cartridge, process cartridge and electrophotographic imaging apparatus

专利摘要:
The present invention relates to a cartridge releasably mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the cartridge includes (i) a roller of rotary developing to reveal a latent image formed on a photosensitive element; (ii) a first drive transmission element capable of receiving a rotational force originating from the main assembly; (iii) a second drive transmission element capable of coupling with the first drive transmission element and capable of transmitting a rotational force received by the first drive transmission element to the developing roller; and (iv) a coupling disconnect element including a force receiving portion capable of receiving the force generated by the main assembly, and a driving portion capable of driving at least one between the first drive transmission element and the second element. of drive transmission through the force received by the force receiving portion to separate one between the first drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element, thus disconnecting the coupling.
公开号:BR112014031215A2
申请号:R112014031215-0
申请日:2013-06-14
公开日:2021-04-20
发明作者:Masaaki Sato；Masatoshi Yamashita；Satoshi Nishiya；Kazuhiko Kanno
申请人:Canon Kabushiki Kaisha；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0001] [0001] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (imaging apparatus) and a cartridge detachably mountable in a main assembly of the imaging apparatus.
[0002] [0002] The imaging apparatus forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic imaging process. Examples of the imaging apparatus include an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (laser, LED, or printer, for example), a fax machine, a word processor, and so on.
[0003] [0003] The cartridge comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive drum as an image bearing element, and at least one of the process means actuable on the drum (a developer driving element (development roller)), which are unified in a cartridge which is detachably mountable in the imaging apparatus. The cartridge may comprise the drum and the development roller as a unit, or it may comprise the drum, or it may comprise the development roller. A cartridge comprising the drum is a drum cartridge, and the cartridge comprising the developing roller is a developing cartridge.
[0004] [0004] The main assembly of the imaging apparatus consists of portions of the imaging apparatus except the cartridge. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] [0005] In a conventional imaging apparatus, a drum and process media actuatable on the drum are unified into a cartridge that is detachably mountable in an apparatus main assembly (process cartridge type).
[0006] [0006] With this type of process cartridge, the maintenance operations of the imaging apparatus can actually be carried out by the user without relying on a maintenance technician, and therefore the operability can be considerably improved.
[0007] [0007] Therefore, this type of process cartridge is widely used in the field of imaging apparatus.
[0008] [0008] A process cartridge (Japanese Patent Application open to public inspection 2001-337511, for example), and an imaging apparatus (Japanese Patent Application open to public inspection 2003-208024, for example) have been proposed, wherein a clutch is provided to effect shifting of the development roller drive during an imaging operation and to turn off the development roller drive during a non-imaging operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0009] [0009] In Japanese Patent Application open to public inspection 2001-337511, a spring clutch is provided on an end portion of the developing roller to change the drive.
[0010] [0010] Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application open to public inspection 2003-208024, a clutch is provided in the imaging apparatus to change the drive of the developing roller.
[0011] [0011] Consequently, the main objective of the present invention is to improve the clutch to change the drive of the developing roller. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
[0012] [0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge releasably mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, said cartridge comprising (i) a rotating developing roller for reveal a latent image formed on a photosensitive element; (ii) a first drive transmission element capable of receiving a rotational force originating from the main assembly; (iii) a second drive transmission element capable of coupling said first drive transmission element and capable of transmitting the rotational force received by said first drive transmission element to said developing roller; and (iv) a coupling disconnect element which includes (iv - i) a force receiving portion capable of receiving the force originating from the main assembly, and (iv-ii) a driving portion capable of driving at least one of the said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element by the force received by said force receiving portion to separate said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element from each other, that mode by disconnecting the coupling.
[0013] [0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic imaging apparatus capable of image formation on a recording material, said electrophotographic imaging apparatus comprising: (i) a main assembly which includes a main assembly drive transmission element and a main assembly drive element and (ii) a cartridge releasably mountable in said main assembly, said cartridge including, (ii - i) a roller of rotary developing to reveal a formed latent image and a photosensitive element; (ii - ii) a first drive transmission element capable of receiving a rotation force originated by said main assembly; (ii - iii) a second drive transmission element capable of coupling to said first drive transmission element and capable of transmitting the rotational force received by said first drive transmission element to said developing roller; and (ii - iv) a coupling disconnect element including (ii - iv - i) a force receiving portion capable of receiving the force originated by the main mounting pusher element, and (ii-iv-ii) a portion impeller capable of driving at least one between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element by the force received by said force receiving portion to separate said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element from each other, thus disconnecting the coupling.
[0014] [0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge releasably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, said main assembly including a drive transmission element and a main mounting pusher element, said process cartridge comprising (i) a rotating photosensitive element; (ii) a rotatable developing roller for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive element, said developing roller being movable towards and away from said photosensitive element; (iii) a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the main mounting driving element to space said developing roller from said photosensitive element; (iv) a first drive transmission element for receiving a rotational force from the main mount drive transmission element; (v) a second drive transmission element capable of coupling with said first drive transmission element and capable of transmitting the rotational force received by said first drive transmission element to said developing roller; and (vi) a driving portion capable of driving at least one between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element by the force received by said driving force receiving portion to separate said first element from drive transmission and said second drive transmission element from each other, thus disconnecting the coupling
[0015] [0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus capable of forming images on a recording material is provided, said electrophotographic imaging apparatus comprising (i) an assembly main which includes a spacing force booster element and a main mount drive transmission element; and (ii) a process cartridge detachably mountable in said main assembly, the process cartridge including, (ii - i) a rotating photosensitive element, (ii - ii) a rotating developing roller for developing a latent image formed in said photosensitive element, wherein said developing roller is movable relative to and distant from said photosensitive element, (ii - iii) a spacing force receiving portion for receiving a spacing force to space said developing roller of said photosensitive element, of said spacing force driving element, (ii - iv) a first drive transmission element for receiving a rotational force from the main assembly drive transmission element, (ii - v) a second element drive transmission element capable of connecting to said first drive transmission element to transmit the rotational force received by said first drive transmission element. at said developing roller, and (ii - vi) a coupling disconnect element capable of biasing at least one between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element to separate said first drive element from drive transmission and said second drive transmission element from each other to disconnect the coupling via said spacing force received by said spacing force receiving portion.
[0016] [0016] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, said process cartridge comprising a photosensitive element; a photosensitive element structure that rotatably supports said photosensitive element; a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive element; a developing device frame rotatably holding said developing roller and connected to said photosensitive element structure to be rotatable between a contact position in which said developing roller is contacted with said photosensitive element and a spacing position in which said developing roller is spaced from said photosensitive element; a first drive element rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation that said developing device frame is rotatable relative to said photosensitive element structure and capable of receiving a rotational force from the main assembly; a second drive transmission element rotatable about the geometric axis of rotation and capable of connecting to said first drive transmission element and transmitting a rotation force to said developing roller; and a disconnect mechanism for disconnecting between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element in accordance with rotation of the developing device frame from the contact position to said spacing position.
[0017] [0017] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said electrophotographic imaging apparatus comprising (i) a main assembly including a main mount drive transmission element for transmitting a rotational force; and (ii) a process cartridge detachably mountable in said main assembly, said process cartridge including, (ii - i) a photosensitive element, (ii - ii) a photosensitive element structure for rotatably supporting said photosensitive element, (ii - iii) a developing roller, (ii - iv) a developing device frame rotatably holding said developing roller and connected to said photosensitive element structure to be rotatable between a position of contact in which said developing roller is contacted to said photosensitive element and a spacing position in which said developing roller is spaced from said photosensitive element, (ii - v) a first drive element rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation around which said developing device frame is rotatable with respect to said photosensitive element structure and capable of receiving a rotational force of the element. of main assembly drive transmission, (ii - vi) a second drive transmission element rotatable about the geometric axis of rotation and capable of connecting to said first drive transmission element and transmitting a rotation force to said roller and (ii-vii) a disconnect mechanism for disconnecting between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element in accordance with rotation of the developing device frame from the contact position to said spacing position. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0018] [0018] According to the present invention, changing the drive of the developing roller can be performed in the cartridge. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] [0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] [0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] [0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] [0022] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] [0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] [0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] [0025] Figure 7 is a side view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] [0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] [0027] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] [0028] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] [0029] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion that has nine nine claws in the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] [0030] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a modified example of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] [0031] Figure 13 is a sectional view of a modified example of a positioning structure of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] [0032] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] [0033] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] [0034] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] [0035] Figure 17 is a perspective view in which three disconnect cams are provided in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] [0036] Figure 18 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] [0037] Figure 19 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] [0038] Figure 20 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] [0039] Figure 21 is a schematic view illustrating a positional relationship between the disconnect cam, a side drive cartridge cover element and a guide for a developing device cover element.
[0040] [0040] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a modified example of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the drive side.
[0041] [0041] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a modified example of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a non-drive side.
[0042] [0042] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the disconnect cam and the cartridge cap element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] [0043] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the disconnect cam and a bearing element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] [0044] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a modified example of the drive connection portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] [0045] Figure 27 is a block diagram of an example of a gear arrangement of the imaging apparatus.
[0046] [0046] Figure 28 is the exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a drive side.
[0047] [0047] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a non-drive side.
[0048] [0048] Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] [0049] Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] [0050] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] [0051] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] [0052] Figure 34 is a perspective view of the release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] [0053] Figure 35 is a perspective view of the release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] [0054] Figure 36 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] [0055] Figure 37 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] [0056] Figure 38 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] [0057] Figure 39 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a non-drive side.
[0058] [0058] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the drive side.
[0059] [0059] Figure 41 is a perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] [0060] Figure 42 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] [0061] Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the drive side.
[0062] [0062] Figure 44 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] [0063] Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] [0064] Figure 46 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as seen from a non-drive side.
[0065] [0065] Figure 47 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the drive side.
[0066] [0066] Figure 48 is a sectional view of the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] [0067] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the first and second coupling elements according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] [0068] Figure 50 is a sectional view of the first and second coupling elements and peripheral parts thereof.
[0069] [0069] Figure 51 is a perspective view of a release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] [0070] Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of a drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] [0071] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] [0072] Figure 54 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] [0073] Figure 55 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] [0074] Figure 56 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] [0075] Figure 57 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the drive side.
[0076] [0076] Figure 58 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a driven side.
[0077] [0077] Figure 59 is a perspective view of a second coupling element and peripheral parts thereof according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] [0078] Figure 60 is a perspective view of the first and second coupling elements according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] [0079] Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view of a drive connection portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] [0080] Figure 62 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0081] [0081] Figure 63 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] [0082] Figure 64 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] [0083] Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of a drive connection portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] [0084] Figure 66 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the drive side.
[0085] [0085] Figure 67 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a non-drive side.
[0086] [0086] Figure 68 is a perspective view of a release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] [0087] Figure 69 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] [0088] Figure 70 is a perspective view of disconnect cam and cover element of developing device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] [0089] Figure 71 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] [0090] Figure 72 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] [0091] Figure 73 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] [0092] Figure 74 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] [0093] Figure 75 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0094] [0094] Figure 76 is a perspective view of a development cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] [0095] Figure 77 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion of the development cartridge according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] [0096] Figure 78 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention,
[0097] [0097] Figure 79 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention as seen from a non-drive side.
[0098] [0098] Figure 80 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] [0099] Figure 81 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00100] [00100] Figure 82 is a perspective view of a release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00101] [00101] Figure 83 is a perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00102] [00102] Figure 84 is a sectional view of the drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00103] [00103] Figure 85 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00104] [00104] Figure 86 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00105] [00105] Figure 87 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[00106] [00106] Figure 88 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connection portion of a process cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00107] [00107] Figure 89 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion of the process cartridge according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a non-drive side.
[00108] [00108] Figure 90 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00109] [00109] Figure 91 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00110] [00110] Figure 92 is a perspective view of the first and second coupling elements according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00111] [00111] Figure 93 is a cross-sectional view of a drive connection portion according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00112] [00112] Figure 94 is a perspective view of a release element and peripheral parts thereof according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00113] [00113] Figure 95 is a perspective view of a drive connection portion according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00114] [00114] Figure 96 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00115] [00115] Figure 97 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00116] [00116] Figure 98 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00117] [00117] Figure 99 is a schematic view and a perspective view of the drive connection portion according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[00118] [00118] Figure 100 is a schematic view illustrating a positional relationship between a disconnect cam, a disconnect lever, a downstream drive transmission element and an upstream drive transmission element with respect to an axial direction.
[00119] [00119] Figure 101 is an exploded view of the disconnect cam, disconnect lever and developer device cover element.
[00120] [00120] Figure 102 is a sectional view of a drive connection portion according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[00121] [00121] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawing.
[00122] [00122] The example of imaging apparatus of the following embodiments is a color imaging apparatus in which four process cartridges are detachably mountable.
[00123] [00123] The number of process cartridges mountable in the imaging apparatus is not limited to this example. This is properly selected as desired.
[00124] [00124] For example, in the case of a monochromatic imaging apparatus, the number of process cartridges mounted in the imaging apparatus is one. Examples of imaging apparatus of the following embodiments are printers. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS
[00125] [00125] Figure 2 is a schematic section of the imaging device of this modality. Part (a) of Figure 3 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a sectional view of a process cartridge P of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P of that embodiment as viewed from the driving side, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P of that embodiment as viewed from the non-drive side. .
[00126] [00126] As shown in Figure 2, the imaging apparatus 1 is a four-beam color laser printer that uses an electrophotographic imaging process to form a color image on a recording material S. The forming apparatus 1 is a type of process cartridge, wherein the process cartridges are detachably mounted to a main assembly 2 of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus to form the color image on the recording material S.
[00127] [00127] Here, one side of the imaging apparatus 1 which is provided with a front door 3 is a front side, and an opposite side of the front side is a rear side. Furthermore, a right side of the imaging apparatus 1 as seen from the front sides is a drive side, and a left side is a non-drive side. Figure 2 is a sectional view of the imaging apparatus 1 as seen from the non-drive side, where a front side of the drawing sheet is the non-drive side of the imaging apparatus 1, the side The right side of the drawing sheet is the front side of the imaging apparatus 1, and the rear side of the drawing sheet is the drive side of the imaging apparatus 1.
[00128] [00128] In the main assembly 2 of the imaging apparatus, P process cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) are provided which include a first PY process cartridge (yellow), a second PM process cartridge (magenta) , a third PC process cartridge (cyan), and a fourth PK process cartridge (black), which are arranged in the horizontal direction.
[00129] [00129] The first to four P process cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) include similar electrophotographic imaging process mechanisms, although the colors of the developers contained in these are different. To the first to four process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK), rotational forces are transmitted from the drive output portions of the main assembly 2 of the imaging apparatus. This will be described in detail below.
[00130] [00130] Furthermore, each of the first to four P process cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) is provided with bias voltages (charge bias voltages, development bias voltages, and so on) (not shown ), from the main assembly 2 of the imaging apparatus.
[00131] [00131] As shown in Figure 4, each of the first to four P process cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) includes a photosensitive drum unit 8 supplied with a photosensitive drum 4, a loading medium and a charging medium. cleaning as actuatable process media on the drum 4.
[00132] [00132] Furthermore, each of the first to four P process cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) includes a developing unit 9 provided with a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image on drum 4.
[00133] [00133] The first PY process cartridge accommodates a yellow (Y) developer in a developer device frame 29 thereof to form an image of yellow developer on the surface of drum 4.
[00134] The second PM process cartridge accommodates a magenta developer (M) in the developer device frame 29 thereof to form a magenta developer image on the surface of drum 4.
[00135] [00135] The third PC process cartridge accommodates a cyan developer (C) in the developer device frame 29 thereof to form a cyan developer image on the surface of drum 4.
[00136] [00136] The fourth PK process cartridge accommodates a black developer (K) in the developer device frame 29 thereof to form an image of black developer on the surface of drum 4.
[00137] [00137] Above the first to four P process cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK), an LB laser scanner unit is provided as an exposure medium. The LB laser scanner unit emits a laser beam according to the image information. The laser beam Z is projected in a scannable manner onto the surface of the drum 4 through an exposure window 10 of the cartridge P.
[00138] [00138] Below the first to four P cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK), an intermediate transfer belt unit 11 is provided as a transfer element. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes a drive roller 13, tension rollers 14 and 15, around which a transfer belt 12 having flexibility is extended.
[00139] [00139] The drum 4 of each of the first to four cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts, on the lower surface portion, an upper surface of the transfer belt 12. The contact portion is a transfer portion. primary.
[00140] [00140] Furthermore, a secondary transfer roller 17 is provided in a position opposite the tension roller 14 with the transfer belt 12 interposed between them. The contact portion between transfer belt 12 and secondary transfer roller 17 is a secondary transfer portion.
[00141] [00141] Below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11, a feed unit 18 is provided. The feed unit 18 includes a sheet feed tray 19 which accommodates a stack of recording materials S, and a feed roller of sheet 20.
[00142] [00142] Below an upper left portion on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus in Figure 2, a clamping unit 21 and a discharge unit 22 are provided. An upper surface of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus acts as a discharge tray 23.
[00143] [00143] The recording material S having a developer image transferred to it is subjected to a clamping operation by a clamping means provided in the clamping unit 21, and then is discharged into the discharge tray 23.
[00144] [00144] Cartridge P is detachably mountable to the main assembly 2 of the apparatus via a withdrawable cartridge tray 60. Part (a) of Figure 3 shows a state in which the cartridge tray 60 and cartridges P are removed of the main mount 2 of the device. IMAGE FORMATION OPERATION
[00145] [00145] Operations to form a color image will be described.
[00146] [00146] Drums 4 of the first to fourth P cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) are rotated at a predetermined speed (counterclockwise direction in Figure 2, a direction indicated by arrow D in Figure 4).
[00147] [00147] The transfer belt 12 is also rotated at the speed corresponding to the speed of the drum 4 co-directionally with the rotation of the drums (the direction indicated by an arrow C in Figure 2).
[00148] [00148] Also, the LB laser scanner unit is powered. In synchronism with the drive of the LB scanner unit, the surface of the drums 4 is loaded by the charge rollers 5 at a predetermined polarity and uniformly potential. The LB laser scanner unit scans and exposes the surfaces of the drums 4 with the laser beams Z according to the image signal out of color.
[00149] [00149] With this, the electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the drums 4 according to the corresponding color image signal, respectively. The electrostatic latent images are developed by the respective developing rollers 6 rotated at a predetermined speed (clockwise in Figure 2, the direction indicated by an arrow E in Figure 4).
[00150] [00150] Through an electrophotographic imaging process operation, a yellow developer image corresponding to the yellow component of the color image is formed on drum 4 of the first PY cartridge. Then, developer image is transferred (primary transfer) onto transfer belt 12.
[00151] [00151] Similarly, a magenta developer image corresponding to the magenta component of the color image is formed on the drum 4 of the second PM cartridge. The developer image is transferred (primary transfer) superimposed over the yellow developer image already transferred onto the transfer belt 12.
[00152] [00152] Similarly, a cyan developer image corresponding to the cyan component of the color image is formed on drum 4 of the third PC cartridge. Then, the developer image is transferred (primary transfer) superimposed on the yellow and magenta developer images already transferred onto transfer belt 12.
[00153] [00153] Similarly, a black developer image corresponding to the black component of the color image is formed on drum 4 of the fourth PK cartridge. Then, the developer image is transferred (primary transfer) overlaying the yellow, magenta, and cyan developer images already transferred to transfer belt 12.
[00154] Thereby, a fourth color comprising yellow, magenta, cyan and black is formed on the transfer belt 12 (unfixed developer image).
[00155] [00155] On the other hand, a recording material S is chosen and fed in predetermined control time. The embossing material S is introduced at predetermined control time into the secondary transfer portion which is the contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12.
[00156] Thereby, the fourth color superimposed on the developer image is sequentially transferred over the surface of the recording material S of the transfer belt 12 while the recording material S is being fed into the secondary transfer portion. GENERAL DISPOSAL OF THE PROCESS CARTRIDGE
[00157] [00157] In this modality, the first to four P cartridges (PY, PM, PC, PK) have similar electrophotographic image formation process mechanisms, although the colors and/or loaded quantities of the developers accommodated in it are different.
[00158] [00158] Cartridge P is provided with drum 4 as the photosensitive element, and process medium actuatable on drum 4. Process medium includes charging roller 5 as charging medium for charging drum 4, a developing roller 6 as the developing means for developing the latent image formed on the drum 4, a cleaning blade 7 as the cleaning means for removing residual developer remaining on the surface of the drum 4, and so on. Cartridge P is divided into drum unit 8 and developer unit 9. DRUM UNIT STRUCTURE
[00159] [00159] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the drum unit 8 comprises the drum 4 as the photosensitive element, the charge roller 5, the cleaning blade 7, a cleaning container 26 as a photosensitive element frame , a residual developer housing portion 27, cartridge lid elements
[00160] [00160] The drum 4 is rotatably supported by the cartridge cap elements 24 and 25 provided on the opposite longitudinal end portions of the cartridge P. Here, an axial direction of the drum 4 is the longitudinal direction.
[00161] [00161] Cartridge cap elements 24 and 25 are affixed to cleaning container 26 at opposite longitudinal end portions of cleaning container 26.
