical portion 480r2 of the coupling member 480 with almost no gap.
  • the coupling member 480 is movable in the direction of the axis L481 while the axis L481 and the axis L461 are held substantially coaxially.
  • the cylindrical retaining pins 491 and 492 have through-holes 460c1 to 460c1 of the slider 460 so that the central axes thereof are parallel to the axis L452 of the drive-side flange 450. It is inserted through 460c4 with almost no gap in the radial direction. Then, the retaining pins 491 and 492 are supported by the slide grooves 450 s 1 and 450 s 4 of the drive side flange 450 so that the slider 460 and the drive side flange 450 are connected.
  • the retaining pins 491 and 492 are arranged side by side in the direction of the axis L453.
  • the diameters of the retaining pins 491 and 492 are set to be slightly smaller than the width of the slide grooves 450s1 and 450s4 in the direction of the axis L451.
  • the retaining pins 491 and 492 are prevented from coming out in the direction of the axis L452 by the opening 310a2 (see FIG. 65) of the photosensitive drum 310.
  • the length G4 of the retaining pins 491 and 492 is set larger than the diameter ⁇ G5 of the cylindrical inner wall 450r. Accordingly, the retaining pin 491492 is prevented from falling off the slide grooves 4250s1 and 450s4.
  • a clearance E30 larger than the clearance D20 is provided between the retaining pin 491 and one end portion 450s2 of the slide groove 450s1, and between the retaining pin 492 and the other end portion 450s3 of the slide groove 450s1. (See FIG. 88 (c)).
  • a clearance similar to the clearance E30 is also provided between the retaining pin 491 and one end portion 450s5 of the slide groove 450s4 and between the retaining pin 492 and the other end portion 450s6 of the slide groove 450s4 ( Not shown).
  • a lubricant (not shown) is applied to the through holes 460c1 to 460c4 and the slide grooves 450s1 and 450s4. Thereby, the slider 460 can move smoothly in the direction of the axis L453 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • the slider 460 maintains the state where the axis L461 is parallel to the axis L451 with respect to the drive side flange 450, and the direction of the axis L452, the direction of the axis L453, and the direction in which they are combined (that is, all orthogonal to the axis L451). In the direction of). In other words, the slider 460 is movable in the orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L451. The slider 460 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L451 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • one end portion 470a of the biasing member 470 contacts the spring contact portion 460b of the slider 460, and the other end portion 470b contacts the spring contact portion 480d1 of the coupling member 480.
  • the urging member 470 is compressed between the coupling member 480 and the slider 460 to urge the coupling member 480 toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9).
  • the urging member 470 has a contact between the guided pin 440 attached to the coupling member 480 and the first guide portion 430j1 to the first guide portion 430j4.
  • the intermediate slider 430 is also biased toward the driving side (in the direction of the arrow X9).
  • the coupling member 480 maintains the state in which the axis L481 and the axis L451 are parallel to the drive side flange 450 via the slider 460. Further, the intermediate slider 430 does not rotate about the axis L432 with respect to the coupling member 480, and does not rotate about the axis L433 with respect to the drive side flange 450. Therefore, the intermediate slider 430 maintains the state in which the axis L431 is parallel to the axis L481 and the axis L451 with respect to the coupling member 480 and the drive side flange 450.
  • the coupling member 480 is movable in the direction of the axis L482 with respect to the intermediate slider 430.
  • the intermediate slider 430 is movable in the direction of the axis L433 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • the moving direction of the coupling member 480 relative to the intermediate slider 430 and the intermediate slider 430 relative to the drive side flange 450 substantially intersect (more specifically substantially orthogonal). Is configured to do.
  • the coupling member 480 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 450 in the direction of the axis L482, the direction of the axis L433, and a direction in which these are combined (that is, all directions orthogonal to the axis L481).
  • the biasing member 470 biases the axis L481 of the coupling member 480 so as to be substantially coaxial with the axis L431 of the intermediate slider 430, and the axis L431 becomes substantially coaxial with the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. It is so energized. Therefore, the coupling member 480 is urged by the urging member 470 so that the axis L481 is substantially coaxial with the axis L451 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • FIG. 90 is a view showing a state in which the axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is coaxial with the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450.
