JP5495671B2 - Developing cartridge and coupling member - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developing cartridge used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a coupling member (hereinafter also referred to as a rotational force transmitting component ) .

  The electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.). The developing cartridge is detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is attached to the main body to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The user can maintain the image forming apparatus by replacing the developing cartridge.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the following configuration is known for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) using a developing cartridge. ing.

  A gear is provided in the developing cartridge and meshed with a gear provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Then, the rotational force of the motor provided on the main body is transmitted to the developing roller via a gear provided on the main body and a gear provided on the developing cartridge side. In this way, a method of rotating the developing roller is known (Patent Document 1).

  There is also known a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a developing rotary that rotates with a plurality of developing devices attached is provided in the apparatus main body. In this apparatus, the following configuration is known in order to transmit the rotational force from the apparatus main body to the developing cartridge. A main body side coupling provided in the apparatus main body and a developing device side coupling of a developing device attached to the developing rotary are coupled. Thereby, the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body to the developing device. Then, when the main body side coupling and the developing device side coupling are coupled, the main body side coupling is temporarily retracted in the apparatus so as not to obstruct the movement of the developing rotary. Next, the developing rotary is moved to move the predetermined developing device in the direction in which the main body side coupling is provided. Thereafter, the retracted main body side coupling is moved toward the developing device side coupling by using a moving mechanism such as a solenoid. This couples both couplings. Then, the rotational force of the motor provided in the main body is transmitted to the developing roller through the main body side coupling and the developing device side coupling. As a result, the developing roller is rotated. Such a system is known (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-202727 Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-015265

  However, according to the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 1, the drive connecting portion between the main body and the developing device serves as a gear / gear meshing portion. For this reason, it is difficult to prevent uneven rotation of the developing roller.

  On the other hand, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, as described above, the main body side coupling is retreated in the apparatus so as not to obstruct the movement of the developing device. When transmitting the rotational force, the retracted main body side coupling needs to be moved in the direction of the developing device side coupling.

  Therefore, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the main body side coupling in the direction in which the developing device side coupling is provided in the apparatus main body.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge that can solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to maintain the coupling at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position) even when the cartridge is present alone. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a developing cartridge that can prevent the coupling from being inadvertently moved when the cartridge is transported. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge which can be applied even to a main body not provided with a mechanism for moving a main body side coupling member in the axial direction thereof by a solenoid. That is, another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of engaging a coupling member provided on a developing cartridge with a driving shaft by moving the developing cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the driving shaft. It is to provide. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge that can be engaged with the drive shaft from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. . Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of smoothly rotating a developing roller as compared with the case where the drive connection between the main body and the developing cartridge is performed by a gear / gear. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to be able to engage with the drive shaft from a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body, and to smoothly rotate the developing roller. A developing cartridge is provided. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of maintaining a coupling in a stable state at a pre-engagement angular position. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of reliably maintaining the coupling in the pre-engagement angular position. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge that can be engaged and disengaged from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to a drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body by rotation of a rotary. It is. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to engage and disengage a drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft by rotation of the rotary, and a developing roller It is intended to provide a developing cartridge that realizes both smooth rotation and rotation. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can achieve the said objective is provided.

The present invention for solving the above problems is as follows.
A developing cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a rotating drive shaft and a drive shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft,
i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
ii) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image;
iii) a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller, the rotational force receiving portion being provided on one end side of the coupling member and receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft, and the other end of the coupling member A spherical shape portion provided on the side, a rotational force transmitting portion provided on the spherical shape portion to transmit the rotational force received by the rotational force receiving portion, and the rotational force receiving portion in the spherical shape portion. A projection provided on the side opposite to the side, and the axis of the coupling member and the axis of the drive shaft are substantially coaxial so that the rotational force receiving portion receives the rotational force from the drive shaft. and the first angular position in which a second angular position inclined with respect to said first angular position, the coupling member can take,
iv) The rotation received by the rotational force transmitting portion and rotatably supporting the spherical shape portion of the coupling member so that the coupling member can take the first angular position and the second angular position. A rotatable rotating member that transmits force to the developing roller;
with v) a regulating portion and the front Symbol protrusion of the coupling member by abutting regulated to the second angular position, and a guide portion for guiding the projecting portion of the coupling member to the regulating unit A regulating member;
v i) in which the projecting portion and having a resilient member for resiliently urging the coupling member to abut on the regulating portion.
In addition, the present invention
A developing cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a rotating drive shaft and a drive shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft,
i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
ii) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image;
iii) a developer supply roller for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage portion to the developing roller;
iv) A coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller, the rotational force receiving portion being provided on one end side of the coupling member and receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft, and the other end of the coupling member A spherical shape portion provided on the side, a rotational force transmitting portion provided on the spherical shape portion to transmit the rotational force received by the rotational force receiving portion, and the rotational force receiving portion in the spherical shape portion. has a projecting portion provided on the side opposite to the certain side, the rotational force transmitting portion for transmitting the rotational force is provided on the other end of said coupling member to said developing roller, a receiving the rotational force A first angle position at which the axis of the coupling member and the axis of the drive shaft are substantially coaxial with each other to receive the rotational force from the drive shaft, and a first angle position inclined with respect to the first angle position take a second angular position, the And the coupling member that,
v) A regulation having a regulation part that regulates the coupling member to the second angular position by contacting the projection part, and a guide part that guides the projection part of the coupling member to the regulation part. Members,
vi) a circular portion provided on the restriction member and having a circular peripheral surface;
vii) A rotating member rotatably supported by the circular portion and having a first gear portion and a second gear portion , wherein the coupling member has the first angular position and the second angular position. A rotatable rotating member that rotatably supports the spherical shape portion of the coupling member and transmits the rotational force received from the rotational force transmitting portion to the developing roller ;
viii) a developing roller gear that meshes with the first gear portion and transmits a rotational force to the developing roller;
ix) a supply roller gear that meshes with the second gear portion and transmits a rotational force to the developer supply roller;
and x) an elastic member that elastically biases the coupling member so that the protruding portion abuts on the restricting portion.
In addition, the present invention
A developing cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a rotating drive shaft and a drive shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft,
i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
ii) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image;
iii) a developer supply roller for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage portion to the developing roller;
iv) a first angular position where the axis of the developing roller and the axis of the drive shaft are substantially coaxial to transmit a rotational force to the developing roller, and a second angular position inclined with respect to the first angular position. A coupling member capable of taking
( Iv- i) a rotational force receiving portion that is provided on one end side of the coupling member and receives the rotational force from the drive shaft;
( Iv- ii) a circular flat portion provided in the rotational force receiving portion;
( Iv- iii) a circular recess provided in the center of the flat part;
And (iv -iv) the coupling spherical portion is found provided on the other end of the member,
( Iv- v) a protruding portion provided to protrude from the spherical shape portion in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the coupling member;
( Iv- vi) a rotational force transmitting portion provided in the spherical shape portion that protrudes from the spherical shape portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction,
The rotational force receiving portion protrudes from an edge of the flat portion, and is provided to face each other across the center of the flat portion; and
v) The spherical shape portion of the coupling member is rotatably supported so that the coupling member can take the first angular position and the second angular position, and the spherical shape portion to the developing roller. A rotating member rotatable to transmit the rotational force;
vi) a restricting member having a restricting portion for restricting the coupling member to the second angular position, and a guide portion for guiding the protruding portion of the coupling member to the restricting portion ;
vii) a developing roller gear that transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member to the developing roller via a first gear portion provided on the rotating member;
viii) a supply roller gear that transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member to the developer supply roller via a second gear portion provided on the rotation member;
ix) an elastic member that elastically biases the coupling member so that the protruding portion abuts on the restricting portion;
The guide part has a groove having a narrow part and a wide part, and the restricting part is formed in the narrow part of the groove.

In addition, the present invention
A drive shaft which rotates, is used to removable cartridges for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a driving shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft , a coupling member that match engaged to said drive shaft of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus when said cartridge is mounted to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
In the longitudinal direction of said coupling member, and a recess provided on one end side of the coupling member,
In the longitudinal direction, a spherical shape portion provided on the other end side opposite to the one end side,
A plurality of protrusions facing each other across the center of the recess and projecting to the opposite side of the spherical shape part in the longitudinal direction and receiving rotational force from the drive shaft;
A protruding portion provided on the opposite side to the one end side with respect to the spherical shape portion; and
A plurality of projecting portions that are located between the protrusion and the projecting portion in the longitudinal direction and project outward from the spherical shape portion with the spherical shape portion interposed therebetween. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component could be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge capable of maintaining the coupling member at the second angular position even when the developing cartridge is present alone. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the coupling member from inadvertently moving when the developing cartridge is transported.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be applied even to a main body that does not include a mechanism for moving the main body side coupling member in the axial direction by a solenoid. That is, according to the present invention, the developing cartridge capable of engaging the coupling member provided in the developing cartridge with the driving shaft by moving the developing cartridge in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the driving shaft. Could be provided. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be engaged with the drive shaft from a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the drive shaft provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge capable of smoothly rotating the developing roller as compared with the case where the drive connection between the main body and the developing cartridge is performed by a gear / gear. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  According to the present invention, the developing cartridge can be engaged with the drive shaft from a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body and can smoothly rotate the developing roller. Could be provided. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be engaged and disengaged from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to a drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body by rotation of the rotary. It was. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  According to the present invention, the rotation of the rotary causes the drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body to be engaged and disengaged from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft, and the developing roller is made smooth. It was possible to provide a developing cartridge that realized both rotation. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can maintain the coupling member in a stable state at the pre-engagement angular position. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of reliably maintaining the coupling member at the pre-engagement angular position. Moreover, the rotational force transmission component which can acquire the said effect was able to be provided.

1 is a side sectional view of a developing cartridge to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a side sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a perspective view of a developing roller to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a coupling to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a coupling to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is the front view and side sectional view of a drive input gear to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge to which an embodiment according to the invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a coupling to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling which applied the Example which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view of the control part to which the example concerning the present invention is applied. It is the perspective view which showed the positional relationship of a coupling and a control part to which the Example which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of an elastic member (urging member) and a support member to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a cartridge drive part to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is the perspective view which showed the assembly method of the cartridge drive part to which the Example which concerns on this invention is applied. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body at a development standby position to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to which the embodiment according to the invention is applied when the developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting the developing cartridge to which the embodiment according to the invention is applied to the rotary. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary to which the Example which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary to which the Example which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary to which the Example which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary to which the Example which concerns on this invention is applied. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the engagement state of the drive shaft and coupling which applied the Example which concerns on this invention. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the engagement state of the drive shaft and coupling which applied the Example which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view of a drive shaft and a coupling to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the process in which the Example which concerns on this invention was applied, and the drive shaft and coupling removed. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the process in which the Example which concerns on this invention was applied, and the drive shaft and coupling removed. It is a perspective view of an elastic member and a support member to which another embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of an elastic member and a support member to which another embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a coupling (rotational force transmission component) to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied.

  A developing cartridge according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge will be described below. Moreover, the coupling member (rotational force transmission component) which concerns on the Example to which this invention is applied is demonstrated.

  The present invention is applied to a developing cartridge (for example, FIG. 2) and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (for example, FIG. 4) itself. Further, the present invention is applied to a coupling member (rotational force transmission component) (for example, FIGS. 7 and 31) itself.

(1) Description of Developing Cartridge First, a developing cartridge B (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge”) as a developing device to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the cartridge B. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body A (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”).

  The cartridge B is attached to and removed from the rotary C provided in the apparatus main body A by the user.

  The apparatus main body A refers to a configuration in which the cartridge B is removed from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100.

  1 to 3, the cartridge B has a developing roller 110. The developing roller 110 rotates upon receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A by a coupling mechanism described later during the developing operation.

  A developer storage frame 114 stores a developer t of a predetermined color. That is, the frame body 114 has a developer storage portion 116 that stores the developer t. The developer t is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 110 by the rotation of the sponge-like developer supply roller 115 in the developing chamber 113a. Then, the developer t is given a charge by friction between the thin plate-like developing blade 112 and the developing roller 110 to be thinned. The developer t on the thinned developing roller 110 (that is, the developer t adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 110) is conveyed to the developing position by rotation. Then, a predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing roller 110. As a result, the developing roller 110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 107. That is, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 110 using the developer t. Note that a developer t used for developing the electrostatic latent image is stored in the storage unit 116 by the developing roller 110. The developer t stored in the storage unit 116 passes through the supply opening 116a and is supplied to the developing chamber 113a. The opening 116a is sealed by a seal member (not shown) that seals the opening 116a so that the opening 116a can be opened. Prior to using the cartridge B, the user pulls out the seal member and opens the opening 116a. As a result, the developer t in the storage unit 116 is supplied to the developing chamber 113a.

  Further, the developer that has not contributed to the development of the electrostatic latent image, that is, the developer remaining on the surface of the developing roller 110 is peeled off by the roller 115. At the same time, a new developer is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 110 by the roller 115. As a result, the developing operation is continuously performed.

  The developing cartridge B has a developing unit 119. The development unit 119 includes a development frame body 113 and a developer storage frame body 114. The developing unit 119 includes a developing roller 110, a developing blade 112, a developer supply roller 115, a developing chamber 113a, and a developer storage frame 114.

  The developing roller 110 can rotate around the rotation axis L1 (see FIG. 5).

  Here, the developing cartridge B is attached by a user to the developing cartridge housing portion 130a provided in the developing rotary C provided in the apparatus main body A (see FIG. 4). At this time, as will be described later, the drive shaft 180 provided in the apparatus main body A and the cartridge B are moved in conjunction with the operation in which the cartridge B is positioned at a predetermined position (photosensitive drum facing portion) by the developing rotary C. The coupling member 150 having the coupling is coupled. The developing roller 110 and the like are rotated by receiving a rotational force from the apparatus main body A. The coupling member is a rotational force transmission component.

  The developing frame body 113 and the developer storage frame body 114 are cartridge frame bodies.

(2) Description of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 using the developing cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the color electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 will be described using a color laser beam printer as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of cartridges B (B1, B2, B3, B4) containing developers (toners) of different colors are mounted on the rotary C. In addition, attachment and removal with respect to the rotary C of the cartridge B are performed by the user. Then, the rotary C is rotated by a rotational force from a motor (not shown), so that the cartridge B containing a predetermined color developer is opposed to the photosensitive drum 107. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is developed with the developing roller 110 of the cartridge B. The developed image is transferred to the transfer belt 104a. Further, these development and transfer operations are performed for each color. Thereby, a color image is obtained. This will be described in detail below. Here, the recording medium S can form an image and is, for example, paper, an OHP sheet, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the photoconductor drum 107 is irradiated with light based on image information from the optical means 101. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 107. Then, the latent image is developed by the developing roller 110 using a developer. That is, a developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 107. The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member.

  Next, the developer image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 104a as the intermediate transfer member is transferred to the recording medium S by the secondary transfer roller 104b as the second transfer means. Then, the recording medium S on which the developer image is transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 105 having a pressure roller 105a and a heating roller 105b. Then, the developer image transferred to the recording medium S is fixed to the recording medium S. After fixing, the recording medium S is discharged to the tray 106.

  Further, the image forming process will be described.

  In synchronization with the rotation of the transfer belt (intermediate transfer member) 104a, the photosensitive drum 107 is rotated counterclockwise (FIG. 4). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 108. Thereafter, the optical unit 101 irradiates the photosensitive drum 107 with light of, for example, a yellow image according to the image information. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow color is formed on the photosensitive drum 107.

  The exposure means is configured as follows. The exposure unit 101 irradiates the photosensitive drum 107 with light based on image information (image signal including color information) read from an external device (not shown). Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 107. The exposure unit includes a laser diode, a polygon mirror, a scanner motor, an imaging lens, and a reflection mirror (all not shown).