[00162] [00162] As shown in Figure 5, a coupling element 4a for imparting a driving force to the drum 4 is provided on a longitudinal end portion of the drum 4. Part (b) of Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembly. main 2 of the device, where cartridge tray 60 and cartridge P are not shown. Coupling elements 4a of cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are engaged with drum drive power output elements 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K) as main mount side drive transmission elements of the apparatus main assembly 2 shown in part (b) of Figure 3 so that the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the apparatus main assembly is transmitted to the drums 4.
[00163] [00163] The charge roller 5 is supported by the cleaning container 26 and is contacted with the drum 4 to be actuated thereby.
[00164] [00164] The cleaning blade 7 is supported by the cleaning container 26 to be contacted to the circumferential surface of the drum 4 at a predetermined pressure.
[00165] An untransferred residual developer removed from the peripheral surface of the drum 4 by the cleaning means 7 is accommodated in the residual developer accommodating portion 27 in the cleaning container 26.
[00166] [00166] In addition, the drive side cartridge lid element 24 and the non-drive side cartridge lid element 25 are provided with support portions 24a, 25a to support developing unit 9 in a rotatable manner (Figure 6) . DEVELOPMENT UNIT STRUCTURE
[00167] [00167] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the developing unit 9 comprises the developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, the developing device frame 29, a rolling element 45, a developing device covering element. revelation 32 and so on. The developing device frame in a broad sense comprises the rolling element 45 and the developing device covering element 32 and so on as well as the developing device frame 29 (this applies to the embodiments which will be described below ). When the cartridge P is mounted on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the developing device frame 29 is movable relative to the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.
[00168] [00168] The cartridge frame in a broad sense comprises the photosensitive element frame and the developing device frame in the broad sense described above (the same applies to the modalities that will be described below).
[00169] [00169] The developer device frame 29 includes the developer accommodating portion 49 which accommodates the developer to be supplied to the developer roller 6, and the developer blade 31 for setting a layer thickness of the developer on the peripheral surface of the roller of revelation 6.
[00170] [00170] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the rolling element 45 is fixed to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The rolling element 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. developer 6 is provided with a developer roller gear 69 at a longitudinal end portion. The bearing element 45 also rotatably supports an intermediate developing gear 36 to transmit the driving force to the developing roller gear 69. This will be described in more detail below.
[00171] [00171] The developing device covering element 32 is fixed to an outer part of the bearing element 45 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. The developing device covering element 32 covers the developing roller gear 69 and the intermediate development gear 36 and so on. ASSEMBLY OF DRUM UNIT AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT
[00172] [00172] Figures 5 and 6 show the connection between the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8. On a side of the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge P, an outer circumference 32a of a cylindrical portion 32b of the cover element of developing device 32 is fitted in the supporting portion 24a of the drive side cartridge cap element 24. Furthermore, on the other side of the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge P, a projecting portion 29b projecting from the developing device frame 29 is fitted in a support hole portion 25a of the non-drive side of the cartridge lid element 25. Thereby, the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported with respect to the drum unit 8. Here, a center of rotation (geometric axis of rotation) of the developer unit 9 relative to the drum unit is called "center of rotation (geometric axis of rotation) X". The center of rotation X is a geometric axis that results in the center of the support hole portion 24a and the center of the support hole portion 25a. CONTACT BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT ROLLER AND DRUM
[00173] [00173] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the developing unit 9 is driven by a driving spring 95 which is an elastic element as a driving element so that the developing roller 6 is contacted to the drum 4 around of the center of rotation X. That is, the developing unit 9 is pressed in the direction indicated by an arrow G in Figure 4 by a driving force of the driving spring 95 which produces a moment in the direction indicated by an arrow H around the center of rotation X.
[00174] [00174] Thereby, the developing roller 6 is contacted with the drum 4 at a predetermined pressure. The position of the developer unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 at this time is a contact position. When the developer unit 9 is moved in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow G against the driving force of the drive spring 95, the developer roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4. Thereby, the developer roller 6 is movable towards and away of drum 4. SPACING BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT ROLLER AND DRUM
[00175] [00175] Figure 7 is a side view of the cartridge P as seen from the drive side. In this Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration. When the cartridge P is mounted on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8 is positioned in place on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.
[00176] [00176] In this embodiment, a force receiving portion 45a is provided on the bearing element 45. Here, the force receiving portion 45a can be provided in another portion (developing device frame or similar, for example) except the bearing element 45. The force receiving portion 45a as a driving force receiving portion is engageable with a main mounting spacing element 80 as a main mounting side pushing element (spacing force driving element) provided in the main assembly 2 of the device.
[00177] [00177] The main mounting spacing element 80 as the main mounting side pushing element (spacing force driving element) receives the motor drive force (not shown) and is movable along a rail 81 to the direction of arrows F1 and F2.
[00178] [00178] Part (a) of Figure 7 shows a state in which drum 4 and developing roller 6 are contacted. At this time, the force receiving portion 45a and the main mounting spacing element 80 are spaced apart by a gap d.
[00179] [00179] Part (b) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the main mounting spacing element 80 is away from the position in the state of part (a) of Figure 7 in the direction of an arrow F1 by a distance δ1. At this time, the force receiving portion 45a is engaged with the main mounting spacing member 80. As previously described, the developing unit 9 is rotatable with respect to the drum unit 8, and therefore in the part state ( b) of Figure 7, the developer unit 9 is rotated by an angle θ1 in the direction of the arrow K around the center of rotation X. At this time, the drum 4 and the developer roller 6 are spaced apart by the distance ε1.
[00180] [00180] Part (c) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the main mounting spacing element 80 is moved in the direction of arrow F1 from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 7 by δ2 (>δ1) . The developer unit 9 is rotated in the direction of arrow K around the center of rotation X by an angle θ2. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 are spaced apart by distance ε2.
[00181] [00181] The distance between the force receiving portion 45a and the geometric axis of rotation of the drum 4 is 13 mm to 33 mm in this mode and in the following embodiments.
[00182] [00182] The distance between the force receiving portion 45a and the center of rotation X is 27mm to 32mm in the mode and in the following modes. STRUCTURE OF THE DRIVE CONNECTION PORTION
[00183] [00183] With reference to Figures 1, 8 and 9, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described. Here, the drive connection portion is a mechanism for receiving drive from the drum drive power output element of the main assembly of apparatus 2, and transmitting or not transmitting drive to developing roller 6.
[00184] [00184] The general arrangement of this will be described first.
[00185] [00185] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P as seen from the drive side, in which the drive side cartridge cover element 24 and the developer device cover element 32 have been disassembled . The drive side cartridge lid element 24 is provided with an opening 24d. The coupling element 4a provided in the end portion of the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed to that of the opening 24d. As described above, the coupling element 4a is engageable with the drum drive power output element 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K) of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus shown in part (b) of Figure 3 to receive the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the instrument main assembly.
[00186] [00186] Furthermore, at the end portion of the drum 4 as the photosensitive element, a drum gear 4b integral to the coupling 4a is provided. At an end portion of the drum unit 8, an upstream rotary drive transmission element 37 is provided as a first drive transmission element, and a downstream rotary drive transmission element 38 as a second transmission element. drive. A gear portion 37g of the upstream drive transmission element 37 is engaged with the drum gear 4b. As will be described below, the drive can be transmitted from the upstream drive transmission element 37 to the downstream drive transmission element 38 when the claw portions of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the transmission element drive units 38 are interlocked with each other. A gear portion 38g of the downstream drive transmission element 38 as the second drive transmission element is engaged with a gear portion 36g of the intermediate development gear 36 as a third drive transmission element. The gear portion of the intermediate developing gear 36 is also engaged with the developing roller gear 69. Thereby, the drive transmitted to the downstream drive transmission element 38 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the intermediate developing gear 36 and the developing roller gear 69.
[00187] [00187] With reference to Figure 10, the structures of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 will be described. The upstream drive transmission element 37 comprises a claw portion 37a as an engagement portion (coupling portion), and the downstream actuation transmission element 38 comprises the claw portion 38a as an engagement portion (coupling portion). coupling). The claw portion 37a and claw portion 38a are engageable with each other. In other words, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are connectable to each other. In this embodiment, claw portion 37a and claw portion 38a have six claws. The numbers of grip 37a and grip 38a are not limiting, although there are six in this modality. For example, Figure 11 shows an example where the number of the jaw portion 1037a of the upstream drive transmission element 1037 and the number of a jaw portion 1038a is nine, respectively. With increasing grip numbers, the loads on a grip decrease so that deformation and/or wear of the grips can be reduced. On the other hand, given the same outside diameter, the claw size may decrease with increasing claw number. It is desired that the number of grips be appropriately selected in consideration of the load on a grip and/or the stiffness required.
[00188] [00188] As shown in Figure 10, a bore portion 38m is provided in the central portion of the downstream drive transmission element 38. The bore portion 38m engages a small diameter cylindrical portion 37m of the drive transmission element upstream 37. In other words, the cylindrical portion 37m penetrates the bore portion 38m. Thereby, the upstream drive transmission element 37 is supported by the downstream drive transmission element 38 rotatably with respect thereto and slidable along the geometric axis.
[00189] [00189] Figure 13 shows a different positioning between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. In part (a) of Figure 13, the small diameter cylindrical portion 37m of the drive element upstream drive transmission 37 is directly engaged in the bore portion 38m of the downstream drive transmission element 38 shown in Figure 10, thereby these are positioned relative to one another. On the other hand, in part (c) of Figure 13, the upstream drive transmission element 1237 and the downstream drive transmission element 1238 are positioned relative to each other via a shaft 44, i.e. another element. . More specifically, the outer peripheral portion 44d of the shaft 44 and the bore portion 1238m of the upstream drive transmission element 1237 are rotatably supported along the axis, and the outer peripheral portion 44d of the shaft 44 and the portion of bore 1037s of the upstream drive transmission element 1037 are rotatably and slidably supported along the geometric axis. Thereby, the downstream drive transmission element 1038 is positioned relative to the upstream drive transmission element 1037. In the case of the structure shown in part (c) of Figure 13, the number of parts to position the transmission element the upstream drive transmission element 1037 and the downstream drive transmission element 1038 is large, as compared to the structure shown in part (a) of Figure 13.
[00190] [00190] Part (b) of Figure 13 shows a state in which the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 shown in part (a) of Figure 13 have not been properly displaced from a Trigger disconnected state to a trigger transmit state. Drive transmission and disconnection operation will be described in detail below. A reproduction is provided between the small diameter cylindrical portion 37m of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the bore portion 38m of the downstream drive transmission element 38. In the Figure, the reproduction is shown exaggerated for better illustration or restoration. When the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are engaged with each other, these may not be properly engaged due to misalignment between them due to the reproduction provision (part (b) of Figure 13 ).
[00191] [00191] Similarly, part (d) of Figure 13 shows a state where the upstream drive transmission element 1037 as the first drive transmission element and the downstream drive transmission element 1038 as the second drive element. drive transmissions shown in part (c) of Figure 13 have not been properly shifted from the drive disconnected state to the drive transmission state. The upstream drive transmission element 1037 and the downstream drive transmission element 1038 are relatively misaligned as shown in the Figure due to the number of parts and dimensional errors thereof. The amount of misalignment is greater than in the structure shown in part (b) of Figure 13. In the displacement from the drive disconnected state to the drive transmission state, if the grip portion 1037a and the grip portion 1038a of the coupling are engaged in the state of misalignment between the upstream drive transmission element 1037 and the downstream drive transmission element 1038, the claw portion 1037a and claw portion 1038a of the coupling can be contacted only at the free end portions as shown in part (b) or part (d) of the Figure
[00192] [00192] Part (a) of Figure 14 is a sectional view illustrating a connection state (coupling state) between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. A surface The inner peripheral 38p of the downstream drive transmission element 38 is rotatably and slidably supported along the geometric axis by a cylindrical portion 26a of the cleaning container 26. Between the downstream driving transmission element 38 and the cleaning container 26, a spring 39 is provided which is an elastic element as a biasing element for biasing the downstream drive transmission element 38 in the direction indicated by an arrow M.
[00193] [00193] In the state of part (a) of Figure 14, a strip of at least a part of the disconnect cam 72 and a strip of at least a part of the upstream drive transmission element 37 are superimposed, when these are designed about a phantom line parallel to an axis of rotation of the developing roller 6. More specifically, the strip of the disconnect cam 72 is within the range of the upstream drive transmission element 37 in the designed state. With this structure, the drive disconnect mechanism can be reduced.
[00194] [00194] Furthermore, in the state of part (a) of Figure 14, a strip of at least a part of the disconnect cam 72 and a strip of at least a part of the downstream drive transmission element 38 are superimposed when the disconnect cam 72 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are projected onto a phantom line parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 6.
[00195] [00195] Furthermore, as shown in part (b) of Figure 14, the downstream drive transmission element 38 is movable in a direction of an arrow N against a driving force of the spring 39. In this state, the coupling state ( the state in which the rotational force transmission is capable) between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 is not established. Even in this state, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are kept coaxial (aligned) by direct engagement between the cylindrical portion 37m and the bore portion 38m.
[00196] [00196] As previously described, the gear portion 38g of the downstream drive transmission element 38 is engaged with the gear portion 36g of the intermediate reveal gear 36 as the third drive transmission element. More particularly, the gear portion 38g of the downstream drive transmission element 38 is movable in the directions of arrows M and N while in engagement with the gear portion 36g of the intermediate developing gear 36. downstream drive transmission 38 in the directions of arrows M and N, the gear portion 36g of the downstream drive transmission element 38 and the gear portion 36g of the developing intermediate gear 36 in interlocking engagement are desirably wheel gears. cog instead of helical gears.
[00197] [00197] In the state of part (b) of Figure 14, a track of at least a part of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and a track of at least a part of the downstream drive transmission element 38 are superimposed, when the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are projected onto a phantom line parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 6. In more detail, the range of the drive transmission element a downstream 38 is within the range of the upstream drive transmission element 37. With such a structure, the drive disconnect mechanism can be reduced.
[00198] [00198] A geometric axis Y is assumed to be the axis of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. As shown in part (a) of Figure 14, a portion of contact 37n and a contact portion 38n where the claw portion 37a and claw portion 38a come into contact are inclined with respect to the geometric axis Y by an angle γ.
[00199] [00199] More particularly, the contact portion 38n of the downstream drive transmission element 38 is superimposed on at least a portion of the upstream drive transmission element 37 with respect to a direction parallel to the geometric axis Y. In other words , the contact portion 38n suspends a portion of the downstream drive transmission element 38, and the contact portion 37n suspends a portion of the upstream drive transmission element 37. In other words, the contact portion 38n suspends a plane phantom perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the downstream drive transmission element 38, and the contact portion 37n suspends a phantom plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 37. With such a structure, in the drive transmission, claw portion 38a and claw portion 37a mutually attract in the direction of the geometric axis Y.
[00200] [00200] In the drive transmission, the drive is transmitted from the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. A pulling force and a spring driving force 39 are applied to the driving element. upstream drive transmission 37 and to the downstream drive transmission element 38. A resultant force thereof, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are connected during the drive transmission. Here, the inclination angles γ of the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n with respect to the geometric axis Y are preferably approx. 1st - approx. 3.5°. During drive transmission and disconnect operations, the contact portion 37n and contact portion 38n are slip worn (the drive transmission and disconnect operations will be described below). In addition, the grips can be deformed during drive transmission operation. With the structure in which the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n are always mutually attracted, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 can be securely connected to maintain the drive transmission stable, even when wear and/or deformation of the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n occur. When the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are separated due to wear and/or deformation of the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n, the driving force of the spring 39 may become larger to ensure the connection between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. However, in this case, in the drive disconnect operation which will be described below where the drive transmission element a downstream 38 is retracted from the upstream drive transmission element 37 against the driving force of spring 39, the force required is large. If the inclination angles of the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n with respect to the geometric axis Y are too large, the pulling force during the drive transmission is large, and therefore the drive transmission is stabilized, however the force required to separate the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 in the drive disconnect operation is large.
[00201] [00201] The number of the claws can be one, but in this case, the downstream drive transmission element 38 and/or the upstream drive transmission element 37 are susceptible to inclination with respect to the geometric axis Y due to the applied force to the grip portion during drive transmission. If this occurs, the drive transmission property may deteriorate (non-uniform rotation and/or poor transmission efficiency). To suppress this tilt, the support portion rotatably supporting the upstream drive transmission element 37 and/or the downstream drive transmission element 37 may be reinforced, but it is additionally preferred to employ a plurality of claws which is disposed equidistantly in the circumferential direction around the geometric axis Y. When a plurality of claws are disposed equidistantly in the circumferential direction about the geometric axis Y, a force resulting from forces applied to the claw portions produces a rotating moment the downstream drive transmission element 38 and the upstream drive transmission element 37 about the geometric axis Y. Therefore, the geometric axis inclination of the downstream drive transmission element 38 and/or the transmission element of upstream drive 37 with respect to the geometric axis Y can be omitted. On the other hand, as the number of grips increases, the size of the grips decreases as a result of reduced grip rigidity even with a propensity to break. Therefore, in the case where the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n always attract each other, the grip numbers of the grip portion 37a and the grip portion 38a consist of two to nine, respectively.
[00202] [00202] In the above description, the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n always attract each other, but this is not limiting. In other words, the contact portion 38n may not suspend a phantom plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the downstream drive transmission element 38, and similarly, the contact portion 37n may not suspend a phantom plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 37. In this case, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 repel each other. However, by properly adjusting the driving force of the spring 39, engagement between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 can be realized. However, from the standpoint of stabilized drive transmission, the mutual attraction structure described above is preferred.
[00203] [00203] Furthermore, the configurations of the contact portion 37n and the contact portion 38n are not limited to the grip. For example, with respect to engagement between an upstream drive transmission element 1137 and a downstream drive transmission element 1138 as shown in Figure 12, a contact portion 1137n may have a claw configuration, and the contact portion 1138n may have a rib configuration.
[00204] [00204] The drive disconnect mechanism will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, a disconnect cam 72 as a coupling release element which is a part of the disconnect mechanism is provided between the intermediate developing gear 36 and the developing device covering element 32. words, at least a part of the disconnect cam 72 is between the intermediate developing gear 36 and the developing device covering element 32 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 6.
[00205] [00205] Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating an engaging relationship between the disconnect cam 72 and the revealing device cover element 32.
[00206] The disconnect cam 72 is substantially oval and has an outer surface 72i. The developing device cover member 32 has an inner peripheral surface 32i. The inner peripheral surface 32i is engageable with the outer peripheral surface 72i. Thereby, the disconnect cam 72 is slidably supported with respect to the developing device covering element 32. In other words, the disconnecting cam 72 is movable with respect to the developing device covering element 32 substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 6. The outer peripheral surface 72i of the disconnect cam 72, the inner peripheral surface 32i of the developing device covering element 32 and the outer circumference 32a of the developing device covering element 32 are coaxial. each other. That is, the axes of rotation of these elements are aligned with respect to the geometric axis of rotation X of the developer unit 9 with respect to the drum unit 8. Here, the alignment means which is within the range of the dimensional tolerances of these parts, and this applies to the modality that will be described below.
[00207] [00207] The revealing device cover element 32 is provided with a guide 32h as a (second) guide portion, and the disconnect cam 72 is provided with a guide groove 72h as a (second) guided portion. Here, guide 32h of developing device cover member 32 is engaged with guide groove 72h of disconnect cam 72. Here, guide 32h and guide groove 72h extend parallel to axis of rotation X. By means of the engagement between the guide 32h and the guide groove 72h, the disconnect cam 72 as the coupling release element is slidable relative to the revealing device cover element 32 only in the axial direction (the directions of the arrows M and N). It is not necessary for the guide 32h or guide groove 72 to have sides parallel to the axis of rotation X, but it will suffice if the sides that are in contact are parallel to the axis of rotation X.
[00208] [00208] As shown in Figures 1, 8, the bearing element 45 rotatably supports the developing intermediate gear 36. In detail, a first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing element 45 supports rotatably a supported portion 36p (cylindrical inner surface) of the intermediate developing gear 36.
[00209] [00209] Furthermore, the bearing element 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. In more detail, the second shaft receiving portion 45q (cylindrical inner surface) of the bearing element 45 rotatably supports a shaft portion. 6a of developing roller 6.
[00210] [00210] The drive side cartridge cover element 24 is provided longitudinally outside the developing device covering element 32. Figure 16 shows the structures of the disconnect cam 72, the developing device covering element 32 and of the drive side cartridge cap element 24.
[00211] [00211] The disconnect cam 72 as the coupling release element includes a contact portion (sloping surface) 72a as a force receiving portion for receiving the force produced by the main assembly 2 of the apparatus (main assembly spacing element 80). The drive side cartridge lid element 24 is provided with a contact portion (sloped surface) 24b as an operating element. Furthermore, the revealing device cover member 32 is provided as an opening 32j. A contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and a contact portion 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover element 24 are contactable through the opening 32j of the developing device cover element 32.
[00212] [00212] In the foregoing description, the number of the contact portions 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and the number of the contact portions 24b of the cartridge cap element 24 are two, however the numbers are non-limiting. For example, Figure 17 shows the case where the numbers of the respective contact portions are three.