  • FIG. 90A is a view as seen from the drive side
  • FIGS. 90B and 90C are views of FIG. 90A in the SL483 cross section parallel to the axis L483 and the SL482 cross section parallel to the axis L482, respectively. It is sectional drawing represented by these.
  • the definition of the cross-sectional view is the same in FIGS. 91 to 93.
  • FIG. 90 is a view showing a state in which the axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is coaxial with the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450.
  • FIG. 90A is a view as seen from the drive side
  • FIGS. 90B and 90C are views of FIG. 90A in the SL483 cross section parallel to the axis L483 and the SL
  • FIG. 91 is a view showing a state in which the coupling member 480 is moved in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L483 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • FIG. 92 is a view showing a state in which the coupling member 480 is moved in the direction of the arrow X41 parallel to the axis L482 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • FIG. 94 is a diagram showing a state in which the coupling member 480 is moved by the distance p in the direction of the arrow X45 in which the direction of the arrow X41 and the direction of the arrow X51 are combined.
  • the coupling member 480 is in contact with the first guide portions 430j3, 430j4 and the guided pin 440 by the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470, and the second guide portions 450j1, 450j2
  • the part 430m1 contacts.
  • the axis L481 and the axis L431 are substantially coaxial when viewed from the direction of the axis L482.
  • FIG. 90 (c) due to the contact between the first guide portions 430j3, 430j4 and the guided pin 440, the axis L481 and the axis L431 are substantially coaxial when viewed from the direction of the axis L482.
  • the axis L431 and the axis L451 are substantially coaxial when viewed from the direction of the axis L483 due to the contact between the second guide portions 450j1 and 450j2 and the cylindrical protrusion 430m1. Therefore, in the coupling member 480, the axis L481 and the axis L451 are substantially coaxial by the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470.
  • the coupling member 480 is moved in the direction of the arrow X51 parallel to the axis L483 with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • the coupling unit U 40 includes the cylindrical convex portion 430 m 1 as the inclined portion or the abutting portion of the intermediate slider 430 and the second as the inclined portion or the abutting portion of the driving side flange 450. Due to the contact of the guide portion 450j1, it moves in the direction along the second guide portion 450j1 (the direction of the arrow X61).
  • the coupling unit U40 maintains the state in which the axis L481 is parallel to the axis L451. Therefore, the coupling unit U40 can move in the direction of the arrow X61 until the body portion 430c1 of the intermediate slider 430 contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 450r, that is, until the moving distance p1 in the direction of the axis L483 becomes equal to the gap D20. .
  • the slider 460 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L451 by retaining pins 491 and 292.
  • the slider 460 moves in the direction of the arrow X51 along the slide groove 450s1 and the slide groove 450s4 together with the retaining pins 491 and 492.
  • the coupling member 480 is moved in the direction of the arrow X41 parallel to the axis L482 with respect to the drive side flange 450. Then, as shown in FIG. 92 (c), the coupling member 480 has a contact between the guided pin 440 as the inclined portion or the abutting portion and the first guide portion 430j4 as the inclined portion or the abutting portion of the intermediate slider 430. By contact, it moves in the direction (arrow X71 direction) along the first guide part 430j4. At this time, the coupling member 480 maintains the state in which the axis L481 is parallel to the axis L431.
  • the coupling member 480 moves in the direction of the arrow X71 until the cylindrical portion 480r1 contacts the cylindrical inner wall portion 430r1 of the intermediate slider 430, that is, until the moving distance p2 in the direction of the axis L482 of the coupling portion 480 becomes equal to the gap D10. Can be moved to.
  • the slider 460 is restricted from moving in the direction of the axis L451 by a retaining pin 491 and a retaining pin 492. Therefore, in conjunction with the movement of the coupling member 480 in the direction of the arrow X71, the slider 460 moves in the direction of the arrow X41 along the central axis of the retaining pin 491 and the retaining pin 492.
  • the coupling member 480 is moved by a distance p in the arrow X45 direction with respect to the drive side flange 450.
  • the distance p the component in the direction of the axis L482 is p4
  • the component in the direction of the axis L483 is p5.