  More specifically, the laser diode emits light according to the image information and irradiates the polygon mirror as image light. The polygon mirror is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor, and image light reflected by the polygon mirror selectively exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 through an imaging lens and a reflection mirror. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 107.

  Simultaneously with the formation of the latent image, the rotary C is rotated. As a result, the yellow cartridge B1 is moved to the developing position. Then, a predetermined bias voltage is applied to the developing roller 110 included in the cartridge B1. This causes yellow developer to adhere to the latent image. Then, the latent image is developed with a yellow developer. Thereafter, a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied to the pressing roller (primary transfer roller) 104j of the transfer belt 104a. As a result, the yellow developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 104a.

  When the primary transfer of the yellow developer image is completed as described above, the rotary C rotates again. Then, the next cartridge B2 moves and is positioned at a position facing the photosensitive drum 107. The above steps are performed for each of the magenta cartridge B2, the cyan cartridge B3, and the black cartridge B4. In this manner, the developer images of four colors are superimposed on the transfer belt 104a by repeating for each color of magenta, cyan, and black.

  The yellow cartridge B1 contains a yellow developer and forms a yellow developer image. The magenta cartridge B2 contains a magenta developer and forms a magenta developer image. The cyan cartridge B3 contains a cyan developer and forms a cyan developer image. The black cartridge B4 contains a black developer, and forms a black developer image. Each cartridge B has the same configuration except that the color of the developer stored therein is different.

  During this time, the secondary transfer roller 104b is not in contact with the transfer belt 104a. At this time, the cleaning charging roller 104f is not in contact with the transfer belt 104a.

  After four color developer images are formed on the transfer belt 104a, the transfer roller 104b is pressed against the transfer belt 104a (FIG. 4). Further, in synchronization with the pressure contact of the transfer roller 104b, the recording medium S waiting in the vicinity of the registration roller pair 103e is sent out to the nip portion between the transfer belt 104a and the transfer roller 104b. At the same time, the next recording medium S is transported from the cassette 103a by the feed roller 103b and the transport roller pair 103c as the transport means 103.

  Here, a sensor 99 is disposed immediately before the registration roller pair 103e. The sensor 99 detects the leading edge of the recording medium S, stops the rotation of the registration roller pair 103e, and makes the recording medium S stand by at a predetermined position.

  A bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied to the transfer roller 104b. As a result, the developer image on the transfer belt 104a is secondarily transferred collectively to the conveyed recording medium S.

  The recording medium S on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 105 via the conveyance belt unit 103f. As a result, the developer image is fixed on the recording medium S. Then, the fixed recording medium S is discharged to the discharge tray 106 at the upper part of the apparatus main body by the discharge roller pair 103g. Thereby, the image formation on the recording medium S is completed.

  On the other hand, after completion of the secondary transfer, the charging roller 104f is pressed against the transfer belt 104a. As a result, a predetermined bias voltage is applied to the developer remaining on the surface of the belt 104a. The residual charge is removed.

  The discharged residual developer is electrostatically retransferred from the belt 104a to the photosensitive drum 107 via the primary transfer nip portion. As a result, the surface of the belt 104a is cleaned. The residual developer after the secondary transfer that has been retransferred to the photosensitive drum 107 is removed by the cleaning blade 117 a in contact with the photosensitive drum 107.

  The removed developer follows a conveyance path (not shown) and is collected in the removed developer box 107d.

  The accommodating portion 130a is a room for accommodating the cartridge B described above, and is provided at a plurality of locations on the rotary C. With the cartridge B mounted in this room, the rotary C rotates in one direction. As a result, the coupling member (described later) of the cartridge B is connected (engaged) with the drive shaft 180 provided in the apparatus main body A and is detached from the drive shaft 180. Here, the cartridge B (developing roller 110) is attached to the accommodating portion 130a, and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 according to the movement of the rotary C in one direction. Moving.

(3) Configuration of Developing Roller Next, the configuration of the developing roller will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 as viewed from the side where the developing roller 110 receives driving force (rotational force) from the main body A (hereinafter simply referred to as “driving side”). FIG. 5B is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side (the side opposite to the driving side in the axial direction of the developing roller is referred to as “non-driving side”).

  The developing roller 110 has a shaft portion 110b and a rubber portion (elastic member) 110a.

  The shaft portion 110b is a conductive elongated shaft shape such as iron and is covered with a rubber portion 110a. In addition, the shaft portion 110b has shaft portions 110b1 and 110b2 at both ends rotatably supported by the developing device frame 113 via bearings (not shown). That is, the developing roller 110 is rotatably attached to the developing frame body 113.

  The rubber part 110a is covered with the shaft part 110b so as to be coaxial with the shaft part 110b. The rubber part 110a carries the developer t, that is, with the developer t attached to the surface thereof, a bias is applied to the shaft part 110b to develop the electrostatic latent image.

  The nip width regulating members 136 and 137 are members that regulate the nip width between the photosensitive drum 107 and the rubber part 110a to be constant while the developing roller 110 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107.

  The bearings (not shown) are disposed at both end portions (shaft portions) 110b1 and 110b2 of the developing roller 110, and rotatably support the developing roller 110 on the developing frame body 113 (see FIG. 1).

  The regulating member 136 is disposed at one end of the developing roller 110, and the regulating member 136 is disposed at the other end of the developing roller 110.

  The developing roller 110 according to the present exemplary embodiment develops the latent image in a state of being in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 (a so-called contact developing method is used).

(4) Description of Drive Transmission Mechanism (Rotational Force Transmission Mechanism) The development gear 145 is disposed at the end of the development roller 110, and the supply roller gear 146 is disposed at the end of the supply roller 115 (FIG. 1). The gears 145 and 146 are fixed with respect to the shaft. Thus, the rotational force received by the coupling member (hereinafter referred to as “coupling”) 150 from the apparatus main body A is transmitted to the developing roller 110 via the gear 145 and to the supply roller 115 via the gear 146. Is done. The rotational force received by the coupling 150 from the apparatus main body A may be transmitted to a rotating member other than the developing roller 110 and the supply roller 115.

  The apparatus main body A refers to a configuration excluding the configuration of the cartridge B in the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100.

  Next, the drive input gear (rotating member) 147 to which the coupling 150 is attached (supported) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the gear 147 is attached to the developing unit 119 so as to be rotatable at a position where it engages with the developing gear 145 and the supply roller gear 146. The gear 147 includes a developing gear portion (first gear portion) 147a and a supply roller gear portion (second gear portion) 147b. The gear portion 147 a meshes with the developing gear 145 and transmits the rotational force received from the apparatus main body A to the developing roller 110 by the coupling 150. The gear portion 147 b meshes with the supply roller gear 146 and transmits the rotational force received from the apparatus main body A to the supply roller 115 by the coupling 150. The gear 145 is attached to one end of the developing roller 110. The gear 146 is provided at one end of the supply roller 115. And the gear 147 has the coupling attachment part (coupling storage part) 147j in the inside (refer FIG. 8). The attachment portion 147j houses (attaches) the drive portion 150b of the coupling 150. The movement of the coupling 150 in the direction of the arrow X34 in FIG. In addition, the coupling 150 is attached to the attachment portion 147j so as to be inclined with respect to the rotation axis L4 of the gear 147 (FIGS. 16A and 16B). That is, the coupling 150 is attached to the attachment portion 147j by the retaining portion 147k so that the movement of the drive portion 150b in the direction of the driven portion 150a is restricted and can be inclined with respect to the axis L4. It has been.

  The axis L4 is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the developing roller 110.

  Further, the cartridge B includes a developing frame body 113 and a supporting member 157, and the supporting member 157 is attached to the developing frame body 113 (see FIG. 2).

  A hole 157j is provided in the support member 157, and an inner peripheral surface 157m thereof is engaged with the gear 147 (see FIGS. 16C, 16D, and 16E).

(5) Description of Rotational Force Transmission Parts (Coupling, Coupling Member) Next, referring to FIG. 7, a coupling (coupling member) that is a rotational force transmission part according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. An example will be described. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the coupling as viewed from the apparatus main body side, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the coupling as viewed from the developing roller side. FIG. 7C is a view as seen from the direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis L2 of the coupling. FIG. 7D is a side view of the coupling viewed from the apparatus main body side, and FIG. 7E is a view of the coupling viewed from the developing roller side. Moreover, FIG.7 (f) is sectional drawing which cut FIG.7 (d) by S3. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing only the coupling shown in FIG.

  The cartridge B is detachably attached to the cartridge housing portion 130a of the rotary C provided in the apparatus main body A. This is done by the user. Then, with the cartridge B attached to the accommodating portion 130a, the rotary C is rotated by the rotational force of a motor (not shown). Then, the rotation of the rotary C is stopped at a position where the cartridge B has reached a predetermined position (position facing the photosensitive drum 107, development position). Thus, the coupling (coupling member) 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 provided in the apparatus main body A. Further, the cartridge B is moved from the predetermined position (development position) by rotating the rotary C in one direction. That is, it is retracted from a predetermined position. As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180. The coupling 150 receives a rotational force from a motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body A while being engaged with the drive shaft 180. Then, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110. As a result, the developing roller 110 is rotated by the rotational force received from the apparatus main body A.

  According to the present embodiment, the coupling 150 receives an external force for rotating the developing roller 110. The coupling 150 rotates the developing roller 110 by transmitting the external force to the developing roller 110. Here, according to the present embodiment, the external force is a rotational force transmitted to the coupling 150 by the drive shaft 180. In other words, the coupling 150 rotates in response to the external force transmitted to the coupling 150 by the drive shaft 180.

  The cartridge B moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 in accordance with the rotation of the rotary C while being attached to the housing portion 130a. In response to the rotation of the rotary C in one direction, the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 and is detached from the drive shaft 180.

  As described above, the drive shaft 180 has the pin 182 (rotational force applying unit) and is rotated by a motor (not shown).

  The material of the coupling 150 is preferably a resin, for example, polyacetal. This is because the balance of rigidity, toughness, and workability is suitable for this embodiment. However, in order to increase the rigidity of the coupling 150, the rigidity may be increased by blending glass fiber or the like with the resin according to the load torque. A metal material may be used. The material can be selected as appropriate. However, since it is easy to process if it is resin, each coupling of the present embodiment is made of resin.

  The coupling 150 has mainly three parts. The first part is the driven part 150a. As shown in FIG. 7C, the driven portion 150a is engaged with a drive shaft 180 (described later). The driven portion 150 a is engaged with a rotational force transmitting pin 182 that is a rotational force applying portion (main body side rotational force transmitting portion) provided on the drive shaft 180 and receives rotational force from the pin 182. The second part is the drive unit 150b. In the drive unit 150 b, the pin (rotational force transmitting unit) 155 is engaged with the drive input gear (rotational force receiving unit, rotational force transmitted unit) 147 to transmit the rotational force to the gear 147. Specifically, the drive unit 150b transmits the rotational force to the attachment unit 147j. The third portion is an intermediate portion 150c that connects the driven portion 150a and the driving portion 150b.

  Note that the pin 182 is provided to protrude in two locations facing the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 (182a1, 182a2) (FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 7 (f), the driven portion 150 a has a drive shaft insertion opening 150 m that expands with respect to the rotation axis L <b> 2 of the coupling 150. The drive unit 150b includes a spherical spherical surface portion 150i, a drive transmission pin 155, and a coupling restricted portion 150j. Here, the restricted portion 150j is substantially coaxial with the axis L2, and engages with a restriction accommodating portion 160b (FIG. 12) described later. Thereby, the regulated portion 150j can regulate the inclination direction of the axis L2. Details will be described later.

  The opening 150m has a conical drive bearing surface 150f that expands toward the drive shaft 180 side. The receiving surface 150f constitutes a recess 150z as shown in FIG. The recess 150z has an opening 150m (opening) on the side opposite to the side where the drive input gear 147 is provided in the direction of the axis L2.

  Accordingly, the coupling 150 moves (tilts) with respect to the rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 without being blocked by the tip end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110 in the cartridge B. it can. That is, the coupling 150 has an angular position before engagement (position shown in FIG. 24A), a rotational force transmission angular position (position shown in FIG. 24D), and a disengagement angular position (FIG. 27C). (Position shown in (d)) can be moved (tilted).

  Details will be described later.

  Two projections (protruding portions) (engaging portions) 150d (150d1, 150d2) are arranged at equal intervals on the end surface of the circular recess 150z and on the circumference centered on the axis L2. Yes. In addition, an entry portion 150k (150k1, 150k2) is provided between each protrusion 150d. Here, the interval between the protrusions 150d1 and 150d2 is set larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182 so that the pin 182 provided on the drive shaft 180 can be positioned within the interval. In addition, the pin 182 is a rotational force transmission part. Between these protrusions are the entry portions 150k1 and 150k2. When the rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150, the pin 182 is positioned at the entry portions 150k1 and 150k2. Further, in FIG. 7D, a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1, 150e2) is provided on the upstream side in the clockwise direction of each protrusion 150d. The rotational force receiving surface 150 e is provided so as to intersect the rotational direction of the coupling 150. That is, the protrusion 150d1 is provided with a receiving surface 150e1, and the protrusion 150d2 is provided with a receiving surface 150e2. In a state where the drive shaft 180 is rotating, the pins 182a1 and 182a2 are in contact with any one of the receiving surfaces 150e. As a result, the receiving surface 150e with which the pins 182a1 and 182a2 are in contact is pushed by the pin 182. As a result, the coupling 150 rotates about the axis L2.

  That is, the coupling 150 receives an external force for rotating the developing roller 110. The coupling 150 rotates the developing roller 110 by transmitting the external force to the developing roller. Here, according to the present embodiment, the external force is a rotational force transmitted to the coupling 150 by the drive shaft 180. In other words, the coupling 150 rotates in response to the external force transmitted to the coupling 150 by the drive shaft 180.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusions 150d (rotational force receiving surfaces 150e) are arranged on a virtual circumference centered on the axis L2, and are arranged facing each other across the center. Therefore, the force is evenly transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150. As a result, the coupling 150 can rotate stably and accurately. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 150d (rotational force receiving surface 150e) has only two locations, so that the interval between the entry portions 150k can be widened. Thereby, the pin 182 easily enters the entry portion 150k. Accordingly, the rotational force receiving surface 150e and the pin 182 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (f), the receiving surface 150f is a cone whose tip angle is α2 around the axis L2. As a result, when the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged, and the coupling 150 is at the rotational force transmission angular position, the tip 180b (see FIG. 24) of the drive shaft contacts the receiving surface 150f. The conical axis, that is, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 and the axis L3 (see FIG. 26) of the drive shaft 180 are substantially coaxial. As a result, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are aligned, and the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling 150 is stabilized. In this embodiment, α2 is 60 ° to 150 °. Depending on the angle α2, the non-conical portion 150n (FIGS. 7A and 7D) of the opening 150m may be wide (see FIG. 8B) or may not exist.

  Further, it is desirable that the rotational force receiving surface 150e is disposed on a virtual circle (on the same circumference) C1 having the center O on the axis L2 (FIG. 7D). Thereby, the rotational force transmission radius becomes constant, and the transmitted rotational torque is stabilized. Further, it is preferable that the position of the coupling 150 is as stable as possible in the protrusion 150d due to the balance of the force received by the coupling 150. Therefore, in this embodiment, each receiving surface 150e is arranged at a position facing 180 °. In other words, in the present embodiment, the receiving surface 150e1 and the receiving surface 150e2 are configured as a pair facing each other about the axis L2. This is because the force received by the coupling 150 becomes a couple by arranging them at opposite positions at 180 °. Therefore, the coupling 150 can continue the rotational movement only by applying a couple. Therefore, the coupling 150 can rotate without defining the position of the axis L2.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the diameter of the pin 182 is about 2 mm. In this case, the peripheral length of the entry portion 150k was about 8 mm. The circumferential length of the entry portion 150k is the interval on the arc (on the imaginary circle) of the adjacent protrusion 150d. However, it is not limited to this. This makes it easy for the pin 182 to enter the entry portion 150k.