[00213] [00213] The number of the contact portions can be one, but in this case, the disconnect cam 72 can tilt with respect to the geometric axis X through the force applied to the contact portion by the disconnect operation that will be described below. If tilting occurs, the drive change property such as the timing of drive connection and disconnect operation may be deteriorated. In order to suppress the tilt of the axis, it is desired to reinforce the support portion (the inner peripheral surface 32i of the developing device cover element 32) in a slidable manner (along the geometric axis of the developing roller 6) which supports the disconnect cam 72. It is further desired to employ a plurality of contact portions which are substantially equidistantly disposed in the circumferential direction about the geometric axis X. In that case, a force resulting from forces applied to the contact portion produces a rotating moment the disconnect cam 72 about the geometric axis X. Therefore, the inclination of the geometric axis of the disconnect cam 72 with respect to the geometric axis X can be suppressed. When three or more contact portions are provided, a horizontal support plane for the disconnect cam 72 with respect to the geometric axis X can be defined such that the inclination of the geometric axis of the disconnect cam 72 with respect to the geometric axis X can be additionally suppressed. That is, the attitude of the disconnect cam 72 can be stabilized.
[00214] [00214] As shown in Figures 1, 8, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element
[00215] [00215] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of changing from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00216] [00216] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 45a of the bearing element 45 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this moment, the developing roller 6 is in contact with the drum 4 as the photosensitive element. This state will be called "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. Part (a) of Figure 18 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. Part (b) of Figure 18 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 18, some parts are omitted for better illustration. In part (b) of Figure 18, only a part of the drive side cartridge cap element 24 which includes the contact portion 24b is shown, and only a part of the revealing device cover element 32 which includes the guide 32h is shown. Between the contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the cartridge cap element 24, there is a gap. At this time, the claws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the claws 38a of the downstream drive transmission element 38 are engaged by an engagement depth q. As described above, the downstream drive transmission element 38 is engaged with the intermediate reveal gear 36 as the third drive transmission element. And, the intermediate developing gear 36 is engaged with the developing roller gear 69. The upstream drive transmission element 37 is always in engagement with the drum gear 4b. Therefore, the driving force introduced into the coupling 4a of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 through the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. developing roller 6 is activated. The positions of the parts at this time are called a contact position, a reveal contact state, and drive transmission. STATE 2
[00217] [00217] When the main mounting spacing element 80 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 by δ1 in the Figure from the developing contact and drive transmission, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the unit reveal 9 rotates about the geometric axis X in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The disconnect cam 72 and the developing device cover member 32 in the developing unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9. On the other hand, when the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8, the drive side cartridge cover element 24 and the non-drive side cartridge cover element 25 are positioned in place in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus . As shown in part (a) of Figure 19 and part (b) of Figure 19, the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cap element 24 does not move. In the Figure, the contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cap element 24 have just begun contact with each other, as a result of rotation of the disconnect cam 72 in the direction. of arrow K in the Figure in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9. At this time, the claw 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the claw 38a of the downstream drive transmission element 38 are held in engagement. one with the other (part (a) of Figure 19). Therefore, the driving force introduced into the coupling 4a of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. The state of those parts in that state is called a drive transmission and developing device spacing state. STATE 3
[00218] [00218] Part (a) of Figure 20 and part (b) of Figure 20 show the drive connection portion when the main mounting spacing element 80 moves from the developing and transmitting device spacing state of drive in direction of arrow F1 only δ2 in Figure as shown in part (c) of Figure 7. In interrelation with rotation of developer unit 9 by angle θ2 (>θ1), disconnect cam 72 and element of developing device cover 32 rotate. On the other hand, the drive side cartridge cap element 24 does not change its position similarly to the above description, but the disconnect cam 72 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure. At this time, the contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cap element 24. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 72h of the drive side cam disconnection 72 is limited by the engagement with guide 32h of the revealing device cover element 32 to be movable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) (Figure 15). As a result, the disconnect cam 72 slides by p in the direction of arrow N relative to the developing device cover member. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 72 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 72c, as the driving portion, of the disconnect cam 72 drives the driven surface 38c, as the portion to be driven, of the transmission element Downstream drive transmission element 38. Thereby, the downstream drive transmission element 38 slides in the direction of arrow N by p against the driving force of spring 39 (Figure 20 and parts (b) of Figure 14).
[00219] [00219] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the claws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the claws 38a of the downstream drive transmission element 38, and therefore , the claws 37a and claws 38a are disengaged from each other. Thereby, the upstream drive transmission element 37 continues to receive the driving force (rotating force) from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, while the downstream drive transmission element 38 stops. As a result, the rotation of the developer roller gear 69, and therefore the rotation of the developer roller 6, stops. The state of the parts is a spacing position, or a spacing state of the developer and drive disconnection device.
[00220] [00220] In the manner described above, the drive of the developer roller 6 is disconnected in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With such structures, the developer roller 6 is able to space out from the drum 4 while rotating. As a result, the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00221] [00221] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00222] [00222] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the claws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the claws 38a of the downstream drive transmission element 38 are in a disconnected state, as shown in Figure 20.
[00223] [00223] At angle position θ1 of the developer unit 9 (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 19) by gradual rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7 from this In this state, the jaws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the jaws 38a of the downstream drive transmission element 38 are engaged by movement of the downstream drive transmission element 38 by the biasing force of spring 39 in the direction of the arrow M. With this, the driving force of the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and the drum 4 are still in the spaced apart state.
[00224] [00224] By further rotating the developer unit 9 gradually in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developer roller 6 can be contacted to the drum 4.
[00225] [00225] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission for the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With such structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00226] [00226] As previously described, according to the structures, the drive disconnection state and the drive transmission state to the developing roller 6 are firmly determined by the rotation angle of the developing unit 9.
[00227] [00227] In the foregoing description, the contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cover element 24 are in face-to-face contact, but this is not unavoidable. For example, the contact can be between a surface and a summit line, between a surface and a point, between a summit line and a summit line and a summit line, or between a summit line and a point.
[00228] [00228] Figure 21 schematically shows a positional relationship between the disconnect cam 72, the drive side cartridge cover element 24, and the guide 32h of the developer device cover element 32. Part (a) of Figure 21 shows the developing contact and the drive transmission state; part (b) of Figure 21 shows the spacing status of developing and driving transmission device; and part (c) of Figure 21 shows the state of developing device spacing and drive disconnection. These are the same states shown in Figures 18, 19, 20, respectively. In part (c) of Figure 21, the disconnect cam 72 and the drive side cartridge cap element 24 come into contact with the contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b which are inclined with respect to the geometric axis of rotation. X. Here, in the developing device spacing and drive disconnection state, the disconnect cam 72 with the drive side cartridge cap element 24 can assume the positional relationship shown in part (d) of Figure 21. After the contact between the contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b which are inclined with respect to the geometric axis of rotation X, as shown in part (c) of Figure 21, the developing unit 9 is further rotated. In this way, the disconnect cam 72 and the drive side cartridge cap element 24 come into contact with a flat surface portion 72s and a flat surface portion 24s that are perpendicular to the geometric axis of rotation X.
[00229] [00229] When there is a gap f between the guide groove 72h of the disconnect cam 72 and the guide 32h of the revealing device cover element 32 as shown in part (a) of Figure 21, the moving state of the contact of disclosure and drive transmission shown in part (a) of Figure 21 for the state of revealing device and drive disconnection shown in part (d) of Figure 21 are the same as those explained in the foregoing description. On the other hand, in moving from the drive-disconnect and reveal device spacing state shown in part (d) of Figure 21 to the drive-connection state shown in part (a) of Figure 21, the gap f between the groove of guide
[00230] [00230] When the gap f is between the guide groove 72h of the disconnect cam 72 and the guide 32h of the revealing device cover element 32 as shown in Figure 21, the disconnect cam 72 does not move in the direction of the arrow M until gap f disappears in the process from the spaced developing device state to the contacted developing device state. Through the disconnect cam 72 which moves in the direction of arrow M, the drive connection is established between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38. That is, the time at which the disconnect cam 72 moves in the direction of arrow M and the timing of the drive connection establishment is synchronized. In other words, the setting time of the drive connection can be controlled by the gap f between the guide groove 72h of the disconnect cam 72 and the guide 32h of the revealing device cover element 32.
[00231] [00231] On the other hand, the spaced developing device state of the developing unit 9 is constructed as shown in Figure 20 or part (c) of Figure 21. More particularly, the state in which the disconnect cam 72 and the element of drive side cartridge cap 24 come into contact with contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b which is inclined with respect to the geometric axis of rotation X is the drive disconnect and developing device spacing. In that case, the time of movement of the disconnect cam 72 in the direction of arrow M is independent of the gap f between the guide groove 72h of the disconnect cam 72 and the guide 32h of the developing device cover member 32. the trigger connection establishment time can be controlled with high precision. Furthermore, the movement distances of the disconnect cam 72 in the directions of the arrows M, N can be reduced so that the size of the process cartridge in relation to the axial direction can be reduced.
[00232] [00232] Figure 22 to Figure 25 show a modified example of this modality. In the modality described above, on changing the drive, the downstream drive transmission element 1338 as the second drive transmission element moves in the axial directions, i.e. the directions of the arrows M and N. In the example of Figure 22a From Figure 25, the upstream drive transmission element 1337 as the first drive transmission element moves in the axial direction, i.e. the directions of the arrows M and N, in the drive change. Figure 22 and Figure 23 consist of a perspective view of the process cartridge as viewed from the driving side and a perspective view as viewed from the non-drive side, respectively. Between the upstream drive transmission element 1337 and the drive side cartridge cap element 1324, a spring 1339 is provided to bias the upstream drive transmission element 1337 in the direction of arrow N.
[00233] [00233] Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating an engaging relationship between a disconnect cam 1372 as the coupling release element and the drive side cartridge cover element 1324. drive side 1324 is provided with a guide 1324k as the second guide portion, and the disconnect cam 1372 is provided with a guided portion 1372k as the second guided portion. Guide 1324k of drive side cartridge cover element 1324 is engaged with guided portion 1372k of disconnect cam 1372. Thereby, disconnect cam 1372 is slidable only in the axial direction (directions of arrows M and N) at relation to drive side cartridge lid element 1324.
[00234] [00234] Figure 25 shows the structures of the disconnect cam 1372 and a bearing element 1345. The disconnect cam 1372 has a contact portion (inclined surface) 1372a, the force receiving portion. Furthermore, the bearing element 1345 is provided with a contact portion (sloped surface) 1345b as the operating element. Contact portion 1372a of disconnect cam 1372 and contact portion 1345b of bearing element 1345 are contactable.
[00235] [00235] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the upstream drive transmission element 1337 and the downstream drive transmission element 1338 are engaged through an opening 1372f of the disconnect cam
[00236] [00236] The description will be made in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion that when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 come into contact they are spaced apart from each other. Disconnect cam 1372 is movable (slidable) only in the axial direction (directions of arrows M and N) similarly to the previous description. Upon contact between the contact portion 1372a of the disconnect cam 1372 and the contact portion 1345b of the bearing element 1345, the disconnect cam 1372 moves in the direction of arrow M. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 1372 in the direction of arrow M, a driving surface 1372c of the disconnect cam 1372 as a driving portion drives a driven surface 1337c of the upstream drive transmission element 1337 which functions as a portion to be driven (Figures 22 and 23). Thereby, the upstream drive transmission element 1337 moves in the direction of arrow M against the driving force of the spring 1339. This disengages the upstream drive transmission element 1337 and the downstream drive transmission element 1338 one of the other.
[00237] [00237] On the other hand, the operation when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 spaced apart are contacted is opposite to the operation described above. The structure in which the upstream drive transmission element 1337 moves in the axial direction (arrows M and N) upon changing the drive as shown in Figure 22 to Figure 25, is also implementable.
[00238] [00238] It will suffice if the upstream drive transmission element 37 or the downstream drive transmission element 38 moves in the axial direction upon shifting the drive. In addition, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 can be spaced apart along the axial direction. The drive change is accomplished by at least changing the relative position between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 in the axial direction.
[00239] [00239] In the structure described above, the central portion bore portion 38m of the downstream drive transmission element 38 is engaged with the small diameter cylindrical portion 37m of the upstream drive transmission element 37, but the engagement between the downstream drive transmission element 38 and upstream drive transmission element 37 is not limited as an example. For example, as shown in Figure 26, it may be that the downstream drive transmission element 1438 as the second drive transmission element is provided with a small diameter cylindrical portion 1438t in the central portion, and the drive transmission element upstream 1437 as the first drive transmission element is provided with a bore portion 1437t in the central portion, wherein the cylindrical portion 1438t and bore portion 1437t are engaged.
[00240] [00240] In the following description, the contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cover element 24 are in face-to-face contact, but this is not unavoidable. For example, contact can occur between a surface and a ridge line, between a surface and a point, between a ridge line and a ridge line, or between a ridge line and a point. DIFFERENCE FROM THE CONVENTIONAL EXAMPLE
[00241] [00241] Differences from the conventional structure will be described.
[00242] [00242] In Japanese patent application open to public inspection 2001-337511, a coupling to receive the drive of the main assembly of the imaging apparatus and a spring clutch to change the drive are provided in the end portion of the developing roller. . In addition, an interrelated link with the rotation of the imaging cartridge is provided on the process cartridge. When the developer roller is spaced from the drum by the rotation of the developer unit, the link operates a spring clutch provided in the end portion of the developer roller to stop the drive of the developer roller.
[00243] [00243] The spring clutch itself involves variations. More particularly, a time variation tends to occur from the actuation of the spring clutch to the actual stop of the drive transmission. Furthermore, variations in the size of the link mechanism and variations in the angle of rotation of the developing unit can vary the time at which the link mechanism operates the spring clutch. The link mechanism for operating the spring clutch is remote from the center of rotation between the developing unit and the drum unit.
[00244] [00244] In contrast, according to this modality, the drive transmission to the developing roller is exchanged by the structure that includes the contact portion 72a of the disconnect cam 72, the contact portion 24b as the operating portion, to operate the same, of the drive side cartridge cover element 24, the contact portion (sloped surface) 72a of the disconnect cam 72 and the contact portion (slanted surface) 24b) of the drive side cartridge cover element 24, a control variation in the rotation time of the developing roller can be reduced.
[00245] [00245] Furthermore, the clutch structures are coaxial with the center of rotation around which the developing unit is swivelable relative to the drum unit. Here, the center of rotation is the position where the relative position error between the drum unit and the developer unit is the least. By providing the clutch to shift the drive transmission to the developing roller at the center of rotation, the clutch changing time in relation to the rotation angle of the developing unit can be controlled with the highest precision. As a result, the rotation time of the developing roller can be controlled with high precision, and therefore the deteriorations of the developer and/or the developing roller can be suppressed.
[00246] [00246] In some conventional examples of the imaging apparatus using the process cartridge, the clutch to perform the drive change of the developing roller is provided in the imaging apparatus.
[00247] [00247] When a monochrome print is performed on a color imaging apparatus, for example, the drive of the developing device for non-black colors is stopped using a clutch. Furthermore, when the electrostatic latent images in the drum are developed by the developing device also in the monochrome imaging apparatus, the drive is transmitted to the developing devices, and when the developing operation is not carried out, the drive of the developing devices can be stopped, by a clutch operation. By interrupting a drive of the developing device during the non-imaging period, the rotation time of the developing roller can be suppressed, and therefore deterioration of the developer and/or the developing roller can be suppressed.
[00248] [00248] As compared to the case where the clutch for changing the drive of the developing roller is provided in the imaging apparatus, the provision of the clutch in the process cartridge can reduce the clutch size. Figure 27 is a block diagram of an example of a gear arrangement in the imaging apparatus for transmitting the drive to the process cartridge from the motor (drive source) provided in the imaging apparatus. When the drive is transmitted to the process cartridge P (PK) of the motor 83, this is accomplished via an idler gear 84 (K), a clutch 85 (K) and an idler gear 86 (K). When the drive is transmitted to the process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC) from the motor 83, this is accomplished through an idler gear 84 (YMC), a clutch 85 (YMC) and idler gears
[00249] [00249] For example, when a monochrome print is performed by the color imaging apparatus, the actuations of the developing devices containing the developers except the black developer are stopped using the clutch 85 (YMC). In the case of color printing, motor 83 drives are transmitted to the P process cartridges via clutches 85 (YMC). At this point, the charge to drive the P process cartridge is concentrated on clutch 85 (YMC). The load of clutch 85 (K) is three times the load on clutch 85 (YMC). In addition, the load variations of color developing devices apply to an 85 clutch (YMC) similarly. In order to transmit the drive without deteriorating the rotational accuracy of the developer roller even when the load is concentrated and load variations occur, it is desired to increase the rigidity of the clutch. Therefore, the clutch can be increased, and/or a high rigidity material such as sintered metal can be used. When the clutch is supplied to the process cartridge, the load and/or load ranges applied to each clutch is just the load and/or load range of the associated developing device. Therefore, as compared to the example described, it is unnecessary for the rigidity to be increased, and each clutch can be reduced.
[00250] [00250] In the clutch arrangement for the drive transmission to the black process cartridge P (PK) shown in Figure 27, it is desired to reduce the load applied to clutch 85 (K) as much as possible. In the gear arrangement for the drive transmission to the P process cartridge, the closer the P process cartridge (driven element) is, the less load will be applied to the gear shaft, taking into account the drive transmission efficiency of the gear. Therefore, the clutch for the drive change can be reduced by supplying the clutch in the cartridge, as compared to the clutch in the main assembly of the imaging apparatus. The clutch may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the gear which engages the developing roller gear, or the clutch is provided on a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29, as will be described in connection with Embodiments 2 and et seqq., so that the clutch can be disposed on the process cartridge while the increase in longitudinal size of the process cartridge is suppressed. MODE 2
[00251] [00251] The cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the detailed description of the portions that have the same structures as the first modality will be omitted. DEVELOPMENT UNIT STRUCTURE
[00252] [00252] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the developing unit 9 comprises the developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, the developing device frame 29, a rolling element 45, a developing device covering element. revelation 32 and so on.
[00253] [00253] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 28, the bearing element 45 is fixed to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The bearing element 45 also rotatably supports a drive transmission element to downstream 71 as a second drive transmission element. The downstream drive transmission element 71 transmits a drive force to a developing roller gear 69 as a third drive transmission element. This will be described in detail below. STRUCTURE OF THE DRIVE CONNECTION PORTION
[00254] [00254] With reference to Figures 28, 29, 30 and 31, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described.
[00255] [00255] The general arrangement of this will be described, first.
[00256] [00256] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a process cartridge P as viewed from a driving side, and Figure 31 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P as viewed from a non-drive side. drive. As shown in Figure 31, a drive side cartridge cap element 224 is provided with cylindrical bosses 224h1, 224h2, 224h3 and 224h4. Protrusions 224h1, 224h2, 224h3 and 224h4 rotatably and slidably support a first idler gear 51, a second idler gear 52, a third idler gear 53 and an upstream drive transmission element 37 as a first drive transmission element , respectively. The first idler gear 51 is engaged with a drum gear 4b provided on the end portion of the photosensitive drum 4. The first idler gear 51 and the second idler gear 52, the second idler gear 52 and the third idler gear 53, and the third idler gear 53, and the third idler gear 53, intermediate gear 53 and upstream drive transmission element 37 are in interlocking engagement, respectively.
[00257] [00257] As shown in Figure 28, between the bearing element 45 with the drive side cartridge cover element 224, a spring 70 is an elastic element as a driving element, the downstream drive transmission element 71 as the second drive transmission element, a disconnect cam 272 as a coupling release element which is a part of a disconnect mechanism, and the revealing device cover element 32 are provided in the order named in the direction of the element. of bearing 45 towards the drive side cartridge cover element 224. These will be described in detail.
[00258] [00258] A claw portion 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and a claw portion 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 can be engaged through an opening 32d of the revealing device cover element 32. When these claw portions are engaged, a drive can be transmitted from the upstream drive transmission element 37 to the downstream drive transmission element 71.
[00259] [00259] Referring to Figure 32, the structures of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 will be described. The upstream drive transmission element 37 comprises a claw portion 37a as an engagement portion (coupling portion), and the downstream actuation transmission element 71 comprises a claw portion 71a as an engagement portion (coupling portion). coupling). The claw portion 37a and claw portion 71a are engageable. In other words, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 are connectable. Furthermore, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is provided with a bore portion 71m in the central portion. The bore portion 71m engages a small diameter cylindrical portion 37m of the upstream drive transmission element 37. Thereby, the upstream drive transmission element 37 is slidable (rotatable and slidable) along the respective axes at relation to the downstream drive transmission element 71.
[00260] [00260] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 28, a gear portion 71 g of the downstream drive transmission element 71 is also engaged in the developing roller gear 69. Thereby, the drive is transmitted to the drive transmission element a The downstream 71 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the developing roller gear 69. Between the bearing element 45 and the downstream driving transmission element 71, the spring 70 as an elastic element as the driving element is provided. Spring 70 drives the downstream drive transmission element 71 in the direction of an arrow M.
[00261] [00261] Part (a) of Figure 33 is a sectional view illustrating a connection state between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 71. The first shaft receiving portion 45p of the bearing element 45 (cylindrical outer surface) as a first guide portion rotatably supports a supported portion 71p (cylindrical inner surface), as a first guided portion, of the downstream drive transmission element 71. In the state where the sustained portion 71p (cylindrical inner surface) is engaged with the first axis receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface), the downstream drive transmission element 71 is movable along a geometric axis of rotation (center of rotation) X In other words, the rolling element 45 supports the downstream drive transmission element 71 slidably along the geometric axis of rotation. Furthermore, in other words, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is slidable (switchable) in the directions of arrows M and N relative to the bearing element 45. Part (a) of Figure 33 consists of sectional views of the parts Relatedly, part (b) of Figure 33 shows the state in which the downstream drive transmission element 71 is moved relative to the bearing element 45 in the direction of arrow N from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 33. The downstream drive transmission element 71 is movable in the arrow directions M and N in engagement with the developing roller gear 69. To make the movement of the downstream drive transmission element 71 easier in the arrow directions M and N, the gear portion 71g of the downstream drive transmission element 71 is preferably a sprocket gear rather than a helical gear.