  • the coupling member 480 moves by the distance p4 in the direction of the axis L482 with respect to the intermediate slider 430.
  • the coupling member 480 and the intermediate slider 430 move by the distance p5 in the direction of the axis L483 with respect to the drive side flange.
  • the coupling member 480 moves relative to the intermediate slider 430, the coupling member 480 moves along the first guide portion 430j4 by the distance p41 in the direction of the arrow X8 relative to the intermediate slider 430 (FIG. 93 ( c)).
  • the intermediate slider 430 and the coupling member 480 move along the second guide portion 450j1 by a distance p51 in the direction of the arrow X8 with respect to the drive side flange 450. (See FIG. 93 (b)).
  • the coupling member 480 moves by the distance p41 + p51 in the arrow X8 direction as it moves by the distance p in the arrow X45 direction.
  • the coupling member 480 is movable with respect to the drive side flange 450 in the direction of the axis L481, the direction of the axis L483, and the direction of the axis L482.
  • the coupling member 480 moves relative to the drive-side flange 450 in the direction of the axis L483, the direction of the axis L482, and the direction in which these are combined (that is, all directions orthogonal to the axis L481). It can move in the direction.
  • FIGS. 94 and 96 are cross-sectional explanatory views of the state when the coupling member 480 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • FIG. 94 (a) and FIG. 96 (a) are explanatory views showing the mounting direction and the cutting direction of the S43 sectional view and S44 sectional view.
  • 94 (b1) to 94 (b4) are cross-sectional views showing the S43-S43 cross section of FIG. 94 (a) and showing the state where the coupling member 480 moves and engages with the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • 96 (b2) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing a state where the coupling member 480 moves and engages with the main body side engaging portion 300 in FIG. 96 (a). is there.
  • 95 (a) and 95 (b) are enlarged views of the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U42 in FIGS. 94 (b1) and 94 (b2), respectively.
  • the transmission protrusion 480f2 in the initial mounting state (described later) is indicated by a broken line for explanation.
  • a diagram illustrating a state where the engagement between the main body side engaging portion 300 and the coupling member 480 is completed will be described as an example.
  • the transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2 of the coupling member 480 are caused by the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470.
  • the drive side flange 450 protrudes most.
  • This state is the initial mounting state.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 at the time of this FIG. 94 (b1) is a 1st position (projection position).
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the main body contact portion 480i of the coupling member 480 comes into contact with the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 provided on the mounting body A. Then, the main body contact portion 480i receives a force F1 accompanying mounting from the distal end portion 300b.
  • the force F1 is directed in the direction inclined by an angle ⁇ 7 that is smaller than the remainder angle ⁇ 31 of the angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the axis L483 in order to face the central direction of the substantially spherical surface that forms the main body contact portion 480i.
  • the body 430c1 of the intermediate slider 430 contacts the cylindrical inner wall 450r1 of the drive side flange 450, and the coupling unit U40 moves in the X61 direction. Be regulated.
  • the amount that the coupling unit U40 moves from the initial mounting state in the direction of the axis L481 is defined as a movement amount N20.
  • the moving amount N20 is determined by the inclination ⁇ 5 of the second guide portion 450j1 to the second guide portion 450j4 with respect to the axis L451 and the gap D20 (see FIG. 88 (c)).
  • the coupling member 480 Due to this component force F1a, the coupling member 480 further moves in the direction of the arrow X8 against the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470. Then, the coupling member 480 can pass through the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 by the movement of the coupling member 480 in the direction of the arrow X8.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 in FIG. 94 (b2) is the second position (retracted position). At this time, the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide).
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide).
  • the coupling member 480 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position. .
  • the axis L481 of the coupling member 480 and the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450 coincide with each other as in the third embodiment. That is, the coupling member 480 and the main body drive shaft 300 are engaged with each other, and the coupling member 480 can be rotated. That is, at this time, the position of the coupling member 480 is substantially the same as the first position (projecting position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 coincides with the rotation axis L3 of the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • the coupling member 480 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300, whereby the coupling member 480 moves from the first position to the second position. Thereafter, the first position is restored by the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470.
  • the coupling member 480 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300 and the driving side flange 450 and moves from the first position to the second position. Thereafter, the biasing member 470 returns to the first position by the biasing force F470.