  The protrusion 150d is provided on the tip side of the recess 150z. That is, it is provided on the tip side of the coupling 150. And the protrusion (protrusion part) 150d protrudes in the crossing direction which cross | intersects the rotation direction which the coupling 150 rotates, and is provided in two places at intervals along the said rotation direction. That is, by disposing the two protrusions 150d, more reliable engagement is possible when the drive shaft 180 is rotated.

  Then, the rotary C (accommodating portion 130a) rotates with the cartridge B attached. Then, in a state where the rotating rotary C reaches the developing position where the developing roller 110 of the desired developing cartridge B faces the photosensitive drum 107 and stops rotating, the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. Match. Then, the receiving surface 150e can be engaged with the pin 182. Alternatively, the receiving surface 150e is engaged with the pin 182. The receiving surface 150e is pushed by a pin 182 that receives a force from the rotating drive shaft 180. As a result, the receiving surface 150 e receives the rotational force from the drive shaft 180. In addition, the receiving surface 150e is provided on the surface provided in the intersecting direction in each projection 150d so as to be located at a distance from the axis L2 and in pairs with the axis L2.

  Moreover, the entrance part (dent) 150k is provided so as to be recessed along the rotation direction and in the direction of the axis L2. The entry portion 150k is provided between the protrusion 150d and the protrusion 150d. When the drive shaft 180 stops rotating and the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 with the cartridge B attached to the rotary C, the pin 182 enters the entry portion 150k. Then, the receiving surface 150e is pushed by the pin 182 of the rotating drive shaft 180. Alternatively, when the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180, if the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated, the pin 182 enters the entry portion 150k, and the pin 182 presses the receiving surface 150e. As a result, the coupling 150 rotates. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e may be arranged inside the drive bearing surface 150f. Alternatively, the receiving surface 150e may be disposed at a location protruding outward from the receiving surface 150f in the direction of the axis L2. When the receiving surface 150e is arranged inside the receiving surface 150f, the entry portion 150k is also arranged inside the receiving surface 150f. That is, the entry portion 150k is a recess located inside the arc portion of the receiving surface 150f and between the protrusions 150d. Moreover, when the receiving surface 150e is arrange | positioned in the location protruded to the said outward, the approach part 150k is a hollow located between protrusion 150d. Here, the dent is included even if it is a hole that penetrates in the direction of the axis L2 or has a bottom. That is, the depression may be a spatial region located between the protrusions 150d. Then, it is only necessary that the pin 182 can enter the region with the cartridge B attached to the rotary C.

  The drive unit 150b has a rotational force transmission angular position and a pre-engagement angular position (or an engagement pre-engagement angular position with respect to the axis L1 of the gear 147 (see FIG. 10) regardless of the rotational phase of the gear 147 in the cartridge B. The tip is spherical so that it can move between the separation angle positions. The rotational force transmission angular position is the first angular position. The pre-engagement angular position is a second angular position. Further, the separation angular position is the third angular position. In the illustrated example, the driving unit 150b includes a spherical retaining portion 150i having the axis L2 as an axis. And the fixing hole 150g which lets the transmission pin 155 pass is provided in the position which passes along the center of the drive part 150b. Furthermore, a cylindrical coupling regulated portion 150j having the axis L2 as an axis is provided at a position of 150b facing the intermediate portion 150c. The restricted portion 150j is engaged with a restricted portion storage portion 160b (FIG. 12) described later. This regulates the inclination direction of the coupling axis L2. Details will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the coupling 150 is integrated. However, the coupling 150 may be divided into a driven portion 150a, an intermediate portion 150c, and a driving portion 150b, and combined to be integrated. In addition, although various divisions are possible, any division may be used as long as it can be integrally operated as a coupling.

  The coupling 150 has a circular flat portion 150x and a circular concave portion 150z at the center O of the flat portion 150x on the tip side. The rotational force receiving portion 150e is provided so as to protrude from the edge of the flat portion 150x and face each other across the center of the flat portion 150x (FIG. 6 and the like). That is, a circular flat portion 150x and a circular concave portion 150z provided at the center of the flat portion 150x are provided on the tip side where the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e is provided.

  The flat part 150x may not be provided. However, when the rotation center of the rotary C is swung as in the present embodiment, the flat portion 150x is provided so that the coupling 150 is more reliably engaged when the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. Can be combined.

  As described above, the coupling 150 as the rotational force transmitting component is used in the developing cartridge B. The cartridge B is removed from and attached to the apparatus main body A of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by moving it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. That is, the cartridge B moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. The drive shaft 180 is provided in the apparatus main body A. Further, the cartridge B includes a regulating member 160 having an allowable portion 160b2 and a regulating portion 160b1. The allowing portion 160b2 allows the coupling 150 to substantially rotate. Further, the restricting portion 160b1 restricts the inclination angle position of the coupling 150. It should be noted that the regulated portion 150j is not engaged (contacted) with the regulating member 160 in a state where the regulated portion 150j as the protruding portion is positioned in the allowance portion 160b2.

  The coupling 150 has a spherical shape portion (a retaining portion) 150 i and a concave portion 150 z on one end side of the spherical shape portion 150 i in the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150. That is, the recess 150z is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction. The spherical shape portion 150i is provided on the other end side opposite to the one end side. The recess 150z engages with the drive shaft 180 in a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A. In addition, the coupling 150 has a protrusion 150d. The protrusions 150d face each other across the center O (rotation axis L1) of the recess 150z, and are provided so as to protrude in the longitudinal direction opposite to the spherical shape part 150i. That is, the protrusion 150d is provided to protrude in the longitudinal direction at the tip on the one end side in the longitudinal direction. The protrusion 150 d receives a rotational force from the drive shaft 180 in a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A. The protrusions 150d are disposed at a plurality of locations. In addition, the coupling 150 has a regulated portion 150j as a protruding portion provided to protrude to the opposite side to the one end side with respect to the spherical shape portion 150i in the longitudinal direction. The restricted portion 150j includes an allowance portion 160b2 that allows the coupling 150 to substantially rotate in a state where the coupling 150 is attached to the cartridge B, and a restriction portion 160b1 that restricts the tilt angle position of the coupling 150. It is provided to be movable between the two.

Further, the coupling 150 is provided between the protrusion 150d and the restricted portion 150j in the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150 and protrudes outward from the spherical shape portion 150i with the spherical shape portion 150i interposed therebetween. It has a plurality of pins (rotational force transmitting portions) (protruding portions) 155. The pin 155 transmits the rotational force received by the protrusion 150d from the drive shaft 180 to the developing roller 110 in a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A. That is, the pin 155 engages with the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 147h and transmits the rotational force to the receiving surface 147h. As a result, the gear 147 rotates and the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110 via the first gear portion 147a of the gear 147. Further, the rotational force is transmitted to the supply roller 115 via the second gear portion 147b of the gear 147.
Here, the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150 is a direction from the tip of the regulated portion 150j to the tip of the protrusion 150d.

  Further, the coupling 150 has a circular flat portion 150x on the tip side where the protrusion 150d is provided. The recess 150z is provided at the center O of the flat portion 150x. The protrusions 150d are provided so as to protrude from the edge of the flat part 150x and face each other across the center O of the flat part 150x.

  Here, the protrusion 150d is disposed on a virtual circle C1 centered on the center O. The regulated portion 150j has a cylindrical shape.

  Next, the development input gear 147 to which the coupling 150 is attached (supported) will be described with reference to FIG.

  The openings 147g1 and 147g2 shown in FIG. 8A are grooves provided in the rotation axis direction of the drive input gear 147. When the coupling 150 is attached, a rotational force transmission pin (rotational force transmission portion) (protrusion portion) 155 enters the openings 147g1 and 147g2.

  The transmission pin 155 moves in the openings 147g1 and 147g2. As a result, the coupling 150 can move between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or disengagement angular position) regardless of the rotational phase of the drive input gear 147 in the cartridge B. Become.

  8A and 8D, a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 147h (147h1, 147h2) is provided on the upstream side in the clockwise direction of the opening 147 (147g1, 147g2). ing. And the side surface of the transmission pin (rotational force transmission part) 155 of the coupling 150 contacts the receiving surface 147h. Thereby, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110. That is, the transmission surfaces 147h1 to 147h2 are surfaces that intersect the rotation direction of the drive input gear 147. Accordingly, the transmission surface 147h (147h1, 147h2) is pushed by the side surface of the transmission pin 155 and rotates around the rotation axis L1 (see FIG. 8B). The axis L4 is the rotation axis of the gear 147.

  Further, as will be described later, the coupling 150 has a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force transmitted portion) that engages with the pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 155 so that the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L4. ) 147h (see FIG. 8D).

  Thus, the coupling 150 is attached to the longitudinal end of the cartridge B. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the rotation axis L4. As described above, the coupling 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 in a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the rotary C, and transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 110 (and the supply roller 115). The coupling 150 engages with the pin 182 to receive a rotational force from the drive shaft 180 and transmits the rotational force received through the receiving surface 150e to the developing roller 110. It has a pin (protruding part) 155. The pin 182 is a rotational force applying unit. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is a rotational force receiving portion. The pin 155 is a rotational force transmission unit. The pin 155 engages with the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 147h and transmits the rotational force to the receiving surface 147h. As a result, the gear 147 rotates and the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110 via the first gear portion 147a of the gear 147. Further, the rotational force is transmitted to the supply roller 115 via the second gear portion 147b of the gear 147.

  When the rotary C rotates, the coupling 150 contacts the drive shaft 180 as the cartridge B moves. As a result, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position as the coupling 150 moves from the restricting portion 160b1 to the allowance portion 160b2. As a result, the coupling 150 faces the drive shaft 180 and receives a rotational force from the drive shaft 180. When the rotary C further rotates from the position where the coupling 150 faces the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position as the cartridge B moves. Moving. As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the gear 147 is provided with a coupling attachment portion 147 j that houses the drive transmission portion 150 b of the coupling 150.

  Further, the attachment portion 147j is provided with a retaining portion (spherical shape portion) 147k (147k1 to 147k4) for preventing the housed transmission portion 150b from coming off (dropping out) from the gear 147.

  FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing a process of fixing the coupling 150 to the gear 147.

  First, the coupling 150 is moved in the X33 direction. And the transmission part 150b is inserted in the attachment part 147j. Before insertion, the diameter φZ6 of the retaining portion (spherical shape portion) 150i is larger than the diameter φD15 (FIG. 8A) of the circle formed by the inner ridge line 147m (147m1 to 147m4) of the retaining portion 147k. That is, there is a relationship of Z6> D15.

  As the transmission portion 150b is inserted, the retaining portions 147k (147k1 to 147k4) are temporarily retracted outwardly in the radial direction of the gear 147 by elastic deformation. As a result, the transmission part 150b can be inserted into the attachment part 147j. That is, the relationship D15> Z6 is temporarily established. When the insertion of the transmission part 150b into the attachment part 147j is completed, the retaining part 147k (147k1 to 147k4) that has been elastically deformed returns to the original state. That is, the relationship of Z6> D15 is established.

  Next, the retaining member 156 is inserted from the direction of the arrow X33 and fixed to the gear 147. Here, the outer diameter φD10 of the driven portion 150a is smaller than the diameter φD16 of the opening 156i of the retaining member 156. That is, there is a relationship of D16> D10. With this relationship, the retaining member 156 can be inserted into the gear 147 with the coupling 150 inserted into the gear 147. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, elastic deformation of the retaining portion 147k (147k1 to 147k4) toward the radially outer side of the gear 147 is prevented by inserting the retaining member. As a result, the relationship of Z6> D15 is maintained. In this state, even when a force in the direction opposite to the insertion direction is applied to the coupling 150, the coupling 150 can be prevented from coming off (dropping off) from the gear 147. The case where a force in the direction opposite to the insertion direction is applied is a case where a force is applied in the X34 direction in which the coupling 150 (transmission portion 150b) comes out of the attachment portion 147j. This is because the transmission part 150b contacts with the retaining surface 147l (147l1 to 147l4 (147l3, 147l4 not shown), see FIG. 8B) of the retaining part 147k (147k1 to 147k4), and beyond. This is because the movement of is restricted. The attachment portion 147j is provided inside the gear 147.

  As a result, the drive unit U (FIGS. 8C, 16A, and 16B) in which the coupling 150, the gear 147, and the retaining member 156 are integrated.

  As shown in FIG. 8E, a retaining member 156, which will be described later, can be integrated with the supporting member 157 as a coupling retaining portion 157a of the supporting member 157. In this case, the step of fixing the retaining member 156 to the gear 147 in the step described above is omitted. When a coupling 150 described later is attached to the developing device frame (cartridge frame) 113, the coupling retaining portion 157a of the support member 157 is inserted into the gear 147 (state shown in FIG. 8 (f)). . In the state shown in FIG. 8F, the retaining portion 157a prevents the retaining portion 147k (147k1 to 147k4) of the gear 147 from elastically deforming outward in the radial direction. Thereby, the retaining portion 157a prevents the coupling 150 from coming off (dropping out) from the gear 147. The function of the retaining portion 157a described above is the same as the function of the retaining member 156.

  The coupling 150 is attached in the gear 147 so as to be able to move (tilt) between the rotational force transmission angular position, the pre-engagement angular position, and the disengagement angular position. Further, the retaining portion 147k (147k1 to 147k4) restricts the coupling 150 from moving in the X34 direction with respect to the gear 147. That is, the inner ridge line 147m (147m1 to 147m4) of the opening has a diameter φD15 smaller than the diameter φZ6 of the retaining portion 150i.

  That is, as described above, a gear 147 (rotating member) having a developing gear portion (first gear portion) 147a and a supply roller gear portion (second gear portion) 147b is rotatably fitted to the bearing portion 160a. Yes. A coupling 150 is attached inside the gear 147. And the coupling 150 is attached so that it can turn substantially, when the coupling 150 (regulated part 150j) is located in the allowance part 160b2. With such a configuration, the coupling mounting configuration can be made compact. In addition, like the protrusion 150d, it is desirable that the rotational force transmission surfaces (rotational force transmission portions) 150h1 and 150h2 are arranged to face each other at 180 ° on the same circumference.

  By unitizing as described above, the coupling 150 and the gear 147 can be handled integrally. This facilitates handling when the coupling 150 is assembled to the cartridge B. Therefore, improvement in assemblability can be realized. If the strength of the retaining portion 147k is sufficient, it is possible to eliminate the retaining member.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is attached to the gear 147 so that the rear end side can turn inside the gear (rotating member) 147 and the coupling 150 does not come out of the gear 147. That is, the coupling 150 has a retaining portion (spherical shape portion) 150i so as to restrict the movement toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction (axis L2 direction) of the coupling 150. A pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 155 is provided so as to protrude from the retaining portion 150i in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Movement toward the tip side of the retaining portion 150i is restricted by the retaining portion 147k. With such a configuration, the coupling mounting configuration can be made compact.

  Note that the distal end side of the coupling 150 is a side facing the drive shaft 180 (side engaged with the drive shaft 180) in a state where the cartridge B is attached to the rotary C. Further, the rear end side is a side opposite to the front end side and a side that transmits a rotational force to the developing roller 110 (a side attached to the gear 147).