[00262] [00262] The drive disconnection mechanism in this mode will be described. As shown in Figure 28 and Figure 29, between the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the revealing device cover element 32, the disconnect cam 272 as a disconnect element which is a part of the disconnect mechanism is provided. . Figure 34 is a perspective view illustrating an engaging relationship between the disconnect cam 272 and the revealing device cover member 32.
[00263] The disconnect cam 272 has a ring portion 272j which has a substantial ring configuration and an outer peripheral surface 272i as a projected portion. Outer peripheral surface 272i projects from ring portion 272j in the direction perpendicular to a phantom plane that includes ring portion 272j (projects parallel to axis of rotation X). The developing device cover member 32 has an inner peripheral surface 32i. The inner peripheral surface 32i is engageable with the outer peripheral surface 272i. Thereby, the disconnect cam 272 is slidable relative to the developer device cover member 32 (slidable along the geometric axis of the developer roller 6). The outer peripheral surface 272i of the disconnect cam 272, the inner peripheral surface 32i of the developer cover member 32 and the outer circumference 32a of the developer cover member 32 are coaxial. That is, the axes of rotation of these elements are aligned with respect to the geometric axis of rotation X of the developer unit 9 with respect to the drum unit 8.
[00264] [00264] Furthermore, in this mode, the axes of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 are also coaxial with the geometric axis of rotation X of the developing unit 9 with respect to the drum unit 8.
[00265] [00265] The revealing device cover element 32 is provided with a guide 32h as a (second) guide portion, and the disconnect cam 272 is provided with a guide groove 272h as a (second) guided portion. Here, guide 32h and guide groove 272h extend parallel to the geometric axis of rotation X. Here, guide 32h of developing device cover element 32 is engaged with guide groove 272h of disconnect cam 272. Upon engagement between the guide 32h and the guide groove 272h, the disconnect cam 272 is slidable relative to the developing device covering element 32 only in the axial direction (arrows M and N).
[00266] [00266] Longitudinally outside the developing device cover element 32, the drive side cartridge cover element 224 is provided. Figure 35 shows the structures of the disconnect cam 272, the developing device covering element 32 and the drive side cartridge cap element 224.
[00267] [00267] The disconnect cam 272 as the coupling release element is provided with a contact portion (inclined surface) 272a as a force receiving portion. The drive side cartridge cap element 224 is provided with a contact portion (sloped surface) 224b as an operating element. Furthermore, the revealing device cover member 32 is provided with an opening 32j. A contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and a contact portion 224b of the drive-side cartridge cover element 224 are contactable through the opening 32j of the developing device cover element 32. DISCONNECTION AND ACTIVATION OPERATION
[00268] [00268] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of loading from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00269] [00269] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 45a of the bearing element 45 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 come into contact. This state will be termed "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. As shown in Figure 7, as seen in the direction along the geometric axis of the developing roller, the force receiving portion (power receiving portion of spacing) 45a projects at a position on a substantially opposite side of the axis of rotation X relative to the developing roller 6. Part (a) of Figure 36 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. Part (b) of Figure 36 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 36, some parts are omitted for better illustration. Furthermore, in part (a) of Figure 36, a pair of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 71, and a pair of the disconnect cam 272 and the cartridge cover element. 224 drive side are shown separately. In part (b) of Figure 36, only a portion of the drive side cartridge cap element 224 that includes the contact portion 224b is shown, and only a portion of the revealing device cover element 32 that includes the guide 32h is shown. Between the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 224b as the operating portion of the drive side cartridge cover element 224, there is a gap e. At this time, the jaws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 are engaged by an engagement depth q. As described above, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is engaged with the developing roller gear 69 (Figure 28). Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus to the coupling element 4a provided at the end portion of the photosensitive drum 4 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 through the first intermediate gear 51, the second intermediate gear 52 , the third intermediate gear 53, the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 71. Thereby, the developing roller 6 is driven. The positions of the parts at this time are referred to as the contact position, reveal contact state, and drive transmission. STATE 2
[00270] [00270] When the main mounting spacing element 80 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 by δ1 in Figure of the drive transmission and development contact state, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the drive unit revelation 9 rotates around the geometric axis X in the direction of an arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The disconnect cam 272 and the developer cover element 32 in the developer unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1 in relation to the rotation of the developer unit 9. On the other hand, when the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8, the drive side cartridge cover element 224 and the non-drive side cartridge cover element 25 are positioned in place in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus . As shown in part (a) of Figure 37 and part (b) of Figure 37, the contact portion 224b of the drive side cartridge cap element 224 does not move. In the Figure, the disconnect cam 272 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9, the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 224b of the cover element. 224 drive side cartridge begin to contact. At this time, the jaw 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the jaw 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 are held in engagement (part (a) of Figure 37). The driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the upstream driving transmission element 37, the downstream driving transmission element 71 and the developing roller gear 69. state of these parts in this state is called a drive transmission and developing device spacing state. STATE 3
[00271] [00271] Part (a) of Figure 38 and part (b) of Figure 38 show the drive connection portion when 80 moves from the drive transmission and developing device spacing state in the direction of arrow F1 only δ2 in the Figure as shown in part (c) of Figure 7. In interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 by the angle θ2 (>θ1), the disconnect cam 272 and/or the device cover element revelation 32 spin(s). On the other hand, the drive side cartridge cap element 224 does not change its position similarly to the previous one, but the disconnect cam 272 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure. At this time, the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 224b of the drive side cartridge cap element 224. disconnect 272 is limited by the engagement with guide 32h of the revealing device cover element 32 to be movable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) (Figure 34). Therefore, as a result, the disconnect cam 272 slides in the direction of arrow N for a movement distance p. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 272 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 272c, as the driving portion, of the disconnect cam 272 drives the driven surface 71c, as the portion to be driven, of the driving element. Downstream drive transmission 71. With this, the downstream drive transmission element 71 slides in the direction of arrow N by p against the driving force of spring 70 (parts (b) Figure 38 and Figure 33).
[00272] [00272] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the jaws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71, and therefore jaws 37a and jaws 71a are disengaged. Then, since the upstream drive transmission element 37 receives the driving force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, it continues to rotate, and on the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 71 stops. As a result, the rotation of the developer roller gear 69, and therefore the rotation of the developer roller 6, stops. The state of the parts is a spacing position, or a spacing state of the developer and drive disconnection device.
[00273] [00273] In the manner described above, the drive of the developer roller 6 is disconnected in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With such structures, the developer roller 6 is able to space out from the drum 4 while rotating, so that the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00274] [00274] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00275] [00275] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the the jaws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 are in a disconnected state, as shown in Figure 38.
[00276] [00276] In the 1 angle position of the developer unit 9 (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 37) by gradual rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7 from this In this state, the claws 37a of the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the claws 71a of the downstream actuation transmission element 71 are engaged by movement in the direction of arrow M by the driving force of spring 70. Thereby, the actuating force of the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and the drum 4 are still in the spaced apart state.
[00277] [00277] By further rotating the developing unit 9 gradually in the direction of the arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developing roller 6 can be contacted with the drum 4.
[00278] [00278] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission for the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With such structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00279] [00279] Also in this mode, the clutch to change the drive transmission for the developing roller (the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 224b as the operating portion of the side cartridge cap element drive 224) is coaxial with the center of rotation of rotation of the developer unit including the developer roller with respect to the drum unit. Here, the center of rotation is the position where the relative position error between the drum unit and the developer unit is the least. By providing the clutch to shift the drive transmission to the developing roller at the center of rotation, the clutch changing time in relation to the rotation angle of the developing unit can be controlled with the highest precision. As a result, the rotation time of the developing roller can be controlled with high precision, and therefore the deteriorations of the developer and/or the developing roller can be suppressed. MODE 3
[00280] [00280] A cartridge according to the third embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the detailed description of the portions that have the same structures as in the first and second modality will be omitted.
[00281] [00281] Figure 39 and Figure 40 are perspective views of a third modality cartridge. Figure 41 shows an imaging apparatus 1 used with the cartridge of this embodiment. A coupling element 4a is provided on an end portion of a photosensitive drum 4 and is engageable with a drum drive power output element 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K) of a main assembly 2 of the apparatus shown in Figure 41 for receiving the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) from the main assembly of the apparatus. Furthermore, an Oldham coupling (upstream element 41) is provided on an end portion drive side of a developer unit 9 and is engageable with a developer device drive output element 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) as a main mount main mount side drive transmission element 2 shown in Figure 41 to transmit the drive motor drive force (not shown) provided in the main mount 2 of the apparatus. STRUCTURE OF THE DRIVE CONNECTION PORTION
[00282] [00282] With reference to Figures 39 and 40, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described.
[00283] [00283] The general arrangement of this will be described first.
[00284] [00284] A drive side cartridge cover element 324 is provided with an opening 324d and an opening 324e. The coupling element 4a provided in the end portion of the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed to the opening 324d, and the Oldham upstream coupling element 41 provided in the end portion of the developing unit 9 is exposed to the opening 324e. As described above, the coupling element 4a engages the drum drive power output element 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K) of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus shown in part (b) of Figure 41, and the element the Oldham upstream coupling 41 engages the revealer drive output element 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) to receive the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) from the main assembly of the apparatus.
[00285] [00285] Between a bearing element 45 and the drive side cartridge cover element 324, a spring 70 is provided and arranged in the direction from the bearing element 45 to the drive side cartridge cover element 324. which is an elastic element as a driving element, a downstream drive transmission element 71 as a second drive transmission element, a disconnect cam 272 with a disconnect element which is a part of a disconnect mechanism, a upstream drive transmission element 74 as an Oldham downstream coupling element which is a first drive transmission element, a revealing device cover element 332, an intermediate element 42 of the Oldham coupling and an upstream element 41 of the Oldham coupling. The upstream drive transmission element 74 is slidably supported by the revealing device cover element 332 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 at opposite end portions with respect to the axial direction. In more detail, an axis receiving portion 332e of the revealing device cover element 332 slidably (rotatably) supports a supported portion 74r of the upstream drive transmission element 74, and a central bore portion 71m of the element. The downstream drive transmission element 71 is slidably (rotatably and slidably along the geometric axis) sustains a small diameter cylindrical portion 74m of the upstream drive transmission element 74.
[00286] [00286] Figure 42 shows the structures of the upstream drive transmission element (first drive transmission element) 74 and the downstream drive transmission element (second drive transmission element) 71. In Figure 42, the Disconnect cam 272 between the upstream drive transmission element 74 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 is omitted.
[00287] [00287] The downstream drive transmission element 71 is provided with a claw portion 71a as an engagement portion (coupling portion), and the upstream drive transmission element 74 is provided with a claw portion 74a as a coupling portion (coupling portion). The claw portion 71a and the claw portion 74a are engageable. That is, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is connectable to the upstream drive transmission element 74.
[00288] [00288] An engagement relationship between the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 74 in this mode is similar to the engagement relationship between the upstream drive transmission element 37 and the transmission element drive units 71 in Modality 2 (Figure 32). Furthermore, the engaging relationship (Figure 34) between the disconnect cam 272 and the revealing device covering element 332, and the engaging relationship (Figure 35) between the disconnecting cam 272, the developing device covering element disclosure 332 and the drive side cartridge cap element 324 are also similar to the engagement relationship in the Modality
[00289] [00289] In this embodiment, at least the disconnect cam 272 is coaxial with the geometric axis of rotation X of the developer unit 9 with respect to the drum unit 8. On the other hand, in Figures 39 and 40, the Oldham coupling element upstream 41 for receiving the actuating force by engagement with the revealing device actuating output element 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is arranged at a different position from the geometric axis of rotation X of the developer unit 9 in relation to the drum unit
[00290] [00290] Even when the positional change of the developing unit 9 between the developing contact state and the spaced developing device state is required to correctly transmit the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus to the disclosure 6 via the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 74. In this embodiment, the geometric axis of rotation X of the development unit 9 with respect to the drum unit 8 is not coaxial with the axis rotation geometric Z of the Oldham upstream drive transmission element 41. Therefore, when the positional change of the developing unit 9 between the developing contact state and the spaced developing device state, the relative position between the developing element occurs. Oldham 41 upstream drive transmission and the developing roller gear 69 as the third shift drive transmission element. Because of this, a universal joint (the Oldham coupling) is provided to realize the drive transmission even when relative positional deviation occurs between the upstream drive transmission element 41 and the developing roller gear 69. More specifically, in this In one embodiment, the Oldham upstream drive transmission element 41, the Oldham intermediate coupling element 42 and the upstream drive transmission element 74 (three parts) constitute the Oldham coupling.
[00291] [00291] The drive trigger and disconnect drive transmission mechanism at the time when the developer unit 9 changes between the development contact drive transmission state and the developer device spacing drive off state is similar to that in the Modality 2. That is, the disconnect cam 272 coaxial with the geometric axis of rotation X of the developer unit 9 moves in the longitudinal directions (directions of arrows M and N) in response to the contact and spacing operation of the developer unit 9 Thereby, drive connection and disconnection can be realized between the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 74. In the case of this mode, the geometric axis of rotation of the drive output element of developing device 62 driven by the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is different from the geometric axis of rotation X of the developing unit 9. However, the portion of contact 272a of the disconnect cam 272 for disconnecting the drive connection, and the contact portion 324b as the operating portion of the drive side cartridge cover element 324 acting on the contact portion 272a are coaxial with the axis. rotation speed X of the developer unit 9. Therefore, the drive changeover time can be controlled with high precision.
[00292] [00292] In this modality and in the following modalities, the constituent parts can be assembled in a unidirectional way, that is, the direction of the arrow M in the Figure. MODE 4
[00293] [00293] The cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the description of structures similar to those of the previous modality will be omitted. DEVELOPMENT UNIT STRUCTURE
[00294] [00294] As shown in Figures 43 and 4, a developing unit 9 comprises a developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, a developing device frame 29, a rolling element 45, a developing device covering element. revelation 432 and so on.
[00295] [00295] The developer device frame 29 includes the developer accommodating portion 49 which accommodates the developer to be supplied to the developer roller 6, and the developer blade 31 for regulating a layer thickness of the developer on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 6.
[00296] [00296] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 43, the bearing element 45 is fixed to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The bearing element 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The roller developer 6 is provided with a developer roller gear 69 at a longitudinal end portion. The bearing element 45 rotatably supports a downstream driving transmission element 71 to transmit the driving force to the developing roller gear 69 as well. This will be described in detail below.
[00297] [00297] The developing device covering element 432 is fixed to an outer part of the bearing element 45 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. The developing device covering element 432 covers the developing roller gear 69, the downstream drive transmission element (second drive transmission element) 71, and the upstream drive transmission element (first drive transmission element) 474 as the development input coupling. As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the revealing device cover member 432 is provided with a cylindrical portion 432b. To an inner opening 432d of the cylindrical portion 432b, a drive input portion 474b as a rotation force receiving portion, of an upstream drive transmission element 474 is exposed. The drive input portion 474b is provided at one end portion of the upstream drive transmission element 474 with respect to the axial direction, while a shaft portion 474m is provided at the other end portion of the drive transmission element 474. In addition, a coupling portion 474a is provided between the drive input portion 474b and the shaft portion 474m with respect to the direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the upstream drive transmission element 474 (Figure 49). The coupling portion 474a is further away from the rotation axis X than the shaft portion 474m in a radial direction from the upstream drive transmission element 474.
[00298] [00298] When the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drive input portion 474b is engaged with a developing device drive output element 62 (62Y, 62M , 62C, 62K) shown in part (b) of Figure 3 to transmit the drive force from the drive motor (not shown) provided in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus. The driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 as a third driving transmission element and to the developing roller 6 via the driving transmission element downstream 71. That is, the driving force of the main assembly of the apparatus 2 can be transmitted to the developing roller through the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71. ASSEMBLY OF DRUM UNIT AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT
[00299] [00299] Figures 44, 45 show the disassembled developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8. On a longitudinal end portion side of the cartridge P, an outer circumference 432a of the cylindrical portion 432b of the developing device cover element 432 is rotatably engaged with a support portion 424a of the drive side cartridge cap element 424. In addition, on the other side of the cartridge's longitudinal end portion P, a projecting portion 29b projecting from the device frame disc 29 is rotatably engaged with a support hole portion 25a of a non-drive side cartridge cap element 25. Thereby, the developer unit 9 is rotatably supported with respect to the drum unit 8. Here, a center of rotation (geometric axis of rotation) of the developing unit 9 with respect to the drum unit is called "center of rotation (geometric axis of rotation) X". The center of rotation X is a geometric axis that results at the center of the support hole portion 424a and the center of the support hole portion 25a. CONTACT BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT ROLLER AND DRUM
[00300] [00300] As shown in Figures 4, 44 and 45, the developing unit 9 is driven by a driving spring 95 which is an elastic element as a driving element so that the developing roller 6 is contacted to the drum 4 around of the center of rotation X. That is, the developing unit 9 is pressed in the direction indicated by an arrow G in Figure 4 by a driving force of the driving spring 95 which produces a moment in the direction indicated by an arrow H around the center of rotation X.
[00301] [00301] Furthermore, in Figure 43, the upstream drive transmission element 474 receives a rotation in the direction of an arrow J from the revealing device drive output element 62 is a main mounting coupling provided in the mounting main 2 of the apparatus shown in part (b) of Figure 3. Then, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is rotated in the direction of arrow J by the driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474. the developer roller gear 69 engaged with the downstream drive transmission element 71 rotates in the direction of an arrow E. Thereby, the developer roller 6 rotates in the direction of arrow E. The driving force required to rotate the roller The developer unit 6 is introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474, whereby the developer unit 9 receives a moment of rotation in the direction of the arrow H.
[00302] [00302] By means of a driving force of the driving spring described above 95 and the rotation force provided from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the developing unit 9 receives a moment in the direction of arrow H around the center of rotation X Thereby, the developing roller 6 can contact the drum 4 at a predetermined pressure. The position of the developer unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 at this time is a contact position. In this mode, to drive the developing roller 6 towards the drum 4, two forces, i.e. the driving force by the driving spring 95, and the rotational force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus are used. However, this is not unavoidable, and the developing roller 6 can be driven to the drum 4 by one of these forces. SPACING BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT ROLLER AND DRUM
[00303] [00303] Figure 7 is a side view of the cartridge P as seen from the drive side. In this Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration. When the cartridge P is mounted on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8 is fixedly positioned relative to the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.
[00304] [00304] The bearing element 45 is provided with a force receiving portion 45a. The force receiving portion 45a is engageable with a main mounting spacing member 80 provided in the main mounting 2 of the apparatus.
[00305] [00305] The main mounting spacing element 80 receives the motor drive force (not shown) to move in the directions of an arrow F1 and F2 along a rail 81.
[00306] [00306] Part (a) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 come into contact. At this time, the force receiving portion 45a and the main mounting spacing element 80 are spaced apart by a gap d.
[00307] [00307] Part (b) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the main mounting spacing element 80 is away from the position in the state of part (a) of Figure 7 in the direction of an arrow F1 by a distance δ1. At this time, the force receiving portion 45a is engaged with the main mounting spacing member 80. As previously described, the developing unit 9 is rotatable with respect to the drum unit 8, and therefore in the state of the part ( b) from Figure 7, the developer unit 9 has been rotated by an angle θ1 in the direction of arrow K around the center of rotation X. At this time, the drum 4 and the developer roller 6 are spaced apart by the distance ε1.
[00308] [00308] Part (c) of Figure 7 shows a state in which the main mounting spacing element 80 has been moved in the direction of arrow F1 from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 7 by δ2 (>δ1) . The developer unit 9 was rotated in the direction of arrow K around the center of rotation X by an angle θ2.
[00309] [00309] With reference to Figures 43 and 46, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described. Here, the drive connecting portion is a mechanism for receiving drive from the developing device drive output element 62 of the main assembly of apparatus 2, and transmitting or stopping drive from developing roller 6.
[00310] [00310] The general arrangement of this will be described first.
[00311] [00311] Between the bearing element 45 and the drive side cartridge cover element 424, a spring 70 is provided which is an elastic portion as the driving element, a downstream drive transmission element 71 as a second coupling element, a disconnect cam 272 as a disconnect element which is a part of a disconnect mechanism, an upstream drive transmission element 474 as a first coupling element, and the revealing device cover element 432 , in the order named in the direction from the bearing element 45 to the drive side cartridge cap element 424. These elements are coaxial with the upstream drive transmission element 474. That is, the axes of rotation of these elements are aligned with the axis of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 474. Here, the aligning means is within the range of the dimensional tolerances of these parts, and this applies a to the modality that will be described below. In this mode, the drive connecting portion is constituted by the spring 70, the downstream drive transmission element 71, the disconnect cam 272, the upstream drive transmission element 474, the revealing device cover element a. downstream 432 and the drive side cartridge lid element
[00312] [00312] The bearing element 45 rotatably supports the downstream drive transmission element 71. In more detail, the first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing element 45 rotatably supports a portion sustained 71p (cylindrical inner surface) of the downstream drive transmission element 71 (Figure 43 and 47).