  • the main body contact portion 480i of the coupling member 480 is the tip of the main body drive shaft 300 provided in the apparatus main body A, as in the case where the mounting direction of the cartridge B is parallel. It abuts on 300b.
  • This state is the initial mounting state.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 at the time of this FIG. 96 (b1) is a 1st position (projection position).
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the main body contact portion 480i receives a force F2 due to the mounting of the cartridge B from the tip portion 300b.
  • the force F2 is directed in the direction inclined by the angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the axis L482 in order to face the central direction of the substantially spherical surface constituting the main body contact portion 480i. Due to this force F2, the guided pin 440 and the first guide portion 430j4 of the intermediate slider 430 abut. Then, the coupling member 480 moves in the arrow X71 direction along the first guide portion 430j4 with respect to the intermediate slider 430.
  • the cylindrical portion 480r1 of the coupling member 980 comes into contact with the cylindrical inner wall portion 430r1 of the intermediate slider 430, and the movement of the coupling member 480 in the X71 direction is restricted.
  • the amount of movement of the coupling member 480 from the initial mounting state in the direction of the axis L481 is defined as a movement amount N30 (FIG. 96 (b2)).
  • the movement amount N30 is determined by the inclination ⁇ 4 of the first guide part 430j1 to the first guide part 430j4 with respect to the axis L431 and the gap D10 (see FIG. 87 (c)).
  • the coupling member 480 is moved in the arrow X8 direction by the movement amount N30 compared to the initial mounting state. At this time, a component force F2a in the direction of the arrow X8 of the force F2 is generated in the direction of the axis L381. Then, due to the movement of the cartridge B in the mounting direction X1 by the component force F2a, the coupling member 480 further moves in the direction of the arrow X8 against the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470, and the coupling member 480 is moved.
  • the main body drive shaft 300 can pass through the tip portion 300b.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 in FIG. 96 (b2) is the second position (retracted position).
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 480 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position. .
  • the rotational force transmission operation to the photosensitive drum in this embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment. That is, the coupling member 480 to which the rotational force is transmitted transmits the rotational force from the first rotational force transmitting portions 480g1 and 480g2 to the intermediate slider 430 through the first rotational force transmitted portions 430g1 and 430g2. Next, the intermediate slider 430 transmits the rotational force from the second rotational force transmitting portions 430k1 and 430k2 to the driving side flange 450 via the second rotational force transmitted portions 450g1 and 450g2. Then, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive side flange 450 to the photosensitive drum unit U41.
  • 97 (a) and 99 (a) are explanatory views showing the removal direction of the cartridge B and the cutting directions of the S45 sectional view and the S46 sectional view.
  • 97 (b1) to 97 (b4) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S45 cross section of FIG. 97 (a) and the state where the coupling member 480 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • FIG. 99 (b1) to (b4) are cross-sectional explanatory views showing the S46 cross section of FIG. 99 (a) and the state where the coupling member 480 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • FIG. FIG. 98 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the drive side flange unit U42 in FIG. 97 (b3).
  • FIGS. 97 to 99 the coupling unit U40 is shown without being cut for the sake of explanation.
  • 97 (b1) to (b4) and FIG. 98 the second guide portions 450j1 and 450j2 of the drive side flange 450 are indicated by broken lines.
  • FIGS. 99B1 to 99B3 the cylindrical inner wall portions 430r1 and 430r2 of the intermediate slider 430 are indicated by broken lines.
  • description will be given by taking as an example a diagram showing the rotational force receiving portion 480e2 side.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 is the first position (position where torque can be transmitted). This first position (position where torque can be transmitted) is substantially the same as the first position (projection position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the cartridge B moves along a removal direction X12 that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 410 and substantially orthogonal to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. Then, it is removed from the apparatus main body A.
  • the drive transmission pin 302 and the rotational force receiving portions 480e1 and 480e2 are in contact with each other. Further, in the removal direction X12 of the cartridge B, the drive transmission pin 302 is located on the downstream side of the rotational force receiving portion 480e2. Further, at this time, the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 is in contact with the drive bearing surface 480f of the coupling member 480. This state is the initial removal state.