  Next, the movement range of the coupling 150 relative to the gear 147 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a coupling state of the gear 147 and the coupling 150. FIGS. 10A1 to 10A5 are views seen from the direction of the drive shaft 180, and FIGS. 10B1 to 10B5 are perspective views thereof.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the coupling 150 is attached so that the rotation axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L4. The drive shaft 180 is provided at the apparatus main body A at one end in the longitudinal direction of the rotary C. The drive shaft 180 is rotatably positioned on the apparatus main body A. Here, the drive shaft 180 is fixed to the apparatus main body A so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. That is, the rotation axis of the drive shaft 180 is provided so as not to move (shift) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. That is, the drive shaft 180 is not attached to a member that swings with the rotary C in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. In FIGS. 10A1 and 10B1, the axis L2 is on the same axis as the axis L4. FIGS. 10A2 and 10B2 show the state when the coupling 150 is inclined upward from this state. The coupling 150 is inclined in the direction in which the opening 147g is provided. In this state, the transmission pin 155 moves along the opening 147g (FIGS. 10A2 and 10B2). As a result, the coupling 150 is tilted about the axis AX orthogonal to the opening 147g.

  10A3 and 10B3 show a state in which the coupling 150 is inclined rightward. Thus, when the coupling 150 is inclined in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the opening 147g, the pin 155 rotates in the opening 147g. The axis of the pin 155 when the pin 155 rotates is the central axis AY of the pin 155.

  10 (a4), (b4), and FIGS. 10 (a5), (b5), the coupling 150 is tilted downward and tilted left. The coupling 150 is inclined about the rotation axes AX and AY.

  In a direction different from the inclination direction described here and in an intermediate position, the coupling 150 is inclined by the combination of the rotation around the axis AX and the rotation around the axis AY. The directions different from the inclination direction are, for example, FIGS. 10 (a2) and (a3), (a3) and (a4), (a4) and (a5), (a5) and (a2). Thus, the axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L1.

  It has been described that the axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L4. However, the axis L2 is not necessarily tiltable to a predetermined angle in any direction of 360 ° with respect to the axis L4. In that case, for example, the opening 147g may be set wider in the circumferential direction. With this setting, when the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L4, the coupling 150 rotates slightly around the axis L2 even if it cannot be linearly inclined at a predetermined angle. Thereby, the axis L2 can be inclined to a predetermined angle with respect to the axis L4. That is, the play (play) in the rotation direction of the opening 147g can be appropriately selected as necessary.

  As described above (see FIG. 8), the spherical surface 150i is in contact with the retaining surface 147l. Therefore, the coupling 150 is attached with the spherical center P2 of the spherical surface 150i as the center of rotation. That is, regardless of the phase of the gear 147, the axis L2 is attached so as to be tiltable. That is, the coupling 150 can pivot with respect to the axis L4. As will be described later, in order for the coupling 150 to engage with the drive shaft 180, the axis L2 needs to be inclined downstream in the rotational direction X4 with respect to the axis L4 immediately before the engagement. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the coupling 150 needs to be inclined with respect to the axis L4 so that the position of the driven portion 150a is on the downstream side in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C. There is.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L4. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along S24-S24.

  With the configuration described so far, it is also possible for the axis L2 to be substantially parallel to the axis L4 from the state in which the axis L2 shown in FIG. 9 is inclined. Further, the maximum tiltable angle α4 (FIG. 9) between the axis L4 and the axis L2 is until the drive unit 150a and the intermediate unit 150c come into contact with the end member 151 and the support member 157. And angle (alpha) 4 can be made into a value required when attaching or detaching to an apparatus main body.

  Here, the maximum tiltable angle α4 is 20 ° to 80 ° in the present embodiment. As described above, immediately before the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180, the axis L2 needs to be inclined to the downstream side in the rotational direction X4 with respect to the axis L4. Next, the regulation method will be described.

(6) Description of Angular Position Regulating Member Next, an angular position regulating member (hereinafter referred to as “regulating member”) 160 that regulates the inclination direction of the coupling 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

  The rotational force transmission angular position is the first angular position. Further, the pre-engagement angular position is the second angular position. Further, the separation angular position is the third angular position.

  According to the regulating member 160 to which the present embodiment is applied, the coupling 150 can be maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position) even before the cartridge B is attached to the rotary C. . That is, even when the cartridge B exists alone, the coupling 150 can be maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the coupling 150 from moving carelessly when the cartridge B is transported.

  This is one of the remarkable effects of the present embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the restriction portion 160 viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 110. FIG. 12B is a side view of the restricting portion 160 viewed from the outside. FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D show another embodiment of the shape of the restricting portion 160. FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the coupling 150 and the regulating member 160 when the coupling 150 is at a rotational force transmission angular position (described later). FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the coupling 150 and the restricting portion 160 when the coupling 150 is in the pre-engagement angular position (described later). FIGS. 13C and 13D show states of the gear 147 and the retaining member 156 in the states of FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively. FIG. 13E is a perspective view showing a state in which the coupling restricted portion 150j is positioned at the positioning portion (restricting portion) 160b1. FIG. 13F is a perspective view showing a state in which the restricted portion 150j is positioned in the allowable portion 160b2. FIG. 13G is a perspective view of the coupling 150 engaged with the regulating member 160 as seen from below. In addition, in FIG.13 (g), illustration of the bottom of the control member 160 is abbreviate | omitted. Actually, since the regulating member 160 has a bottom, the regulated portion 150j cannot be seen.

  The restricting member 160 includes a circular bearing portion 160a and a restricted portion storage portion 160b. Here, the regulating member 160 has a groove 160g. The storage portion 160b is a groove. The bearing portion 160a is provided so as to surround the groove 160g. Further, the storage portion 160b includes a positioning portion 160b1 and a permission portion 160b2. The restricting member 160 is integrated with the bearing 138 described above. That is, the regulating member 160 is provided on the outer surface of the bearing 138.

  The bearing portion 160a rotatably supports the inner peripheral surface 147i (see FIG. 8B) of the gear 147. That is, the inner peripheral surface 147i is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the bearing portion 160a. As a result, the gear 147 is rotatably attached to the bearing portion 160a. Further, the restricted portion 150j is accommodated in the accommodating portion 160b. In this state, the coupling 150 can freely move within a range in which the regulated portion 150j does not interfere with the storage portion wall 160b3. The regulated portion 150j has a cylindrical shape. The regulated portion 150j protrudes on the opposite side of the intermediate portion 150c on the axis L2 and the coaxial line from the drive portion 150b. In other words, the regulated portion 150 j protrudes from the end portion of the coupling 150. Specifically, the regulated portion 150j is provided on the same axis as the retaining portion (spherical shape portion) 150i, and projects from the retaining portion 150i to the opposite side to the intermediate portion 150c. With such a configuration, the coupling mounting configuration can be made compact. Before the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 takes an angular position before engagement by an elastic member (biasing member) or the like (described later). At that time, the regulated portion 150j comes into contact with the positioning portion (regulating portion) 160b1. In other words, the inclination of the coupling 150 is restricted by the cylindrical portion of the restricted portion (projecting portion) 150j abutting against the wall 160b4 of the V-groove as the positioning portion 160b1. The restricted portion (projecting portion) 150j of the coupling 150 projects from the rear end on the opposite side of the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e. That is, the regulated portion 150j abuts against the V-groove portion 160b4 of the narrow portion 160b7 as the positioning portion 160b1, and the inclination direction is regulated. In addition, the inclination of the coupling 150 is regulated by the tip of the regulating part 150j coming into contact with the positioning part 160b1. Accordingly, the coupling 150 is positioned at a pre-engagement angular position that is optimal for engagement with the drive shaft 180. That is, the restricting portion 150j is restricted in the inclination direction by the positioning portion 160b1. As a result, the coupling 150 is positioned at the pre-engagement angular position (FIG. 13E shows a state in which the coupling 150 illustrated in an inclined state is positioned at the pre-engagement angular position. ing). This position will be described later. That is, the positioning part 160b1 acts as positioning only when the coupling 150 exists at the pre-engagement angular position.

  When the coupling 150 is located at a position other than the pre-engagement angular position, the restricting portion 150j can freely move within a range where it does not interfere with the wall 1603 of the allowable portion 160b2. That is, when the coupling 150 is located between the pre-engagement angular position and the rotational force transmission angular position, the rotational force transmission angular position, the rotational force transmission angular position, and the separation angular position, As long as 150j does not interfere with the wall 1603 of the allowable portion 160b2, it can move freely. In other words, when the regulated portion 150j is not in contact with the positioning portion (regulating portion) 160b1, the coupling 150 can pivot (shown vertically in FIGS. 13 (f) and 13 (e)). The coupling 150 is the coupling in this state). By doing so, when the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180, when moving from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position, or when moving from the rotational force transmission position to the disengagement angular position, The coupling 150 can move following the drive shaft 180. Therefore, the coupling 150 is applied to the coupling 150 even when the rotary C (described later) moves in the radial direction, that is, even when the coupling 150 moves in the radial direction of the rotary C. Stress can be reduced. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be smoothly engaged with the drive shaft 180 and can be detached from the drive shaft 180. The allowance portion 160b2 has a wide portion 160b8 as the allowance portion 160b2.

  Further, when the coupling 150 is moved from a position other than the pre-engagement angular position to the pre-engagement angular position by the biasing member, the regulated portion 150j is guided by the wall 160b3 of the allowable portion 160b2, and the positioning portion It is led to 160b1. The coupling 150 is inclined to the pre-engagement angular position.

  As described above, the restricting member 160 includes a positioning portion (restricting portion) 160b1 that restricts the coupling 150 to the angular position before engagement before engaging the drive shaft 180, and the coupling 150 member substantially pivots. Has an allowance portion 160b2.

  It should be noted that the shape of the regulated portion storage portion 160b can be made as shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D if the positioning portion 162a and the allowance portion 162b satisfy the above-described functions. . That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12C, the shape of the positioning portion (regulating portion) 160b1 is an arc shape 160b6, and the shape of the allowance portion 160b2 is a curved surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12D, the shape of the allowable portion 160b2 is curved.

  As described above, the regulating member 160 has the groove 160g. The groove 160g has a narrow portion 160b7 as the positioning portion 160b1 as the restricting portion and a wide portion 160b8 as the allowance portion 160b2. Further, the coupling 150 has a protruding regulated portion 150j (protruding portion) at the rear end. The coupling 150 is engaged with the regulated portion 150j positioned at the narrow portion 160b7 and the inclined direction is regulated at the pre-engagement angular position, and the regulated portion 150j is located at the wide portion 160b8. It is allowed to tilt from the pre-combination angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Here, the regulated portion 150j is regulated by contacting the wall 160b4 of the narrow portion 160b7. Further, the coupling 150 can be turned when the restricted portion 150j is positioned at the allowable portion 160b2. That is, it is allowed to turn with respect to the axis L4. The state in which the coupling 150 can pivot is a state in which the restricted portion 150j is located in the wide portion 160b8 and is not in contact with the wall 160b3.

  The groove 160g is provided so as to be surrounded by a bearing portion (circular portion) 160a having a circular peripheral surface. A gear 147 (rotating member) having a developing gear portion (first gear portion) 147a and a supply roller gear portion (second gear portion) 147b is rotatably fitted to the bearing portion 160a. When the coupling 150 is attached to the inside of the gear 147 and the coupling 150 (the restricted portion 150j) is located at the allowable portion 160b2, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be substantially rotatable. ing.

  As described above, according to the regulating member 160 to which the present embodiment is applied, the coupling 150 is maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position) even before the cartridge B is attached to the rotary C. can do. That is, even when the cartridge B exists alone, the coupling 150 can be maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the coupling 150 from moving carelessly when the cartridge B is transported.

  Next, a coupling elastic member (biasing member) for moving the coupling to the pre-engagement angular position will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the elastic member 159 is attached to the support member 157. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cartridge B in which the urging member 159 is attached to the support member 157.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a spring attachment portion 157 e 1 and a spring rotation stop 157 e 2 are provided on the outer side surface 157 i of the support member (attachment member) 157. In addition, a coil portion (one end) 159b of a torsion coil spring (biasing member, elastic member) 159 is attached (fixed) to the attachment portion 157e1. The rotation stop arm 159c of the spring 159 is in contact with the spring rotation stop e2. As shown in FIG. 15, the contact portion 159 a of the spring 159 is in contact with the intermediate portion 150 c of the coupling 150. In this state, the spring 159 is twisted to generate an elastic force. Thereby, the coupling 150 inclines the axis L2 with respect to the axis L4 (state shown in FIG. 15). That is, the coupling 150 is inclined to the pre-engagement angular position. The contact position of the spring 159 with respect to the intermediate portion 150c is set upstream of the center of the driving portion 150b of the coupling 150 in the rotational direction X4. Therefore, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L4 so that the driven unit 150a side faces the downstream side in the rotation direction X4. The rotation direction X4 is the rotation direction of the rotary C.

  In this embodiment, a torsion coil spring is used as the spring 159, but this is not restrictive. For example, the elastic member (biasing member) may be any member that generates an elastic force, such as a leaf spring, rubber, or sponge. However, a certain amount of stroke is required to incline the axis L2. Therefore, what can obtain a stroke is desirable. The spring (biasing member, elastic member) 159 is a cup by elastic force so that the coupling 150 is positioned at the restricting portion 160b1 in order to position the coupling 150 at the pre-engagement angular position (first angular position). The ring 150 is energized. By urging the coupling with the elastic force of the spring (the urging member, the elastic member), the coupling 150 can be more reliably maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (first angular position). In other words, the spring (biasing member, elastic member) 159 elastically biases the coupling 150 so that the coupling 150 is positioned at the positioning portion (regulating portion) 160b1.

  When the rotary C rotates, the coupling 150 contacts the drive shaft 180 as the cartridge B moves. As a result, the coupling 150 moves from the restricting portion 160b1 to the allowable portion 160b2 against the elastic force of the spring (elastic member) 159. Accordingly, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Accordingly, the coupling 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 while facing the drive shaft 180. Further, when the rotary C further rotates from the position where the coupling 150 faces the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 rotates against the elastic force of the spring 159 as the cartridge B moves. It moves from the force transmission angle position to the separation angle position. As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

(7) Assembly of Coupling to Cartridge Frame Next, a method of assembling the coupling 150 to the developing frame (cartridge frame) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the cartridge B before the gear 147 (including the coupling 150 and the retaining member 156), the support member (rotating member) 147, and the spring 159 are attached. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the cartridge B before the attachment member 157 and the spring 159 are attached. FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the cartridge B before the spring 159 is attached. FIG. 16D is a perspective view of the cartridge B in a state where the assembly is completed. FIG. 16E is a perspective view in which the cartridge B in a state where assembly is completed is disassembled in the longitudinal direction while maintaining the short positional relationship.

  A bearing 138 having a regulating member 160, a developing roller 110, and a developer supply roller 115 are attached to the developing frame 113 (cartridge frame). Further, a developing roller gear 145 for transmitting a rotational force from the gear 147 to the developing roller 110 is attached to the developing roller 110. Further, a developer supply roller gear 146 for transmitting a rotational force from the gear 147 to the developer supply roller 115 is attached to the developer supply roller 115.

  The bearing 138 is attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 113 with a screw 138a (FIGS. 16A and 16B).

  First, the drive unit U (the gear 147 to which the coupling 150 and the retaining member 156 are attached) is attached to the restriction member 160 (FIGS. 16A and 16B). At this time, the cylindrical portion as the restricted portion (projecting portion) 150j is assembled so as to fit in the groove as the storage portion 160b (see FIG. 13B). Further, the inner peripheral surface 147i is fitted to the circular outer peripheral surface of the bearing portion (circular portion) 160a. As a result, the gear 147 is rotatably attached to the bearing portion 160a (FIGS. 16A and 16B). In this state, the gear portion 147 a of the gear 147 meshes with the developing roller gear 145 and can transmit a rotational force to the developing roller 110. The supply roller gear portion 147 b included in the gear 147 meshes with the developer supply roller gear 146, and can transmit a rotational force to the roller 115. Further, the coupling 150 is freely movable as long as the regulated portion 150j does not interfere with the wall of the storage portion 160b in the regulating member 160. The bearing portion 160a as a circular portion is provided so as to surround the groove 160g (FIGS. 12A to 12D).