[00313] [00313] Furthermore, the bearing element 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. In more detail, the second shaft receiving portion 45q (cylindrical inner surface) of the bearing element 45 rotatably supports a shaft portion. 6a of developing roller 6.
[00314] [00314] The shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6 is fitted to the developing roller gear 69. An outer peripheral surface 71 g of the downstream drive transmission element 71 is formed within a gear portion engaged with the gear of developing roller 69. In this way, the rotation force is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the developing roller gear 69 from the drive transmission element downstream.
[00315] [00315] Figure 47 shows the structures of the bearing element 45, the spring 70, the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the developing roller gear 69. Figure 48 is a sectional view of the parts.
[00316] [00316] The first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface), as a first guide portion, of the bearing element 45 rotatably supports the supported portion 71p (cylindrical inner surface), as a first guided portion, the downstream drive transmission element 71 (Figure 48). In the state that the supported portion 71p (cylindrical inner surface) is engaged with the first axis receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface), the downstream drive transmission element 71 is movable along a geometric axis of rotation (center of rotation) X. In other words, the bearing element 45 holds the downstream drive transmission element 71 slidably along the geometric axis of rotation X. In other words, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is slidable in the directions of arrows M and N with respect to the bearing element 45. Part (a) of Figure 48 consists of sectional views of related parts, part (b) of Figure 48 shows the state in which the transmission element of The downstream drive 71 is moved relative to the bearing element 45 in the direction of arrow N from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 48. The downstream drive transmission element 71 is movable in the directions of s arrows M and N in engagement with the developing roller gear 69. To make the movement of the downstream drive transmission element 71 easier in the directions of arrows M and N, the gear portion 71g of the drive transmission element a downstream 71 is preferably a sprocket gear rather than a helical gear.
[00317] [00317] Between the bearing element 45 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 there is provided a spring 70 which is the elastic element as the driving element. Spring 70 drives the downstream drive transmission element 71 in the direction of arrow M.
[00318] [00318] Figure 49 shows the structures of the upstream drive transmission element 474 as the first coupling element and the downstream drive transmission element 71 as the second coupling element. In Figure 49, the disconnect cam 272 between the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 is omitted.
[00319] [00319] The downstream drive transmission element 71 is provided with a claw portion 71a as an engagement portion, and the upstream drive transmission element 474 is provided with a claw portion 474a as an engagement portion. Clamp portion 71a and claw portion 474a are engageable. That is, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is connectable to the upstream drive transmission element 474. In this embodiment, the claw portion 71a and claw portion 474a have six claws.
[00320] [00320] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion that includes the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 474. In Figure 50, the disconnect cam
[00321] [00321] In the drive transmission, the drive is transmitted from the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71. A pulling force and a spring driving force 70 are applied to the drive element. upstream drive transmission 474 and to the downstream drive transmission element 71. A resultant force thereof, the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 are connected during the drive transmission. Here, the inclination angles γ of the contact portion 71n and the contact portion 474n with respect to the geometric axis X are preferably approx. 1st - approx. 3.5°. During the drive transmission and disconnect operations, the contact portion 471n and the contact portion 71n are slip worn (the drive transmission and disconnect operations will be described below). In addition, the grips can be deformed during drive transmission operation. Even if wear and/or deformation of the contact portion 71n and the contact portion 474n occur, the contact portion 71n and the contact portion 474n attract, so that the connection between the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 can be guaranteed, and therefore the drive transmission is stable. When the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 are separated due to wear and/or deformation of the contact portion 71n and the contact portion 474n, the driving force of the spring 70 may become larger to ensure the connection between the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71. However, in this case, in the drive disconnect operation which will be described below where the drive transmission element a downstream 71 is retracted from the upstream drive transmission element 474 against the driving force of spring 70, the force required is large. If the inclination angles of the contact portion 71n and the contact portion 474n with respect to the geometric axis Y are too large, the pulling force during the drive transmission is large, and therefore the drive transmission is stabilized, however the force required to separate the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71 in the drive disconnect operation is large.
[00322] [00322] The upstream drive transmission element 474 is provided with the drive input portion 474b engageable with the revealer device drive output element 62 shown in part (b) of Figure 3 from the main assembly 2 of the device. The drive inlet portion 474b has a substantially triangular prism twisted by a small angle.
[00323] [00323] As shown in Figure 49, a bore portion 71m is provided in the central portion of the downstream drive transmission element 71. The bore portion 71m engages with a small diameter cylindrical portion 474m of the drive transmission element upstream 474. Thereby, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is slidably supported relative to the upstream drive transmission element 474 (rotating and sliding in the geometric axis directions).
[00324] [00324] As shown in Figure 43 and Figure 46, the disconnect cam 272 is arranged between the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 474.
[00325] [00325] Figure 51 shows a relationship between the disconnect cam 272 and the revealing device cover element 432. In Figure 51, the upstream drive transmission element 474 disposed between the disconnect cam 272 and the element of developing device coverage 432 is omitted.
[00326] The disconnect cam 272 has a substantially ring configuration and has an outer peripheral surface 272i, and the developing device covering element 432 has an inner peripheral surface 432i. The inner peripheral surface 432i is engageable with the outer peripheral surface 272i. Thereby, the disconnect cam 272 is slidable relative to the developer device cover element 432 (slidable along the geometric axis of the developer roller 6).
[00327] [00327] The revealing device cover element 432 is provided with a guide 432h as a (second) guide portion, and the disconnect cam 272 is provided with a guide groove 272h as a (second) guided portion. Guide 432h and guide groove 272h are parallel to the axial direction. Here, the guide 432h of the revealing device cover element 432 is engaged with the guide groove 272h of the disconnect cam 272. Through the engagement between the guide 432h and the guide groove 272h, the disconnect cam 272 is slidable in relation to the developing device cover element 432 only in the axial direction (arrows M and N).
[00328] [00328] Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion.
[00329] [00329] As described above, the supported portion 71p (cylindrical inner surface) of the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing 45 are engaged. Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 71q of the downstream drive transmission element 71 and an inner circumference 432q of the revealing device cover element 432 are engaged. That is, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is rotatably supported on the opposite end portions thereof by the roller element 45 and the revealing device cover element 432.
[00330] [00330] In addition, a bore portion 432p as a support portion for supporting an end portion side of the developing device cover element 432 rotatably supports a cylindrical portion 474p as a portion supported on a portion side of the upstream drive transmission element end 474 (Figure 52). Also, a bore portion 45k as a support portion for supporting the other end portion side of the bearing element 45 rotatably supports a small diameter cylindrical portion 474k as a portion supported on the other end portion side of the element. upstream drive transmission element 474. In other words, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported on opposite end portions thereof by the bearing element 45 and the developing device covering element 432. position between the opposite end portions, the small diameter cylindrical portion 474m as the engagement portion of the upstream drive transmission element 474 is engaged with the bore portion 71m as the engagement portion of the downstream drive transmission element 71 (Figure 49).
[00331] [00331] The first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing element 45, the inner circumference 432q of the developing device cover element 432 and the bore portion 432p are aligned with the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. In addition, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is also supported rotatably around the center of rotation X of the developer unit 9. Thereby, the drive of the developer roller can be precisely switched in relation to the spacing operation of the developer roller 6.
[00332] [00332] As previously described, the disconnect cam 272 is provided between the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 474.
[00333] [00333] As shown in Figures 43 and 46, the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are engaged through a hole 272d of the disconnect cam 272. in other words, the engagement portion between the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the upstream drive transmission element 474 is at least partially superposed on the disconnect cam 272 with respect to the direction parallel to the center of rotation X.
[00334] [00334] Part (a) of Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion illustrating a state in which the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the jaws 474a of the drive transmission element upstream 474 are engaged. Part (b) of Figure 52 is a sectional view of the drive connecting portion in which the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 and the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are spaced apart.
[00335] [00335] The drive side cartridge cover element 424 is provided longitudinally outside the revealing device cover element 432. Figure 53 shows the arrangement of the drive transmission element downstream 71, of the disconnect cam 272, of the developing device cover element 432 and the drive side cartridge cover element 424. In Figure 53, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is disposed between the disconnect cam 272 and the device cover element. revelation 432 is omitted.
[00336] [00336] The disconnect cam 272 is provided with a contact portion (inclined surface) 272a, and the drive side cartridge cover element 424 is provided with a contact portion (inclined surface 424b as an operating element. Furthermore, the revealing device covering element 432 is provided with an opening 432j. A contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and a contact portion 424b of the drive side cartridge cap element 424 are connectable through the opening. 432j of the developing device cover member 432. DRIVE DISCONNECT OPERATION
[00337] [00337] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of changing from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00338] [00338] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 45a of the bearing element 45 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 come into contact. This state will be called "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. Part (a) of Figure 54 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. As shown in Figure 7, as seen in the direction of the developing roller axis, the force receiving portion (spacing force receiving portion) 45a projects on the substantially opposite side of the upstream drive transmission element 474 (axis rotation X) on the developing roller 6. Part (b) of Figure 54 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 54, some parts are omitted for better illustration. Furthermore, in part (a) of Figure 54, a pair of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 71, and a pair of the disconnect cam 272 and the cartridge cover element. 424 drive side are shown separately. In part (b) of Figure 54, only a portion of the drive side cartridge cap element 424 that includes the contact portion 424b is shown, and only a portion of the revealing device cover element 432 that includes the guide 432h is shown. Between the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 424b of the cartridge cap element 424, there is a gap e. At this time, the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 are engaged by an engagement depth q. As described above, the downstream drive transmission element 71 is engaged with the developing roller gear 69 (Figure 47). Therefore, the driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 through the downstream drive transmission element
[00339] [00339] When the main mount spacing element 80 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 by δ1 in the Figure from the state of contact development and drive transmission, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the developer unit 9 rotates around the geometric axis of rotation X in the direction of arrow K through angle θ1, as described above. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The disconnect cam 272 and the developer cover element 432 on the developer unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1 in relation to the rotation of the developer unit 9. On the other hand, when the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8, the drive side cartridge cover element 424 and the non-drive side cartridge cover element 25 are positioned in place in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus . As shown in part (a) of Figure 55 and part (b) of Figure 55, the contact portion 424b of the drive side cartridge cap element 424 does not move. In the Figure, the disconnect cam 272 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 424b of the cartridge cap element 424 drive side start to contact. At this time, the jaw 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaw 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 are held in engagement (part (a) of Figure 55). Therefore, the driving force inserted into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly of the apparatus 2 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the downstream driving transmission element 71 and the developing roller gear 69. The state of these parts in this state is called a developing device spacing and drive transmission state. STATE 3
[00340] [00340] Part (a) of Figure 56 and part (b) of Figure 56 show the drive connection portion when the main mounting spacing element 80 moves from the developing and transmitting device spacing state of drive in direction of arrow F1 only δ2 in Figure as shown in part (c) of Figure 7. In interrelation with rotation of developer unit 9 by angle θ2 (>θ1), disconnect cam 272 and element of developing device cover 432 rotate. On the other hand, the drive side cartridge cap element 424 does not change its position similarly to the previous one, but the disconnect cam 272 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure. At this time, the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 424b of the drive side cartridge cap element 424. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 272h of the disconnect cam 272 is limited by engagement with guide 432h of developing device cover element 432 which will be movable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) (Figure 51). As a result, the disconnect cam 272 slides by p in the direction of arrow N relative to the developing device cover member. In relation to the movement of the disconnect cam 272 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 272c of the disconnect cam 272 drives a driven surface 71c of the downstream drive transmission element 71. Thereby, the drive transmission element downstream 71 slides in the direction of arrow N by p against the driving force of spring 70 (parts (b) Figure 52 and Figure 56).
[00341] [00341] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71, and therefore jaws 474a and jaws 71a are disengaged. Then, since the upstream drive transmission element 474 receives the driving force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, it continues to rotate, and on the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 71 stops. As a result, the rotation of the developer roller gear 69, and therefore the rotation of the developer roller 6, stops. The state of the parts is a spacing position, or a spacing state of the developer and drive disconnection device.
[00342] [00342] In the manner described above, the drive of the developer roller 6 is disconnected in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With these structures, the developer roller 6 is able to space out from the drum 4 while rotating. As a result, the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00343] [00343] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00344] [00344] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the claws
[00345] [00345] In the θ1 angle position of the developer unit 9 (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 55) by gradual rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7 from that state the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 71a of the downstream drive transmission element 71 are engaged by the downstream drive transmission element 71 to move in the direction of arrow M by the spring driving force 70. Thereby, the driving force of the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and drum 4 are still in the spaced state.
[00346] [00346] By further rotating the developing unit 9 gradually in the direction of the arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developing roller 6 can be contacted to the drum 4.
[00347] [00347] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission to the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With these structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00348] [00348] As described above, according to the structures, the state of drive disconnection and drive transmission of the developing roller 6 is firmly determined by the rotation angle of the developing unit 9. MODE 5
[00349] [00349] A cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the description of structures similar to those previous modalities will be omitted. DEVELOPMENT UNIT STRUCTURE
[00350] [00350] As shown in Figures 57 and 58, the developing unit 9 comprises the developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, the developing device frame 29, a rolling element 45, a developing device covering element. revelation 432 and so on.
[00351] [00351] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 57, the bearing element 45 is fixed to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The bearing element 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The roller developer 6 is provided with a developer roller gear 69 at a longitudinal end portion. Also, the bearing element 45 rotatably supports an idler gear 68 as a third drive transmission element to transmit drive force to the developing roller gear 69. The idler gear 68 has a substantially cylindrical shape.
[00352] [00352] The developing device covering element 432 is fixed to an outer part of the bearing element 45 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. The developing device covering element 432 covers the developing roller gear 69, the intermediate gear 68, the upstream drive transmission element 474 as a first drive transmission element, and the downstream drive transmission element 571 as a second drive transmission element. Furthermore, the developing device covering element 432 is provided with a cylindrical portion 432b. The cylindrical portion 432b is provided with an internal opening 432d to which the drive inlet portion 474b of the upstream drive transmission element 474 is exposed. When the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drive input portion 474b engages with the developing device drive output element 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) shown in part (b) of Figure 3 to transmit the drive motor drive force (not shown) provided in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 functions as a development input coupling. The driving force inserted into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 through the downstream driving transmission element 571 and the gear intermediate 68 as the third drive transmission element. The structures of a drive connection portion will be described in more detail below. STRUCTURE OF THE DRIVE CONNECTION PORTION
[00353] [00353] With reference to Figures 57 and 58, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described.
[00354] [00354] The general arrangement of this will be described first.
[00355] [00355] Between the bearing element 45 and the drive side cartridge cover element 424, the intermediate gear 68, a spring 70 which is an elastic element as a driving element, the drive transmission element are provided. downstream 571 as a second coupling element, a disconnect cam 272 as a disconnect element which is a part of a disconnect mechanism, the upstream drive transmission element 474 as a first coupling element, and the covering element of developing device 432, in the named order, in the direction of the bearing element 45 facing the drive side cartridge cap element 424. These elements are coaxial with the upstream drive transmission element 474. drive connecting portion comprises intermediate gear 68, spring 70, downstream drive transmission element 571, disconnect cam 272, element upstream drive transmission device 474, the developing device covering element 432 and the drive side cartridge cover element 424. These will be described in detail.
[00356] [00356] The bearing element 45 rotatably supports the idler gear 68 as the rotational force transmitting element. In more detail, the first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface)
[00357] [00357] The bearing element 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. In more detail, the second shaft receiving portion 45q (cylindrical inner surface) of the bearing element 45 rotatably supports the shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6.
[00358] [00358] The shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6 is fitted into the developing roller gear 69. Thereby, the rotating force is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the developing roller gear 69 from the gear intermediate 68.
[00359] [00359] Figure 59 shows the structures of the intermediate gear 68, the spring 70 and the downstream drive transmission element 571. Part (b) of Figure 59 shows a state in which the parts are assembled.
[00360] [00360] The intermediate gear 68 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided with a guide 68a as a first guide portion therein. The guide portion 68a is in the form of an axis portion extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. On the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is provided with a bore portion 571b as a first guided portion. In a state that guide 68a is in engagement with bore portion 571b, downstream drive transmission element 571 is movable along center of rotation X. In other words, intermediate gear 68 holds the transmission element therein drive mechanism 571 slidably along the axis of rotation. Furthermore, in other words, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is slidable in the directions of arrows M and N relative to the intermediate gear 68.
[00361] [00361] Here, the guide portion 68a receives the rotational force to rotate the developing roller 6 from the bore portion 571b.
[00362] [00362] In this embodiment, guide 68a is provided in each of four positions 90 degrees away from those adjacent around center of rotation X, and extends parallel to center of rotation X. Correspondingly, hole portion 571b is provided at each of the four positions 90 degrees apart from those adjacent about the center of rotation X. Guide numbers 68a and bore portion 571b are not limited to four. It is preferred that the numbers of guides 68a and bore portions 571b are multiple and that these are arranged equidistantly along a circumference around the geometric axis X. In that case, a force resulting from forces applied to guides 68a or in the bore portions 571b produces a moment of rotating the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the intermediate gear 68 about the geometric axis X. Then, the inclination of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the intermediate gear 68 at relation to the X axis can be suppressed.
[00363] [00363] In addition, between the intermediate gear 68 and the downstream drive transmission element 571, the spring 70 is provided which is the elastic element as the driving element. For the state shown in part (b) of Figure 59, spring 70 is provided within idler gear 68 to urge the downstream drive transmission element 571 in the direction of arrow M. i.e., drive transmission element a downstream 571 is movable within the idler gear 68 against the spring force 70. The downstream drive transmission element 571 is disconnected from the upstream drive transmission element 474 by movement within the idler gear 68.
[00364] [00364] Figure 60 shows the structures of the upstream drive transmission element 474 as the first coupling element and the downstream drive transmission element 571 as the second coupling element. in Figure 60, the disconnect cam 272 between the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571 is omitted.
[00365] [00365] The downstream drive transmission element 571 is provided with a claw portion 571a as an engagement portion, and the upstream drive transmission element 474 is provided with a claw portion 474a as an engagement portion. Clamp portion 571a and claw portion 474a are engageable. In this embodiment, claw portion 571a and claw portion 474a have six claws.
[00366] [00366] The upstream drive transmission element 474 is provided with the drive input portion 474b engageable with the reveal device drive output element 62 shown in part (b) of Figure 3 from the main assembly 2 of the device. The drive inlet portion 474b has a substantially triangular prism twisted by a small angle.
[00367] [00367] The downstream drive transmission element 571 is provided with a bore portion 571m as an engagement portion in a central portion. The bore portion 571m is engaged with a small diameter cylindrical portion 474m as an engaging portion of the upstream drive transmission element 474. Thereby, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is rotatably supported with respect to the upstream drive transmission element 474 (rotating and sliding along the axes).
[00368] [00368] Here, as shown in Figures 57 and 58, the disconnect cam 272 is arranged between the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the upstream drive transmission element 474. Similarly to the first mode, the disconnect cam 272 is slidable only in the axial direction with respect to the developing device cover element 432 (directions of arrows M and N) (Figure 51).
[00369] [00369] Figure 61 is a sectional view of the drive connection portion.
[00370] [00370] As described above, the cylindrical portion 68p of the intermediate gear 68 and the first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing 45 are engaged. In addition, the cylindrical portion 68q of the idler gear 68 and the inner circumference 432q of the developing device cover element 432 are engaged. That is, the idler gear 68 is rotatably supported on opposite end portions by the roller element 45 and the developing device cover element 432.
[00371] [00371] By means of the engagement between the cylindrical portion 474p of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the bore portion 432p of the revealing device cover element 432, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is supported in a manner slidable with respect to the developing device cover element 432 (slidable along the geometric axis of the developing roller).
[00372] [00372] The first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing element 45, the inner circumference 432q of the developing device cover element 432 and the bore portion 432p are aligned with the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. As described above, the cylindrical portion 474m of the drive transmission element a. the mount 474 and the bore portion 571m of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are rotatably and slidably engaged along the axis of rotation X (Figure 60). With this, as a result, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is also rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9.
[00373] [00373] In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (a) of Figure 61, the claws 571a as the coupling portion of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the claws 474a as the coupling portion of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are engaged. Part (b) of Figure 61 is a sectional view of the drive connecting portion in which the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are spaced apart from one another. others. DRIVE DISCONNECT OPERATION
[00374] [00374] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of changing from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00375] [00375] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 45a of the bearing element 45 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 come into contact. This state will be called "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. Part (a) of Figure 62 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. Part (b) of Figure 62 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 62, some parts are omitted for better illustration. Furthermore, in part (a) of Figure 62, a pair of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571, and a pair of the disconnect cam 272 and the cartridge cover element. 424 drive side are shown separately. In part (b) of Figure 62, only a portion of the drive side cartridge cap element 424 which includes the contact portion 424b is shown, and only a portion of the revealing device cover element 432 which includes the guide 432h is shown. Between the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 424b as the operating portion of the drive side cartridge cap element 424, there is a gap e. At this time, the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged by an engagement depth q. In addition, as described above, the downstream drive transmission element 571 engages with the idler gear 68 (Figure 59). Therefore, the driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly of the apparatus 2 is transmitted to the intermediate gear 68 and the developing roller gear 69 through the downstream drive transmission element 571. this, the developer roller 6 is activated. The positions of the parts at this time are referred to as a state of contact position, reveal contact, and drive transmission. STATE 2
[00376] [00376] When the main mount spacing element 80 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 by δ1 in the Figure from the state of reveal and drive transmission contact, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the developer unit 9 rotates around the geometric axis of rotation X in the direction of an arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The disconnect cam 272 and the developer cover element 432 on the developer unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1 in relation to the rotation of the developer unit 9. On the other hand, when the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8, the drive side cartridge cover element 424 and the non-drive side cartridge cover element 25 are positioned in place in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus . As shown in part (a) of Figure 63 and part (b) of Figure 63, the contact portion 424b of the drive side cartridge cap element 424 does not move. In the Figure, the disconnect cam 272 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9, the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 and the contact portion 424b of the cap element. 424 drive side cartridge begin to contact. At this time, the jaw 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaw 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are held in engagement (part (a) of Figure 63). Therefore, the driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the downstream drive transmission element 571, the intermediate gear 68 and the gear. developing roller 69. The state of these parts in this state is called a developing device spacing and drive transmission state.