  • the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 is separated from the drive bearing surface 480f of the coupling member 480.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 480e2 (and the rotational force receiving portion 480e1) is set so that the coupling member 480 can move in the direction of the axis L483 by the force F5.
  • the rotational force receiving portion 380e2 (and the rotational force receiving portion 380e1) is a plane orthogonal to the axis L483, the direction of the force F5 and the axis L483 are parallel to each other.
  • the user moves the coupling member 480 in the direction of the axis L483 with respect to the drive side flange 450 (and the direction of the axis L481) with a smaller force, and moves the cartridge B in the removal direction X12.
  • the transmission protrusion 480f2 can pass through the drive transmission pin 302 by the movement of the coupling member 480 in the arrow X8 direction by the force F5.
  • the coupling member 480 moves in the direction of the arrow X62 while the guided portion 480j2 is in contact with the guide portion 450j2 of the drive side flange 450 by the component force F6b, and the drive portion 480b and the cylindrical inner wall portion 450r2 are in contact with each other. Touch. As a result, the movement of the coupling member 480 in the direction of the axis L483 relative to the drive side flange 450 is restricted.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 in FIG. 97 (b4) is the second position (position where it can be detached). This second position (removable position) is substantially the same as the first position (retracted position) described above.
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450.
  • the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 480 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position. .
  • the coupling member 480 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • the coupling member 480 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300, whereby the coupling member 480 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the coupling member receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300 and the driving side flange 450 and receives the force from the first position (rotational force transmitting position) to the first position. Move to the second position (position where it can be detached).
  • FIG. 99 (b1) in the state where the image formation is completed and the rotation of the main body drive shaft 300 is stopped, the drive transmission pin 302 and the rotational force receiving portions 480e1 and 480e2 are in contact with each other. At this time, the front end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300 is in contact with the drive bearing surface 480f of the coupling member 480. This state is the initial removal state.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 in FIG. 99 (b1) is also the first position (position where torque can be transmitted).
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the position of the intermediate slider 430 in FIG. 99 (b1) is the first intermediate position.
  • the rotation axis L431 of the intermediate slider 430 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, the rotation axis L431 and the rotation axis L1 substantially coincide with each other. Further, the rotation axis L431 of the intermediate slider 430 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450. More specifically, the rotation axis L431 and the rotation axis L451 substantially coincide with each other.
  • the coupling member 480 moves in the removal direction X12 together with the drive side flange 450 and the intermediate slider 430. Then, as shown in FIG. 99 (b2), the coupling member 480 receives a force F9 due to the removal of the cartridge B from the distal end portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300. With this force F9, the coupling member 480 moves along the first guide portion 430j2 with respect to the intermediate slider 430 and the drive side flange 450 while the guided pin 440 is in contact with the first guide portion 430j1 of the intermediate slider 430. Move in the direction of arrow X72.
  • the coupling member 480 When the cartridge B is further moved in the removal direction X12 from this state, the coupling member 480 further moves in the arrow X8 direction against the biasing force F470 of the biasing member 470 by the component force F10a. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 99 (b4), the transmission protrusion 480f2 can pass through the drive transmission pin 302 by the movement of the coupling member 480 in the arrow X8 direction by the component force F10a. That is, the front end portion 300 b of the main body drive shaft 300 is detached from the opening 480 m of the coupling member 480.
  • the position of the coupling member 480 in FIG. 99 (b4) is also the second position (position where it can be detached).
  • the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L481 of the coupling member 480 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450.
  • the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L451 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L481 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the coupling member 480 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position. .
  • the position of the intermediate slider 430 in FIG. 99 (b4) is the second intermediate position.
  • the rotation axis L431 of the intermediate slider 430 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 10. More specifically, at this time, the rotation axis L431 and the rotation axis L1 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L431 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, the rotation axis L431 of the intermediate slider 430 is substantially parallel to the axis L451 of the drive side flange 450.
  • the rotation axis L431 and the rotation axis L451 are spaced from each other (the rotation axis L431 and the rotation axis L1 do not substantially coincide). Further, in the second position, the intermediate slider 430 is displaced (moved / retreated) to the photosensitive drum 10 side (the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 10) compared to the first position.