  Next, the support member 157 is attached to the developing device frame 113 (FIG. 16C). At the time of attachment, the coupling 150 passes through the opening 157j of the support member 157, and the bearing 138 and the support member 157 are in contact with each other. The support member 157 has one position (not shown) with respect to the developing device frame 113 and one rotation stop (not shown). The position of the support member 157 is determined with respect to the short side direction of the developing device frame 113. The gear 147 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 160a as a gear support portion. Further, the retaining members 157k and 157l prevent the retaining member (retaining ring) 156 from falling off the gear 147. The support member 157 is attached to the developing device frame 113 by screws 157a and 157b. An appropriate method can be applied to the method of attaching the bearing 138 and the support member 157 to the developing device frame 113. Finally, the spring 159 is attached to the spring support portion 157e1 included in the support member 157 (FIG. 16D). At this time, the spring 159 is assembled so that the intermediate portion 150c of the coupling 150 is in contact with the downstream side in the biasing direction of the contact portion 159a. In this state, the coupling 150 is inclined by the spring 159 toward the downstream side in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C. In this state, the regulated portion 150j is in contact with the positioning portion 160b1. The positioning portion 160b1 is V-shaped, and the regulated portion 150j is in contact with the V-groove portion 160b4. That is, the coupling 150 is fixed (positioned) at the pre-engagement angular position.

  Regarding the above-described assembly method, the order can be changed, such as attaching the gear 147 to the support member (rotating member) 157 and then attaching them to the developing frame 113.

  As described above, the groove 160g is provided so as to be surrounded by the bearing portion (circular portion) 160a having a circular peripheral surface. A gear (rotating member) 147 having a first gear portion 147a and a second gear portion 147b is rotatably fitted to the bearing portion 160a as a circular portion. When the coupling 150 is attached to the inside of the gear 147 and the restricted portion 150j is positioned at the allowable portion 160b2, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be substantially rotatable.

  Further, when the restricted portion 150j is positioned at the allowance portion 160b2, the coupling 150 receives the rotational force from the pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 155 and the pin 155 so as to be substantially rotatable. (Rotational force transmitted portion) There is a gap with 147h. The pin 155 is movable with respect to the receiving surface 147h. The pin 155 and the receiving surface 147h are provided in contact with each other in the rotational direction in which the coupling 150 rotates. The coupling 150 is provided at the end of the cartridge B.

  That is, the coupling 150 has a pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 155 and a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force transmitted portion) so that it can pivot substantially in a state where the restricted portion 150j is positioned at the allowable portion 160b2. There is a gap with 147h. The pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 155 is movable with respect to the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 147h. The pin 155 and the rotational force receiving surface 147h are provided in contact with each other in the rotational direction in which the coupling 150 rotates. The pin 155 transmits the rotational force received from the drive shaft 180 to the developing roller 110 via the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e. The pin 155 is provided on the coupling 150. The rotational force receiving surface 147h is provided inside a gear 147 as a rotating member.

(8) Method for Attaching / Removing Developer Cartridge to Color Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus Main Body Next, an operation for attaching / detaching the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a developing cartridge attachment / detachment and standby position (hereinafter referred to as a standby position) HP in which the rotary C is shifted by a certain angle phase from the development position DP. The rotary C takes a standby position HP (home position) whose phase is shifted except during the developing operation, and further, the cartridge B (B1 to B4) is attached and detached at the above position. In this embodiment, a position 45 ° upstream from the development position DP is set as the standby position HP.

  The cartridge B is attached to and detached from the rotary C in a state where the rotary C is stopped at the standby position HP.

  When the cartridge B (B1 to B4) is attached to or detached from the rotary C, the cover 13 is first opened. As a result, the user can detach the cartridge B (B1 to B4) from the rotary C. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the yellow cartridge B1 of the four cartridges B is located at the standby position HP. Note that the cover 13 is opened. The cover 13 is interlocked with an interlock SW (not shown). That is, when the cover 13 is opened, the SW is turned OFF, and the drive in the apparatus main body A is released. Reference numeral 19 denotes a cartridge disengagement member (FIGS. 4 and 17). The disengagement member 19 operates a locking member (not shown) that locks the cartridge B to the rotary C. That is, the engaging member (not shown) engages with the guide portion (locked portion) 60b (FIG. 19) by the disengaging member 19, thereby locking the cartridge B to the rotary C. The guide portion 60b is provided in the cartridge B. By opening the cover 13, the disengagement member 19 moves the locking member (not shown) to a position where it does not engage with the guide portion 60b. As a result, only the cartridge B1 positioned at the standby position HP is disengaged from the rotary C. Therefore, the user can remove the cartridge B1 from the rotary C (FIGS. 17 and 18). As described above, the cartridge B has the guide portion 60b that is guided in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 (the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 110).

  When the user closes the cover 13, the protrusion 13a provided on the cover 13 rotates the disengagement member 19 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. Thereby, the engagement release member 19 engages a locking member (not shown) with the guide part 60b. Therefore, when the cover 13 is closed, the cartridge B is locked to the rotary C. When SW is ON, all of the cartridges B (B1 to B4) mounted on the rotary C are always locked. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a trouble that the drive mechanism of the apparatus main body A starts to move while the cartridge B (B1 to B4) is not locked.

  Next, a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the user holds the handle 54, the posture of the cartridge B is generally determined by the center of gravity unique to the cartridge. This posture is a posture that is substantially close to the posture that is required when the cartridge B passes through the opening 30 located in the upper part of the apparatus main body A.

  The cartridge B has an elongated cartridge-side guide 60b and a shaft portion 60a at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B (developing roller 110) (FIG. 2). Further, the cartridge B has an elongated cartridge-side guide 61b and a shaft portion 61a at the other end in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 3). The shaft portions 60a and 61a are provided on the same axis as the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. The shaft portion 60a and the guide 60b are provided on the outer surface of the support member 157. Further, the shaft portion 61 a and the guide 61 b are provided on the outer surface of the side member 139.

  Further, the rotary C has a rotary side guide C2 at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the rotary C in which each cartridge B is mounted.

  The apparatus main body A is provided with a main body guide 17 (FIGS. 19A and 19B). The main body guide 17 is not shown in FIGS. 4 and 17.

  When the cartridge B is mounted on the rotary C, at this time, the shaft portion 60 a fixed to both ends of the cartridge B is guided on the restriction rib 17 a of the main body guide 17, and the shaft portion 61 a is connected to the main body guide 17. It moves while being guided on the regulating rib 17b (FIG. 19A). As shown in FIG. 19A, when the cartridge B moves from the guide 17 into the rotary C, the tips of the guides 60b and 61b are aligned with the guide groove C2 of the rotary C (FIG. 19B). Engage with. In this state, the cartridge B is moved into the rotary C when the user applies a force in the mounting direction. Then, the cartridge B is mounted at the mounting position. At this time, the shaft portion 60a and the shaft portion 61a are positioned by a positioning portion (not shown) provided on the rotary C. That is, the cartridge B is positioned on the apparatus main body A with the developing roller 110 as the center.

  When removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main body A, the operation opposite to that for mounting is performed.

  With the above-described configuration, the cartridge B is mounted on the rotary C (accommodating portion 130a) from the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B. Further, the drive shaft 180 is disposed at the end of the rotary C in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the cartridge B mounted on the rotary C (the accommodating portion 130a) is moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 according to the rotation of the rotary C, so that the drive shaft 180 and the cup are moved. The ring 150 is engaged and disengaged.

  Incidentally, the rotary center of the present embodiment can swing at the center of rotation.

(9) Switching Configuration of Developing Cartridge (Developing Device) Next, the configuration of the rotary C will be described with reference to FIGS.

  20A, 22A, and 23A are front views of the configuration of the drive transmission mechanism as viewed from the drive shaft 180 side. FIG. 20A illustrates a state in which the developing roller 110-1 of the cartridge B1 is located at the developing position DP facing the photosensitive drum 107. FIG. 21 is a right side view of FIG. 20A viewed from the right direction. FIGS. 22A and 23A show the state in which the rotary C rotates in the X4 direction from the state of FIG. It is shown. However, in FIG. 20A, FIG. 22A and FIG. 23A, the main body frame 171 shown in FIG. 21 is not shown. In FIG. 21, the transfer belt 104a, the transfer roller 104j, the coupling 150, and the drive shaft 180 shown in FIGS. 20 (a), 22 (a), and 23 (a) are not shown.

  20B, 22B, and 23B are viewed from the drive shaft 180 side in the states of FIGS. 20A, 22A, and 23A, respectively. FIG. In this figure, the relationship among the coupling 150, the restricting portion 160, and the drive shaft 180 is shown.

  The drive transmission mechanism shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 rotates the rotary C to sequentially move the four cartridges B1 to B4 supported by the rotary C to the developing position DP facing the photosensitive drum 2. Hereinafter, the configuration of the drive transmission mechanism will be described.

  The drive gear 172 is rotatably supported (provided) on a shaft 107 that is rotatably supported with respect to the apparatus main body A. The gear 172 receives a rotational force from the motor M (drive source) and rotates.

  Note that the rotational force transmission mechanism M1 that transmits rotational force from the motor M to the gear 172 can be appropriately used as long as it is a gear train, a toothed belt, and the like and can transmit rotational force.

  The arm 103 is a swinging member supported (provided) so as to be swingable with respect to the apparatus main body A. That is, one end side of the arm 103 is rotatably provided on the shaft 107 provided on the main body frame 171. The other end of the arm 103 that rotatably supports the rotary C is attached to the other end of an arm spring (for example, a compression spring) (an elastic member) 104 having one end fixed to the apparatus main body A. . As a result, the arm 103 receives a biasing force (elastic force, rotational force) in the direction of arrow A (FIGS. 20, 22, and 23) at the center of the shaft 107 by the elastic force of the arm spring 104.

  The rotary C supports the four cartridges B (B1 to B4) as described above, and is rotatably supported by the arm 103. That is, the cartridge B is attached to the rotary C. Further, the coupling 150 (150-1 to 150-4) of the cartridge B (B1 to B4) supported by the rotary C has a structure exposed from the rotary C (FIGS. 20, 22, and 23). ). Thereby, the rotational force can be transmitted from the drive shaft 180 which is a separate body from the rotary C to the coupling 150 (150-1 to 150-4). That is, the rotational force can be transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the cartridge B (B1 to B4). The cartridge B1 is provided with a coupling 150-1. The cartridge B2 is provided with a coupling 150-2, the cartridge B3 is provided with a coupling 150-3, and the cartridge B4 is provided with a coupling 150-4. Each of these couplings has the same configuration as the coupling 150 described above.

  The rotary C is provided with a gear portion (rotating support gear) 102a along the rotational direction of the rotary C. The gear portion 102 a meshes with the drive gear 172. That is, if the drive gear 172 rotates in the direction of arrow A (FIGS. 20, 22, and 23), the rotary C rotates in the direction of arrow X4. When the gear 172 stops rotating, the rotary C also stops rotating.

  The regulation roller 105 is rotatably supported by a roller holder 106 installed in the apparatus main body A. The regulating roller 105 is a regulating member that regulates the swing of the rotary C. Further, if the surface layer of the regulation roller 105 is a rubber layer having elasticity, it is possible to reduce the noise and reliably rotate with a high friction coefficient.

  The roller 105 is an elastic roller rotatably supported on a shaft 106a fixed to the apparatus main body A. The shaft 106a that supports the roller 105 is disposed so as to be parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary C. When the rotary C rotates, the roller 105 comes into contact with contact portions 101e to 101h of a cam 101, which will be described later, and rotates.

  The cam (rotating member) 101 is a rotating member (guide member) that rotates integrally with the rotary C. The cam 101 has contact portions 101e to 101h that come into contact with the rollers 105, and separation portions (contact release portions) 101a to 101d that do not come into contact with the rollers 105. The separation portions 101 a to 101 d are concave portions having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the roller 105. The contact portions 101e to 101h and the separation portions (concave portions) 101a to 101d are alternately arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the cam 101 at substantially equal angles from the rotation center 101i of the cam 101. The cam 101 is located at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridges B1 to B4 supported by the rotary C and is provided integrally with the rotary C.

  In addition, the separating portions 101a to 101d are recessed portions provided to be recessed at a plurality of locations along the rotation direction X4 of the cam 101 (FIGS. 20, 22, and 23). The recess has an inclined surface 101m that rises from the downstream side toward the upstream side in the rotation direction X4. By having the inclined surface 101m (FIGS. 20, 22, and 23), the cartridges B1 to B4 can move away smoothly in the direction intersecting the rotation direction according to the rotation of the rotary C. That is, according to the rotation of the rotary C, the cartridges B1 to B4 can move smoothly when moving away from the developing position DP in the radial direction (radial direction) of the rotary C.

  Similarly, the concave portion has a slope 101n (FIGS. 20, 22, and 23) descending from the downstream side toward the upstream side in the rotation direction X4. By having the inclined surface 101n, according to the rotation of the rotary C, the cartridges B1 to B4 can approach smoothly toward the developing position DP when approaching the direction intersecting the rotation direction X4. That is, according to the rotation of the rotary C, the cartridges B1 to B4 can move smoothly toward the developing position DP when approaching the radial direction (radial direction) of the rotary C.

  The cam 101 rotates integrally with the rotary C. Then, when the contact portion 101 e comes into contact with the regulation roller (regulation member) 105, the developing roller 110-1 included in the cartridge B 1 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107. Even when the other contact portions 101f to 101h come into contact with the regulation roller 105, the developing rollers 110-1 to 110-4 of the cartridges B1 to B4 are separated from the photosensitive drum 107, respectively (FIG. 22, FIG. 23).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 21, the cam (rotating member) 101, the rotary (rotating support) C, the arm (swinging member) 103, and the regulating roller (regulating member) 105 are supported by the cartridge B1 to be supported. It arrange | positions at the one end side and other end side of a longitudinal direction.

  The state shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 shows a state where the rotary C is rotating, as will be described later. However, the state shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is also a state where the rotary C stops rotating and the rotary C is located at the retracted position. Here, the retracted position is a state where each of the cartridges B1 to B4 does not perform development. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in this state, the developing rollers 110-1 to 110-4 are not in contact with the photosensitive drum 107. For example, in FIG. 22, the developing roller 110-1 is located at the retracted position 18 </ b> Y on the downstream side of the roller 105. Similarly, in FIG. 23, the developing roller 110-1 is located at the retracted position 18Z on the upstream side of the roller 105. In the retracted position, the roller 105 supports the lower side of the rotary C disposed on the one end side. A roller 105 supports the lower side of the rotary C disposed on the other end side. As a result, the rotary C supporting each of the cartridges B1 to B4 is restricted by the roller 105. The retreat position 18Z is the same position as the standby position HP described above.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, when the developing roller 110-1 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107, the roller 105 is opposed to the bottom surface of the concave portion (separating portion) 101a. This state is a state where the cartridge B1 is located at the developing position DP. When the developing roller 110-2 is located at the developing position DP in contact with the photosensitive drum 107, the roller 105 is opposed to the bottom surface of the recess 101b. Similarly, when the developing roller 110-3 is positioned at the developing position DP, the roller 105 is opposed to the bottom surface of the recess 101c. When the developing roller 110-4 is located at the developing position DP, the roller 105 is opposed to the bottom surface of the recess 101d. That is, the cam 101 is separated from the regulation roller 105.