[00377] [00377] Part (a) of Figure 64 and part (b) of Figure 64 show the drive connection portion when the main mounting spacing element 80 moves from the developing and transmitting device spacing state of drive in direction of arrow F1 only δ2 in Figure as shown in part (c) of Figure 7. In interrelation with rotation of developer unit 9 by angle θ2 (>θ1), disconnect cam 272 and element of developing device cover 432 rotate. On the other hand, the drive side cartridge cap element 424 does not change its position similarly to the previous one, but the disconnect cam 272 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure. At this time the contact portion 272a of the disconnect cam 272 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 424b of the drive side cartridge cap element 424. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 272h of the disconnect cam 272 is limited by engagement with guide 432h of the revealing device cover element 432 to be movable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) (Figure 51). Therefore, as a result, the disconnect cam 272 slides in the direction of arrow N for a movement distance p. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 272 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 272c of the disconnect cam 272 drives a driven surface 571c of the downstream drive transmission element 571. Thereby, the transmission element drive shaft 571 slides in the direction of arrow N by p against the driving force of spring 70 (Figure 64 and parts (b) of Figure 61).
[00378] [00378] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571, and therefore jaws 474a and jaws 571a are disengaged. Then, since the upstream drive transmission element 474 receives a driving force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, this continues to rotate, and on the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 571 stops. As a result, the rotations of the idler gear 68, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stop. The state of the parts is a state of spacing position, or developing device spacing and drive disconnection.
[00379] [00379] In the manner described above, the drive of the developer roller 6 is disconnected in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With such structures, the developer roller 6 can be spaced from the drum 4 while rotating, so that the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00380] [00380] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00381] [00381] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are in a disconnected state, as shown in Figure 64.
[00382] [00382] In the 1 angle position of the developer unit 9 (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 63) by gradually rotating the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7 from that state , the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged by the downstream drive transmission element 571 which moves in the direction of the arrow M by the spring driving force 70. Thereby, a driving force from the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and the drum 4 are still in the spaced state.
[00383] [00383] By further rotating the developer unit 9 gradually in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developer roller 6 can come into contact with the drum 4.
[00384] [00384] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission to the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With such structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00385] [00385] Particularly in the case of this mode, when switching between the drive disconnection and the drive transmission of the developing roller 6 is carried out, it is unnecessary to move the intermediate gear 68 with respect to the developing roller gear 69 in the axial direction. If the gears are helical gears, a feed force (force in the axial direction) is produced in the gear drive transmission portion. Therefore, in the case of the first mode, to move the intermediate gear 68 as the second coupling element in the axial direction (arrow M or N), a force against the advancing force is required.
[00386] [00386] On the other hand, in the case of this mode, the downstream drive transmission element 571 engages the guide 68a of the intermediate gear 68 to move in the axial direction. Therefore, the force required when the downstream drive transmission element 571 as the second coupling element is moved in the axial direction can become smaller.
[00387] [00387] Furthermore, if the downstream drive transmission element 571 can be arranged on the inner circumference of the intermediate gear 68, the longitudinal size of the entire developing unit 9 can be reduced. Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion of this embodiment. in the axial direction, a width 571y of the downstream driving transmission element 571, a movement space p of the downstream driving transmission element 571 and a width 68x of the intermediate gear 68 are required. The width 571y of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and all or a part of the movement space p can be superimposed on the inner part of the width 68x of the intermediate gear 68, thereby the longitudinal size of the entire developing unit 9 can be reduced. MODALITY 6
[00388] [00388] A cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the description of structures similar to those of the previous modality will be omitted. STRUCTURE OF THE DRIVE CONNECTION PORTION
[00389] [00389] With reference to Figures 66 and 67, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described.
[00390] [00390] The general arrangement of this will be described first.
[00391] [00391] Between the bearing element 45 and the drive side cartridge cover element 624, a intermediate gear 68 as a third drive transmission element, a spring 70 which is an elastic element as a driving element, a downstream drive transmission element 571 as a second coupling element, a disconnect cam 672 as an element operating element which is a coupling release element and which is a part of a disconnect mechanism, an upstream drive transmission element 474 as a first coupling element, and a revealing device cover element 632. are coaxial with the upstream drive transmission element 474. In this mode, the drive connection portion is constituted by the intermediate gear. 68, spring 70, downstream drive transmission element 571, disconnect cam 672, upstream drive transmission element 474, revealer cover element 632 and cartridge cover element. drive side 624.
[00392] [00392] Figure 68 shows a relationship between the disconnect cam 672 and the revealing device cover element 632. In Figure 68, the upstream drive transmission element 474 disposed between the disconnect cam 672 and the element of developing device coverage 632 is omitted. Disconnect cam 672 is provided with a ring portion 672j which has a substantially ring configuration. The ring portion 672j is provided with an outer peripheral surface 672i as a second guided portion, and the revealing device covering element 632 is provided with an inner peripheral surface 632i as a part of a second guide portion. Inner peripheral surface 632i is engageable with outer peripheral surface 672i. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 672i of the disconnect cam 672 and the inner peripheral surface 632i of the developing device cover member 632 are coaxial with the center of rotation X. That is, the disconnect cam 672 is slidably supported in the axial direction with respect to the developing device covering element 632 and the developing unit 9 and rotatably in the direction of rotation movement around the axis X.
[00393] [00393] Furthermore, the ring portion 672j of the disconnect cam 672 as the coupling release element is provided with a contact portion (inclined surface) 672a as a force receiving portion. The revealing device covering element 632 is provided with a contact portion (sloping surface) 632r. Here, a contact portion 672a of the disconnect cam 672 and a contact portion 632r of the revealing device cover element 632 are contactable.
[00394] [00394] Figure 69 shows the structures of the drive connecting portion and the drive side cartridge cover element 624. The disconnect cam 672 includes a projecting portion 672m projecting from the ring portion 672j. The projecting portion has a force receiving portion 672b as the second guided portion. The force receiving portion 672b receives a force from the drive side cartridge cap element 624 by engagement with a regulating portion 624d as a part of the second guide portion of the drive side cartridge cap element 624. force receiving portion 672b projects through an aperture 632c provided in a portion of a cylindrical portion 632b of the revealing device cover element 632 which will be engageable with the regulating portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624. By means of the engagement between the regulating portion 624d and the force receiving portion 672b, the disconnect cam 672 is slidable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) with respect to the drive side cartridge cap element 624. Similarly to the first and second embodiments, an outer circumference 632a of the cylindrical portion 632b of the developing device cover member 632 slides over a sliding portion 624a (s cylindrical inner surface) of the drive side cartridge cap element 624. That is, the outer circumference 632a is rotatably connected to the sliding portion 624a.
[00395] [00395] In a drive switching operation that will be described below, when the disconnect cam 672 slides in the axial direction (arrows M and N), a geometric axis inclination in relation to the axial direction can occur. If tilting occurs, the drive change property such as the timing of drive connection and disconnect operation may be deteriorated. To suppress the tilt of the geometric axis of the disconnection cam 672, it is preferred that a slip resistance between the outer peripheral surface 672i of the disconnection cam 672 and the inner peripheral surface 632i of the developing device cover element 632, and a slip resistance between the force receiving portion 672b of the disconnect cam 672 with the regulating portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624 are reduced. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 70, it is also preferred that an outer peripheral surface 6172i of the disconnect cam 6172 and an inner peripheral surface 6132i of the developing device cover element 6132 are extended in the axial direction to increase the depth of engagement. of the disconnect cam 6172 with respect to the axial direction.
[00396] [00396] As will be understood from the foregoing description, the disconnect cam 672 is engaged with the inner peripheral surface 632i of the revealing device cover element 632 which is a part of the second guide portion and with the regulating portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624 which is a part of the second guide portion. Thus, the disconnect cam 672 is slidable (rotatable) in the direction of rotation movement around the X axis and in the axial direction (arrows M and N) with respect to the developing unit 9, and is slidable only in the axial direction ( arrows M and N) in relation to the drum unit 8 and the drive side cartridge cover element 624 fixed to the drum unit 8.
[00397] [00397] Part (a) of Figure 71 is a perspective view of the cartridge P in which the force applied to the developing unit 9 is schematically shown, and part (b) of Figure 71 is a side view of a part of the cartridge P as seen in the direction along the direction of the geometric axis X.
[00398] [00398] A reaction force Q2 applied from drum 4 through developer roller 6, and the weight of that Q3 and so on are applied to developer unit 9, a forced reaction Q1 applied from drive spring 95. Furthermore, during a drive disconnect operation, the disconnect cam 672 engages with the drive side cartridge cap element 624 to receive a reaction force Q4 (described later in detail). The resultant force Q0 of the reaction forces Q1, Q2 and Q4 and the weight Q3 is applied to the support hole portions 624a, 25a of the drive side in a rotational manner that supports the developing unit 9 and the non-drive side of the elements. 624 and 25 cartridge cap.
[00399] [00399] Therefore, the sliding portion 624a of the drive side cartridge cap element 624 is required to contact the developer device covering element 632 in the direction of the resultant force Q0 when the cartridge P is observed in the direction along the axial direction (part (b) of Figure 71). The sliding portion 624a of the drive side cartridge cap element 624 is provided with a resultant force receiving portion.
[00400] [00400] Figure 72 is a sectional view of the drive connection portion.
[00401] [00401] The cylindrical portion 68p (cylindrical inner surface) of the intermediate gear 68 and the first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing 45 are engageable. In addition, the cylindrical portion 68q (cylindrical outer surface) of the intermediate gear 68 and the inner circumference 632q of the developing device covering element 632 are engaged. That is, the idler gear 68 is rotatably supported on the opposite end portions by the roller element 45 and the developer cover element 632.
[00402] [00402] In addition, the cylindrical portion 474p (cylindrical outer surface) of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the bore portion 632p of the revealing device cover element 632 are engaged. Thereby, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is slidably (rotatably) supported relative to the developer device cover element 632.
[00403] [00403] The first shaft receiving portion 45p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing element 45, the inner circumference 632q of the developing device cover element 632 and the bore portion 632p are aligned with the X rotation center of the developing unit 9. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. As described above, the cylindrical portion 474m of the drive transmission element a. mount 474 and bore portion 571m of downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged (Figure 60). With this, as a result, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is also rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9.
[00404] [00404] Part (a) of Figure 72 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion illustrating a state in which the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaws 474a of the drive transmission element upstream 474 are engaged. Part (b) of Figure 72 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connecting portion in which the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are spaced apart. DRIVE DISCONNECT OPERATION
[00405] [00405] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of changing from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00406] [00406] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 45a of the bearing element 45 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 come into contact. This state will be called "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. Part (a) of Figure 73 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. Part (b) of Figure 73 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 73, some parts are omitted for better illustration. In part (a) of Figure 73, the pair of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571, and the pair of the disconnect cam 672 and the revealing device cover element
[00407] [00407] When the main mount spacing element 80 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 by δ1 in the Figure from the state of contact development and drive transmission, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the developer unit 9 rotates around the geometric axis of rotation X in the direction of an arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developer roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. Disconnect cam 672 and developer cover element 632 in developer unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by arrow K by an angle θ1 in interrelations with the rotation of developer unit 9. Disconnect cam 672 is incorporated in the developing unit 9, but as shown in Figure 69, the force receiving portion 672b is engaged with an engaging portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624. Therefore, same as the developing unit 9 rotate, the position of disconnect cam 672 does not change. In other words, the disconnect cam 672 moves with respect to the developing unit 9. As shown, part (a) of Figure 74 and part (b) of Figure 74 show the state in which the contact portion 672a of the disconnect cam 672 and the contact portion 632r of the revealing device covering element 632 begin to contact. At this time, the jaw 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaw 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are held in engagement (part (a) of Figure 74). Therefore, a driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the downstream drive transmission element 571, the intermediate gear 68 and the gear. developing roller 69. The state of these parts in this state is called a developing device spacing and drive transmission state. In state 1, it is not inevitable that the force receiving portion 672b contacts the engaging portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624. More particularly, in state 1, the force receiving portion 672b can be spaced apart from the engaging portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624. In that case, in the operation process of moving from state 1 to state 2, the gap between the force receiving portion 672b and the portion of engagement portion 624d of drive side cartridge cap element 624 disappears, i.e. force receiving portion 672b is brought into contact with engagement portion 624d of drive side cartridge cap element 624. STATE 3
[00408] [00408] Part (a) of Figure 75 and part (b) of Figure 75 show the drive connection portion when the main mounting spacing element 80 moves from the developing and transmitting device spacing state drive in the direction of arrow F1 only δ2 in the Figure as shown in part (c) of Figure 7. In interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 to angle θ2 (>θ1), the device covering element revelation 632 turns. At this time, the contact portion 672a of the disconnect cam 672 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 632r of the revealing device cover element 632. As described above, the disconnect cam 672 is movable only in the axial direction. (Arrows M and N) by engaging the force receiving portion 672b with the engaging portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624 (Figure 69). Therefore, as a result, the disconnect cam 672 slides in the direction of the arrow N for a movement distance p. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 672 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 672c, as the driving portion, of the disconnect cam 672 drives the driven surface 571c, as the portion to be driven, of the element. downstream drive transmission 571. With this, the downstream drive transmission element 571 slides in the direction of arrow N by p against the driving force of spring 70 (Figure 75 and parts (b) of Figure 72).
[00409] [00409] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 447 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571, and therefore jaws 474a and jaws 571a are disengaged. Then, since the upstream drive transmission element 474 receives a driving force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, it continues to rotate, and on the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 571 stops. As a result, the rotations of the idler gear 68, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stop. The state of the parts is a state of spacing position, or a disclosing device spacing and drive disconnection.
[00410] [00410] In the manner described above, the drive of the developer roller 6 is disconnected in relation to the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With such structures, the developer roller 6 can separate from the drum 4 while rotating, so that the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00411] [00411] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00412] [00412] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are in a disconnected state, as shown in Figure 75.
[00413] [00413] At angle θ1 the position of the developer unit 9 (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 74) by gradually rotating the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7 from this In this state, the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged by the downstream drive transmission element 571 which moves in the direction of the arrow M by the driving force of the spring 70. Thereby, a driving force from the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and drum 4 are still in the spaced state.
[00414] [00414] By further rotating the developer unit 9 gradually in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developer roller 6 can be brought into contact with the drum 4.
[00415] [00415] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission for the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With such structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00416] [00416] In the foregoing description, the force receiving portion 672b of the disconnect cam 672 is engaged with the regulating portion 624d of the drive side cartridge cap element 624, but this is not unavoidable, and this can be engaged with the cleaning container 26, for example.
[00417] [00417] In this mode, particularly, the disconnect cam 672 is provided with the contact portion 672a, and the contact portion 632r as the operating portion that comes into contact with it is provided on the device covering element. disclosure 632. In addition, the engaging portion 672b with respect to the drum unit 8 is projected through the opening 632c provided in a part of the cylindrical portion 632b of the disclosure device covering element 632. Therefore, the height of the arrangement of the portion of engagement 672b and of engagement portion 624d as a part of the second guide portion actuatable thereon increases. More specifically, it is not necessary for the operating element to be extended from an outer part of the developing device covering element 632, with respect to the axial direction, through the hole 632j of the developing device covering element 632 as in the first and second modalities.
[00418] [00418] In the foregoing description, a releasably mountable process cartridge P in the imaging apparatus is adopted as an example, but the present invention is applicable to a releasably mountable development cartridge D in the imaging apparatus as shown in Figure 76, similarly to Modality 8 which will be described next.
[00419] [00419] As a further analogous example, Figure 77 shows a developer cartridge D detachably mountable in the imaging apparatus. Figure 77 shows the parts provided on a drive side of the end portion of the developer cartridge D, and similarly to Modality 6, the parts include the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the upstream drive transmission element 474. Here, a disconnect cam 6272 as the coupling release element has a force receiving portion 6272u for receiving a force in the direction of an arrow F2 from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus. When the disconnect cam 6272 receives force in the direction of arrow F2 from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, it rotates in the direction of arrow H about an axis of rotation X. Similar to the example described above, a contact portion 6272a as the force receiving portion provided in disconnect cam 6272 receives a reaction force from a contact portion 6232r of a developing device cover element 6232. Thereby, disconnect cam 6272 moves in the arrow direction N. Then, the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571 are disengaged, thereby stopping the rotation of the developing roller 6.
[00420] [00420] When the drive is transmitted to the developing roller 6, the disconnect cam 6272 is moved in the direction of arrow M to engage the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571. At this time , the force applied to the disconnect cam 6272 in the direction of arrow F2 is removed so that the disconnect cam 6272 is moved in the direction of arrow M using spring reaction force 70.
[00421] [00421] As previously described, the drive transmission to the developing roller 6 can be switched even in the case where the developing roller 6 is always in contact with the drum 4.
[00422] [00422] In the above description, the present invention is applied to the development cartridge D, but the cartridge may be of another type, for example, this may be a process cartridge P that includes a drum. More particularly, the structure of this embodiment is applicable to the structure in which the drive transmission to the developing roller is changed in the state where the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 come into contact in the process cartridge P.
[00423] [00423] In the previous modalities, when the electrostatic latent image on drum 4 is developed, the developing roller 6 is in contact with the drum 4 (contact-type development system), but another development system is usable. For example, a non-contact type development system in which a small gap is provided between drum 4 and development roller 6 during development of the electrostatic latent image on drum 4 is usable.
[00424] [00424] As previously described, the releasably mountable cartridge in the imaging apparatus may be a process cartridge P that includes a drum or development cartridge D. MODE 7
[00425] [00425] A cartridge according to the seventh embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the description of structures similar to those of the previous modality will be omitted. DEVELOPMENT UNIT STRUCTURE
[00426] [00426] As shown in Figures 78 and 79, the developing unit 9 comprises a developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, a developing device frame 29 and a rolling element 745 and so on.
[00427] [00427] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 78, the rolling element 745 is fixed to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The rolling element 745 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The roller developer 6 is provided with a developer roller gear 69 at a longitudinal end portion.
[00428] [00428] In addition, another bearing element 35 is fixed (Figure 81) on a drive side cartridge cover element 724. Between said bearing element 35 and the drive side cartridge cover element 724, an intermediate gear 68 is provided as a third drive transmission element for transmitting a drive force to the developing roller gear 69, and a downstream drive transmission element 571 for transmitting a drive force to the intermediate gear 68.
[00429] [00429] The bearing element 35 rotatably supports the idler gear 68 to impart a driving force to the developing roller gear 69. The drive side cartridge cover element 724 is provided with an opening 724c.
[00430] [00430] With reference to Figures 78 and 79, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described.
[00431] [00431] The general arrangement will be described first.
[00432] [00432] Between the bearing element 35 and the drive side cartridge cover element 724, there are provided, in the order named in the direction of the bearing element 35 facing the drive side cartridge cover element 724, the intermediate gear 68, a spring 70 which is an elastic element as a driving element, the downstream drive transmission element 571 as a second coupling element, a disconnect cam 772 which is a part of a disconnect mechanism and which is an operating element, and the upstream drive transmission element 474 as a first coupling element. These elements are coaxial with the upstream drive transmission element 474. In this embodiment, the drive connection portion comprises the spring 70, the downstream drive transmission element 571, the disconnect cam 772, the drive transmission element. upstream drive 474, drive side cartridge cap element 724, and bearing element 745 secured to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. This will be described in detail.
[00433] [00433] The other bearing element 35 rotatably supports the intermediate gear 68. In more detail, the first shaft receiving portion 35p (cylindrical outer surface) the other bearing element 35 rotatably supports a supported portion 68p ( cylindrical inner surface) of idler gear 68 (Figures 78 and 79).
[00434] [00434] Figure 82 shows a relationship between the disconnect cam 772 as a coupling release element and the drive side cartridge cover element 724. The disconnect cam 772 has a substantially ring configuration, and has a outer peripheral surface 772i as a second guided portion, wherein the drive side cartridge cap element 724 has an inner peripheral surface 724i as a part of a second guide portion. Inner peripheral surface 724i is engageable with outer peripheral surface 772i. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 772i of the disconnect cam 772 and the inner peripheral surface 724i of the drive side cartridge cap element 724 are coaxial with the center of rotation X. More particularly, the disconnect cam 772 is slidable in the axial direction with respect to the drive side cartridge cap element 724 and the developer unit 9, and is also slidable in the direction of rotational movement (rotary) about the geometric axis X.