  • the coupling member 480 is detached from the main body side engaging portion 300.
  • the coupling member 480 receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300, whereby the coupling member 480 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the coupling member receives a force from the main body side engaging portion 300 and the driving side flange 450 and receives the force from the first position (rotational force transmitting position) to the first position. Move to the second position (position where it can be detached).
  • the coupling member 480 can be detached from the main body side engaging portion 300 in the same manner even when it is different from the removal direction described above.
  • one of the transmission protrusions 480f1 and 480f2 comes into contact with the drive transmission pin 302.
  • the distal end portion 300 b of the main body drive shaft 300 abuts on the drive bearing surface 480 f of the coupling member 480.
  • either the inner peripheral surface of the transmission protrusion 480f1 or the inner peripheral surface 4 of the transmission protrusion 480f2 is in contact with the tip portion 300b of the main body drive shaft 300. Then, the coupling member 280 receives at least one of the aforementioned forces F5, F6 and F9, F10 due to the removal, moves in the arrow X8 direction with respect to the drive side flange 450, and separates from the main body drive shaft 300. be able to.
  • the coupling member 480 can move in all directions orthogonal to the axis L481 in addition to the operation in the third embodiment. Thereby, while obtaining the same effect as Example 3, the design restriction of the shape of a rotational force receiving part can be reduced. (Other examples)
  • FIGS. 55 and 56 show a configuration in which the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body A to a rotating body other than the photosensitive drum 10 in the cartridge B including the photosensitive drum 10.
  • FIGS. 55A and 55B are perspective explanatory views of the cartridge B having the first frame unit 1518 and the first frame unit 1618, respectively.
  • FIG. 55C is a cross-sectional view of the first frame unit 1518 and the first frame unit 1618 represented by the S151 plane in FIG. 55A and the S161 cross section in FIG.
  • FIG. 56 (a) and 56 (b) are perspective explanatory views of the cartridge B having the first frame unit 1718 and the first frame unit 1818, respectively.
  • FIG. 56C is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the first frame unit 1718 and the first frame unit 1818 represented by the S171 plane of FIG. 56A and the S182 cross section of FIG. 56B.
  • the second frame unit 1519, the second frame unit 1619, the second frame unit 1719, and the second frame unit 1819 of the cartridge B are the photosensitive drum 10 (not shown).
  • the mechanism is shown in FIGS. 55 (a) and 56 (a), as shown in FIGS. 55 (b) and 56 (b), as shown in FIGS. 55 (b) and 56 (b).
  • Such a drive transmission unit 1680 (1880) different from the present invention may be selected as appropriate.
  • the first frame unit 1518 and the second frame unit 1618 have the same configuration, only the first frame unit 1518 will be described.
  • the first frame unit 1718 and the first frame unit 1818 have the same configuration, only the first frame unit 1718 will be described.
  • a drive side flange as a rotational force transmitting member is coaxial with the rotational axis of the developing roller 13.
  • the drive side flange 1530 has a hollow portion 1530f having the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment (embodiment 1-4).
  • the hollow portion 1530f is provided with a coupling member 1540, a slider 1560, an urging member 1570, and the like that have the same configuration as the first embodiment or the second embodiment.
  • the drive-side flange 1530 transmits a rotational force to the developing roller 13 via a developing flange 1520 fixed integrally with the developing roller 13.
  • the driving side flange 1530 may be configured to transmit the rotational force from the driving side flange 1530 to the developing flange 1520 by engaging with the developing flange 1520. Further, the driving side flange 1530 and the developing flange 1520 may be coupled by a method such as adhesion or heat welding to transmit the rotational force from the driving side flange 1530 to the developing flange 1520.
  • the present invention can be preferably applied to such a configuration.
  • a drive side flange 1730 as a rotational force transmitting member is provided at a position not coaxial with the rotation axis of the developing roller 13, and a coupling member 1740 or the like is provided in the hollow portion 1730f of the drive side flange 1730. It is good also as a structure to provide.
  • a developing roller gear 1710 as another rotational force transmitting member that rotates integrally with the developing roller 13 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the developing roller 13. Then, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 13 by the meshing of the gear portion 1730a of the driving flange 1730 and the gear portion 1710a) of the developing roller gear 1710.