  In FIGS. 20 and 21 showing the state in which the cartridge B1 is being developed, the roller 105 is disposed in the vicinity of the recess 101a (101d). And the recessed part 101a (-101d) is arrange | positioned so that the roller 105 and the cam 101 may not contact. Therefore, the arm 103 biased by the elastic force of the spring 104 biases the rotary C. The urging force (elastic force) becomes a contact pressure between the developing roller 110-1 (˜110-4) and the photosensitive drum 107.

  Drive gear 172 receives the rotational force from motor M and rotates in the direction of arrow A. Then, as described above, the rotary C rotates in the arrow X4 direction. The cam 101 provided on the rotary C also rotates in the direction of the arrow X4 together with the rotary C. 22 and 23 show a state in which the rotary C is rotated by receiving the rotational force of the drive gear 172. FIG. 22 illustrates a state where the development of the cartridge B1 is completed, the cartridge B1 is retracted from the development position DP to the post-development retract position 18Y, and the cartridge B2 is directed from the pre-development retract position 18Z to the development position DP. Similarly, FIG. 23 shows a state in which the development of the cartridge B4 is completed, the cartridge B4 is retracted from the development position DP to the post-development retract position 18Y, and the cartridge B1 is directed from the pre-development retract position 18Z to the development position DP. Yes.

  Further, the rotary C has a gear portion (rotational support gear) 102a provided on the entire circumference along the rotation direction. A drive gear (oscillating member gear) 172 is provided on the same axis as the rotation center 103a that rotatably supports the arm 103 on the apparatus main body A. Thereby, the gear 172 and the gear part 102a are meshed. Therefore, even if the arm 103 swings, the gear 172 and the gear portion 102a can always maintain the meshing state.

  The rotation center 103a is the axis of the shaft 172a that rotatably supports the gear 172. The shaft 172a is fixed to the main body frame 171. One end of the arm 103 is rotatably attached to the shaft 172a.

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 20, 22, and 23, the elastic force (biasing force) of the spring 104 acts as a force that the developing roller 110-1 presses against the photosensitive drum 107. From this state, when the rotary C rotates, the pressure contact state between the developing roller 110-1 and the photosensitive drum 107 is released. When the pressure contact state is released, the urging force of the spring 104 acts as a force that the cam 101 presses against the roller 105. As a result, the cam 101 can reliably contact the roller 105.

  As described above, the outer peripheral surface of the cam 101 excluding the places where the separation portions (recess portions) 101a to 101d are provided are the contact portions 101e to 101h with which the rollers 105 come into contact. When the contact portions 101e to 101h are in contact with the roller 105, the cartridges B1 to B4 are configured not to contact the photosensitive drum 107. Therefore, the cartridges B1 to B4 can be sequentially moved to the developing position without affecting the photosensitive drum 107. The contact portions 101e to 101h and the separation portions 101a to 101d are alternately arranged along the rotation direction of the cam 101 (rotary C). A distance L10 between the separation portions 101a to 101d and the rotation center 101i of the cam 101 is shorter than a distance L2 between the contact portions 101e to 101h and the rotation center 101i of the cam 101 (FIGS. 22 and 23). When the cartridge B1 (to B4) is moved to the developing position DP, the controller (not shown) blocks the rotational force of the drive gear 172, and the rotary C stops rotating. Then, the cartridge B1 reaches the developing position DP. At the developing position DP, the developing roller 110-1 (to 110-4) and the photosensitive drum 107 are in pressure contact. In this state, as shown in FIG. 20, the roller 105 is opposed to the separating portion (recessed portion) 101 b (−101 d) of the cam 101 in a separated state. That is, the separation portion 101b (-101d) and the roller 105 are in a separated state. The cartridges B1 to B4 sequentially move to the developing position DP while repeating such an operation. In the present embodiment, the gap G (FIG. 2) between the roller 105 and the bottom surface of the recess 101b as the separation portion is about 1.5 mm apart.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the cam 101 having the contact portions 101e to 101h and the separation portions 101a to 101d is integrally provided on the rotary C, and the roller 105 is provided on the apparatus main body A. Thus, the cartridges B1 to B4 (developing rollers 110-1 to 110-4) can be brought into contact with or separated from the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating the cartridges B1 to B4 only by rotating the rotary C. it can.

  Here, the operation of the coupling 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20, 22, and 23.

  When the cartridge B is at the pre-development retracted position 18Z (FIG. 23), the coupling 150 is positioned at the pre-engagement angular position by the elastic force of the spring 159 described above (the state shown in FIG. 23). At this time, as shown in FIG. 23B, the regulated portion 150j contacts the positioning portion 160b1 of the storage portion 160b, and the angular position of the coupling 150 is regulated. That is, the coupling 150 is restricted to the pre-engagement angular position. Thus, the coupling 150 is biased by the elastic force of the spring 159 at the intermediate portion 150c. Thus, the coupling 150 is urged by the elastic force of the spring 159 so that the regulated portion 150j contacts the positioning portion 160b1. The coupling 150 is regulated in the inclination direction to the pre-engagement angular position in a state where the regulated portion 150j is positioned by the positioning portion 160b1 (in a regulated state). Therefore, the coupling 150 is inclined to the pre-engagement angular position by the elastic force (the state shown in FIG. 23).

  In this state, the rotary C rotates in the X4 direction, and the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180 in the process in which the cartridge B1 moves from the pre-development retreat position 18Z (FIG. 23) to the development position DP (FIG. 20). Match. Then, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position (state shown in FIG. 23) to the rotational force transmission angular position (state shown in FIG. 20).

  When the cartridge B1 is located at the developing position DP (FIG. 20), the coupling 150 is at the rotational force transmission angular position and is engaged with the drive shaft 180. Further, the coupling 150 receives a rotational force from the drive shaft 180. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20B, the regulated portion 150j exists in the allowance portion 160b2 of the storage portion 160b without contacting the wall 163b3. The position of the coupling 150 is determined by engaging with the drive shaft 180.

  As the rotary C rotates in the X4 direction and engages with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. Accordingly, the regulated portion 150j moves from the state in contact with the positioning portion 160b1 to the permissible portion 160b2 against the elastic force of the spring 159. The regulated portion 150j is not in contact with the wall 163b3 of the allowable portion 160b2.

  As a result, the coupling 150 becomes substantially pivotable from the state in which it is located at the pre-engagement angular position.

  The rotary C stops rotating with the coupling 150 engaged with the drive shaft 180. That is, the drive shaft 180 is disposed so as to engage with the coupling 150 at a position where the rotary C stops at the development position DP.

  In the state shown in FIG. 20, the rotary C rotates in the X4 direction. Then, in the process in which the cartridge B moves from the development position DP (FIG. 20) to the post-development retract position 18Y (FIG. 22), the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angle position (FIG. 20B) to the separation angle position ( Move to FIG. Along with this, the engagement between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 is released, and the transmission of the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150 is released. That is, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

  Immediately after the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180, the coupling is in the separation angle position (FIG. 22). At this time, as shown in FIG. 22B, the restricted portion 150j is present in the allowance portion 160b2 of the storage portion 160b without contacting the inner wall 163b3. Then, the coupling 150 is at a separation angle position (FIG. 22B) where the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

  When the coupling 150 at the disengagement angular position comes to a position where it does not interfere with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 moves in the pre-engagement angular position direction by the action of the regulating member 160 and the spring 159. That is, the coupling 150 is inclined to the pre-engagement angular position. Then, as shown in FIG. 23B, the regulated portion 150j comes into contact with the positioning portion 160b1, and the angular position of the coupling 150 is positioned at the pre-engagement angular position. This is as described above.

  The rotary C also moves in the direction orthogonal to X4, that is, in the radial direction of the rotary C by the action of the cam 101 and the roller 105 as described above in accordance with the rotation in the X4 direction. Accordingly, the cartridge B moves in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C when the cartridge B moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position and when it moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position. As well as the movement of the rotary C in the radial direction. The case where the cartridge B moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position is a process in which the cartridge B moves from the pre-development retreat position 18Z (FIG. 23) to the development position DP (FIG. 20). . Further, the case where the cartridge B moves from the rotational force transmission angle position to the separation angle position is a process in which the cartridge B moves from the development position DP (FIG. 20) to the post-development retract position 18Y (FIG. 22).

  Here, similarly to the cartridge B, the drive unit 150b of the coupling 150 draws a trajectory that combines the circumferential direction X4 of the rotary C and the radial movement of the rotary C perpendicular thereto. On the other hand, the driven portion 150 a of the coupling 150 moves following the drive shaft 180. That is, the coupling 150 takes a tilting trajectory in which the driving unit 150b that is the tilting fulcrum and the driven unit 150a that is the tilting tip are not interlocked. That is, the tilting trajectory (moving trajectory) of the coupling 150 is not linked between the driving portion 150b that is the tilting fulcrum and the driven portion 150a that is the tilting tip. At this time, the regulated portion 150j that regulates the tilting direction of the coupling 150 exists in the allowance portion 160b2. Therefore, the regulated portion 150j can move freely without contacting the wall 160b3. That is, the coupling 150 is substantially pivotable. That is, the shape of the storage portion 160b does not hinder the tilting when the coupling 150 is in a position other than the pre-engagement angular position, and only when the coupling 150 is in the pre-engagement angular position. Regulate the direction of tilt. Thereby, the stress which acts on the regulated part 150j can be suppressed to the minimum.

  That is, when the coupling 150 is located at the pre-engagement angular position, the pre-engagement angular position is determined by the restricting portion 150j and the positioning portion 160b1. That is, the inclination direction of the coupling 150 is determined. Further, when the coupling 150 performs the engagement / disengagement operation with the drive shaft 180, the restricted portion 150j is located in the allowable portion 160b2, and the operation is not restricted. In other words, the coupling 150 can be pivoted substantially when the restricted portion 150j is located in the allowable portion 160b2. Therefore, the coupling 150 can perform engagement / disengagement with the drive shaft 180 without applying a large stress to the coupling 150.

  As described above, in the rotary C of this embodiment, the rotation center 101i can swing. Even in such a rotary C in which the rotation center 101 i swings, the cartridge B to which this embodiment is applied can reliably engage the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150. Further, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be reliably detached.

  This is one of the remarkable effects of the above-described embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is pivotable (swingable) substantially over the entire circumference with respect to the axis L4. That is, the coupling 150 can be tilted with respect to the axis L4 in substantially all directions.

  Here, the swiveling of the coupling is not the rotation of the coupling itself around the coupling axis L2, but the rotation of the inclined axis L2 around the axis L4 (FIG. 13 (f)). Shows the state of turning). However, it does not exclude that the coupling itself rotates around the axis L2 within the range of play or positively provided gaps.

  Note that the axis L2 can be tilted in any direction with respect to the axis L1. However, the coupling 150 is not necessarily tiltable linearly to a predetermined angle in any direction of 360 °.

  Further, as described above, the coupling is substantially pivotable. That is, the coupling can be tilted in substantially all directions. The fact that the coupling is substantially pivotable means that when the user attaches the cartridge B to the apparatus main body A, the coupling can be performed no matter what phase the drive shaft having the rotational force applying portion stops. Means a range that can move (tilt) to the rotational force transmission angular position.

  Further, when the user removes the cartridge from the apparatus main body A, the range in which the coupling can move (tilt) to the disengagement angle position no matter what phase the drive shaft stops at. means.

  Further, the coupling 150 is connected to a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 147h that engages with the pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 155 so that the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L4. There is a gap between them (FIG. 8D). Thus, the coupling 150 is attached to the longitudinal end of the cartridge B. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L4.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the engagement operation of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 is completed while the rotary C is rotating or immediately after the rotation of the rotary C is stopped. Then, the developing roller 110 starts to rotate or rotates.

  That is, if the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated before the coupling 150 enters the operation of engaging with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 starts rotating simultaneously with the engagement of the drive shaft 180. Along with this, the developing roller 110 starts rotating. Further, when the drive shaft 180 is stopped, even if the coupling 150 completes the engagement with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 stops without rotating. When the drive shaft 180 starts rotating, the coupling 150 also starts rotating. Then, the developing roller 110 also starts to rotate.

  In either case, according to the present embodiment, the member (for example, the main body side coupling) that transmits the rotational force on the main body side does not have to be advanced or retracted in the axial direction. Therefore, the time required for image formation (development) can be shortened. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated before the coupling 150 enters the operation of engaging with the drive shaft 180. Therefore, image formation can be started quickly. Therefore, the time required for image formation can be further reduced as compared with the case where the drive shaft 180 is stopped.

  In this embodiment, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180 while the drive shaft 180 is rotating.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the driving shaft 180 is fixed to the apparatus main body A so as not to move in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the developing roller 110 remains rotated while the developing roller 110 is rotated. 110 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 107. Further, even when the drive shaft 180 is fixed as described above, the developing roller 110 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 107 while the developing roller 110 is rotated. This is because the coupling 150 is driven from the drive shaft 180 within a predetermined angular range (an angular range in which the rotational force can be transmitted) around the rotational force transmission angular position (the angular position where the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 abut). It is because it can receive. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the photosensitive drum 107 when the developing roller 110 is in contact with and separated from the developing roller 110.

  In this embodiment, the drive shaft 180 may not be stopped in order to engage the coupling 150 with the drive shaft 180 or to disengage the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180.

  That is, according to the coupling 150 of the present embodiment, even when the drive shaft 180 is rotating, it can be engaged with or disengaged from the drive shaft 180.

  This is also one of the remarkable effects of the present embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  In this embodiment, the rotary C goes through the following steps. That is, the steps of rotating the rotary C toward the photosensitive drum 107 in the radial direction → yellow image formation → rotating the rotary C away from the photosensitive drum 107 in the radial direction → stopping the rotation of the developing roller 110 are performed. It passes. The rotary C swinging in the radial direction toward the photosensitive drum 107 is a direction in which the developing roller 110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107. Further, the swinging of the rotary C in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 107 is the direction in which the developing roller 110 moves away from the photosensitive drum 107. At the same time as the rotary C starts to rotate, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 to prepare for the developing operation for the second color.

  That is, in this embodiment, the engagement and disengagement operation of the coupling 150 with the drive shaft 180 can be performed in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary C. Therefore, the time required between the first color development and the second color development can be shortened. Similarly, the time from the second color development, the third color development, the third color development, and the fourth color development, from the home position to the first color development, and from the fourth color development to the home position can be shortened. Therefore, the time required to obtain one color image can be shortened.

  This is also one of the remarkable effects of the present embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  In this embodiment, the present invention can also be applied when the rotary C rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction X4.

  That is, in the process shown in FIG. 20, the rotary C rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction X4, and the cartridge B1 moves from the development position DP (FIG. 20) to the pre-development retract position 18Z (FIG. 23). It is also possible to release the engagement between the ring 150 and the drive shaft 180. That is, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180 by the reverse rotation of the rotary C. In this case, the coupling 150 moves from the drive transmission angular position to the pre-engagement angular position in the process of being detached from the drive shaft 180. Then, by rotating the rotary C again in the rotation direction X4, the coupling 150 becomes engageable with the drive shaft 180.

(10) Coupling engagement operation / rotational force transmission operation / disengagement operation As described above, the cup B is stopped immediately before it stops at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body A or almost at the same time when it stops at the predetermined position. The ring 150 engages with the drive shaft 180 (operation from FIG. 23 to FIG. 20). Then, after the coupling 150 rotates for a certain time, when the cartridge B moves from the predetermined position of the apparatus main body A, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 (operation from FIG. 20 to FIG. 22).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24 to FIG. 28, the engagement operation, the rotational force transmission operation, and the disengagement operation of the coupling with the drive shaft 180 will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150, and the gear 147. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a phase difference between the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150, and the gear 147. FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150, and the gear 147. FIG. 28A is a front view showing the coupling 150, the developing roller 110, and the RS roller 115 when the coupling 150 is located at the pre-engagement angular position, as viewed from the drive shaft 180 side. FIG. 28B is a front view showing the coupling 150, the cartridge B, and the rotary C when viewed from the drive shaft 180 side when the coupling 150 is located at the pre-engagement angular position.