[00435] [00435] The disconnect cam 772 as the coupling release element is provided with a contact portion 772a (inclined surface) as a force receiving portion, and the drive side cartridge cover element 724 is provided with a contact portion 724b (inclined surface) as an operating portion. Here, the contact portion 772a of the disconnect cam 772 and the contact portion 724b of the drive side cartridge cap element 724 are contactable.
[00436] [00436] Figure 83 shows the structures of the drive connecting portion, the drive side cartridge cover element 724 and the bearing element 745. The bearing element 745 is provided with a regulating portion 745d as a part of the second guide portion. The regulating portion 745d is engaged with the force receiving portion 772b which functions as the second guided portion of the disconnect cam 772 held between the drive side cartridge cover element 724 and the other bearing element 35. of the engagement between the regulating portion 745d and the force receiving portion 772b, the relative movement of the disconnect cam 772 about the geometric axis X with respect to the roller element 745 and the developing unit 9 is prevented. Figure 84 is a sectional view of the drive connection portion.
[00437] [00437] The cylindrical portion 68p of the intermediate gear 68 and the first shaft receiving portion 35p (cylindrical outer surface) of the other bearing element 35 are engaged. cylindrical portion 68q of intermediate gear 68 and inner circumference 724q of drive side cartridge cap element 724 are engaged. That is, the intermediate gear 68 is rotatably supported on the opposite end portions thereof by the other bearing element 35 and the drive side cartridge cap element 724.
[00438] [00438] Furthermore, by means of the engagement between the cylindrical portion 474p of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the bore portion 724p of the drive side cartridge cover element 724, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported relative to drive side cartridge cap member 724.
[00439] [00439] In addition, the first shaft receiving portion 35p (cylindrical outer surface) of the other bearing element 35, the inner circumference 724q of the drive side cartridge cover element 724, and the bore portion 724p are coaxial with the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. Similar to the above embodiments, the cylindrical portion 474m of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the bore portion 571m of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged (Figure 60). With this, as a result, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is also rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9.
[00440] [00440] Part (a) of Figure 84 is a sectional view of the drive connection portion, in which the jaw 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaw 474a of the drive input coupling 474 are engaged . Part (b) of Figure 84 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connecting portion in which the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are spaced apart. DRIVE DISCONNECT OPERATION
[00441] [00441] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of changing from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00442] [00442] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 745a of the bearing element 745 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 come into contact. This state will be called "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. Part (a) of Figure 85 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. Part (b) of Figure 85 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 85, some parts are omitted for better illustration. Furthermore, in part (a) of Figure 85, a pair of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571, and a pair of the disconnect cam 772 and the cartridge cover element. 724 drive side are shown separately. In part (b) of Figure 85, only a portion of the drive side cartridge cap element 724 that includes the contact portion 724b, and only a portion of the bearing element 745 that includes the regulating portion 745d are shown. Between the contact portion 772a of the disconnect cam 772 and the contact portion 724b of the cartridge cap element 724, there is a gap e. In addition, at that time, the jaw 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaw 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged by an engagement depth q, so that the drive transmission is possible ( part (a) of Figure 85). In addition, as described above, the downstream drive transmission element 571 engages with the idler gear 68 (Figure 59). Therefore, a drive force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly of the apparatus 2 is transmitted to the intermediate gear 68 and the developing roller gear 69 through the downstream drive transmission element 571. this, the developer roller 6 is activated. The positions of the parts at this time are called a contact position state, a reveal contact, and drive transmission. STATE 2
[00443] [00443] When the main mount spacing element 80 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 by δ1 in the Figure from the state of contact development and drive transmission, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the developer unit 9 rotates around the geometric axis of rotation X in the direction of an arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The rolling element 745 on the developer unit 9 rotates in the direction of an arrow K by an angle θ1 in relation to the rotation of the developer unit 9. On the other hand, the disconnect cam 772 is on the drum unit 8, however as shown in Figure 83, the force receiving portion 772b is engaged with the engaging portion 745d of the bearing element 745. Therefore, in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9, the disconnect cam 772 rotates in the direction of arrow K inside the drum unit 8. As shown in part (a) of Figure 86 and part (b) of Figure 86, the contact portion 772a of the disconnect cam 772 and the contact portion 724b of the cap element 724 drive side cartridge starts to contact. At this time, the jaw 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaw 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are held engaged. Therefore, a driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the downstream drive transmission element 571, the intermediate gear 68 and the gear. developing roller 69. The state of these parts in this state is called a developing device spacing and drive transmission state. STATE 3
[00444] [00444] Part (a) of Figure 87 and part (b) of Figure 87 show the drive connection portion when the main mounting spacing element 80 moves from the developing and transmitting device spacing state of drive in the direction of arrow F1 only δ2 in the Figure as shown in part (c) of Figure 7. In interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 by angle θ2 (>θ1), the bearing element 745 is rotated. At this time the contact portion 772a of the disconnect cam 772 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 724b of the drive side cartridge cap element 724. As described above, the force receiving portion 772b of the disconnect cam 772 engages with the engagement portion 745d of the bearing element 745 so that it is movable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) with respect to the developing unit 9 (Figure 83). Therefore, as a result, the disconnect cam 772 slides in the direction of arrow N for a movement distance p. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 772 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 772c, as the driving portion, of the disconnect cam 772 drives the driven surface 571c, as the portion to be driven, of the element. Downstream drive transmission 571. Thereby, the downstream drive transmission element 571 slides in the direction of arrow N against a driving force of spring 70 by the movement distance p.
[00445] [00445] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571, and therefore jaws 474a and jaws 571a are disengaged. Then, since the upstream drive transmission element 474 receives a driving force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, it continues to rotate, and on the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 571 stops. As a result, the rotations of the idler gear 68, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stop. The state of the parts is a spacing position, or a spacing state of the developer and drive disconnection device.
[00446] [00446] In the manner described above, the developer roller drive 6 is disconnected in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With such structures, the developer roller 6 can be spaced apart from the drum 4 while rotating, so that the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00447] [00447] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00448] [00448] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are in a disconnected state, as shown in Figure 87.
[00449] [00449] In the θ1 angle position of the developer unit 9 (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 86) by gradually rotating the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7 from that state , the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged by movement, in the direction of arrow M, of the downstream drive transmission element 571 by the driving force of the spring 70. Thereby, a driving force from the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and drum 4 are still in the spaced state.
[00450] [00450] By further rotating the developing unit 9 gradually in the direction of the arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developing roller 6 can be contacted to the drum 4.
[00451] [00451] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission to the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With such structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00452] [00452] In the foregoing description, the force receiving portion 772b of the disconnect cam 772 is engaged with the regulating portion 745d of the rolling element 745, however this is not unavoidable, and this can be engaged with the frame of the device. revelation 29, for example.
[00453] [00453] According to this modality, the upstream drive transmission element 474 as the first coupling element and the downstream drive transmission element 571 as the second coupling element can be provided on the drum unit 8. MODE 8
[00454] [00454] A cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the description of structures similar to those of the previous modality will be omitted. DEVELOPMENT UNIT STRUCTURE
[00455] [00455] As shown in Figures 88 and 89, the developing unit 9 comprises a developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, a developing device frame 29, a rolling element 845, a developing device covering element. revelation 632 and so on.
[00456] [00456] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 88, the rolling element 845 is fixed to a longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The rolling element 845 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The roller developer 6 is provided with a developer roller gear 69 at a longitudinal end portion. Also, the rolling element 845 rotatably supports an intermediate gear 68 as a third drive transmission element to impart a driving force to the developing roller gear 69.
[00457] [00457] In addition, a downstream drive transmission element 571 and so on is provided as the drive connection portion for transmitting the drive to the intermediate gear 68 in the proper order.
[00458] [00458] The developing device covering element 632 is fixed to an outer part of the bearing element 845 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. The developing device covering element 632 covers the developing roller gear 69, the intermediate gear 68, an upstream drive transmission element 474 as the first drive transmission element, a downstream drive transmission element 571 as the second drive transmission element. As shown in Figures 88 and 89, the revealing device cover member 632 is provided with a cylindrical portion 632b. The cylindrical portion 632b is provided with an internal opening 632d to which the drive inlet portion 474b of the upstream drive transmission element 474 is exposed. When the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted on the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drive input portion 474b engages the developer device drive output element 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K ) shown in part (b) of Figure 3 to transmit a drive force from the drive motor (not shown) provided in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 functions as a development input coupling. Therefore, a driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 through the intermediate gear
[00459] [00459] As shown in Figures 90 and 91, when the developer unit 9 and the drum unit 8 are connected, an outer circumference 632a of a cylindrical portion 632b of the developer device cover element 632 is engaged with a portion of holder 824a of the drive side cartridge lid element 824 on one end portion side of cartridge P. On the other end portion side of cartridge P, a projecting portion 29b projecting from developing device frame 29 is engaged in a support hole portion 25a of the non-drive side cartridge cap element. Thereby, the developer unit 9 is rotatably supported with respect to the drum unit 8. Here, the center of rotation of the developer unit 9 with respect to the drum unit is called "center of rotation X". The center of rotation X is a geometric axis resulting from the center of the support hole portion 824a and the center of the support hole portion 25a. STRUCTURE OF THE DRIVE CONNECTION PORTION
[00460] [00460] With reference to Figures 88 and 89, the structure of the drive connection portion will be described.
[00461] [00461] The general arrangement of this will be described first.
[00462] [00462] Between the bearing element 845 and the drive side cartridge cover element 824, there are provided, in the order named in the direction of the bearing element 845 facing the drive side cartridge cover element 824, the intermediate gear 68, a spring 70 which is an elastic element as a driving element, the downstream drive transmission element 571 as the second drive transmission element, a disconnect cam 872 as a coupling release element which is a part of a disconnecting mechanism, the disconnecting lever 73 as an operating element (rotating element) which is a part of the disconnecting mechanism, and the revealing device covering element 632, the upstream drive transmission element. 474 as the first drive transmission element. These elements are coaxial with the upstream drive transmission element 474. In this embodiment, the drive connection portion comprises an intermediate gear 824, the spring 70, the downstream drive transmission element 571, the disconnect cam 872, the disconnect lever 73, the upstream drive transmission element 474, the developer device cover element 632 and the drive side cartridge cover element 824. These will be described in detail.
[00463] [00463] The bearing element 845 rotatably supports the idler gear 68 as the third drive transmission element. In more detail, the first shaft receiving portion 845p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing element 845 rotatably supports a bearing portion 68p (cylindrical inner surface) of the intermediate gear 68 (Figures 88, 89).
[00464] [00464] Furthermore, the bearing element 845 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. In more detail, the second shaft receiving portion 845q (cylindrical inner surface) of the bearing element 845 rotatably supports a shaft portion. 6a of developing roller 6.
[00465] [00465] The shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6 is fitted into the developing roller gear 69. Thereby, the rotating force is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the developing roller gear 69 from the gear intermediate 68.
[00466] [00466] Figure 92 shows the structures of the upstream drive transmission element 474 as the first drive transmission element and the downstream drive transmission element 571 as the second drive transmission element. In addition, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is provided with a bore portion 571m in the central portion. The bore portion 571m engages with a small diameter cylindrical portion 474m of the upstream drive transmission element 474. Thereby, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is slidably supported with respect to the drive transmission element upstream 474 (rotating and sliding along the axes).
[00467] [00467] Here, as shown in Figures 88 and 89, the disconnect cam 872 is disposed between the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the upstream drive transmission element 474. As described above, the disconnect cam 872 it has a substantially ring configuration, and has an outer peripheral surface 872i, and the developing device cover member 632 is provided with an inner peripheral surface 632i (Figure 51). Inner peripheral surface 632i is engageable with outer peripheral surface 872i. Thereby, the disconnect cam 872 is slidable relative to the developer device cover element 632 (slidable parallel to the geometric axis of the developer roller 6).
[00468] [00468] The revealing device cover element 632 is provided with a guide 632h as a second guide portion, and the disconnect cam 872 is provided with a guide groove 872h as a second guided portion. Here, the 632h guide and the 872h guide groove are parallel to the axial direction (arrows M and N). Here, guide 632h of revealing device cover element 632 is engaged with guide groove 872h of disconnect cam 872. By means of engagement between guide 632h and guide groove 872h, disconnect cam 872 is slidable with respect to the developing device cover element 632 only in the axial direction (arrows M and N).
[00469] [00469] Figure 93 is a sectional view of the drive connection portion.
[00470] [00470] The cylindrical portion 68p (cylindrical outer surface) of the intermediate gear 68 and the first shaft receiving portion 845p (cylindrical inner surface) of the bearing 845 are engaged. In addition, the cylindrical portion 68q of the idler gear 68 and the inner circumference 632q of the developer cover member 632 are engaged. That is, the idler gear 68 is rotatably supported on the opposite end portions by the roller element 845 and the developer cover element 632.
[00471] [00471] In addition, a cylindrical portion 474k (the other end portion side supported portion) of the upstream drive transmission element 474 having a small diameter and bore portion 68k (the other side support portion of end portion) of the intermediate gear 68 are rotatably engaged (Figure 93). Also, a cylindrical portion 474p (an end portion side supporting portion) of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and a bore portion 632p (an end portion side supporting portion) of the device covering element 632 are rotatably engaged. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported on the opposite end portions thereof by the intermediate gear 68 and the developer cover element 632.
[00472] [00472] Here, the cylindrical portion 474k is provided at a free end of a shaft portion 74m, and the cylindrical portion 474p is provided between the drive input portion 474b and the grip portion 474a.
[00473] [00473] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 474p is further away from the axis of rotation X than the grip portion 474a in a radial direction of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 474.
[00474] [00474] The cylindrical portion 474p is further away from the axis of rotation X than the drive input portion 474b in the radial direction of rotation of the upstream drive transmission element 474.
[00475] [00475] Furthermore, the first shaft receiving portion 845p (cylindrical inner surface) of the bearing element 845, the inner circumference 632q of the developing device covering element 632 and the bore portion 632p are coaxial with the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9. That is, the upstream drive transmission element 474 is rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the development unit 9. As described above, the cylindrical portion 474m of the transmission element the upstream drive 474 and the bore portion 571m of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged (Figure 92). With this, as a result, the downstream drive transmission element 571 is also rotatably supported around the center of rotation X of the developing unit 9.
[00476] [00476] A guided surface 73s of the disconnect lever 73 is counted to a guide surface 474s of the upstream drive transmission element 474. Thereby, the disconnect lever 73 is limited in movement in the direction of the axis X.
[00477] [00477] Part (a) of Figure 93 is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion illustrating a state in which the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaws 474a of the drive transmission element upstream 474 are engaged. Part (b) of Figure 93 is a sectional view of the drive connecting portion in which the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 are spaced apart. Here, at least a part of the disconnect lever 73 is located between the downstream drive transmission element 571 and the upstream drive transmission element 474.
[00478] [00478] Figure 94 shows parts of the disconnect cam 872 and the disconnect lever 73. The disconnect cam 872 as the coupling release element includes a contact portion 872a as a force receiving portion (portion that will be driven and a cylindrical inner surface 872e. Here, the contact portion 872a is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation X (parallel to the axis of rotation of the developing roller 6.) In addition, the disconnect lever 73 is provided with a portion of contact 73a as a driving portion and an outer peripheral surface 73e. Here, the contact portion 73a is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation X.
[00479] [00479] The contact portion 73a of the disconnect lever 73 is contactable to the contact portion 872a of the disconnect cam 872. In addition, the cylindrical inner surface 872e of the disconnect cam 872 and the outer peripheral surface 73e of the disconnect lever 73. are slidably engaged. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 872i and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 872e of the disconnect cam 872, and the outer peripheral surface 73e of the disconnect lever 73 are coaxial. Here, as described above, the outer peripheral surface 872i of the disconnect cam 872 engages the inner peripheral surface 632i of the developing device cover member 632 (Figure 51). The outer peripheral surface 872i of the disconnect cam 872 and the inner peripheral surface 632i of the developer cover element 632 are coaxial with the center of rotation X. In other words, the disconnect lever 73 is supported across the disconnect cam 872 and the developing device cover element 632 and rotatably about the center of rotation X with respect to the developing unit 9 (developer frame 29).
[00480] [00480] Here, the disconnect lever 73 is provided with a ring portion 73j which has a substantially ring configuration. The ring portion 73j includes the contact portion 73a and the outer peripheral surface 73e. Furthermore, the disconnect lever 73 is provided with a force receiving portion 73b as a projecting portion which projects from the ring portion 73j radially outward from the ring portion 73j.
[00481] [00481] Figure 95 shows the structures of the drive connecting portion and the drive side cartridge cover element 824. The disconnect lever 73 is provided with the force receiving portion 73b. The force receiving portion 73b engages with the regulating portion 824d of the drive side cartridge cap element 824 to receive a force from the drive side cartridge cap element 824 (a part of the photosensitive element frame) . The force receiving portion 73b projects through an opening 632c provided in a portion of a cylindrical portion 632b of the revealing device cover element 632 which will be engageable with the regulating portion 824d of the side cartridge cap element. drive 824. By means of the engagement between the regulating portion 824d and the force receiving portion 73b, the relative movement of the disconnect cam 73 about the axis X with respect to the drive side cartridge cap element 824 is prevented.
[00482] [00482] Part (a) of Figure 96 is a perspective view of the cartridge P schematically showing the force applied to the developer unit 9, and part (b) of Figure 96 is a side view of a part as seen in direction along the X axis.
[00483] [00483] To the developing unit 9, a forced reaction Q1 applied from the driving spring 95, a reaction force Q2 applied from the drum 4 through the developing roller 6, and the weight Q3 of this and so on are applied . Furthermore, upon the drive disconnect operation, the disconnect lever 73 receives a reaction force Q4 by engagement with the drive side cartridge cover element 824, as will be described in detail below. The resultant force Q0 of the reaction forces Q1, Q2 and Q4 and the weight Q3 is applied to support the drive side hole portions 824a, 25a in a rotational manner that supports the developing unit 9 and the non-drive side of the elements. 824 and 25 cartridge cover.
[00484] [00484] Therefore, when the cartridge P is viewed along the axial direction ((b) of Figure 96), a sliding portion 824a of the drive side cartridge cover element 824 that contacts the developing device cover element 632 is required with respect to the direction of the net force Q0. On the other hand, with respect to the direction except the direction of the resultant force Q0, the cylindrical portion 632b of the revealing device cover element 632 or the sliding portion 824a of the drive side cartridge cover element 824 is not unavoidable. In this embodiment, an opening 632c which opens in a direction other than that of the resultant force Q0 is provided in a portion of the cylindrical portion 632b which slides relative to the drive side cartridge cap element 824 of the developer device cover element 632 Disconnection of lever 73 for engagement with regulating portion 824d of drive side cartridge cap element 824 occurs through opening 632c. DRIVE DISCONNECT OPERATION
[00485] [00485] The operation of the drive connection portion at the time of changing from the contact state to the spaced state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 will be described. STATE 1
[00486] [00486] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the main mounting spacing element 80 and the force receiving portion 845a of the bearing element 845 are spaced apart by a gap d. At this point, drum 4 and developing roller 6 come into contact. This state will be called "state 1" of the main mounting spacing element 80. Part (a) of Figure 97 schematically shows the drive connection portion at that time. Part (b) of Figure 97 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In Figure 97, some parts are omitted for better illustration. In part (a) of Figure 97, a pair of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the downstream drive transmission element 571, and a pair of the disconnect cam 872 and the disconnect lever 73 are shown separately. In part (b) of Figure 97, only a portion of the revealing device cover element 632 which includes the guide 632h is shown. Between the contact portion 872a of the disconnect cam 872 and the contact portion 73a of the disconnect lever 73, there is a gap e. At this time, the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are engaged by an engagement depth q. In addition, as described above, the downstream drive transmission element 571 engages with the idler gear 68 (Figure 59). Therefore, a driving force introduced into the upstream drive transmission element 474 in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus is transmitted to the intermediate gear 68 through the downstream drive transmission element 571. Thereby, the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 is activated. The positions of the parts at this time are called a contact position state, a reveal contact, and drive transmission. STATE 2
[00487] [00487] When the main mounting spacing element 80 moves in the direction of an arrow F1 only δ1 in the Figure from the state of development contact and drive transmission (part (b) of Figure 7), the developer unit 9 rotates in the direction of an arrow K only an angle θ1 around the center of rotation X, as described above.
[00488] [00488] Figure 99 shows the state of the drive connection portion at that time when the main mounting spacing element 80 moves in the direction of arrow F1 in the Figure by δ2 from the state of developing and transmitting device spacing. drive (part (c) of Figure 7). In interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 by angle θ2 (>θ1), the disconnect cam 872 and the developer device cover element 632 rotate. On the other hand, the disconnect lever 73 does not change its position, similarly to the case described above, but the disconnect cam 872 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the Figure. At this time, the contact portion 872a of the disconnect cam 872 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 73a of the disconnect lever 73. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 872h of the disconnect cam 872 is limited by the engagement. with guide 632h of the developing device cover element 632 to be movable only in the axial direction (arrows M and N) (Figure 51). Therefore, as a result, the disconnect cam 872 slides in the direction of arrow N for a movement distance p. In interrelation with the movement of the disconnect cam 872 in the direction of arrow N, a driving surface 872c, as the driving portion, of the disconnect cam 872 drives the driven surface 571c, as the portion to be driven,
[00489] [00489] At this time, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement depth q between the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571, and therefore jaws 474a and jaws 571a are disengaged. Then, since the upstream drive transmission element 474 receives a driving force from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, it continues to rotate, and on the other hand, the downstream drive transmission element 571 stops. As a result, the rotations of the idler gear 68, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stop. The state of the parts is a spacing position, or a spacing state of the developer and drive disconnection device.