  • a rotating body 1720 other than the developing roller 13 is provided in the first frame unit 1718, and a configuration for transmitting a rotational force from the gear portion 1730a to the rotating body 1720 via the gear portion 1720a of the rotating body 1720 is provided. Also good.
  • the present invention can be preferably applied to such a configuration.
  • the cartridge B in the above embodiment is provided with, for example, the photosensitive drum 10 and a plurality of process means.
  • the present invention can also be suitably applied to a photosensitive cartridge 10 and a process cartridge including at least one process means. Therefore, in addition to the process cartridge embodiments described above, examples of the process cartridge to which the present invention can be applied include a cartridge in which the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging means as the process means are integrated into a cartridge. Further, for example, a cartridge in which the photosensitive drum 10, the charging means as the process means, and the cleaning means are integrated into a cartridge can be used. In addition, for example, the photosensitive drum 10 and a developing unit, a charging unit, and a cleaning unit as the process unit are integrated into a cartridge.
  • the cartridge B in the above-described example was provided with the photosensitive drum 10.
  • the present invention can be suitably applied to a cartridge or the like that does not include a photosensitive drum but includes a developing roller 13.
  • a configuration in which the driving side flange 1930, the driving side flange 2030, the coupling member 1940, and the coupling member 2040 are arranged at a position coaxial with the rotation axis of the developing roller 13 (FIG. 57A)
  • the configuration (FIG. 57 (b)) arranged at a position that is not coaxial with the rotation axis of the developing roller 13 may be selected as appropriate.
  • the cartridge B in the above embodiment was for forming a monochrome image.
  • the present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge that is provided with a plurality of developing means and forms a multi-color image (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image, or a full color).
  • the present invention can be suitably applied regardless of whether the cartridge B is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body A in a straight line, a combination of the attachment and removal paths, or a curved path.
  • the process cartridge has the main body side engaging portion provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum by the opening / closing operation of the main body cover of the apparatus main body. It is possible to mount the apparatus main body that does not include a mechanism for moving in the rotation axis direction from a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.
  • the process cartridge includes a body side engaging portion provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum by opening / closing the main body cover of the apparatus main body.
  • a body side engaging portion provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum by opening / closing the main body cover of the apparatus main body.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a process cartridge, a photosensitive drum unit, a developing unit, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
  • a cartridge and a photosensitive unit that are removable (or attachable) in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating body are mounted on an image forming apparatus main body having a rotating body such as an image carrier. Provided.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une cartouche qui est montée sur un corps de dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique qui n'est pas pourvu d'un mécanisme qui amène une partie de mise en prise côté corps, équipant le corps de dispositif afin de transmettre une force de rotation à un support d'image, à se déplacer en fonction de l'opération d'ouverture et de fermeture d'un couvercle de corps du corps de dispositif, un tel mouvement s'effectuant dans le sens de l'axe de rotation du support d'image. La cartouche est amovible dans une direction prescrite sensiblement orthogonale à l'axe de rotation du support d'image. La cartouche peut être retirée du corps de dispositif sans compromettre les performances d'aptitude à l'utilisation. Suivant le mouvement de la cartouche lors du retrait de la cartouche du corps de dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique, en conjonction avec le mouvement dans une direction orthogonale à l'axe de rotation du support d'image, un élément d'accouplement qui peut se déplacer dans une direction parallèle à l'axe de rotation du support d'image pénètre dans le côté intérieur d'une partie évidée de la partie de mise en prise côté corps équipant le corps de dispositif, et l'élément d'accouplement reçoit la force de rotation provenant de la partie de mise en prise côté corps.
PCT/JP2016/054209 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartouche, unité à photorécepteur, dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique WO2016125914A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (22)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1712635.0A GB2550751B (en) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
EP18179267.2A EP3422110A1 (fr) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartouche, unité d'élément photosensible et appareil de formation d'images électrophotographiques
KR1020177021411A KR20170115530A (ko) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 카트리지, 감광체 유닛, 전자 사진 화상 형성 장치
MX2017009974A MX369430B (es) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartucho, unidad de fotoreceptor y dispositivo de formación de imágenes electrofotográficas.