  In the process where the cartridge B reaches the developing position DP due to the rotation of the rotary C, the coupling 150 is located at the pre-engagement angular position. That is, the coupling 150 is inclined by the spring (biasing member, elastic member) 159 so that the driven portion 150a is positioned downstream in the rotational direction X4 with respect to the axis L4 of the gear 147 in advance. doing. That is, at the pre-engagement angular position, the driven portion 150a is located downstream of the driving portion 150b in the rotational direction X4. In this embodiment, when the coupling 150 is located at the pre-engagement angular position, when viewed from the drive shaft 180 side, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is between the straight line L5 and the straight line L6. It is located (FIG. 28 (a)). Here, the straight line L5 is a straight line passing through the center of the gear 147 (axis line L4) and the center of the developing roller 110 (axis line L1). The straight line L6 is a straight line passing through the center of the gear 147 and the center of the supply roller 115. That is, the axis L2 is located between the developing roller 110 and the developer supply roller 115 (FIG. 28 (a)). In addition, the axis L2 is concentric with the rotary C and is tangent to the tangent L5 of the circle C3 passing through the center of the drive unit 150b, and is directed downstream in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C and outward in the radial direction of the rotary C. (FIG. 28 (b)). As the coupling 150 is inclined, the downstream end position 150A1 in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C is located closer to the gear 147 direction than the drive shaft end 180b3 in the axis L4 direction. Further, in the direction X4, the upstream tip position 150A2 is located on the pin 182 direction side of the drive shaft tip 180b3 in the axis L1 direction (FIGS. 24A and 24B). The tip position referred to here is a position on the driven portion 150a shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C that is closest to the drive axis with respect to the direction of the axis L2 and is farthest from the axis L2. In other words, depending on the rotational phase of the coupling 150, either the ridge line of the driven portion 150a or the ridge line of the non-driven protrusion 150d is set to 150A in FIGS.

  First, in the rotational direction (X4) of the rotary C, the downstream end position 150A1 passes through the axial end 180b3. Then, after the coupling 150 passes through the drive shaft 180, the conical receiving surface 150 f or the protrusion 150 d of the coupling 150 comes into contact with the distal end portion 180 or the pin 182 of the drive shaft 180.

  And according to rotation of the rotary C, it inclines so that the axis line L2 may become parallel to the axis line L4 (FIG.24 (c)). Here, in the state of FIG. 24C, the rotary C stops temporarily rotating. At this time, the coupling 150 is at an intermediate position between the pre-engagement angular position and the drive transmission angular position. The coupling 150 is in an angular position where the rotational force can be transmitted if the projections 150d provided at two locations and the pin 182 contact each other. While the rotary C stops rotating, the drive shaft 180 rotates, and the pin 182 positioned at the entry portion 150k closes the gap with the protrusion 150d. Depending on the rotational phase difference between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180, transmission of rotational force from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150 is started during this temporary stop. Then, transmission of the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150 is started at least by the position where the rotary C described below stops (FIG. 24D).

  Finally, the position of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A is determined. That is, the rotary C stops rotating. At this time, the drive shaft 180 and the gear 147 are located on substantially the same straight line (the axis L3 and the axis L4 are substantially straight). That is, the coupling 150 moves (tilts or swings) from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position so as to allow the tip position 150A1 to bypass the drive shaft 180. The coupling 150 is inclined from the pre-engagement angular position so that the axis L2 is substantially straight with the axis L1 as the rotational force transmission angular position. Then, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged (FIG. 24D). That is, a part of the driven portion 150a moves behind the drive shaft 180 as viewed along the moving direction. That is, the concave portion 150z covers the tip portion 180b. As a result, a stable rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150. At this time, the pin 155 is located in the opening 147g. The pin 182 is located at the entry portion 150k.

  In this embodiment, in a state where the coupling 150 starts to engage with the drive shaft 180, the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated. Therefore, the coupling 150 immediately starts rotating.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be inclined with respect to the axis L4. That is, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be substantially pivotable with respect to the axis L4 when the restricted portion 150j is positioned within the allowable portion 160b2. Therefore, according to the rotation of the rotary C, the coupling 150 can be engaged (connected) with the drive shaft 180 by tilting the coupling 150 itself without interfering with the drive shaft 180.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the drive shaft 180 is always rotating. That is, the phase of the drive shaft 180 constantly changes during the engaging operation, and the phases of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 have various relationships. Even in such a case, the above-described engaging operation of the coupling 150 is possible regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the phases of the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180. FIG. 25A shows a case where the pin 182 and the drive bearing surface 150f face each other on the upstream side in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C. FIG. 25B shows a case where the pin 182 and the projection 150d of the coupling 150 are opposed to each other. FIG. 25C shows the case where the tip end portion 180b of the drive shaft and the protrusion 150d of the coupling 150 are opposed to each other. FIG. 25D shows a case where the tip portion 180b and the receiving surface 150f are opposed to each other. As shown in FIG. 10, the coupling 150 is attached to the gear 147 so as to be inclined in any direction. That is, the coupling 150 is substantially pivotable. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, the coupling 150 can be tilted in the mounting direction X4 regardless of the phase of the gear 147 with respect to the rotational direction X4. Regardless of the phases of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150, the downstream end position 150A1 in the rotational direction X4 of the rotary C is closer to the cartridge B direction than the drive shaft end 180b3 (and the rotational direction of the rotary C). It is located on the downstream side in X4. In addition, the inclination angle of the coupling 150 is set so that the upstream tip position 150A2 is located closer to the pin 182 direction than the drive shaft tip 180b3 in the rotational direction X4. With this setting, the downstream tip position 150A1 passes through the drive shaft tip 180b3 in the rotational direction X4 in accordance with the rotational operation of the rotary C. In the case of FIG. 25A, the drive bearing surface 150 f comes into contact with the pin 182. In the case shown in FIG. 25 (b), the protrusion 150 d comes into contact with the pin 182. In the case shown in FIG. 25 (c), the protrusion 150d contacts the tip portion 180b. In the case shown in FIG. 25 (d), the receiving surface 150f contacts the tip portion 180b. Furthermore, the contact force (biasing force) generated when the rotary C rotates causes the axis L2 to approach a position parallel to the axis L4, and the two engage (connect). Accordingly, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 or the coupling 150 and the gear 147 can be engaged with each other regardless of the phase.

  Next, a rotational force transmission operation when the developing roller 110 is rotated will be described with reference to FIG.

  The drive shaft 180 rotates together with the gear (helical gear) 181 in the direction of X8 in the figure by the rotational force received from the motor (not shown). Then, the pin 182 integrated with the drive shaft 180 contacts the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e1 and 150e2 of the coupling 150 to rotate the coupling 150. Further, as described above, the coupling 150 is connected to the developing roller 110 via the gear 147 so that the rotational force can be transmitted. Therefore, when the coupling 150 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the gear 145 attached to the shaft 110 b of the developing roller 110 via the gear 147. As a result, the developing roller 110 is rotated.

  Even if the axis line L3 and the axis line L4 are slightly deviated from the same straight line, the coupling 150 can be rotated without applying a large load to the developing roller 110 and the drive shaft 180 because the coupling 150 is slightly inclined. can do.

  This is one of the remarkable effects of the embodiment of the coupling to which the present invention is applied.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the rotary C is rotated in one direction, so that the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 in accordance with the movement of the cartridge B from the predetermined position (development position DP). Will be described.

  First, the position of each rotational force transmission pin when the cartridge B moves from a predetermined position will be described. When the image formation is completed, as is apparent from the above description, the pins 182 are located at two locations of the entry portions 150k1 and 150k2. The pin 155 is located in the openings 150g1 and 150g2.

  Next, the engagement of the coupling 150 with the drive shaft 180 is released in conjunction with the operation (operation from FIG. 20 to FIG. 22) in which the cartridge B completes the image forming operation and switches to the next developing cartridge B. The operation will be described.

  In the state where the image forming operation is completed, the coupling 150 is positioned on the substantially coaxial line with respect to the axis L4 as the rotational force transmission angular position (FIG. 27A). Then, the gear 147 moves in the rotation direction X4 together with the cartridge B. Then, in the rotation direction X4, the upstream receiving surface 150f or the protrusion 150d contacts the tip end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 or the pin 182. Then, the axis L2 starts to incline upstream in the rotational direction X4 (FIG. 27 (b)). This direction of inclination is opposite to the direction in which the coupling 150 is inclined when the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. That is, the inclination direction is opposite to the axis L4 from the pre-engagement angular position. Due to the rotation operation of the rotary C, the upstream tip portion 150A2 moves in contact with the tip portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 in the rotation direction X4. Then, with the axis L2 as the separation angle position, the upstream tip portion 150A2 is inclined until it reaches the tip 180b3 (FIG. 27 (c)). In this state, the coupling 150 passes through the tip 180b3 while contacting the tip 180b3 (FIG. 27D). That is, in the rotational direction X4, the coupling 150 is rotated to allow a part of the coupling 150 (upstream tip position 150A2) located on the upstream side of the drive shaft 180 to bypass the drive shaft 180. It moves from the force transmission angle position to the separation angle position. In other words, a part of the driven portion 150a located behind the drive shaft 180 when viewed along the direction opposite to the rotation direction X4 is retracted from the back of the drive shaft 180, and the drive shaft 180 in the rotation direction X4. Move downstream. As a result, the cartridge B is moved according to the rotation of the rotary C as shown in FIG.

  Further, until the rotary C makes one revolution, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is inclined downstream in the rotation direction X4 by the biasing member 159 described above. That is, the coupling 150 moves from the disengagement angular position to the pre-engagement angular position. As a result, after the rotary C makes one rotation, the coupling 150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180 again.

  As is clear from the above description, the angle of the angular position before engagement of the coupling 150 with respect to the axis L4 is larger than the angle of the separation angular position. This is because the pre-engagement angular position is set in advance so that the distance between the upstream tip position 150A1 and the tip end portion 180b3 of the drive shaft is slightly wider in the rotational direction X4 when the coupling is engaged. (See FIG. 24 (b)). This is because the dimensional tolerance of each part is taken into consideration. On the other hand, when the coupling is disengaged, the disengagement angle position inclines the axis L2 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary C. Therefore, in the rotational direction X4, the downstream end position 150A2 and the drive shaft end portion 180b3 substantially coincide with each other in the direction of the axis L1 (see FIG. 27C).

  Even when the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180 regardless of the phase of the coupling 150 and the pin 182.

  The rotational force transmission angle position of the coupling 150 is the gear axis of the coupling 150 where the cartridge B is positioned at a predetermined position and the coupling 150 can rotate by receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft 180. The angular position with respect to L4. Here, the predetermined position is a position facing the photosensitive drum (development position DP). That is, the rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position with respect to the axis L4 at which the coupling 150 can rotate by receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft 180. Further, the pre-engagement angular position of the coupling 150 is the coupling 150 immediately before the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 in the process of moving the cartridge B to the predetermined position in accordance with the rotation of the rotary C. Is an angular position with respect to the axis L4. That is, the pre-engagement angular position is an angular position with respect to the axis L4 immediately before the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180. The separation angle position of the coupling 150 is the axis of the coupling 150 when the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180 in the process in which the cartridge B moves from the predetermined position according to the rotation of the rotary C. The angular position with respect to L4. That is, the separation angle position is an angle position with respect to the axis L4 when the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

  The angles β2 and β3 (FIGS. 24 and 27) that the axis L2 makes with the axis L4 at the engagement angle position or the disengagement angle position are the same as the axis L1 at the rotational force transmission angle position. It is larger than the angle β1 formed. The angle β1 is preferably 0 °. Also, the angle β2. β3 is preferably 20 ° to 60 °. Note that β4, which is the “angle range in which the rotational force can be transmitted” described above, is set in the range of 20 ° to 40 ° with the rotational force transmission angular position as the center.

  In this embodiment, the pre-engagement angular position is between the rotation center of the developing roller 110 and the rotation center of the supply roller 115. That is, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the coupling 150 is inclined at the pre-engagement angular position is between the rotation center of the developing roller 110 and the rotation center of the supply roller 115.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the coupling 150 can be reliably engaged with the drive shaft 180 even in the rotary in which the rotation center 101i swings.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge B mounted on the rotary C is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 in accordance with the rotation of the rotary C, whereby the drive shaft 180 and the coupling are coupled. 150 becomes an engaged state and a disengaged state. The cartridge B is mounted in a storage portion 130a provided in the rotary C.

  Here, the meaning of “substantially orthogonal” will be described.

  A slight gap is provided between the cartridge B and the rotary C in order to smoothly attach and detach the cartridge B. Specifically, for example, a slight gap is provided between the longitudinal direction of the guide 60b and the guide C2 and between the guide 61b and the guide C2. Therefore, when the cartridge B is attached to the rotary C, the entire cartridge B may be slightly inclined within the gap. Further, when the rotary C rotates, the position may be slightly shifted. Therefore, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 may not be engaged or disengaged by moving the cartridge B in a direction that is strictly orthogonal. However, even in such a case, the effect of the present invention can be achieved. Therefore, it is referred to as “substantially orthogonal” including the case where the cartridge B is slightly inclined.

(12) Description of Coupling Engagement Operation and Rotational Force Transmission As described above, the cartridge B is almost immediately before being positioned at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body A or almost simultaneously with being positioned at the predetermined position. The coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180. That is, the coupling 150 is positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position. Here, the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 in a state where the cartridge B is positioned at the predetermined position.

  As described above, the coupling 150 contacts the drive shaft 180 as the cartridge B moves as the rotary C rotates. As a result, the regulated portion 150j moves from the regulating portion 160b1 to the allowing portion 160b2 (the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position). Then, with the coupling 150 positioned at the rotational force transmission angular position, the rotational force received from the end of the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 110. Then, the developing roller 110 rotates.

  Next, when the rotary C rotates, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the disengagement angular position as the cartridge B moves. As a result, the coupling 150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

  As described above, the coupling 150 is attached so as to be tiltable with respect to the gear axis L4, and the coupling 150 tilts without interfering with the drive shaft 180 according to the rotational operation of the rotary C. Thereby, the coupling 150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

  Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG.

  In the present embodiment, another mounting configuration of the elastic member (biasing member) 159 will be described. According to the present embodiment, the coupling 150 can be more reliably inclined toward the pre-engagement angular position.

  FIGS. 29A and 29B are perspective views showing a state in which an elastic member (biasing member) 159 is attached to the support member 157. FIG. FIG. 30A is a perspective view of the cartridge driving portion. FIG. 30B shows an example of the support member 157 having another shape. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 30A, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, a protrusion 157n is formed on the outer surface 157i of the support member 157. Is provided. Further, the protrusion 157n is provided with a recess 157n1 constituted by four surfaces of a surface 157n2, a surface 157n3, a surface 157n4, and a surface 157n5. And the front-end | tip part (other end) 159a1 of the contact part 159a of the spring 159 is settled in the recessed part 157n1, and the movement to the axis line L4 direction is controlled by the surface 157n2 and the surface 157n4. That is, the tip (other end) 159a1 enters the recess 157n1, and is movable along the recess 157n1. The tip (other end) 159a1 is movably engaged with the recess 157n1. In addition, a protrusion 157 o is provided on the outer surface 157 i of the support member 157. When the coupling 150 is in the pre-engagement angular position, the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 contacts the protruding portion 157o. Thereby, the inclination angle position of the coupling 150 is determined. Here, the shape of the recess 157n1 is as follows. That is, the concave portion 157n1 is a tip portion when the contact portion 159a moves in a direction orthogonal to the axis L4 as the coupling 150 moves between the pre-engagement angular position and the disengagement angular position. It is a shape along the orbit of 159a1.