[00490] [00490] In the manner described above, the drive of the developer roller 6 is disconnected in interrelation with the rotation of the developer unit 9 in the direction of arrow K. With such structures, the developer roller 6 can be spaced apart from the drum 4 while rotating, so that the drive of the developer roller 6 can be stopped according to the spacing distance between the developer roller 6 and the drum 4. DRIVE CONNECTION OPERATION
[00491] [00491] Then, the description will be carried out in relation to the operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 change from the spacing state to the contacting state. The operation is the reciprocal of the operation from the developing contact state described above to the spaced developing device state.
[00492] [00492] In the spaced developing device state (the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the position of angle θ2 as shown in part (c) of Figure 7), the drive connection portion is in the state in which the claws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are in a disconnected state, as shown in Figure 99.
[00493] [00493] When the developer unit 9 is gradually rotated from this state in the direction of an arrow H shown in Figure 7, the state in which the developer unit 9 is rotated only at angle θ1 results (the state shown in part ( b) of Figure 7 and Figure 98), the downstream drive transmission element 571 is moved in the direction of arrow M by the driving force of the spring 70. Thereby, the claw 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the claw 571a of downstream drive transmission element 571 are brought into contact. Thereby, a driving force from the main assembly 2 is transmitted to the developer roller 6 to rotate the developer roller 6. At this time, the developer roller 6 and the drum 4 are still in the spaced state.
[00494] [00494] By further rotating the developing unit 9 gradually in the direction of arrow H shown in Figure 7, the developing roller 6 can be contacted with the drum 4.
[00495] [00495] The above description is the explanation of the operation of the drive transmission to the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. With such structures, the developing roller 6 is placed in contact with drum 4 as it rotates, and the drive can be transmitted to developer roller 6 depending on the spacing distance between developer roller 6 and drum 4.
[00496] [00496] As previously described, according to the structures, the drive disconnection state and the drive transmission state to the developing roller 6 are firmly determined by the rotation angle of the developing unit 9.
[00497] [00497] In the foregoing description, the contact portion 872a of the disconnect cam and the contact portion 73a of the disconnect lever 73 make face-to-face contact, but this is not unavoidable. For example, contact can occur between a surface and a ridge line, between a surface and a point, between a ridge line and a ridge line, or between a ridge line and a point. Furthermore, in the foregoing description, the force receiving portion 73b of the disconnect lever
[00498] [00498] In this embodiment, the developing unit 9 comprises the disconnecting lever 73 and the disconnecting cam 872. The disconnecting lever 73 is rotatable about the geometric axis X with respect to the developing unit 9, and is not slidable in the axial direction M or N. On the other hand, the disconnect cam 872 is slidable in the axial directions M and N with respect to the developer unit 9, but it is not rotatable around the geometric axis X. three-dimensional relative that includes rotation around the center of rotation X with respect to the developer unit 9 and the sliding movement in the axial directions M and N is performed. In other words, the directions of movement of the parts are separately assigned to the disconnect lever 73 and the disconnect cam 872. Thereby, the movement of the parts is two-dimensional, and therefore the operations are stabilized. As a result, the drive transmission operation to the developing roller 6 in interrelation with the rotation of the developing unit 9 can be carried out carefully.
[00499] [00499] Figure 100 is a schematic view illustrating a positional relationship between the disconnect cam, the disconnect lever, the downstream drive transmission element, the upstream drive transmission element with respect to the axial direction.
[00500] [00500] Part (a) of Figure 100 shows the structure of this mode, in which a disconnect cam 8072 and a disconnect lever 8073 as the coupling release element which is a part of the disconnect mechanism is provided between an element drive transmission element 8071 and a drive transmission element 8074. The upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are engaged through an opening 8072f of the disconnect cam 8072 and an opening 8073f of the disconnect lever 8073. Upon drive disconnection, a driving surface 8072c as the driving portion of the disconnect cam 8072 drives a driven surface 8071c as a driveable portion of the downstream drive transmission element 8071. Simultaneously, a driving surface 8073c as the driving portion of the disconnect lever 8073 drives the driven surface 8074c as the driving portion of the upstream drive transmission element 8074. That is, the disconnect cam 8072 relatively biases the downstream drive transmission element 8071 in the direction of arrow N, and the disconnect lever 8073 relatively biases the upstream drive transmission element 8074 in the direction of arrow M, therewith the downstream drive transmission element 8071 and the upstream drive transmission element are separated to disconnect the Z drive transmission in the direction of arrows M and No.
[00501] [00501] On the other hand, part (b) of Figure 100 shows a structure different from the previous example, and several parts are slidably supported by an axis 44 that is rotatable around the geometric axis. Specifically, disconnect lever 8173 is slidably supported relative to shaft 44. On the other hand, upstream drive transmission element 8174 is rotatably supported, and is integrally rotatable with shaft 44. For example, a pin 47 fixed on shaft 44 and a groove 8174t provided on upstream drive transmission element 8174 are engaged, therewith the upstream drive transmission element 8174 and shaft 44 are fixed. The downstream drive transmission element 8171 is slidably supported relative to the shaft 44. The upstream drive transmission element 37 and the downstream drive transmission element 38 are engaged through an opening 8172f of the disconnect cam 8172 as the coupling release element. In addition, shaft 44 is provided with a ring element 46 integrally rotatable with the shaft. The ring element 46 functions to hold the disconnect lever 8173 in the direction of arrow M. Upon disconnection of the drive with the structure described above, the contact portion 8172a which functions as the force receiving portion of the disconnect cam 8172 e the contact portion 8173a of the disconnect lever 8173 comes into contact first. Then, there is a gap between the disconnect lever 8173 and the ring element 8173 in the geometric axis direction M and N, the disconnect lever 8173 moves in the direction of the arrow M to confine the ring element.
[00502] [00502] On the other hand, with the structures as shown in part (a) of Figure 100, when the upstream drive transmission element 8074 and the downstream drive transmission element 8071 are disconnected, it will be sufficient if the cam of disconnect 8072 and disconnect lever 8073 are provided between the upstream drive transmission element 8074 and the downstream drive transmission element 8071. Therefore, the movement distances of the downstream drive transmission element 8071 and/or the 8072 disconnect cam in arrow directions M and N can be reduced, and, in addition, the drive connection and disconnection time can be controlled with high precision, and, in addition, the number of parts can be reduced, and the assembly property can be improved.
[00503] [00503] In Figure 94, the positioning of the disconnect lever 73 and the disconnect cam 872 is performed by engagement between the outer peripheral surface 73e of the disconnect lever 73 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 872e of the disconnect cam 872 as the element of coupling release.
[00504] [00504] However, this is not unavoidable, and the framework as shown in Figure 101 can be employed. More particularly, an outer peripheral surface 8273e of a disconnect lever 8273 is slidably supported relative to an inner peripheral surface 8232q of a developer device cover member 8232, and a cylindrical inner surface 872i of a disconnect cam 8272 it is also slidably supported with respect to the inner peripheral surface 8232q of the developer device cover member 8232. MODE 9
[00505] [00505] A cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the invention will be described. In the description of this modality, the description of structures similar to those of the previous modalities will be omitted. The modality is similar to the fifth modality described above.
[00506] [00506] Part (a) of Figure 102 which is a sectional view of a drive connection portion shows the state in which the claws 474a of an upstream drive transmission element 474 as a first drive transmission element and the claws 571a of a downstream drive transmission element 571 as a second drive transmission element are engaged. Part (b) of Figure 102 which is a cross-sectional view of the drive connecting portion shows a state in which the jaws 474a of the upstream drive transmission element 474 and the jaws 571a of the downstream drive transmission element 571 are separate.
[00507] [00507] The disconnect lever 973 projects through an opening 932c provided in a part of the cylindrical portion 932b slidable relative to the drive side cartridge cover element 924 of the developer device cover element 932. disconnect 973 is provided in a sliding strip 924e of a sliding portion 924a which is between the drive side cartridge cap element 924 and the developer unit 9 with respect to the direction of an axis X.
[00508] [00508] Here, as previously described, upon the drive disconnect operation, the disconnect lever 973 receives a reaction force Q4 (Figure 96). A force receiving portion 973b of the disconnect lever 93 for receiving the reaction force Q4 is provided in the sliding band 924e of the sliding portion 924a which is located between the developing unit 9 and the drive side cartridge cap element 924. Furthermore, the disconnect lever 973 is supported on the sliding band 924e of the sliding portion 924a which is located between the developing unit 9 and the drive side cartridge cover element 924. That is, the forced reaction Q4 received by the disconnect lever 973 is received without deviation in the direction of the geometric axis X by the drive side cartridge cap element 924. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the deformation of the developing device covering element 932 can be suppressed . Due to the fact that the deformation of the developing device cover element 932 is suppressed, the rotation of the developing unit 9 about the geometric axis X with respect to the drive side cartridge cover element 924 can be carried out stably. . Furthermore, due to the fact that the disconnect lever 973 is provided in the sliding band 924e of the sliding portion 924a which is between the developing unit 9 and the drive side cartridge cover element 924 in the direction of the axis X, the drive connection portion and process cartridge can be reduced. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[00509] [00509] According to the present invention, a cartridge, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus are provided in which the change of drive of the developing roller can be performed inside the cartridge.
NUMERICAL REFERENCES 1: image formation device
2: main mount 4: electrophotographic photosensitive drum 5: charge roller 7: cleaning blade 8: drum unit 9: developer unit, developer 24: drive side cartridge cover 25: non-drive side cartridge cover 26: cleaning container 27: residual developer accommodating portion 29: developing device frame 31: developing blade 32: developing device covering element 45: bearing 49: developer accommodating portion 68: intermediate gear 69: developing gear developing roller 70: Spring 71: Downstream drive drive element 72: Disconnect cam 73: Disconnect lever 74: Upstream drive drive element 80: Main mounting spacing element 81: Rail 95: Drive spring

权利要求:
Claims (59)
[1]
1. Process cartridge detachably mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, characterized in that said process cartridge comprises: a photosensitive element; a photosensitive element frame rotatably supporting said photosensitive element; a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive element; a developing device frame rotatably supporting said developing roller and connected to said photosensitive element frame to be rotatable between a contact position in which said developing roller is contacted with said photosensitive element and a spacing position in which said developing roller is spaced from said photosensitive element; a first drive transmission element rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation about which said developing device frame is rotatable relative to said photosensitive element frame and capable of receiving a rotational force from the main assembly; a second drive transmission element rotatable about the geometric axis of rotation and capable of connecting to said first drive transmission element and transmitting the rotation force to said developing roller; and a disconnect mechanism for disconnecting between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element in accordance with rotation of the developing device frame from the contact position to said spacing position.
[2]
2. Process cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that said disconnect mechanism disconnects between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element by moving said second transmission element of drive along the geometric axis of rotation according to the rotation of said developing device frame from the contact position to the spacing position.
[3]
3. Process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said disconnect mechanism includes a guide portion for moving said second drive transmission element along the geometric axis of rotation.
[4]
4. Process cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that said guide portion is provided in said developing device frame.
[5]
5. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said disconnection mechanism includes a movable coupling disconnection element parallel to the geometric axis of rotation, and said disconnection element of coupling urges said second drive transmission element to separate from the first drive transmission element upon rotation of said developing device frame from the contact position to the spacing position.
[6]
6. Process cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that said disconnect mechanism includes another guide portion for moving said coupling disconnect element along the geometric axis of rotation.
[7]
7. Process cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that said other guide portion is provided in said developing device frame.
[8]
8. Process cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that said other guide portion is provided in said photosensitive element frame.
[9]
9. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said disconnection mechanism includes a biasing element for pushing said coupling disconnection element in accordance with the rotation of said coupling frame. developing device from the contact position to the spacing position.
[10]
10. Process cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that said driving element is provided movably on said developing device frame, and is movable with respect to said developing device frame to the receiving a force from said photosensitive element frame in accordance with the rotation of said developing device frame from the contact position to the spacing position.
[11]
11. Process cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that said thrust element is rotatable in relation to said developing device frame around the geometric axis of rotation.
[12]
12. Process cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that said thrust element is provided on said photosensitive element frame.
[13]
13. Process cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that said thrust element is fixed to said photosensitive element frame.
[14]
14. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said disconnect mechanism is configured to disconnect the first drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element by moving the first element of transmission along the geometric axis of rotation in accordance with the rotation of the frame of the developing device from the contact position to the spaced position.
[15]
15. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first drive transmission element is provided with a first coupling portion and the second drive transmission element is provided with a second coupling portion, and wherein the rotational force is transmitted from the first drive transmission element to the second drive transmission element by the engagement between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.
[16]
16. Process cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion include respective projected portions.
[17]
17. Process cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that the projected portion of the first coupling portion extends in the direction of the geometric axis of rotation of the first drive transmission element, and the projected portion of the second portion of coupling extends in direction of geometric axis of rotation of the second drive transmission element.
[18]
18. Process cartridge, according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion have rib-like or claw-like formats.
[19]
19. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the first drive transmission element includes a plurality of such first coupling portions, and the second drive transmission element includes a plurality of such second coupling portions.
[20]
20. Process cartridge according to claim 19, characterized in that the first drive transmission element includes two to nine of such first coupling portions.
[21]
21. Process cartridge according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the first coupling portions are arranged at regular intervals.
[22]
22. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the second coupling portions are arranged at regular intervals.
[23]
23. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that a contact portion of at least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is inclined with respect to an axis direction rotation geometry of the first drive transmission element.
[24]
24. Process cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that the contact portions of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are inclined relative to a direction of geometric axis of rotation of the first transmission element drive.
[25]
25. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the first drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element are disconnected from each other, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are separated from each other.
[26]
26. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the first drive transmission element includes a gear portion.
[27]
27. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the first drive transmission element includes a drive input portion for receiving rotational force from a source external to the process cartridge .
[28]
28. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the second drive transmission element includes a gear portion.
[29]
29. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that it additionally comprises a transmission gear operably connected to the developing roller,
wherein at least a part of the second drive transmission element is provided within the transmission gear.
[30]
30. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the disconnect mechanism includes a coupling disconnect element configured to disconnect the first drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element. drive.
[31]
31. Process cartridge according to claim 30, characterized in that the coupling disconnection element is configured to propel the first drive transmission element.
[32]
32. Process cartridge according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the coupling disconnect element is configured to drive the second drive transmission element.
[33]
33. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the coupling disconnection element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the geometric axis of rotation.
[34]
34. Process cartridge according to claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises a guide portion configured to guide a guided portion of the coupling disconnect element in a direction substantially parallel to the geometric axis of rotation.
[35]
35. Process cartridge according to claim 34, characterized in that the guide portion and the guided portion extend substantially parallel to the geometric axis of rotation.
[36]
36. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 35, characterized in that the movement of the coupling disconnection element causes the first drive transmission element or the second drive transmission element to move along the geometric axis of rotation.
[37]
37. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 36, characterized in that the coupling disconnect element includes a portion having a substantially ring configuration.
[38]
38. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 37, characterized in that the coupling disconnect element engages with the photosensitive element frame.
[39]
39. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 38, characterized in that the coupling disconnection element is a cam.
[40]
40. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 39, characterized in that the disconnection mechanism includes a driving element for urging the coupling disconnection element according to the rotation of the developing device from from the contact position to the spaced position.
[41]
41. Process cartridge according to claim 40, characterized in that the drive element is rotationally provided in the developing device frame.
[42]
42. Process cartridge according to claim 41, characterized in that the drive element engages with the photosensitive element frame.
[43]
43. Process cartridge according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the drive element is a cam.
[44]
44. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that, in a state that the first drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element are disconnected, the second drive element drive transmission and the first drive transmission element are directly engaged with each other along the geometric axis of rotation.
[45]
45. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 44, characterized in that one of the first drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element includes a shaft portion, and the other of the first element drive transmission element and the second drive transmission element includes a bore portion configured to engage the shaft portion.
[46]
46. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 45, characterized in that it additionally comprises a third drive transmission element configured to transmit the rotation force received from the second drive transmission element to the developing roller .
[47]
47. Process cartridge according to claim 46, characterized in that the third drive transmission element movably supports the second drive transmission element so that the second drive transmission element is capable of move away from the first drive transmission element.
[48]
48. Process cartridge according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the third drive transmission element has a substantially cylindrical shape, and at least a part of the second drive transmission element is provided within the third drive transmission element.
[49]
49. Process cartridge, according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that the second drive transmission element is reciprocable in relation to the third drive transmission element.
[50]
50. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that the third drive transmission element includes a shaft portion, and the second drive transmission element is provided with a bore portion , and wherein the second drive transmission element is movable along the shaft portion in a state where the shaft portion engages with the bore portion.
[51]
51. Process cartridge according to claim 50, characterized in that the third drive transmission element is configured to receive the rotation force of the second drive transmission element through engagement between the shaft portion and the hole portion.
[52]
52. Process cartridge according to claim 50 or 51, characterized in that the shaft portion is provided at each of a plurality of positions around the geometric axis of rotation, and the bore portion is provided at each of a plurality of positions around the geometric axis of rotation.
[53]
53. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 46 to 52, further characterized in that it comprises an elastic element provided between the second drive transmission element and the third drive transmission element.
[54]
54. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 46 to 53, characterized in that the third drive transmission element includes a gear portion, on an outer periphery of the third drive transmission element, to transmit the rotation force for developing roller.
[55]
55. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 54, characterized in that it additionally comprises an elastic element configured to urge the second drive transmission element towards the first drive transmission element.
[56]
56. Process cartridge according to claim 55, characterized in that the coupling disconnection mechanism moves the second drive transmission element against an elastic force of the elastic element according to the rotation of the frame of the developing device from the contact position to the spaced position.
[57]
57. Process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 56, characterized in that it additionally comprises an elastic element configured to urge the first drive transmission element towards the second drive transmission element.
[58]
58. Process cartridge according to claim 57, characterized in that the coupling disconnection mechanism moves the first drive transmission element against an elastic force of the elastic element according to the rotation of the frame of the developing device from the contact position to the spaced position.
[59]
59. Electrophotographic imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said electrophotographic imaging apparatus characterized in that it comprises: (i) a main assembly including a main assembly drive transmission element to transmit the rotation force; and (ii) a process cartridge detachably mountable in said main assembly, said process cartridge including, (ii - i) a photosensitive element, (ii - ii) a photosensitive element frame for rotatably supporting said photosensitive element, (ii - iii) a developing roller, (ii - iv) a developing device frame which rotatably holds said developing roller and is connected to said photosensitive element frame so as to be rotatable between a position of contact in which said developing roller is contacted with said photosensitive element and a spacing position in which said developing roller is spaced from said photosensitive element, (ii - v) a first drive element rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation about which said developing device frame is rotatable relative to said photosensitive element frame and capable of receiving a rotational force from the transmission element. sion of main assembly drive, (ii - vi) a second drive transmission element rotatable about the geometric axis of rotation and capable of connecting to said first drive transmission element and transmitting the rotation force to said roller of disclosure, and (ii-vii) a disconnect mechanism for disconnecting between said first drive transmission element and said second drive transmission element in accordance with rotation of the developing device frame from the contact position to said spacing position.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
Figure 17
Figure 18
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21
Figure 22
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26
Figure 27
Motor
Intermediate Gear Intermediate Gear (K) (YMC)
Clutch (K) Clutch (YMC)
Idler Gear Idler Gear Idler Gear Idler Gear (K) (Y) (M) (C)
CRTRG P (K) CRTRG P (Y) CRTRG P (M) CRTRG P (C)
Figure 28
Figure 29
Figure 30
Figure 31
Figure 32
Figure 33
Figure 34
Figure 35
Figure 36
Figure 37
Figure 38
Figure 39
Figure 40
Figure 41
Figure 42
Figure 43
Figure 44
Figure 45
Figure 46
Figure 47
Figure 48
Figure 49
Figure 50
Figure 51
Figure 52
Figure 53
Figure 54
Figure 55
Figure 56
Figure 57
Figure 58
Figure 59
Figure 60
Figure 61
Figure 62
Figure 63
Figure 64
Figure 65
Figure 66
Figure 67
Figure 68
Figure 69
Figure 70
Figure 71
Figure 72
Figure 73
Figure 74
Figure 75
Figure 76
Figure 77
Figure 78
Figure 79
Figure 80
Figure 81
Figure 82
Figure 83
Figure 84
Figure 85
Figure 86
Figure 87
Figure 88
Figure 89
Figure 90
Figure 91
Figure 92
Figure 93
Figure 94
Figure 95
Figure 96
Figure 97
Figure 98
Figure 99
Figure 100
Figure 101
Figure 102

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法律状态:
2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-12-17| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-08-24| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

---

2022-01-11| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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JP2012-135835|2012-06-15|

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JP2012135835|2012-06-15|

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PCT/JP2013/067016|WO2013187534A1|2012-06-15|2013-06-14|Cartridge, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image generation device|

---