CA2975984A CA2975984C (fr) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartouche, unite a photorecepteur, dispositif de formation d'image electrophotographique
MYPI2017702855A MY189053A (en) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
BR112017016420-5A BR112017016420B1 (pt) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartucho desmontável de uma montagem principal de aparelho formador de imagem eletrofotográfica
KR1020197033289A KR102110097B1 (ko) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 카트리지, 감광체 유닛, 전자 사진 화상 형성 장치
EP16746742.2A EP3255508B1 (fr) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartouche, unité à photorécepteur, dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique
DE112016000641.1T DE112016000641B4 (de) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Kartusche, lichtempfindliche bauteileinheit und elektrophotographisches bilderzeugungsgerät
CN201680014245.7A CN107407905B (zh) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 盒、感光部件单元和电子照相成像装置
RU2017131060A RU2017131060A (ru) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Картридж, узел фоточувствительного элемента и устройство формирования электрофотографических изображений
KR1020207012838A KR102172851B1 (ko) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 카트리지, 감광체 유닛, 전자 사진 화상 형성 장치
AU2016216346A AU2016216346A1 (en) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartridge, Photosensitive Member Unit and Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus
SG11201706395UA SG11201706395UA (en) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
ZA2017/04573A ZA201704573B (en) 2015-02-05 2017-07-06 Cartridge, photoreceptor unit, electrophotographic image forming device
US15/659,034 US10795311B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2017-07-25 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
PH12017501403A PH12017501403A1 (en) 2015-02-05 2017-08-04 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
CONC2017/0008433A CO2017008433A2 (es) 2015-02-05 2017-08-18 Cartucho, unidad de miembro fotosensible y aparato formador de imágenes electrofotográfico
AU2019200100A AU2019200100B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2019-01-08 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
US16/931,481 US11016438B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2020-07-17 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
AU2021203198A AU2021203198B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2021-05-18 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2015-021649 2015-02-05
JP2015021649 2015-02-05
JP2016-020213 2016-02-04
JP2016020213A JP6671997B2 (ja) 2015-02-05 2016-02-04 カートリッジ、感光体ユニット、電子写真画像形成装置

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/659,034 Continuation US10795311B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2017-07-25 Cartridge, photosensitive member unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016125914A1 true WO2016125914A1 (fr) 2016-08-11

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PCT/JP2016/054209 WO2016125914A1 (fr) 2015-02-05 2016-02-05 Cartouche, unité à photorécepteur, dispositif de formation d'image électrophotographique

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Country Link
EP (1) EP3255508B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE112016000641B4 (fr)
MY (1) MY189053A (fr)
WO (1) WO2016125914A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA201704573B (fr)

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CN109917629A (zh) * 2017-12-13 2019-06-21 佳能株式会社 成像设备与盒
TWI686048B (zh) * 2019-04-30 2020-02-21 台睿精工股份有限公司 線性振動致動馬達

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JP4912381B2 (ja) 2007-10-30 2012-04-11 キヤノン株式会社 駆動伝達装置、及び画像形成装置
CN101916055B (zh) * 2010-01-27 2012-01-04 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 感光鼓驱动组件
CN203573085U (zh) * 2013-09-29 2014-04-30 珠海凯威置业有限公司 一种旋转力驱动组件以及处理盒

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JP2011145670A (ja) * 2009-12-16 2011-07-28 Canon Inc プロセスカートリッジ、感光ドラムユニット、現像ユニット、及び、電子写真画像形成装置
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109917629A (zh) * 2017-12-13 2019-06-21 佳能株式会社 成像设备与盒
TWI686048B (zh) * 2019-04-30 2020-02-21 台睿精工股份有限公司 線性振動致動馬達

Also Published As

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EP3255508B1 (fr) 2022-04-06
DE112016000641B4 (de) 2022-03-17
DE112016000641T5 (de) 2017-10-12
ZA201704573B (en) 2023-03-29
MY189053A (en) 2022-01-23
EP3255508A1 (fr) 2017-12-13
EP3255508A4 (fr) 2018-11-14

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