  The recess 157n1 does not hinder the movement of the tip 159a1 in the direction orthogonal to the axis L4. However, the movement of the tip 159a1 in the direction of the axis L4 is restricted by the surface 157n2 and the surface 157n4.

  Here, when the coupling 150 is located at the pre-engagement angular position, and the spring 159 elastically biases the coupling 150 by the contact portion 159a, the contact portion 159a extends from the coupling 150 to the axis line. The reaction force F including the force F1 in the L4 direction is received. This state is shown in FIG. However, the movement of the tip 159a1 in the direction of the axis L4 is restricted by the surface 157n4 of the recess 157n1. Thus, the contact portion 159a does not fall in the direction of the axis L4 due to the force F1. Similarly, when the coupling 150 takes an angular position other than the pre-engagement angular position, even if the contact portion 159a receives a force in the direction of the axis L4, the contact portion 159a is caused by the surface 157n2 or the surface 157n4 of the recess 157n1. It can prevent falling in the direction of the axis L4.

  With the above configuration, when the coupling 150 takes various angular positions, the contact portion 159a receives a force in the direction of the axis L4. However, the movement of the tip 159a1 in the direction of the axis L4 is restricted by the surfaces 157n2 and 157n4 of the recess 157n1. This can prevent the contact portion 159a from falling in the direction of the axis L4. Thereby, the contact part 159a can always contact the intermediate part 150c of the coupling 150. Therefore, the spring 159 can elastically bias the coupling 150 toward the pre-engagement angular position (first angular position).

  As described above, the spring (elastic member) 159 has the coil portion (one end) 159b as one end thereof attached (fixed) to the attachment portion 157e1. That is, the coil portion (one end) 159b is attached (fixed) to the support member 157. This is because the attachment portion 157e1 is fixed to the support member 157. Further, the tip (other end) 159a1 of the spring 159 is movably engaged with a recess 157n1 that restricts the other end 159a1 from moving in the axial direction of the drive shaft 180. That is, the other end 159a1 is movably engaged with a recess 157n1 provided in the support member 157.

  Note that the shape of the protrusion 157n and the recess 157n1 is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as the surface 157n2 and the surface 157n4 satisfy the above functions. For example, a shape as shown in FIG. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30B, the shape of the protrusion 157n and the recess 157n1 is a straight line.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the recess 157n1 is a hole penetrating in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150 located at the rotational force transmission angular position. In this embodiment, the resin molding is facilitated by forming the recess 157n1 as a through hole. However, the present invention is not limited to the through hole, and any concave portion that is recessed in a direction intersecting with the direction can be applied as appropriate. Accordingly, the recess includes, for example, a through hole, a groove, and the like. Here, the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150 is a direction from the tip of the regulated portion 150j to the tip of the protrusion 150d. In the present embodiment, the through hole as the recess 157n1 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150 located at the rotational force transmission angle position. As a result, the effects described above can be obtained more reliably. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In this embodiment, the configuration shown in FIG. 29 is made of resin except for the spring 159.

  Further, the longitudinal direction of the coupling 150 located at the rotational force transmission angular position is the same as the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge B (developing roller 110).

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the coupling 150 can be more reliably inclined toward the pre-engagement angular position.

  As described above, the embodiments described above are as follows.

  According to the above embodiment, even if the cartridge B is configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 is connected (engaged) with the drive shaft 180. , And can be detached from the drive shaft 180. Further, the cartridge B moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 according to the rotation of the rotary C. As described above, the coupling 150 determines the rotational force transmission angular position (first angular position), the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position), and the disengagement angular position (third angular position). It is possible. Here, the rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position for transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main body A to the developing roller 110. Further, the pre-engagement angular position is an angular position that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position and before the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft 180. The disengagement angle position is an angle position at which the coupling 150 is disengaged from the drive shaft 180 and is inclined from the rotational force transmission angle position to the opposite side of the pre-engagement angle position.

  Here, as described above, the rotational force transmission angular position (first angular position) is the angular position of the coupling 150 for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. is there.

  The pre-engagement angular position (second angular position) is an angular position of the coupling 150 that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position and before the coupling 150 engages with the drive shaft.

  Further, the disengagement angle position (third angle position) is a coupling that is inclined from the rotational force transmission angle position to the opposite side to the pre-engagement angle position, and where the coupling 150 is disengaged from the drive shaft 180. There are 150 angular positions.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be applied even to a main body that does not include a mechanism for moving the main body side coupling member in the axial direction by a solenoid. That is, a developing cartridge capable of engaging the coupling member provided on the developing cartridge with the driving shaft by moving the developing cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the driving shaft can be provided. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be engaged with the drive shaft from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. did it. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge capable of smoothly rotating the developing roller as compared with a case where the drive connection between the main body and the developing cartridge is performed by a gear / gear. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to engage with the drive shaft from a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the drive shaft provided in the apparatus main body, and to smoothly rotate the developing roller. It was possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be used. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  According to the embodiment described above, the rotary can be engaged and disengaged from the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to the drive shaft provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A developer cartridge could be provided. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  According to the embodiment described above, the rotation of the rotary engages and disengages the device drive shaft from the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft, and smoothly rotates the developing roller. Thus, it was possible to provide a developing cartridge that realized both of the above. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can be applied even when moving in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft in accordance with the rotation of the developing rotary whose center of rotation swings. did it. That is, according to the above-described embodiment, even in the above-described case, there is provided a developing cartridge that realizes both positive engagement and disengagement with the main body drive shaft and smooth rotation of the developing roller. We were able to. And the rotational force transmission goods used for the said developing cartridge were able to be provided. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing cartridge can be provided.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the state in which the coupling member is substantially rotatable, it is possible to take a state in which the direction in which the coupling member is inclined is restricted to a predetermined direction. Thus, according to the above-described embodiment, the coupling member can be maintained in a stable state at the pre-engagement angular position. As described above, according to the regulating member 160 to which the present embodiment is applied, the coupling member is maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position) even before the developing cartridge is attached to the rotary. be able to. That is, even when the cartridge is present alone, the coupling member can be maintained at the pre-engagement angular position (second angular position). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the coupling from moving inadvertently when the cartridge is transported.

  The present invention can be applied to a developing cartridge, a rotational force transmission component, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

A Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body B Developer cartridge (Developer)
C Rotary (moving member)
t Developer L1 Development roller rotation axis L2 Coupling rotation axis L3 Drive shaft rotation axis L4 Drive input gear rotation axis X4 Rotary rotation direction (rotary movement direction)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus 110 Developing roller 115 Developer supply roller 138 Bearing 147 Drive input gear 147g (147g1, 147g2) Opening part 147h (147h1, 147h2) Rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion, transmitting surface)
150 coupling (rotational force transmission component)
150d (150d1, 150d2) Protrusion 150e (150e1, 150e2) Rotation force receiving surface (rotation force receiving portion)
150h (150h1, 150h2) Rotational force transmission surface (Rotational force transmission part)
150i Retaining part (spherical shape part)
150j Coupling regulated part 150x flat part 150x flat part 150z recessed part 155 rotational force transmission pin 156 retaining member 157 support member 159 elastic member (biasing member) (torsion coil spring)
160 Restriction member 160a Bearing part (drive input gear support part)
160b Restriction storage part 160b1 Positioning part (regulation part)
160b2 Allowable portion 160b3 Storage portion wall 160b4 V groove portion 180 Drive shaft 182 Rotational force transmission pin 150A1 Downstream end position 150A2 Upstream end position

Claims (19)

A developing cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a rotating drive shaft and a drive shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft,
i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
ii) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image;
iii) a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller, the rotational force receiving portion being provided on one end side of the coupling member and receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft, and the other end of the coupling member A spherical shape portion provided on the side, a rotational force transmitting portion provided on the spherical shape portion to transmit the rotational force received by the rotational force receiving portion, and the rotational force receiving portion in the spherical shape portion. A projection provided on the side opposite to the side, and the axis of the coupling member and the axis of the drive shaft are substantially coaxial so that the rotational force receiving portion receives the rotational force from the drive shaft. and the first angular position in which a second angular position inclined with respect to said first angular position, the coupling member can take,
iv) The rotation received by the rotational force transmitting portion and rotatably supporting the spherical shape portion of the coupling member so that the coupling member can take the first angular position and the second angular position. A rotatable rotating member that transmits force to the developing roller;
with v) a regulating portion and the front Symbol protrusion of the coupling member by abutting regulated to the second angular position, and a guide portion for guiding the projecting portion of the coupling member to the regulating unit A regulating member;
v i) developing cartridge wherein the projecting portion and having a resilient member for resiliently urging the coupling member to abut on the regulating portion. The guide part further includes a groove having a narrow part on one end side of the guide part and a wide part on the other end side of the guide part,
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is formed in the narrow portion of the groove. A developer supply roller that supplies the developer stored in the developer storage unit to the developing roller; and a circular portion that is provided on the regulating member and has a circular peripheral surface ;
The rotating member, Bei a first gear portion for transmitting the rotating force which the coupling member is subjected to the developing roller, a second gear portion for transmitting the rotating force to said developer supplying roller, a Huh,
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is rotatably supported by the circular portion, and the groove of the guide portion is formed inside the circular portion. Wherein the said one end of the coupling member further comprises a circular flat portion, and a circular recess provided in the central portion of the flat portion,
The said rotational force receiving part is protruded from the edge of the said flat part, and is arrange | positioned facing each other on both sides of the said recessed part, The Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Developer cartridge. The rotational force transmitting member is provided so as to protrude from the spherical portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
The spherical shape part is accommodated inside the rotating member so as to be rotatable ,
Before Symbol rotary member, the developing cartridge according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the spherical portion, characterized by further comprising a removal prevention portion prevents the escape from the rotary member.   When viewed along the rotation axis direction of the developing roller, the axis of the coupling member located at the second angular position is between the rotation center of the developing roller and the rotation center of the developer supply roller. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the developing cartridge is located in the position. A rotational force transmitted portion that receives the rotational force transmitted from the rotational force transmission portion of the coupling member is provided inside the rotational member;
The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion is configured to be detachable from the rotational force transmitted portion. A developing cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a rotating drive shaft and a drive shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft,
i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
ii) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image;
iii) a developer supply roller for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage portion to the developing roller;
iv) A coupling member for transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller, the rotational force receiving portion being provided on one end side of the coupling member and receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft, and the other end of the coupling member A spherical shape portion provided on the side, a rotational force transmitting portion provided on the spherical shape portion to transmit the rotational force received by the rotational force receiving portion, and the rotational force receiving portion in the spherical shape portion. has a projecting portion provided on the side opposite to the certain side, the rotational force transmitting portion for transmitting the rotational force is provided on the other end of said coupling member to said developing roller, a receiving the rotational force A first angle position at which the axis of the coupling member and the axis of the drive shaft are substantially coaxial with each other to receive the rotational force from the drive shaft, and a first angle position inclined with respect to the first angle position take a second angular position, the And the coupling member that,
v) A regulation having a regulation part that regulates the coupling member to the second angular position by contacting the projection part, and a guide part that guides the projection part of the coupling member to the regulation part. Members,
vi) a circular portion provided on the restriction member and having a circular peripheral surface;
vii) A rotating member rotatably supported by the circular portion and having a first gear portion and a second gear portion , wherein the coupling member has the first angular position and the second angular position. A rotatable rotating member that rotatably supports the spherical shape portion of the coupling member and transmits the rotational force received from the rotational force transmitting portion to the developing roller ;
viii) a developing roller gear that meshes with the first gear portion and transmits a rotational force to the developing roller;
ix) a supply roller gear that meshes with the second gear portion and transmits a rotational force to the developer supply roller;
x) a developing cartridge comprising: an elastic member that elastically biases the coupling member so that the protruding portion contacts the restricting portion. Wherein the said one end of the coupling member has a flat portion, and a circular recess provided in the central portion of the flat portion,
The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the rotational force receiving portion is provided so as to protrude from an edge of the flat portion and is opposed to each other with the concave portion interposed therebetween. The rotational force transmitting portion is provided to protrude from the front Symbol spherical portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
The spherical shape part is accommodated inside the rotating member so as to be rotatable,
10. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the rotating member includes a removal preventing portion that prevents the spherical shape portion from slipping out of the rotating member. 11.   When viewed along the rotation axis direction of the developing roller, the axis of the coupling member located at the second angular position is between the rotation center of the developing roller and the rotation center of the developer supply roller. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the developing cartridge is located in a position. A developing cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a rotating drive shaft and a drive shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft,
i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
ii) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image;
iii) a developer supply roller for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage portion to the developing roller;
iv) a first angular position where the axis of the developing roller and the axis of the drive shaft are substantially coaxial to transmit a rotational force to the developing roller, and a second angular position inclined with respect to the first angular position. A coupling member capable of taking
( Iv- i) a rotational force receiving portion that is provided on one end side of the coupling member and receives the rotational force from the drive shaft;
( Iv- ii) a circular flat portion provided in the rotational force receiving portion;
( Iv- iii) a circular recess provided in the center of the flat part;
And (iv -iv) the coupling spherical portion is found provided on the other end of the member,
( Iv- v) a protruding portion provided to protrude from the spherical shape portion in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the coupling member;
( Iv- vi) a rotational force transmitting portion provided in the spherical shape portion that protrudes from the spherical shape portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction,
The rotational force receiving portion protrudes from an edge of the flat portion, and is provided to face each other across the center of the flat portion; and
v) The spherical shape portion of the coupling member is rotatably supported so that the coupling member can take the first angular position and the second angular position, and the spherical shape portion to the developing roller. A rotating member rotatable to transmit the rotational force;
vi) a restricting member having a restricting portion for restricting the coupling member to the second angular position, and a guide portion for guiding the protruding portion of the coupling member to the restricting portion ;
vii) a developing roller gear that transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member to the developing roller via a first gear portion provided on the rotating member;
viii) a supply roller gear that transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member to the developer supply roller via a second gear portion provided on the rotation member;
ix) an elastic member that elastically biases the coupling member so that the protruding portion abuts on the restricting portion;
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion includes a groove having a narrow portion and a wide portion, and the restricting portion is formed in the narrow portion of the groove. A rotational force transmitted portion that receives the rotational force transmitted from the rotational force transmission portion of the coupling member is provided inside the rotational member;
The developing cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion is configured to be detachable from the rotational force transmitted portion. A support member that includes the engagement recess and the attachment portion and supports the rotating member;
2. The elastic member according to claim 1, wherein one end of the elastic member is attached to the attachment portion, and the other end of the elastic member is movably engaged with the engagement recess. 14. The developing cartridge according to any one of items 13.   The developing cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the rotating member is interposed between the regulating member and the support member. A drive shaft which rotates, is used to removable cartridges for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a driving shaft provided so as not to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft , a coupling member that match engaged to said drive shaft of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus when said cartridge is mounted to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
In the longitudinal direction of said coupling member, and a recess provided on one end side of the coupling member,
In the longitudinal direction, a spherical shape portion provided on the other end side opposite to the one end side,
A plurality of protrusions facing each other across the center of the recess and projecting to the opposite side of the spherical shape part in the longitudinal direction and receiving rotational force from the drive shaft;
A protruding portion provided on the opposite side to the one end side with respect to the spherical shape portion; and
A plurality of projecting portions that are located between the protrusion and the projecting portion in the longitudinal direction and project outward from the spherical shape portion with the spherical shape portion interposed therebetween. A coupling member characterized. Wherein the one end is further provided with a circular flat portion, said recess is provided in the center portion of the flat portion,
17. The coupling member according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided so as to protrude from an edge of the flat portion, and are provided to face each other with a central portion of the flat portion interposed therebetween. The coupling member according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along a virtual circle centered on a center of the flat portion. The coupling member according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the protruding portion has a cylindrical shape.

Images